Solar Kiln

[John Kain]

I don't know if this thread belongs in General Woodworking or not.....

Does anyone know where I can get a good plan for making a solar kiln? I'm probably looking into one about 3X3X10, but would take any information I can get my hands on.

[Mike Cutler]

How very interesting. I'm getting ready to make one myself. A google search on "solar kiln" will give a lot of hits. Here are some links I liked.

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Homebuilt_solar_kiln.html

http://www.allwoodwork.com/article/woodwork/solarkiln.htm

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

I would start with the building. Any solar wood heat - anything you do will require a structure which you can inslulate and ventilate according to your plans.

The cheapest, fastest, and most sturdy structure I can think of is a used Steel 20' container.

The floor is hardwood too.

You can weld and bolt anything you want to the structure inside or out, set it off the ground on blocks. Pipe anything you want inside, it's fireproof, and it's got a big door already mounted.

[Bob Reda]

Theres a couple of good articles on The Oak forum relating to the building and using the solar kiln, mostly from Kip and the University of Virginia
I think it is still working, if not, let me know.

Bob

[Doug Ketellapper]

I was just Googling this exact topic yesterday and I came across a workshop at the University of Virginia that looked interesting. Here's the link:

http://www.conted.vt.edu/drysolar/

[Perry Holbrook]

There are several experts in kiln drying of all kind over at woodweb.com . Should be worth a look.

Perry