Keep it simple

Abstract

There are many books on how to dry lumber for quality and profit and they are very helpful in understanding that the simple things that we do at the kiln are the most valuable. For example, lets start at the stick plant. By using well manufactured tickers that are the same thickness and length, we can produce nice straight lumber inside the kiln. The stickers should also line up with each other all the way down to the cart support bars so this will give plenty of support for the loads above. When choosing a sticker size, one must balance maximum air flow (thicker stickers) and maximum kiln capacity (thinner stickers). Also, by using 2-in spacers instead of 4-in spacers, you can put more lumber inside your kilns and have a smaller area for which air can travel through helping the rest of the load get more air, heat and humidity that it needs to dry the lumber. Now on to the kiln. The integrity of the kilns are very important, good baffling is a must to help air, heat and humidity be forced through the stickers.