• Knowledge Base Search Results: 156
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    Humidity, Temperature, Wood Moisture Content, and Wood Movement
    Basic technical information and an extended discussion of the way wood expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity. November 13, 2009

    Process Controls Versus Schedule Controls in Commercial Kiln-Drying Operations
    Here's a technically informative, if somewhat contentious, debate about different approaches to computerized kiln control, and the role of human operators in the kiln-drying process. June 13, 2014

    "Intermediate Conditioning" in the Drying Kiln
    Is it a good idea to add moisture to a kiln for a period during the middle of the drying cycle, in order to relieve casehardening stress? June 13, 2014

    Electronic RH sensors
    Can electronic relative humidity sensors stand up to the elements in dry kilns? May 2, 2001

    Is Kiln Drying to 7% Worth It?
    Why kiln dry wood to 7% moisture content when it will gain moisture in storage? Here's an informative thread about proper drying targets and storage based on the intended end use of the lumber. December 31, 2013

    Eliminating Wood Problems -- An Industry Review: 10 Ways of Eliminating Wood Problems
    Gene Wengert explains why eliminating wood problems begins and ends with monitoring and controlling the moisture content (MC) in wood -March 18, 2000

    EMC/RH ratios
    Here's a listing of equilibrium moisture content to relative humidity ratios. July 11, 2000

    Techniques for Equalizing and Conditioning Lumber
    The Wood Doctor explains how to complete the final two steps in the primary processing uh, process. 1998.

    Woodworking 101: The Basics
    and shows how it can affect various production operations. 1998.

    Lumber Grading, Quality, and Small Mills
    Here's an extended discussion of the public policy issues involved in lumber grading, and construction using un-graded lumber, as seen from the point of view of the small sawmill operator. May 18, 2010

    Whether to Thaw Frozen Wood Before Kiln-Drying
    Here's a long and intense theoretical argument about whether frozen wood can be safely dried without thawing it first. June 13, 2014

    A Finish Carpenter's Guide to Understanding Moisture Movement In Wood
    Wood Doc Gene Wengert supplies a scientific and practical explanation of wood moisture content and seasonal movement. December 15, 2009

    Calculating moisture content
    Using a hygrometer and calculator to determine the MC of kiln samples. September 2, 2002

    Turbulent Air Flow as a Factor in Kiln-Drying Operational Control
    The Wood Doctor explains why controlling humidity and temperature, not managing airflow turbulence, is the way to maintain optimum drying conditions in the kiln. June 13, 2014

    Humidity, Moisture Content, and Lumber Storage
    Lumber moisture content equilibrates to ambient relative humidity. Here are details. December 9, 2010

    Setting Shop Temperature
    A long discussion about how warm (or cool) to keep a shop, whether to turn the heat down at night and over the weekend, and the effect on costs, productivity, and quality of different practices. December 24, 2012

    Developing Software to Calculate Wood Kiln Schedules
    The wood drying process is complex, and involves many inter-related variables. So creating software to determine drying schedules is a challenge. June 13, 2014

    Furniture for High Humidity Conditions
    Advice on controlling moisture content during construction for furniture destined for a relatively uncontrolled environment. November 15, 2010

    Controlling Drying Conditions and Monitoring Progress
    Here's a lively, sometimes contentious, and very informative thread about how to ensure quality control when drying lumber in a variety of different kiln types with different control systems and instrumentation. July 16, 2012

    Door Gap and Outdoor Humidity
    A woodworker gets expert advice on predicting the moisture-related dimensional changes in a wood door, for purposes of calibrating the door gap to allow for the movement. October 11, 2007

    Humidity Control and Cabinetmaking
    A cabinetmaker gets an introduction to moisture-related wood movement and humidity control. July 25, 2010

    Why Does Plywood Warp?
    An extended technical and practical discussion of dimensional instability in plywood panels. January 20, 2010

    Humidity Control, Warping, and Case-Hardening
    Maintaining the right drying conditions is a tricky problem, and improper control can lead to defects in the lumber. January 2, 2012

    Moisture Conditions and Furniture Shrinkage
    A discussion of the way changing humid or dry conditions can affect furniture, and how to deal with the risk. April 24, 2014

    Indoor Wood Shrinkage and Expansion
    A learned discussion of the way building interior humidity causes dimensional change in wood. December 1, 2005

    Drying Rewetted Kiln-Dried Lumber
    How to render kiln-dried lumber, which has been rewetted due to flooding or excessive humidity, useful once again. 1998.

    Moisture and Swelling Issues for a Porch Ceiling
    Moisture-related expansion could cause beadboard porch ceilings to buckle. Why, and what can be done about it? This long discussion delves deep into the mysteries of moisture. February 8, 2008

    Hardwood Lumber Kiln Schedules
    Dr. Gene Wengert provides schedules for kiln drying hardwood lumber. 1998.

    Mist systems and relative humidity
    Mist systems, what they do, and some general information about relative humidty and its effect on wood. 1998.

    Achieving Sterilization with a Solar Kiln in a Humid Climate
    A woodworker struggles to get his lumber pile hot enough to kill beetles. April 15, 2012

    Ambient Humidity and Wood Moisture Content
    A problem of wood warping in a dry basement storage area leads to a discussion of temperature, relative humidity, and wood moisture. July 10, 2007

    Air-drying oak
    Can a suitable MC for cabinet construction be reached? February 6, 2002

    Drying Oak Lumber: Step 7, Storage
    The Wood Doctor discusses how to protect dried lumber from damage during storage. August 27, 2012

    Air temp, relative humidity and MC
    How much moisture can air hold, and what is the effect on drying lumber? July 4, 2000

    Troubleshooting vacuum kiln problems
    An extensive discussion on vacuum pumps and vaporization of organic compounds in wood. February 28, 2001

    Wood Movement Destroys Table Top
    Another designer learns the hard way, as a table top cracks because of ambient moisture changes and restrained wood movement. May 3, 2011

    Raised Panel Shrinkage
    Cabinetmakers grapple with the issues raised by installing unfinished cabinetry in an unheated house, mid-project. May 28, 2010

    Indoor Humidity and Wood Moisture Content
    A discussion with data, about typical indoor humidity levels and the corresponding effect on wood moisture content. October 13, 2010

    End Checking in Beech Blocks
    Drying cracks in imported Beech blocks may be the re-opening of existing cracks, related to changes in atmospheric relative humidity. November 27, 2007

    Hairline Cracks in Kiln-Drying Cherry
    Checking in Cherry appears as a fine crack, and is the result of too-fast air-drying, not kiln-drying. April 15, 2012

    Limits of Air Drying
    Even in the driest parts of the U.S., air-dried lumber typically won't get below about 10% moisture content. March 10, 2008

    Interpreting the Psychrometer
    Accurate readings are important when using the psychrometer to calculate moisture content. April 15, 2012

    Dealing with Bowed or Warped Plywood
    Warped, bowed, cupped, twisted — these days, plywood seem to lie every which way but flat. Here's a long and somewhat technical discussion of what makes plywood deform, and what can be done about it. December 28, 2005

    Attic drying and over-drying
    Can wood be over-dried in your attic? October 15, 2001

    Troubleshooting Mold on Oak in the Drying Kiln
    A question about a mold problem leads to a discussion about process control and kiln conditions. June 13, 2014

    Steaming, Drying, and Honeycomb in Walnut
    Bacterial infection as well as steamer and kiln settings may have caused reported honeycombing at one end of thick Walnut boards. June 18, 2009

    Size effect on shrinkage
    Are traditional shrinkage values applicable to drying large cants? May 9, 2001

    Troubleshooting Drying Stress
    Some general instruction about the causes of drying stress for the owner of a dehumidifier kiln. April 2, 2013

    Finish Failure at Door Frame Joints
    What caused this defect: Wood moisture, glue characteristics, finish issues, or all three? August 17, 2009

    Measuring/Monitoring Moisture Levels
    The hows and whys of monitoring moisture content in lumber. 1998.

    Moisture and Cupping with Glued-Up Solid Poplar Panels
    This thread about poplar panels that cupped while stored sheds light on wood moisture movement issues in general. June 30, 2009

    Measuring Air Velocity in a Kiln
    Airflow is usually measured exiting the kiln. Here are some details on good practice. June 13, 2014

    How Fast Does Kiln-Dried Oak Regain Moisture?
    Advice on how to measure the increase in moisture content of wood stored in a covered shed after kiln-drying. June 13, 2014

    Equilibrium Moisture Content and Geographic Location
    Here's info on how to estimate the expected moisture content of wood in the outdoor environment in different regions of the country. July 18, 2013

    Rate of Wood Moisture Gain from Ambient Humidity
    How long will it take for furniture stored in an unconditioned warehouse to equilibrate with the ambient moisture conditions? April 18, 2010

    Crown Moulding Expansion/Contraction Problem
    Who or what is responsible for gaps appearing at joints after installation? June 4, 2004

    Air Drying, Moisture Content, and Useability
    How long will air-drying take to get wood to a stable moisture equilibrium? And would kiln-drying be better? September 6, 2010

    Why is Wood Flooring Kerfed on the Bottom Face?
    Speculation, theories, and facts about why wood flooring and some door jamb stock is usually milled with grooves in the underside or back side. October 13, 2008

    Wood Drying Conditions and Musical Instrument Sound Quality
    Instrument makers, musicians, and sawing and drying pros discuss whether kiln-dried or air-dried wood affect the way a musical instrument sounds. February 14, 2010

    Temperature, Humidity, and Drying
    Some generic head-scratching over relative humidity and the heat required to dry wood under various conditions. April 10, 2007

    Shop-Drying Eucalyptus
    Thoughts on how to dry and condition Eucalyptus for use in a table top. December 31, 2012

    Will Stacked Lumber Gain or Lose Moisture?
    Lumber in storage may gain or lose moisture, but very slowly. Wrapping the pile in plastic will slow or stop the moisture change. March 29, 2006

    Practical Ways to Reduce Drying Costs
    Five tactics to consider for cutting the cost of drying a load of wood. June 13, 2014

    Oven-Drying Wood for Moisture Content Testing
    Information on the correct methods for oven-drying wood samples to determine moisture content. September 27, 2008

    Honeycomb and Checking with Mixed Kiln Loads
    Advice on limiting honeycomb defects in Red Oak during kiln-drying operations. September 6, 2010

    Protecting Cabinets from Changing Humidity
    Details on how shop humidity, jobsite humidity, and occupied home humidity vary, and advice on helping cabinets withstand the changing environment. January 21, 2007

    Moisture content for exterior doors
    Determining the appropriate MC for lumber that will be exposed to vastly different humidity levels. November 14, 2001

    Crack Prevention and Repair for a Large Wood Turning
    Here's a long, thoughtful technical discussion of humidity conditions, wood cracking, prevention, and fixes, focused around the case of a very large wood turning that has developed hairline cracks. January 20, 2011

    Drying burly slabs
    Keeping oak slabs from cracking. January 16, 2002

    Cupping of newly cut lumber
    Why would all the lumber in one kiln load cup toward the sapwood? January 16, 2002

    Drying Oak Lumber: Step 6C, Equalizing and Conditioning
    Equalizing and conditioning result in consistent lumber with minimal drying stresses. But this step adds time and expense. August 27, 2012

    Drying Schedule for 8/4 Walnut
    Be careful when drying thick Walnut — drying too fast can damage the wood. January 14, 2013

    A Spalted Slab in a Wine Cellar
    Kiln-drying kills the fungus in spalted wood, and 60% RH in a wine cellar will not support fungal re-growth. December 6, 2011

    Troubleshooting Glue Line Swelling in Furniture
    In this long and complicated thread, woodworkers and experts try to figure out what's causing a slight ridge to form at the glue line in a wood chair lamination. July 29, 2014

    Vacuum kiln drying
    How do vacuum kilns work and how effective are they? (From WOODWEB's Sawing and Drying Forum) January 21, 2003

    Quality Control for Picture Frames
    The fine art of woodworking: a discussion of wood choices, moisture control, and other key issues involved in creating picture frames that will be stable in service.June 12, 2014

    Shop Temperature and Wood Machining
    Is it okay not to heat the wood shop at night? Could be, but humidity changes are a potential problem. August 26, 2008

    Venting and Fans for a Solar Kiln
    A quick expert explanation from the Wood Doctor of how and why vents and fans are used in a solar wood drying kiln. April 20, 2011

    Stored Lumber, Ambient Moisture, and Lumber Moisture Content Changes
    Kiln-dried lumber stored in a non-conditioned space will equilibrate with the natural relative humidity conditions of the ambient air. April 21, 2011

    Wood Moisture Content and Equalization
    Understanding how to evaluate wood moisture content when conditions have created a moisture gradient within the wood. April 11, 2008

    Laminate and Substrate Movement
    A question about what might cause melamine laminate to pull loose from a countertop leads to an in-depth look at the materials involved. April 18, 2006

    Kiln-Drying Reclaimed Heart Pine
    A few simple tips for a new kiln operator. October 2, 2005

    Humidity Control in a Kiln
    A kiln operator gets advice on airflow and humidity settings. April 27, 2007

    Long-Term Storage of Air-Dried Lumber
    Air-dried lumber left in drying stacks for long periods without kiln-drying is at high risk for insect damage and spoilage. June 18, 2010

    Hardness and Kiln-Drying Temperature
    Higher drying temperatures affect the hardness and machinability of wood. December 12, 2008

    Ratios: Relative humidity to moisture content
    Common conversions and instruments used in measuring wood moisture content. October 31, 2000

    Aching Glue Joints
    Diagnoses and cures for a variety of problems related to the gluing up of panels in solid lumber. 1998.

    Drying with Moderate Heat
    Here's info on how various types of wood will respond to conditions in a home-built drying room that doesn't get much warmer than 120°F. There's a useful lecture here on how case-hardening occurs. May 16, 2008

    Accuracy and Tolerances in Humidity Measurement in a Drying Kiln
    Super precision is rarely critical in wood drying, but reasonable accuracy is helpful. Here's a discussion of RH measuring precision, and its importance for maintaining proper real-world kiln conditions. July 29, 2012

    Calculating airflow in a kiln
    Quantifying airflow through lumber stacks. April 2, 2002

    Air-Drying Wood in a Grain Bin
    A discussion of air-drying sheds light on issues relating to target moisture content. July 28, 2008

    Automatic Water-Fill Dry-Wet Bulb RH Metering
    Advice on the fine points of keeping a relative humidity monitoring setup supplied with water for the wet bulb. June 13, 2014

    Drying Time for Black Walnut
    Dry slowly to prevent checking, and test with a moisture meter. February 26, 2005

    "Depression" explained
    How to determine relative humidity with two types of temperature readings. June 20, 2000

    Troubleshooting a Cupping Table Top
    Moisture-related wood movement works its bad voodoo again. July 15, 2011

    Sizing Up a Kiln
    This question about how to assess the worth of a used kiln leads to a discussion of kiln technology in general, including the different requirements for drying softwoods and hardwoods. October 17, 2012

    Temperature and Humidity Measurement Accuracy and Drying Kiln Control
    Instruments have limited accuracy. So to fine-tune a kiln's performance, you have to monitor the drying progress by weighing wood samples. July 29, 2012

    Tension Set and Lumber Conditioning
    Advice on remediating curved lumber after resawing, with a discussion of why "tension set" occurs and how the effect can be reversed. October 19, 2013

    Winter Operation of Solar Kilns
    Solar drying kiln performance slows significantly in the winter. Here are tips on wintertime operation. July 15, 2012

    Surface Checking in Walnut
    To control surface checking in Walnut, you have to tweak the air-drying process. July 7, 2011

    Moisture and Wood Movement In Kiln-Dried Versus Air-Dried Lumber
    In principle, wood's response to moisture changes is the same, no matter how the wood was dried. In practice, there may be a slight difference. July 23, 2014

    Properly Drying Oak for Use in a Porch Swing
    Thoughts on air drying, kiln drying, and conditioning for oak intended to be used in outdoor versus indoor conditions. January 11, 2007

    Heat Up Rate in Lumber Drying
    Most wood-drying situations don't require careful control of the rate at which the load heats up. June 13, 2014

    Lumber Conditioning Advice
    Info on mixed loads, re-wetting dried lumber, and related topics. September 25, 2014

    Flooring Joint Profiles
    Is it okay to saw strip flooring with a flat shoulder joint instead of a V groove? June 4, 2012

    Re-Drying Wood from Outdoor Storage
    Advice on how to best restore wood to useability after it has been left partially exposed to weather in a shed. January 18, 2011

    Radio-Frequency Gluing, Humidity, and Wood Moisture
    Humidity in the shop is a factor for RF gluing, but wood moisture content is the critical issue. January 12, 2012

    Re-Drying A Few Wet Pieces to Speed Production
    One way to dry loads of lumber more quickly is to separate out the few still-wet pieces for a second pass through the kiln. June 13, 2014

    Moisture Regain in Dried Lumber
    Should lumber be end-painted after it's been dried? May 11, 2005

    Cupping of a Solid Wood Countertop
    Woodworkers troubleshoot a case of moisture-related movement in a kitchen countertop. April 14, 2010

    Bowing Problems with RF Glued Door Stiles
    Woodworkers troubleshoot a bowing complaint in radio-frequency cured door glue-ups. August 15, 2011

    Drying Lodgepole Pine in Colorado
    Detailed advice on air-drying and kiln-drying lodgepole pine (some logged green and some killed by beetles). April 21, 2008

    Air-Drying and Kiln-Drying Thick Maple
    Drying 12/4 hard Maple, a kiln operator walks a fine line between checking and staining. Here's more. July 29, 2011

    Drying Small Amounts of Wood in the Attic
    Thoughts about the airflow and venting required to dry small amounts of wood in an attic. April 20, 2011

    Air Drying Thin Sawn Wood
    Saw thin first, then air dry for fastest results. October 29, 2012

    Drying Walnut Boards
    Tips on handling, and how to dimension for best value. February 26, 2005

    Dark Core in Soft Maple
    A kiln operator finds that his maple boards develop a light surface and dark core. Others weigh in with thoughts and advice. August 31, 2005

    Self Air-Drying Versus Kiln-Drying
    Carefully air-drying wood yourself may be preferable to trusting the load to a less-than-perfect kiln-drying operation. January 18, 2011

    Wood Moisture Movement Issues with a Conference Table Top
    Here's an extended discussion with photos, about why an architect's wish for a wood table top with mitered corners is impossible to grant. February 10, 2009

    Wood Movement: How Big a Risk?
    In principle, solid wood joinery that does not allow for wood movement is a recipe for disaster. In practice, sometimes you get away with it. June 18, 2009

    Time to Air-Dry Thick Lumber
    Many variables affect drying time. Here's a discussion about the typical drying-time window. November 16, 2011

    Wood Heat for a Shop
    Wood stoves in a shop introduce concerns about safety and about excessively dry shop air. January 20, 2010

    Slow Drying at the End of Dehumidification Kiln Run
    If drying slows or stalls at close to the target moisture content, a small amount of added heat is appropriate. December 8, 2012

    Using OSB for Stickers
    Sawmill pros generally frown on using oriented strand board (OSB) for sticker material. January 17, 2011

    Time and Temperature to Kill Bugs
    Advice on heat treating for pest control. October 17, 2012

    Storing kiln-dried lumber
    Controlling the humidity in the atmosphere around stored lumber. January 16, 2002

    Winter Drying of Lumber in a Barn
    A quick description of the factors affecting drying time of wood stacked in a barn for the winter. July 16, 2012

    Longitudinal Versus Tangential Stress
    A discussion of how to evaluate and troubleshoot drying stress in kiln-dried lumber. June 13, 2014

    Jointer Tolerances and Setup Techniques
    A furnituremaker who wants super-fine tolerances gets advice on tuning and operating a jointer. May 2, 2011

    Glue Joint Movement — Causes and Cures
    Here's a wide-ranging discussion of adhesive properties and glue joint behavior, triggered by a specific problem involving a raised glue line in a Cherry countertop. October 19, 2014

    Paint Cracks in Five-Piece Doors
    Some cracking is pretty much inevitable when you paint five-piece wood cabinet doors. September 25, 2014

    Re-Drying Kiln Dried Lumber
    An architectural woodwork mill gets advice on acclimating stock before machining it. December 9, 2010

    Lumber Moisture Content and Glue Failures
    When you cross-cut and rip lumber at too high a moisture content, then quickly glue up panels (such as stair treads), glue failures may soon occur. February 5, 2007

    Raised Glue Lines after Sanding and Finish
    Moisture in glue can cause swelling of wood near the joint, which may result in noticeable lines at the joint (depending on the timing of sanding and finishing). October 19, 2014

    Humidity and Warping in the Shop
    The key is to get the wood at the right moisture content and keep it there. October 26, 2012

    Redrying 4/4 Hard Maple
    Tips for re-drying a load of wood that got wetted by rain, without incurring damage. December 31, 2013

    Air-Drying and Kiln-Drying 8/4 Oak
    Experts and kiln owners discuss the proper drying schedule and the best equipment for drying thick Red Oak boards. August 13, 2014

    Dealing with Variable Moisture Content in the Kiln Load
    Mixed loads with varied moisture contents are an age-old problem with no easy solution. But here are some ways to approach the situation. June 13, 2014

    Darkening Problem when Heating Ash to Kill Borers
    Dry the wood first, then heat it, says the Wood Doctor. July 29, 2011

    Wide Miters in Wood Countertops
    This long discussion about a proposed custom project includes good explanations for why miters in wide solid wood don't work, and some suggested methods to use instead. November 14, 2014

    Wood Movement Issues in a Solid Wood Bench Seat
    Advice on how to allow for wood movement in bench seating in a commercial space. December 26, 2006

    Wood Movement After Re-Sawing
    It's common for boards to twist, bow, or cup after being re-sawn. Here's some explanation. March 4, 2009

    Warping, Moisture, and Wood Shape Memory
    Will a piece of wood that was restrained to prevent warping during drying warp later, while in use? Only if the moisture in its environment varies. October 30, 2005

    Regaining MC in overdry wood
    Is machinability lost when lumber has been overdried, then had moisture put back in? May 17, 2003

    Ideal Humidity in a Wood Shop
    Indoor humidity levels correspond with wood moisture content. Here's advice on humidity control. October 26, 2012

    Moisture Content of Western Red Cedar
    A stable wood that is typically serves exterior uses, Western Red Cedar is usually delivered at about 12% moisture content. But you can find it drier than that. July 28, 2006

    Relative Humidity in the Wood Storage Area
    Advice on what humidity level to maintain where rough lumber is stored, and how to accomplish that. September 23, 2008

    Mixing Frozen and Green Lumber in a Kiln
    It's best to separate the loads. Here's some insight into why. December 9, 2010

    Moisture transfer in humid climes
    Do tropical and sub-tropical species re-absorb moisture when left in their humid, native lands? September 6, 2000

    Kiln Drying Gum
    Sap Gum and Red Gum should be dried separately using different schedules. January 2, 2012

    Cupping, Bowing KD VG WR Cedar?
    More fun with wood moisture: Figuring out why some supposedly kiln-dried cedar boards cupped and bowed after being resawn and planed. January 26, 2008

    Door Finishing and Wood Movement
    Thoughts on how to prevent bare wood from being exposed when door panels and frames shrink during dry seasons. November 13, 2009

    Dehumidifier Kiln "Hanging Up"
    Dehumidifier kilns sometimes stall as moisture content readings get closer to the target. An extra shot of heat can help a lot. July 3, 2008

    Commercial Countertop Shrinkage
    A very long laminate countertop in an industrial loft buildout experiences movement problems because of humidity changes. January 12, 2012

    A Humidity-Controlled Display Case
    A cabinetmaker gets advice on appropriate details for a climate-controlled display case for musical instruments. October 8, 2005

    Air-dried lumber
    Is it air-dried cherry acceptable for furnituremaking? March 20, 2001

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