Wood drying is an important part of the woodworking process. Wood expands and contracts due to moisture content. When the moisture content of the wood is too high, it will crack or warp. Wood drying can be done using kilns, electric dryers, or natural air drying. However, the safest way is to use a kiln that has specific requirements for temperature and humidity levels. A lot of these requirements are not met by most homes. So today I am going to tell you how to make your own DIY wood drying kiln!
The materials for a DIY kiln
The first step to making the kiln is to gather all of the necessary materials. For this project, you will need a large cardboard box, wire mesh, coarse-grade sandpaper, a 5-gallon bucket, a lid that fits the bucket, duct tape, and wood shavings or chips (optional).
Next step is to create the frame for your kiln. The frame needs to be 2 feet wide by 2 feet high with a 3-inch opening on top. Make sure that your frame is sturdy and level.
Next step is to cover your box with wire mesh using pieces of duct tape. Use long sections of wire mesh and tape them together in order to span the width of your box. Twisting both ends helps make it more stable.
Now it’s time to turn your cardboard box into an airtight vessel! To do this, lay strips of duct tape down on one side of your box as if you were taping up a shoe box. Next wrap up the other side of the cardboard just like you did on the first side. Keep going until you have covered every inch!
Tips and tricks for the construction process
The construction of this kiln is fairly simple, and the materials for it are not too expensive. The most difficult part of the construction process will be the sizing of the top.
Conclusion
Once you’ve built your DIY kiln, you need to learn how to use it.
There are a few different methods for drying wood. This is your first step in learning how to dry wood, so please read this entire guide before you begin.