Learn about the design and uses of a solar kiln to dry lumber. Discuss best practices and get hands-on experience in this one-day workshop led by Brian Bond, professor and associate dean of Extension at Virginia Tech. Date: May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Location: National Laboratory of the Rockies Alaska (NLRA) Campus, 955 Draanjik Drive, Fairbanks. Solar lumber drying kilns use passive solar heat to dry lumber in an insulated, ventilated chamber. Solar kilns are a relatively low-cost investment to achieve faster turnaround times and greater control compared to air-drying. They are DIY-friendly to construct, making them ideal for small businesses, seasonal operations, remote and rural applications, and hobbyists.
We will discuss the design elements of the kiln, including the correct roof slope for optimum solar gain and how to size the chamber for the typical species and volume of lumber being dried.
While building a solar kiln is fairly simple, the topic of drying lumber and getting good results is more complicated, and that’s the main focus of this workshop. Participants will learn the key concepts of the wood-moisture relationship and how to dry lumber with minimal loss to defects like splitting and warp. Using a full-size demonstration kiln, you will get hands-on experience:
Bond has been working with the wood industry, both large and small-scale producers, for more than 25 years, with a focus on lumber drying, sawmill efficiency and wood properties. His work on solar kilns began in 1998 while working to provide low-cost and low-technology alternatives to small-scale producers in the Appalachian region. Since then, he has assisted the adoption of this technology around the world. For more information, contact Matt Labrenz at mtlabrenz@alaska.edu or 907-474-7192.
Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.
The University of Alaska (http://www.alaska.edu/alaska) is an equal opportunity/equal access employer and educational institution. The university is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination (http://www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Price:
$25.00