drying oak

[brad wilton]

hi guys just wondering if i dry oak in solar kiln how long would it take to be properly dried .where i plan on putting it is sunny from 9am to 9pm any thoughts thanks

 

[lectraplayer]

Unless you live in the southern hemisphere, I would be content to throw some tin down and stack it there. No kiln needed.

Sun at 9PM in March? Where is your localle? That sounds like South Mexico to me.

I am in Dixie...

 

[brad wilton]

i'm in canada, thinking for over the summer.everybody says 2 to 3 years drying time just wondering if it can be done quicker?

 

[bholler]

i'm in canada, thinking for over the summer.everybody says 2 to 3 years drying time just wondering if it can be done quicker?

Yes it can be i dont know about your location but i can get it to 20% in a year and a half here just about everything else in a year and some in 6 months

 

[Rebelduckman]

3 for you northern guys is the norm I believe. l. I can get it in 1.5 to 2 down here

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

Cut it on the smaller side, this will help....

 

[lectraplayer]

In Canada, it may be worth having a kiln... What are summer highs in Canada, around 70 degrees? I was hating those 106 degree highs last year in the South.

 

[brad wilton]

my area average 86 can go higher and lower but very high humidity

 

[lectraplayer]

I have all the humidity as well.

 

[Paulywalnut]

Red oak seems to dry better for me split to four or five inch pieces. Still, anything over three years is a plus with oak.

 

[Fastdonzi]

Im considering building a kiln as well. In tn we can get 30+ days in a row over 90*. But for wood I gather too late in the season I'd like to speed up the process. Now having a Cat stove I think its a necessity ...