kiln drying sheffield

[rsk]

I have got some pieces of air dried ash to make a couple of tables out of, between 30 and 80mm thicknesses. It was about 18% moisture when I got it, and I've had it stacked up in the house (under the bed..) to try and get the moisture down to 10% before I do the final milling. But it's been sat there for 7 months and moisture is still over 13% and I am getting impatient. So I'm wondering about taking it to a kiln to get it dried, but I imagine commercial kilns are probably set up for doing large batches of green timber rather than bits that individuals bring in. Anyone heard of kilns where you can take a few bits in? Anyone know of any kilns near Sheffield or South Yorkshire?

 

[woodbloke66]

I have got some pieces of air dried ash to make a couple of tables out of, between 30 and 80mm thicknesses. It was about 18% moisture when I got it, and I've had it stacked up in the house (under the bed..) to try and get the moisture down to 10% before I do the final milling. But it's been sat there for 7 months and moisture is still over 13% and I am getting impatient. So I'm wondering about taking it to a kiln to get it dried, but I imagine commercial kilns are probably set up for doing large batches of green timber rather than bits that individuals bring in. Anyone heard of kilns where you can take a few bits in? Anyone know of any kilns near Sheffield or South Yorkshire?

I'd be inclined to mill it to rough, approximate sizes (say 6-8mm over) and leave it for another couple of months under the bed or in a cool, unheated room. It should then come down to the required MS without too much bother when it can then be reduced to a couple of mm over final size to allow for any last minute movement - Rob

 

[Jacob]

I'd go a small step further, 6 to 8mm over (or more for long lengths), and cut it up to near finish sizes according to your design and cutting list.
Then stack for as long as you can wait. Can be in the warm as it sounds dryish already and being reduced in size reduces risk of splits.
There are DIY drying processes involving dehumidifers and air tight containers but thats all I know about them.

 

[woodbloke66]

I'd go a small step further, 6 to 8mm over (or more for long lengths), and cut it up to near finish sizes according to your design and cutting list.
Then stack for as long as you can wait. Can be in the warm as it sounds dryish already and being reduced in size reduces risk of splits.
There are DIY drying processes involving dehumidifers and air tight containers but thats all I know about them.

I was being overly cautious but generally yep, this ought to be fine with Ash. I'd take the slightly longer approach if it were elm which can warp and twist at the drop of the proverbial chapeau - Rob