How hard would it be to build a kiln just to kill powder post beetles?

[Scott T Smith]

I think that it is issue #202, Nov. 2008
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2008...harden-the-sap

Yup, that's it. Pretty simple concept.

[John TenEyck]

Let me suggest an experiment;

Start with a chunk of wood in an oven. 4 x 4 x 12 oak with a meat thermometer into the center. Set the oven to 140 and see how long it takes to get the inside to 135.

I haven't sterilized anything thicker than 8/4 and 24 hours is more than enough to reach 135F and stay there for at least 3 hours. I'm already starting at 110F or higher at the end of the drying cycle. For something 4" thick I'd have to run an experiment, as you suggest, but it's just a matter of time and likely not all that much as the piece you specified is only 4 x 4. It's just not that hard, or expensive, to sterilize (kill bugs) wood if you have a need.

John