A kiln for drying Bowls and other turnings.
The photos below describe some of the steps taken to turn a discarded upright freezer into a bowl drying kiln. If you are not familiar with electrical codes please contact some one who is to assist in building this project.
To operate the kiln you coat the end grain of the turnings with green wood sealer, check the moisture content of the turnings load the kiln with rough turnings turn on the light close and lock the door and check the moisture content in a week.
Start with a 40 watt bulb when you first put the blanks in the kiln. When the moisture content reaches 14% to 16% put in a 60 watt bulb. At 12% or less put in a 75 watt bulb. In another week or so the moisture content will be down to 6% to 8%. At this point you can turn off the kiln and let it cool.
Drying times will vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels outside your kiln. If you find the light has burned out go back to the 40 watt bulb for a day, and then up the wattage of the bulb every day until you are at the point where the bulb blew.
You should be able to find a discarded freezer at a appliance repair shop. The rest of the materials can be purchased from your local home center.
I would like to thank Joe Herrmann from Woodturning Design for referring me to Kelly Dunn and Phil Lapp who provided information to me on building the kiln.
