Seasoning Lumber to Meet Rigid Moisture Specifications

Individual boards from a kiln charge of 5/4 hard maple attained uniform average moisture contents near 9 percent by first drying all boards below the desired average moisture content, and then adding moisture by a 10 percent EMC atmosphere during equalization. Equalization is begun when the centers of the boards reach the desired final average moisture content. Major drying stresses are also relieved by the process. This departure from conventional drying and equalization materially reduces kiln time by drying the centers of the stock to the desired average level, eliminating the long equalization time required to bring the centers to an average value using a lesser moisture gradient. In commercial practice, additional equipment for adding moisture at low temperatures would be needed to attain a high EMC rapidly at the end of drying.

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