We have the capability to dry up to 800 board feet of lumber 12 feet in length. The third picture from the left shows approximately 700 board feet of Poplar ready to go into the kiln. All kiln drying is done in accordance with the "Dry Kiln Operators Manual" published by the United States Department of Agriculture. We use the sample board weight method of determining kiln stack moisture content. Kiln temperature and purge cycle time is computer monitored and controlled. We also measure and record kiln temperature depression and relative humidity.

The sample board weight method of moisture content is accomplished by selecting boards during the stack and sticker process to use as samples. In this case a 30 inch or longer piece is cut from each of two 12 foot long boards. A one inch piece is cut from each end, weighed then placed in an oven and periodically weighed. When there is no further weight loss the samples are at their "Oven Dried Weight" (ODW). The difference of the sample weight before and after oven drying is used in calculating each sample's moisture content as a percentage of overall weight (MC%). The top first and second pictures from the left show one of the peices being weighed and the four samples marked with their data. The bottom two pictures left to right show one of the two kiln samples beign weighed and documented.

After the two 28 inch long kiln sample pieces are weighed and recorded their ODW is calculated based on the averages of the one inch samples ODW. The ends are coated and placed in the wood stack at locations that will give a good representation of the stack MC%. Each day at the same time the samples are removed from the stack and weighed. The two bottom right pictures show one of the two samples being removed for weighing. The 24 hour weight difference is used in calculating the percent moisture removed. Kiln temperature and purge cycle time can then be adjusted for optimal moisture removal. Each species has a maximum and minimum MC% daily removal rate in order to minimize drying defects in the wood. Percision OHAUS digital scales are use for all weight measurements.

This previously air dried load of Poplar took approximately 10 days to dry to 7% MC. After drying is complete the lumber is moved into our shop for processing.

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