Drying Wood

[TominZebulon]

Ok folks, got a question. I just bought some walnut this am that was sawn into 4/4 about a month ago. After I stacked and stickered it in the attic of my workshop, I borrowed a moisture meter and took some readings. Except for the thick stuff, most of it is reading about 17%. How low can I expect it to get in this area by just air drying it? And does anyone think it will still move a lot? I have never tried this before and want to make sure I don't end up with firewood. I have read several articles in AWW and FWW, but I am not sure how low I can expect it to get to in our area.

 

[Kyle]

10-12% is max unless in a heated space with ventilation or an area that is heated and cooled by an HVAC unit.


This still wont preclude any insects from emerging IF they are present. Once below a certain moiture content they typically escape and do not return.

HEAT above 135F for 24 hours is the only thing to eliminate all insects and larvae.


Walnut is very easy to dry compared to Oak or white woods.

 

[jeff...]

Kyle have you ever had a bug infested black walnut board? I would think the natual insecticde in black walnut would be enough to ward off any bugs. But I don't know this to be fact either. The few walnuts I've sliced up I havn't seen hide nor hair of any bugs.

Thanks

 

[Kyle]

yes.. walnut can become bug infested. Some of those critters dont mind juglone at all. Emerald ash borer likes all wood the same.


Remember buy wood AT your campsite. Dont take it with you.

 

[jeff...]

Thanks Kyle, I keep an eye open - so far so good no black walnut bugs there. I read up the the Emerald ash borer in the WoodMizer Way mag they send every month. Nasty little devils they are.

 

[TominZebulon]

Thanks Kyle! What does most wood start at when the tree is cut down or when the log is sawn up? Am I inviting trouble if I set up a fan at the end of the stack to force air through it?