INDUSTRY INSIGHT
DID YOU SKIP LUNCH? By BOB POPE, SII Dry Kilns
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f you missed the opportunity to watch and listen to Dr. Gene Wengert, aka The Wood Doctor, during the NHLA Virtual Lunch and Learn . . . well, let's say that you missed a lot. The webinar was presented through NHLA and sponsored by SII Dry Kilns.
a long way from the days of air-dried lumber, vapor tension recorder/controllers, and masonry block kilns. Gene took the time during the webinar to walk through his suggestions for modern hardwood schedules – lower temperatures, smaller depressions, etc., for Red Oak and White Oak.
What did I miss, you ask? As part of the program, Gene offered practical guidance on various topics to help your kiln operator do a better job, produce a high-quality product and keep the drying process efficient.
The question and answer forum proved quite interesting. What are the consequences of mixing various thicknesses in the same kiln charge? Yes, you can combine items, but there is always a trade-off. If you mix different thicknesses, you have increased your kiln samples and control the kiln based on the thickest/wettest material. With that in mind, you will have material that could be dried faster if it were placed in a separate kiln. Perhaps it's time to look at a combination of smaller kilns instead of that single 100 MBF kiln. How can I dry faster? Is slower drying better? What about different humidification systems such as steam spray versus the EMC Mistifyer high-pressure cold water spray? What about the stress test and microwave ovens? These questions and more were answered during this informative webinar to help you provide a quality hardwood product for your customers. If you are not sure that your kilns are operating at 100%, we are ready to help you improve your drying operation.
For example – did you know that the USDA kiln-drying schedules published in the 1950s may not be your best option today? Most of us are familiar with the Dry Kiln Operator's Manual and other publications such as Drying Hardwood Lumber. These publications have been invaluable to help provide a solid foundation on the basics of kiln drying, but our hardwood customer's needs have changed with a focus on brighter wood. Equipment design and materials have also improved dramatically – as an industry, we've come W W W. N H L A .C O M
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? If you missed the webinar, you can watch it online as a member through the NHLA website. Non-members can watch it for a fee. Not an NHLA member? Why wait? Contact John Hester at NHLA for membership information. Do you have a question or topic for a future column? Please send your questions and comments to us at info@siidrykilns.com.
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