whats involved in building a kiln

[whatwas]

I have a 5 ton van body (truck box) that I converted into a workshop for my son years ago. Its turned into a place to store junk since he moved out so why not make use of it.
It is lined with plywood and has a wall mounted propane heater on the front wall. Approx dimensions are 7' w, 6'6" high, 20' long..maybe it's not worth the effort.

[paul case]

I have a neighbor that successfully built a kiln out of a van trailer box. He simply put i a dehumidifier in it and some circulation fans. I dont think he made any heat source as he was not interested in heat treating his lumber.

I dont think you would want to heat one with propane heat, at least not unvented propane heat. Propane when burned gives off water as a by product. The kiln needs to shut up tight enough that the heater that has a flu would cause a draft in the chamber that could be troublesome?

PC

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

It is indeed quite dangerous to have propane heat without having the combustion gases going directly to the outside.  Further, the fresh air needed, oxygen, should also come from the outside to avoid cooling the interior.  So, all propane heaters will not put water vapor into a room, as they all should have intake and outflow to the outside.  If not, then the amount of carbon dioxide in the air will slowly increase as well, and oxygen will decrease.  So, check this heater before you use it.

A kiln is insulated to save energy costs...heating is expensive.  A kiln in most cases must control heat, humidity and air flow.  This can be done with your unit, but with some effort.  Note that you need more than just a heat source.  If you use dehumidification, you get heat and humidity control in many units, so all you need is some fans to provide air flow.  NYLE has plans for using an 18-wheeler trailer...buy them and then adapt for your specific situation.  Maybe someone here has the plans and will let you borrow them.  Read a book like Drying Hardwood Lumber to gain ideas and perspectives on drying.

[whatwas]

Thanks for the reply's,  The heater is a direct vent which exhausts to the outside and gets its fresh air from outside as well, but sounds from you've said and what I've read, that there's more to it than I originally thought. I'll have to do more homework for sure.
I was toying with the idea of making it mobile, than if I wasn't using it, I could lend/rent it to others.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Whenever doing stuff for others, document and photo what you are doing .. stacking, lumber quality and kiln conditions. If they have a complaint, such data will show that you did it right...if an expert sees the data. It is called CYA by some.  Also, join a kiln operators association to learn more.  Their fee is often under $25 per year.

[ScottCC]

The mobile kiln idea is great.  The right tools and a good how to list along with a good extension cord and I'll bet a person could make a few dollars on rental.