Wood drying is an essential step in the manufacture of most wood products to minimize the development of defects such as warp and checking. Kiln-drying under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity is the most widely used method for removing moisture from wood and achieving a low, uniform moisture. Many topics relevant to lumber drying are discussed in this manual: wood structure and wood-moisture relationships, drying methods, kiln types and instrumentation, treatment of logs and lumber prior to drying, kiln schedules and drying defects. Graphic data tables dealing with wood properties and wood-moisture relationships at various temperature are provided for hardwoods and softwoods utilized in Eastern Canada.
Reprinted in 1993 - no longer available in print format