woodmizer SolarKiln SD3000 User manual

Wood-Mizer®SolarKiln
Safety, Construction &
Operator’s Manual
Model SD3000 rev. C.00
Model SD3000-50 rev. A.00
Model KS50 rev. A.00
Model KS50-50 rev. D.00
Safety is our #1 concern! Read and understand
all safety information and instructions before oper-
ating, setting up or maintaining this machine.
April 2003
Form #462

Table of Contents Section-Page
ii SD3000doc010317 Table of Contents
SECTION 1 MATERIALS 1-1
SECTION 2 SD3000 CONSTRUCTION 2-1
2.1 Choosing A Location For The Kiln........................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Slab Construction ...................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Sill Plate Construction............................................................................................... 2-2
2.4 End Wall #1 Construction ......................................................................................... 2-2
2.5 End Wall #2 Construction ......................................................................................... 2-3
2.6 End Wall Installation................................................................................................. 2-3
2.7 Front Wall Construction............................................................................................ 2-4
2.8 Front Wall Installation............................................................................................... 2-4
2.9 Back Wall Construction ............................................................................................ 2-4
2.10 Back Wall Installation ............................................................................................... 2-5
2.11 Exterior Sheathing Installation .................................................................................. 2-5
2.12 Interior Sheathing/Insulation Installation .................................................................. 2-6
2.13 Support Wall Construction ........................................................................................ 2-6
2.14 Support Wall Installation........................................................................................... 2-6
2.15 Fan Shelf Construction .............................................................................................. 2-7
2.16 Fan Shelf Plywood Installation ................................................................................. 2-7
2.17 Loading Door Construction....................................................................................... 2-7
2.18 Lower Rafter Installation........................................................................................... 2-8
2.19 Upper Rafter Installation ........................................................................................... 2-8
2.20 Door Stop Installation................................................................................................ 2-8
2.21 Loading Door Installation.......................................................................................... 2-9
2.22 Service Door Installation........................................................................................... 2-9
2.23 Screen Installation ................................................................................................... 2-10
2.24 Fan Installation ........................................................................................................ 2-10
2.25 Electrical Installation............................................................................................... 2-11
2.26 Spacer/Furring Strips............................................................................................... 2-11
2.27 Inner Plastic Installation.......................................................................................... 2-12
2.28 Outer Plastic Installation ......................................................................................... 2-12
2.29 Intake/Exhaust Hardware Installation ..................................................................... 2-13
SECTION 3 OPERATION 3-1
3.1 Pre-Drying Procedures .............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Drying Procedures ..................................................................................................... 3-3
3.3 Solar Kiln Maintenance............................................................................................. 3-5

Materials
Materials SD3000doc081806 1-1
1
SECTION 1 MATERIALS
Congratulations on the purchase of a Wood-Mizer®SolarDry™ Kiln! Enclosed are com-
plete construction instructions for the kiln. This manual contains drawings and lists of
building materials required to construct the SolarDry SD3000 SolarKiln. Follow the
instructions carefully, strictly heeding all special WARNINGS and NOTES.
IMPORTANT! Before beginning construction, check your
local building code authority to see if a building permit is
required.
See Table 1-1. Open the box and identify all parts listed below:
SD3000/SD3000-50 Box Assembly
Qty. Part No. Description
13 002681 Strip, 3’-6" Aluminum/Rubber
6 002685 Cap, 4’ Aluminum Drip
2 002688 Bolt, 24" Chain Release Door
2 002690 Bolt, 12" Cane Bottom Steel
2 002693 Handle, 6" Galvonized Door Pull
1 002694 Knob Assy, 1 3/4" Door
2 002695 Panel, 12" x 12" Wall Grill
3 002680 Hinge, Door
4 002696 Hinge, 6" x 36" x 3/8" Pin Steel
2 002684 Bracket Assembly, Fan Mount
2 P02549 Blade, 24" Three Wing Fan
2 P02646 Motor, 1/4Hp Fan (SD3000)
P02646-1 Motor, 50Hz 1/4Hp Fan (SD3000-50)
8 F05010-41 Nut, #8-32 Self-Locking Fan Motor
1 A02583 Door, Aluminum Air Intake
2002697 1
1 Replaced UV Plastic 002706. 002706 becomes 002697 after re-
packaging into a box by shipping (8/06).
Plastic, 20’ x 24’ 6 mil UV
4 002699 Guard, Expanded Metal Fan
1 SD3000-462 Manual, SD3000 Const./Operation
TABLE 1-1

Materials
1
1-2 SD3000doc081806 Materials
See Table 1-2. Required materials to be supplied by the customer for the SD3000
SolarDry Kiln are listed below.
Material Total Qty
1” x 2” x 10’ Cedar 34 34
1" x 4" x 10’ 9 9
1” x 4” x 14’ 2 2
2" x 2" x 10’ 23 23
2" x 4" x 8’ 11 2 14 13 3 43
2" x 4" x 10’ 10 10 10 4 14 48
2" x 4" x 12’ 6 6
2" x 4" x 14’ 6 10 16
2" x 4" x 16’ 6 2 8
2” x 4” x 20’ 3 3
2" x 4" x 10’ Treated 2 2 4
2" x 4" x 16’ Treated 2 2
2” x 6” x 20’ 1 1 2
4’ x 8’ x 1/2" BCX Plywood 20 2 10 6 38
4’ x 8’ x 1/4" BCX Plywood 10 10
4" x 16" Kraft Fiberglass Insulation 550 Sq Ft.
Foam Sill Seal/Insulation 50 Ft.
2’-8” x 6’-8” x 1 3/4” Solid Core Door 1
16D Sinker Nails 1 box
7D Galvanized Nails 1 box
3” Drywall Screws 1 box
1/4" x 2" Hex Head Lag Screws 40 40
8” Concrete Anchors, Washers, & Nuts 22
Black Kiln Coat Paint 3 Gal.
Exterior Paint (Customer Choice) 2 Gal.
Concrete (Slab & Loading Apron) 7.5 yds.
22’ x 20’ x 4 mil Black Plastic 1
6” x 6” x 10 Gauge wire mesh (remesh) 304 Sq Ft.
20 Amp Disconnect Switch 1
10 Oz. Tube Black Acrylic Latex Caulk 4
Standard Screen Door Mesh 213 Sq Ft.
TABLE 1-2
End walls (2) Front Wall Back Wall Support Wall Rafters Fan Shelf & Loading Furring Strips Baffles Doors & Door Stops

Materials
Materials SD3000doc081806 1-3
1
See Table 1-3. A list of suppliers for some materials are listed below.
See Table 1-4. A list of recommended books concerning lumber drying is provided
below.
Product Name Supplier
Log End Coating Anchorseal U.C. Coatings, Corp.
P.O. Box 1066
Buffalo, N.Y. 14215
[phone]
Kiln Coating Black Jack 6383
(Distributed by
Grainger, Menards
& Target)
Gibson-Homans Co.
1755 Enterprise Parkway
Twinsburg, OH 44087
1 [phone]
Kiln Seal Texas Refinery Corp.
One Refinery Place
Fort Worth, TX 76106
[phone]
Moisture Meters Wagner L606 Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
8180 West 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46214
1 [phone]
TABLE 1-3
Publication Supplier
Wood Handbook AH No. 72, USDA Forest Service, Forest Products
Lab, Madison, WI, 1955; [phone]
Dry Kiln Operator's Manual AH No. 188, E.F. Rasmussen, USDA Forest Ser-
vice, Forest Products Lab, Madison, WI 1988
(Stock No. 001-000-04576-8); [phone]
Understanding Wood, A Craftsman's
Guide to Wood Technology
R. Bruce Hoadley, available from Wood-Mizer
(Part No. P05877)
TABLE 1-4

SD3000 Construction
Choosing A Location For The Kiln
2
2-1 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
SECTION 2 SD3000 CONSTRUCTION
2.1 Choosing A Location For The Kiln
Some considerations should be made when choosing a location for your SolarDry Kiln:
Build the kiln so the collector faces within 5 degrees of due south if building in Northern
latitudes. If you are building in Southern latitudes face the kiln within 5 degrees of due
north. Use a compass to determine the best position for your kiln.
Build the kiln in an area to avoid nearby obstructions of the sun if possible. Allow enough
room around the kiln to maneuver a fork lift or other handling equipment used to move
lumber piles.
Consider future expansion. Additional kilns may be added so they may share end walls
with the first one constructed.
2.2 Slab Construction
Refer to Drawing #1.
The recommended slab has a 6" base which thickens to 18" around the edge. Place con-
crete wire mesh across the entire base and a 1/2" reinforcing rod around the perimeter.
This creates an extremely stable, sturdy base. Install a black 16’ x 20’ 4 mil. plastic vapor
barrier under the slab. Save the remaining 6’ x 20’ plastic to use as a baffle between the
fan shelf and top of the wood stack. See Section 3.2.
The slab should taper 1" front to back to allow any moisture in the kiln to drain out the
loading door side of the kiln.
IMPORTANT! The slab must be level, square and the exact
length shown. If the slab is not level and square, the cham-
ber will not line up properly and adjustments in constructing
the chamber will have to be made.
Install anchor bolts in the slab for mounting the sill plates at the locations shown. Leave
the anchor bolts exposed 2" above the slab to mount the sill plates.
A 10-foot loading apron on the back side of the kiln is recommended to facilitate loading
equipment. The apron should taper 1" from front to back. Leave a 1/4" to 1/2" expansion
joint between the apron and the slab.

SD3000 Construction
Sill Plate Construction
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-2
2
After the concrete slab has had sufficient time to cure, you may begin construction of the
kiln chamber.
2.3 Sill Plate Construction
Refer to Drawing #2.
Chalk a line 4" from each edge of the slab. Check the marked lines for squareness.
NOTE: If the lines show the slab is not square, make adjustments at this time.
Cut the sill plates out of treated lumber to the dimensions shown. Use a 16-foot treated
2x4 for each end wall sill plate. Use two 10-foot treated 2x4s for the front and middle wall
sill plates.
Lay the sill plates in place on the slab. Mark and drill 3/4" diameter holes for the anchor
bolts.
Remove the sill plates and use them in wall construction as described later.
2.4 End Wall #1 Construction
NOTE: These plans assume you will install the service door in end wall #2 (right side as
you are facing the kiln). If you prefer the door to be on the left side, simply reverse the
position of the end walls on the slab. You will have to place the lead-in boards for the mid-
dle wall on the opposite side as shown in the drawings.
Refer to Drawing #3.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. Construct the end wall as shown. Be
sure to keep the sill plate oriented so the holes will line up with the slab anchor bolts.
Install the end studs to the sill plate using 16D nails.
Install the first 45° cap. If two boards are used, position the seam over the lead-in as
shown.
After squaring the wall, mark the stud locations on the sill and the cap. Install the vertical
studs, being sure to keep the wall square.

SD3000 Construction
End Wall #2 Construction
2
2-3 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
Install the three studs that make up the lead-in for the interior wall. Be sure the middle
lead-in board is aligned with the inside face of the wall.
Install nailers between the vertical studs for mounting plywood sheathing.
Box in the area near the short end of the wall as shown for the air intake hole.
Install the top 45° cap, being sure to offset the seam with the bottom cap seam.
2.5 End Wall #2 Construction
Refer to Drawing #4.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. Build the second end wall using the
same procedure used to build the first end wall.
The middle lead-in board should be on the inside of the wall. Frame an area for the ser-
vice door.
2.6 End Wall Installation
Refer to Drawing #5.
Install sill seal foam or silicon caulk on the bottom of the wall sill plates and place each
end wall in position on the slab. Be sure the inside of the wall sill plate lines up with the
chalk lines on the slab to maintain squareness.
Secure the end walls to the slab anchor bolts with washers and nuts. Brace the walls as
needed to keep them square.

SD3000 Construction
Front Wall Construction
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-4
2
2.7 Front Wall Construction
Refer to Drawing #6.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown.
Build the front wall as shown. Install the end studs using 16D nails.
Cut the top plate from 2x6 lumber and install. Square the frame and mark the stud loca-
tions on the sill plate and top plate.
Be sure to keep wall square while installing the vertical studs.
2.8 Front Wall Installation
Refer to Drawing #7.
Install sill seal foam or silicon caulk on the bottom of the wall sill plate and place the front
wall in position on the slab. Be sure the inside of the wall sill plate lines up with the chalk
lines on the slab to maintain squareness.
Secure the front wall to the slab anchor bolts with washers and nuts. Brace the wall as
needed to keep it square. Secure the front wall to the end walls using 3" drywall screws.
2.9 Back Wall Construction
Refer to Drawing #8.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. The outer end studs are turned hor-
izontally to match the end walls. Install the first top plate and door header and square the
frame.
Check that the wall is square and mark the vertical stud locations on the door header and
top plate.
Cut and install vertical studs. Cut and install angled trusses and frame an area as shown
for the air exhaust.
Install the top plate.

SD3000 Construction
Back Wall Installation
2
2-5 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
2.10 Back Wall Installation
Refer to Drawing #9.
Cut spacers from 1/2" plywood and secure to the end wall studs.
Install 6 pieces of drip edge to the back side of the door header. Position the drip edge so
it points out to the rear of the wall (See detail). Overlap the pieces a few inches and
secure with 7D nails.
While keeping the wall square, install the 1/2" plywood sheathing to the exterior side of
the wall using 7D nails. Apply caulk between all plywood joints. The plywood will over-
hang the ends of the wall by 1/2".
Place the back wall in position against the end walls. Brace the wall as necessary to keep
it square. Secure the back wall to the end walls using 3" drywall screws. All walls should
now be secured to the slab, level, and braced from the interior.
2.11 Exterior Sheathing Installation
Refer to Drawing #10.
Install drip edge above the service door opening.
Install 1/2" exterior sheathing to all the walls with 7D nails. Apply caulk between all ply-
wood joints. Cut the top of the front wall exterior plywood at 45° as shown.
Be sure to cut holes where required for the intake and exhaust openings.

SD3000 Construction
Interior Sheathing/Insulation Installation
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-6
2
2.12 Interior Sheathing/Insulation Installation
Refer to Drawing #11.
Remove all wall bracing from the interior of the kiln chamber.
Install 4" x 16" kraft-faced fiberglass insulation in the walls between each stud. Place the
insulation so the paper face is toward the interior of the kiln to create a vapor barrier.
Install the interior plywood using 7D nails. Cut the top edge of the interior back wall ply-
wood at 45°. Caulk all joints between plywood panels. Be sure to cut holes for the intake
and exhaust openings.
2.13 Support Wall Construction
Refer to Drawing #12.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. Build the support wall as shown.
Install the end studs to the sill plate using 16D nails.
Cut the top plate from 2x6 lumber and install. Square the frame and mark the stud loca-
tions on the sill plate and top plate.
Be sure to keep wall square while installing the vertical studs.
2.14 Support Wall Installation
Refer to Drawing #13.
Place the support wall in position on the slab.
Secure the interior wall to the slab anchor bolts with washers and nuts. Level the wall and
secure it to the end walls using 3" drywall screws.
Install the 1x4 cross braces with 7D nails.

SD3000 Construction
Fan Shelf Construction
2
2-7 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
2.15 Fan Shelf Construction
Refer to Drawing #14.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. Build the fan shelf as shown. Install
outside plates to interior kiln walls using 16D nails. The bottoms of the plates should align
with the bottom angle of the support wall (see detail).
Mark locations for the studs on the outside plates. Cut and install studs and bracing for
fans.
2.16 Fan Shelf Plywood Installation
Refer to Drawing #15.
Cut and install 1/2" plywood to top of fan shelf with 7D nails. Cut 25" diameter holes in two
of the plywood sheets so the holes will be centered in the framed fan boxes.
2.17 Loading Door Construction
Refer to Drawing #16.
Refer to the material table and cut lumber as shown. Build two loading doors as shown,
using 16D nails. Layout bottom, top, and side pieces. Use double studs at the outside end
of each door to enable hinge mounting later. Mark the ends with the double studs so you
can identify this end after the plywood is installed.
Mark the stud locations on the top and bottom plates. While keeping the frame square,
nail in the studs.
NOTE: 2x4’s are used where plywood seams will meet. Use 1x4’s at all other locations to
reduce the weight of the doors.
Install nailers where shown to aid in plywood installation. The nailers at the inside bottom
of each door will provide a mounting location for the door hardware later.
While keeping the doors square, install the exterior 1/4" plywood using 7D nails. Caulk all
plywood joints.

SD3000 Construction
Lower Rafter Installation
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-8
2
Install insulation between the studs of each door so the paper will face the interior of the
kiln (see detail).
Install the interior 1/4" plywood with 7D nails. Apply caulk between all plywood joints.
Mark the doors to identify which is the interior side and set the doors aside to be installed
later.
2.18 Lower Rafter Installation
Refer to Drawing #17.
Cut rafters as shown. Mark rafter locations on front wall and interior wall headers.
Set rafters in place and secure with 16D nails. The end rafters should be placed against
the inside of the end walls.
2.19 Upper Rafter Installation
Refer to Drawing #18.
Cut rafters as shown. Mark rafter locations on the back wall header.
Set the rafters in place so they align with the lower rafters and the marks on the back wall
header. Secure the rafters to the interior and back walls with 16D nails.
2.20 Door Stop Installation
Refer to Drawing #19.
Cut and install 1x2 cedar door stops for loading and service doors as shown. Use 7D
nails to secure stops to inside back wall and service door frame.

SD3000 Construction
Loading Door Installation
2
2-9 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
2.21 Loading Door Installation
Refer to Drawing #20.
Install 36" hinges to back wall as shown. The top set of hinges should be 2" from the top
of the door opening. The bottom set of hinges should be 10" from the bottom of the door
opening. Mark the mounting hole locations for the hinges and drill 3/16" diameter holes.
Secure the hinges to the back wall with 1/4" x 2" lag screws.
Place the doors in position being sure to place the ends with double studs toward the out-
side and the interior face toward the inside of the kiln. Shim the bottom of the doors so
there is an 1/8" gap between the door and the wall at the top and the outside.
Drill 3/16" diameter mounting holes and secure hinges to doors with 1/4" x 2" lag screws.
Swing the doors open and check for proper operation. Close the doors and position the
1x4 stop so it is centered across both doors. Secure the 1x4 to one door with 7D nails.
Install weather-stripping along the inside and bottom edges on the interior side of each
loading door.
2.22 Service Door Installation
Refer to Drawing #21.
See Figure 2-1. Cut and install the service door as shown.
NOTE: Drip cap above service door should have been installed with exterior sheathing.
See Section 2.11
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the door hinges and the door knob
assembly provided.
Install weather-stripping along the inside bottom edge of the service door.

SD3000 Construction
Screen Installation
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-10
2
2.23 Screen Installation
Refer to Drawing #22.
Install the door screen to the bottom of the rafters. Cover the entire area between the mid-
dle support wall and front wall (18’ - 6" x 11’ - 6"). Use staples to secure the screen to the
rafters.
Paint all interior kiln surfaces including plywood, fan shelf, support wall, and the slab floor
with solar kiln black paint.
Paint the exterior walls any color you choose. Light colors are recommended for the out-
side of the kiln as they will reflect solar heat to the collector.
2.24 Fan Installation
Refer to Drawing #23.
Install a fan mount bracket centered in each hole in the fan shelf. Use 1/4" x 2" lag screws
to secure each bracket flush with the 2x4 fan shelf members.
Mount a fan motor to each bracket using four #8-32 hex nuts. Position the motor so the
wires face toward the rear of the kiln.
Connect the fan motor leads (brown wires with flag terminals) to the capacitor on the
mount bracket.
Place a fan blade on each motor with the hub toward the motor. Secure the blade to the
motor shaft by tightening the set screw in the blade hub.
Install expanded metal guards on both sides of the fan mount bracket. Use 7D nails to
secure the screen to the bottom of the fan shelf.

SD3000 Construction
Electrical Installation
2
2-11 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
2.25 Electrical Installation
DANGER! Hazardous voltage will cause severe shock,
burns, or death. Disconnect and lock out all power to the
equipment before connecting wires. Make sure all electrical
installation is performed by a qualified electrician in accor-
dance with applicable electrical codes.
Refer to Drawing #24.
Install a 20 amp disconnect switch on either end wall near the rear of the kiln.
Wire the switch and fans according to the diagram provided. Route all wiring and/or con-
duit beneath the fan shelf. Secure the wiring so it does not hang down into the lumber
chamber where it could be damaged during loading or unloading.
Finally, install appropriate incoming power to the disconnect switch. Turn the switch ON
and check the fans blow air upward. If a fan is not blowing upward, turn the disconnect
switch off. Lock and tag the switch before performing any electrical service to the kiln.
Refer to the wiring diagram on the motor and rewire as necessary for proper fan rotation.
NOTE: Although only 230 Volt power is required to operate the fans, you may wish to
have 115 Volt installed so you have power available for lights, tools, etc...
2.26 Spacer/Furring Strips
Refer to Drawing #25.
Cut all 2x2 spacers and 1x4 furring strips as shown and paint solar kiln black.
NOTE: If you do not have tools to create the notched 2x2 spacer ’D’, it may be con-
structed using small 1x2 blocks fastened to a single 1x2.

SD3000 Construction
Inner Plastic Installation
SD3000 Construction SD3000doc010317 2-12
2
2.27 Inner Plastic Installation
NOTE: Close all doors to the kiln before installing plastic.
Refer to Drawing #26.
Install one of the 20’ x 24’ plastic sheets over the kiln as shown. Position the plastic so it
hangs evenly over each side of the kiln.
Start at the top of the kiln and secure across the top with 2x2 spacers as shown. Be sure
to keep plastic flat and remove any folds before securing spacers.
After securing the plastic across the entire length of kiln at the top, install spacers down
each end wall.
Pull the bottom of the plastic over the front wall and secure the notched spacers over the
bottom ends of the plastic. Position the spacers so the notched openings face the kiln
wall. The notches will provide an area where moisture can escape.
Install spacers up the length of each rafter as shown.
HINT: Start at the bottom of the rafters first. After the first sections are installed, 2x4s can
be temporarily attached across the kiln to use as steps. Install steps as you progress up
the rafters.
2.28 Outer Plastic Installation
Refer to Drawing #27.
Lay the second 20’ x 24’ sheet of plastic over the kiln. Start from the top and position the
plastic so it hangs evenly over all edges.
Stretch the top of the plastic tight and install the outside furring strips across the top of the
back wall first.
Stretch the plastic tight and secure outside furring strips down the sides of each end wall.
Pull the top of the plastic tight and install the inside furring strips across the top of the kiln.
Pull each side of the plastic tight and install the inside furring strips down each side of the
kiln and down each rafter.

SD3000 Construction
Intake/Exhaust Hardware Installation
2
2-13 SD3000doc010317 SD3000 Construction
Finally, stretch the plastic down over the notched 2x2 spacers at the bottom of the kiln
and secure to the front wall with furring strips 1" down from the notched 2x2 spacers. The
inner and outer layers of plastic should form a channel where moisture can drain out.
2.29 Intake/Exhaust Hardware Installation
Refer to Drawing #28.
Install a louvered grill over the outside of the intake hole in the end wall and the exhaust
hole in the back wall.
Mount the intake damper over the intake hole from inside the kiln. Drill holes in the
damper as necessary to mount securely to the wall.

Operation
Pre-Drying Procedures
Operation SD3000doc010317 3-1
3
SECTION 3 OPERATION
Your Wood-Mizer®SolarDry™ Kiln is the simplest, most energy efficient dry kiln avail-
able. It will give you many years of service with very little maintenance.
The following steps are necessary to maintain the expected levels of less than 1% drying
defects.
3.1 Pre-Drying Procedures
End coat the logs.
End coat the logs with an oil base paint or a commercial end-coat. End coating the logs
will prevent the ends from splitting.
The best time to end coat is before the logs are sawn. The next best time is when the
lumber is dead stacked, before stickering.
Air dry the lumber.
Air drying your lumber before loading it into the kiln can cut kiln drying time in half. Keep
the lumber stack at least 6" off the ground and protect both outer ends from morning and
evening sun with plastic, burlap, or plywood, etc.
Most species can be loaded into the kiln right off the saw but some woods are naturally
prone to staining and require at least a few days of air-drying to get rid of excess surface
moisture before loading in the kiln.

Operation
Pre-Drying Procedures
3
3-2 SD3000doc010317 Operation
Other common air-drying defects such as checking, honeycomb, splits, and warp can be
controlled by using proper air-drying procedures. (See recommended reading list in Sec-
tion 6.)
Sort and sticker the lumber.
Sort the lumber to be dried according to thickness and species. While it is best to load the
kiln with the same thickness and species, it is not always possible.
Most hardwoods can be dried together with the exception of the oaks and other slower
drying woods such as hickory and beech.
As a rule of thumb you can sort lumber by weight or density. Lighter density woods like
basswood, butternut, and aspen can be dried together. Medium density woods such as
cherry, walnut, and ash and dense woods like red oak, white oak, and beech can be dried
together.
If you do mix species, put the quicker drying ones at the top so they can be unloaded
when dry and leave slower drying species to continue drying. This also applies to different
thicknesses of lumber in the same load. Place the slowest drying thickness on the bot-
tom.
Use wood spacers or "stickers" between the layers of wood when air drying or solar kiln
drying.
Use air-dried stickers that are 3/4" x 3/4" x 4' long. Stickers should be straight and square.
Stickers smaller than 3/4" will cause increased drying times. Place stickers between the
layers of wood about 16-24" apart. Add stickers where needed to make sure no boards
overhang stickers by more than a few inches.
Place stickers at the ends of the lumber stack to minimize end splitting.
Build layers of the stack starting with the outside edges. Group boards in a layer to mini-
mize gaps between the boards.
Alternate gaps in each layer throughout the stack.
Keep the pile square and level with all stickers aligned vertically.