DIY wood kiln

[SSDiver2112]

I decided to build a wood “kiln” to help reach and maintain my blank’s condition. Not sure if anyone else does this. In my search, I mostly found information from bowl turners. Most of what I found simply used a heat lamp with a hole at the bottom and top.

I thought about using a gun safe dehumidifier instead. There’s a heating rod type but not sure if it is warm enough for this. There are also actual mini dehumidifiers with the water trap. Maybe both.

Any options would be appreciated.
Scott

 

[muskyed]

Commercial kilns do more than just heat to dry wood. They will also equalize and condition the wood to help eliminate stress and case hardning.

 

[3kushn]

I don't know much about your goal but I've bought 2 gun safe heaters and they both burned out in short order.

The 10 or 12" 110V stick types. Thought the first one was maybe a fluke thing, then tried another of a different brand and even more $$.

Won't buy a third of this type.

 

[SSDiver2112]

Commercial kilns do more than just heat to dry wood. They will also equalize and condition the wood to help eliminate stress and case hardning.

Not trying to build a true wood kiln, just want to help reduce the moisture in some non dried blanks. Even though my workshop is in a climate controlled space, I’m still in humid Florida.

 

[DeeDeeCues]

Not trying to build a true wood kiln, just want to help reduce the moisture in some non dried blanks. Even though my workshop is in a climate controlled space, I’m still in humid Florida.

Have you looked into a food dehydrator? I used one for a piece of olive wood and had good results with no cracking or warping.

 

[Bishop]

Commercial kilns do more than just heat to dry wood. They will also equalize and condition the wood to help eliminate stress and case hardning.

With the use of dehumidifiers?

 

[muskyed]

With the use of dehumidifiers?

Not actually sure about the dehumidifier kilns, been awhile for me.

 

[SSDiver2112]

Seems to be working so far. The main pieces I was concerned with have lost an ounce in just a few days.

I just ordered a temperature/humidity controller to better regulate the conditions inside. I was thinking about a small 6”x6” dehumidifier but I will try this first and see if it is really needed.