Industry Insight

DID YOU SKIP LUNCH?

By BOB POPE, SII Dry Kilns

If 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR

BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education.

COVID-19 IMPACT:

At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA headquarters at 901-377-1818 to confirm that these courses are taking place.

NOVEMBER 8-10

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: UT Extension Western region Location: Jackson, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

NOVEMBER

29-Dec. 10

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

OCTOBER 4-6

OCTOBER 4-15

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Location: Marion, NC

Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector

DECEMBER 6-9

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: WV Wood Technology Center Location: Elkins, WV

Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Location: Marion, NC Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector 2022 JANUARY 10-March 4

Inspector Training School 197th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

LEGAL LUMBERTM

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GOOD FOR THE PLANET. SAFE FOR CONSUMERS AND SUPPLIERS. THIS IS TROPICAL.

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