drying 2" Douglas Fir to shop grade

[cork46]

I just recently became the kiln operator for tri pro forest in Orofino Idaho and we are going to be drying 2" douglas fir to shop grade.  was wondering if anyone out there has attempted this and what sort of schedule did you use.  there is a mixture of hard and soft in the charges if that helps.  Any info anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.   

[MichaelM]

Download “Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial woods” at http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr57.pdf

Use schedule 294, except you might bring it to temperature a little slower and limit the depression at the end to 30-35F (this depends on final mc). 40F is ok if the wood is going to 8-10% 

Follow the equalizing and conditioning procedures in Appendix A.


Mike M.

[cork46]

Thank you very much for the info. I was getting a little nervous doing this 2" random width down to shop at 12%

[R Kiesling]

That answer helped me out as well with another mill I was at.