Description
In this course you will learn about what you need to consider as a small operator getting into lumber drying. How do I determine the market potential? How long does it take to dry lumber? What should I consider when looking into different kiln types? Should I air-dry first or go straight into the kiln? We’ll cover the lumber drying basics, different types of kilns and their capabilities/limitations, avoiding defects and the basics of controlling the drying process.
Instructors
Dr. Brian Bond, Professor, Department of Sustainable Biomaterials, Virginia Tech
Frederik Laleicke, Assistant Professor and Wood Products Extension Specialist, Wood Products Extension, Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University
Course Schedule
April 11, 2024
1:00pm – 5:00pm
The Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA 23047
Registration
You will be given the option during checkout to register as an Individual or as a Group. If you select Group Registration, please follow these instructions to complete your checkout: Group Instructions.
Outline
Program Outline
1:00 – 1:30 Why dry lumber – Market Opportunities
1:30 – 2:15 Drying Process – Introduction to moisture loss, wood shrinkage, stresses, MC, Relationship between EMC, Temp and RH
2:15 – 2:45 Break and Moisture Meter Comparison – Hands on Lab where you get to test different meters on wood with different moisture contents
2:45 – 3:15 Air Drying – Stacking lumber, introduction to warp and warp prevention, checks in wood, stain basics of air drying
3:15 – 4:45 Kiln Drying – Introduction to DH, Direct Fired, Vacuum Kilns and solar kilns – How to determine what fits your needs.
4: 45 – 5:00 Keeping Wood Dry – Basics of storing wood, importance of monitoring EMC and how to control
If you need any assistance with registration, please contact our helpline at vceprograms@vt.edu.
Notes
For more information about this training, please contact Brian Bond at bbond@vt.edu.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Brian Bond at 540-231-8752 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.