Join master-sawyer, Dave Boyt, as he debunks common drying myths, and explains, in easy-to-understand plain-speak, the concepts behind air drying your boards, the relationship between relative humidity and the equilibrium moisture content, and other valuable tips.
You can also check out Dave's other drying video in the Sawmill School video series ... "Cutting Blocking & Stickers" at https://www.norwoodsawmills.com/tv/index.aspx?isVideo=true&id=312955927
There are many variables as to how long it will take wood to dry: species, condition of wood, dimension sawn, manner in which the wood has been stickered and stacked, ambient temperatures and humidity levels, prevalence of wind, etc … all play a big part in drying. And, of course, what is “dry” enough depends on what you plan on doing with your wood.
1" per year is the rule of thumb, but a year of drying in Phoenix, AZ is much different from a year of drying in Seattle, WA. Also, it depends on species: Walnut for example, dries more quickly than white oak. No matter how long you air dry lumber, it will never reach the kiln-dry moisture content required for indoor furniture. Best thing is to get a moisture meter and you can monitor your boards as they dry.
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You can reach your Norwood Sawmills team at 1-800-567-040 or get all our contact info right here: http://www.norwoodsawmills.com