Kilns
To prevent checking and end splits while drying lumber an end coating on the logs is essential. I use a product called AnchorSeal. I try to get it painted on the end of logs within a few hours of cutting the tree. Sometimes I put a second coat on a day later.
Ebac LD-800 DH kiln. It will dry 800 board feet of air dried 4/4 hardwood in a little over 30 days. My oak kiln sticks are surfaced to a uniform thickness of 3/4" in the planer to insure the lumber dries flat.
My solar kiln with a load of oak in and ready to close up. It is based on Dr. Gene Wengert's design. I built it in 1994 and have dried 2 to 4 loads every year since then with it. The kiln holds up to 1,000 board feet of lumber. I very highly recommend this design as it is easy to build, cheap to operate, and does an excellent job. It is slow but that is the only drawback.
Front view all closed up and running. Those that subscribe to the Independent Sawmill & Woodlot magazine may recognize this kiln, as there were several pictures of it in the June/July 2002 issue.
Back view of the kiln. There are 4 vents on the back to control airflow during the drying cycle.