Should I Air dry Ash before Kiln Drying?

[foresterstan]

Looking for some experience on drying 4/4 ash for indoor trim/furniture products. 

What are the risks involved in air drying before kiln drying (conventional kiln)?
Mainly trying to avoid Warp, checking and discoloration. 
Is it safer to put it in the kiln as soon after cutting as possible?

thanks
-fs

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Great question.  There are two strong negatives against air drying and that favor putting ash in thE kiln ASAP.  First, the color will not be as white if you air dry, compared to a kiln that starts at a 12 F actual depression (it's what you get and not what you set).  Second, ash is prone to ambrosia beetles that take just weeks to infest and do damage (holes and stain) in air drying.  They are not found in kiln drying green, unless they were in the log.

Of course, kiln drying green costs more and slows production (14 day cycle with green vs. 5 to 7 with air dried).  Warp, if any, will be worse in a kiln, but the difference is small  or zero with ash dried with the 12 F depression initially and with good stacking procedures.  There should be no surface checking difference, but end checking can be worse in a kiln if not end coated, but sometimes air drying end checks are worse if there is poor stacking, rain, etc.  A thick commercial end coating will prevent the checks.

So, I strongly favor going immediately into the kiln.

[Den Socling]

In addition to Gene's comments, The rays in Ash are small and the initial moisture content is around a low 42%. It's easy to dry. Go straight into the kiln. I wish the EAB wasn't killing all of our Ash.

[foresterstan]

thanks all for the help. 
-fs