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Author Topic: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?  (Read 52143 times)

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #25 on: June 19, 2009, 01:30:04 PM »
Pull the pin roll it in.  Money talks, the other walks.  ;D

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #26 on: June 19, 2009, 04:20:49 PM »
Now how ever ends up with it I will sell the paper wpok for $1,000,000   :o ;D

Offline Kirk Allen

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #27 on: June 19, 2009, 09:12:24 PM »
Hey, thats my line Frank :D
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching!

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #28 on: June 22, 2009, 07:29:42 PM »
Made pretty good progress on the kiln today Got the three sides framed and roof framed Going to paint everything black then put on roofing Taking pics as I go maybe I can post this weekend ;D

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #29 on: June 23, 2009, 07:19:40 AM »
Sounds progressive to me, Carl.

I picked up another heat exchanger, similair to the present one, I use.  Good day yesterday. ;D ;D

Offline Kirk Allen

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #30 on: June 24, 2009, 10:02:45 AM »
Heat index of 105 right now :o 

Hot, Humid, and not a breeze one :(

Works stoppage until dark :'(
« Last Edit: June 28, 2009, 06:53:26 PM by Kirk Allen »
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Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #31 on: June 28, 2009, 02:42:45 PM »
Well I got the roof on the kiln today ;D now I need to insulate and finish the inside and build doors. Out side I used board and batten siding. Ordered 1 solar powered fan If it works as good as I have read I will add two more ;)

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #32 on: June 28, 2009, 10:25:10 PM »
What did you use for sheeting under the boar and batting?  How about insolation?  What are you going to use?  If you can find some of that reflection material, similar to alum.foil, might be a good idea for on the inside, after you insolate.

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #33 on: June 30, 2009, 07:23:42 PM »
No sheeting under the siding Frank I dont want to trap any moisture in the outside framework of the building if that makes any sence. I am using R13 insulation inside covered with 6 mil poly and then 1/2 inch plywood on inside walls Then paint every surface black to retain heat. Whats your thoughs on the reflective mat on the inside of the kiln do you think it would create more heat ? as opposed to the black surfaces retaining heat.

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #34 on: July 01, 2009, 07:02:21 AM »
I have had some folks indicate that it might me a good idea, but I am not convinced that it would make much difference.  The idea o the plastic and painting all black sounds good to me.  You might consider using a high quality exterior paint for the inside, due to all of the moisture that you are creating with the drying and the acids in the moisture from the wood.

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #35 on: July 06, 2009, 02:05:02 PM »
Insulated and hung the plywood inside the kiln today ;D But had to stop around 2:00 temps got up to 123 degrees :o inside 83 degrees out side I havent even built the doors or painted the wall yet ;D Going back out around 6:00 this evening to work a little more If it cools down some inside the kiln

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #36 on: July 06, 2009, 09:41:42 PM »
Are you using pressure treated plywood, or simply exterior?

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #37 on: July 15, 2009, 07:47:41 PM »
Using exterior plywood. Every thing is hung and painted black. I used a tar based paint that is used around here on fencing. It is for above grade or below grade use. Has insect repelent and is rot resistent. Hanging the fan wall tomorrow and instaling the one fan which seems to work quite well.I'll order the other two this week. Hope to have the doors on and kiln loaded and running mid week next week ;D

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #38 on: July 20, 2009, 07:50:57 AM »
Up and running, this week?

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #39 on: July 20, 2009, 03:47:49 PM »
Yep By friday ;D

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #40 on: July 20, 2009, 03:55:45 PM »
Julian, what did you end up doing with the dehumider? are you still using it?

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #41 on: July 21, 2009, 09:01:32 AM »
Check on the price of an Ebac 800 and see what they are running in price.  I might just sell you mine.  I believe it needs to have the freon stuff added and I will do that if you are interested.

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #42 on: August 16, 2009, 04:58:03 PM »
It got so HOTT in the kiln yesterday it mailted the thermometer  :o >:( ;D

Offline Kirk Allen

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #43 on: August 16, 2009, 07:40:46 PM »
Thats HOT! 
Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching!

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #44 on: August 31, 2009, 04:03:41 PM »
Unloaded the first load of lumber out of the new kiln today. 1600 bf sweet gum and oak all 4/4 and 5/4 thick   28 days 8%  ;D  Will reload tomorrow and deliver this load to customer ;)

Offline Kirk Allen

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #45 on: September 01, 2009, 09:17:08 PM »
Congradulations.  How did the gum turn out?  I never have had much luck with 4/4 gum.
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Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #46 on: September 02, 2009, 05:22:24 PM »
Not to bad. Air drying it stayed nice and strait I had 2x8 sheets of diamond plate steel with old dry bags of portland cement on top for weight The wood cupped a little in the kiln but I think 90% is still useable once planed :D

Offline Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #47 on: September 03, 2009, 05:56:19 PM »
Sounds like as success, Carl.  Well done! ;D

Offline julian the woodnut

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #48 on: September 05, 2009, 06:04:10 PM »
Carl, yes I am still using the kiln a little. Work has been terribly slow and I have another kid on the way so I haven't spent any cash on getting another log milled, but I have dried some shorts that I have milled with my 14" bandsaw.

Offline Carl Middleton

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Re: Adding a dehumidifier to a solar kiln?
« Reply #49 on: September 07, 2009, 06:00:38 AM »
Julian, Have you considered drying lumber for other people for extra income. I know how much kids cost. :o You can place an ad on Craig's list for drying services. I would bet within a month you would get a responce. I charge .35 a board foot.  Not a lot of cash but every little bit helps ;D