It takes at least a year per inch of thickness for air-drying lumber, which is too long for people who want to do a quick woodworking project.Microwaving small pieces of wood or taking a few steps to speed up the drying process are both options that you can use.
Step 1: Take the wood samples.
Office suppliers and big-box stores sell electronic postal or pocket scales.Take note of your wood's weight by placing it onto it and setting it to measure grams.If you want to keep your scale clean, place a container on the scale, hit "Tare" and then place the wood in.For the best results, use a scale that has an accuracy of less than 0.1%.Accuracy should be within 0.035 ounces.
Step 2: Measure theMC by using a meter.
Press the 2 tips into the wood to make the pin-type meters.Press the base of the scanning plate against the wood and turn the meter on for pinless meters.The percentage will be between 0 and 100.Home hardware stores and online suppliers sell moisture meters.
Step 3: The lowest setting for the microwave is 45 to 60 seconds.
Place paper towels on top of the microwave oven's plate.The "Low" and "Defrost" setting is what most ovens come with.If you see smoke when you set it to "low", it's a sign that you've burned away some of the wood weight and volume.If you're heating multiple samples, never let wood pieces touch.
Step 4: At the second- lowest heat level, heat 30% MC or above wood for 1.5 to 3 minutes.
"Defrost" is the next heat level for most microwaves.Put your wood on top of the microwave oven's plate and set it to "Defrost."If you don't mind waiting, you can set it to the lowest setting and wait about 4 minutes.If you smell smoke on "Defrost", you should switch to the "Low" heat setting.
Step 5: Measure your samples after the first round of heating.
After the first round of heating, weigh your samples and record the weights on the scale.Each piece of wood will lose weight when it is dried.The goal is to keep heating until there is no weight change and the wood is stable.Different types of wood dry differently.Don't be surprised if some pieces lose water faster than others.
Step 6: Continue heating and weighing wood until there is no change in weight.
In between the intervals of 45 to 60 seconds, take a minute to rest.You shouldn't be able to detect variation more than 0.1 gram once the drying process is done.Stop when you get about 5 or 6 readings that are the same.The weight method is the most accurate when it comes to detecting humidity.The following formula is used to calculate the moisture content after the final heating.
Step 7: Measure your oven's temperature by preheating it to 217 F.
Place one kitchen rack on the bottom and the other in the center after setting the heat.Place a large baking pan on the bottom rack and put an oven thermometer in the center rack, which is in one of the far corners.If your oven won't let you set the temperature to 217 F, you can set it to the closest increment.
Step 8: The temperature in the oven needs to be adjusted until it reaches 217 F (103C).
Your oven temperature should be monitored every 10 minutes.If the temperature is too high, lower it and if it's too low, increase it.The temperature should always be adjusted by the smallest increment.If your kitchen fan has one, turn it on.
Step 9: Put your wood on the center rack for an hour.
Don't let the pieces touch.If you want smaller pieces to not fall through, lay them on the rungs of the oven rack.The oven temperature should be monitored every 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 10: After 1 hour, test your wood'sMC and then re-warm for 15 minutes as necessary.
Remove 2 to 3 wood pieces from the oven after an hour.Measure their water content with a meter.Continue heating the pieces for 15 minutes until the desired MC is reached.Home hardware stores and online suppliers sell moisture meters.
Step 11: as fast as possible
If you just cut down a tree, make the wood into lumber as soon as possible.The drying process can prevent stain and rot from affecting the wood if it is processed.
Step 12: Store your wood in a shaded area.
Try to find an indoor or outdoor location that is shaded.It's a good idea to avoid places that don't have enough air.If you store wood in the basement or inside boxes, they won't have enough air.Remember that your wood needs to dry in an area with the same amount of water as the finished product will be exposed to.If you plan to use the wood to make a chair that will be placed in a dry area of your home, you should store it in an area with similar low humidity.It will help your wood dry in half the time it normally would.
Step 13: Immediately after cutting, seal off the ends of the lumber.
Drying that is too fast can lead to end-grain cracking and splits.It's damaging to the wood if the ends are left exposed.Apply latex paint to the ends in a uniform manner so that they are completely covered.For the best results, try to do it as soon as possible.If you don't mind paying a bit more, purchase end grain sealers from woodworking or home hardware stores.
Step 14: All sides of your lumber are exposed to air.
The pieces should be cut to the same lengths and thicknesses.It will be easier to stack them in a way that exposes each side to air after these equal dimensions.Small pieces of wood, also known as stickers, can be used to create space between the two sides.For thinner pieces and thicker pieces, use spacers every 30 cm.
Step 15: You can cover the top of your wood with a tarp.
The pile of wood should not be covered to the ground.By covering the top, you can make sure that each piece is adequately shaded.If you're storing your wood indoors, skip this step.
Step 16: Measure theMC of your wood with a meter
Press the 2 tips of the device into the wood.Turn it on and look at the reading.Press the base of the plane to the wood to make a pinless meter.A percentage is between 0 and 100.Online suppliers and home hardware stores sell both types of meters.