Correct way to dry slabs

[Ironworker]

First I want to start off by saying this is a great site and has helped me alot, I am doing a little research before I buy a mill and one question I have is what is the correct procedure for drying slabs and how long, also is bringing them to a kiln an option. One other thing is does anyone know where I can buy an Alaskan Mill in the hudson valley (New York), I would like to get it from a small local dealer.

 

[BobL]

what is the correct procedure for drying slabs

There is no single correct procedure but here are a few guidelines
- laying down on a flat surface
- use 3/4" to 1" gaps between slabs using spacers or stickers about 18" apart and lined up vertically, including on the ends of the slabs.
- no direct sunshine
- not in a totally enclosed space ie some ventilation is needed
- strapped or weighted down if possible

how long

This depends on the how well you stick to the guidelines and the average ambient temperature and humidity and how dry you want them.
To be sure to get them to around 12% MC folks use 1" per year but in my neck of the woods its more like one summer per inch.
I've notice a difference between storing them on one side of a shed compared to the other. One side of the shed receives direct sunlight on it but the other one doesn't.

also is bringing them to a kiln an option.

yes it is always an option, but unless you have access to one it could be expensive.

 

[Dave Boyt]

BobL pretty much covered it. When I dry slabs, I keep them in order with 1" stickers between them. Then I try to forget about them for a couple of years. You might find a kiln that would accept them, but think about how you will use them. For many applications air dry is ok, even if they will be used indoors. Biggest thing in my opinion is to get rid of the bugs. That takes about 140*F for several hours (1 hour, plus 1 hour per inch of thickness would be a minimum). Here's how I stack slabs for air drying.

View attachment 296749

 

[Pfin]

You may also consider making your own kiln on the cheap, solar or dehumidification. Depending on your use and location. I'm sure there are many opinions here on each and the best way to build one.

 

[flashhole]

opcorn:

 

[AndyPete]

andypete

First I want to start off by saying this is a great site and has helped me alot, I am doing a little research before I buy a mill and one question I have is what is the correct procedure for drying slabs and how long, also is bringing them to a kiln an option. One other thing is does anyone know where I can buy an Alaskan Mill in the hudson valley (New York), I would like to get it from a small local dealer.

I tried to buy an Alaskan (Granberg Mill) from Northern Tools, there largest retail dealer, they only sell the models they stock. No luck on the big mill. I then tried Baileys and got put on hold so long I quit. I then called the factory and explained my predicament in trying to buy there product. I was immediately put in touch with online sales and was offered a generous discount for buying multiple items. The complete package was sent to my door in less than a week. I also purchased a 3120xp to run this CSM. My first project is slabbing up a 52 in pine for a ranch gate top, and then a Big burly maple thats 5' at the butt. I am very interested in how the husky runs? I flipped the coin! I am a Stihl 441 owner and decided to try something different. Time for assembly!

 

[Dave Boyt]

AndyPete, welcome to the Arborsite & to chain saw milling. You are already showing early signs of CAD (chainsaw addictive disorder) with your purchase of a new chain saw. Pretty soon, it will be a bigger truck, tractor, trailer, winches, and possibly a band saw mill. You're one of us, now! I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your projects.

 

[flashhole]

I thought CAD was Chainsaw Acquisition Disorder ... as in you can't stop buying them.

 

[Dave Boyt]

I stand corrected.