Sawmill School - Air Drying Your Lumber

Join master-sawyer, Dave Boyt, as he debunks common drying myths, and explains, in easy-to-understand plain-speak, the concepts behind air drying your boards, the relationship between relative humidity and the equilibrium moisture content, and other valuable tips.

There are many variables as to how long it will take wood to dry: species, condition of wood, dimension sawn, manner in which the wood has been stickered and stacked, ambient temperatures and humidity levels, prevalence of wind, etc … all play a big part in drying. And, of course, what is “dry” enough depends on what you plan on doing with your wood.

1" per year is the rule of thumb, but a year of drying in Phoenix, AZ is much different from a year of drying in Seattle, WA. Also, it depends on species: Walnut for example, dries more quickly than white oak. No matter how long you air dry lumber, it will never reach the kiln-dry moisture content required for indoor furniture. Best thing is to get a moisture meter and you can monitor your boards as they dry.

We always value hearing from you. Please call us if you have any questions, OK?

[Caleb]

This guy is what everyone should aspire to become in their own given professions. Deeply knowledgeable, kind, and obviously enjoys his work. Super helpful video, thank you!

[oscarballard]

A great simple and direct explanation of important details. I've been milling for personal use for 12 years and it was a very steep learning curve and I'm still learning.

[ZurdiAnirmawan]

Excellent! I learned something new and interesting. Seeing such large logs being processed is incredible. The video quality is top-notch. I can't wait for the next video. Continue sharing these fantastic videos!

[NS-ddou]

This is a great video, with enough technical and scientific background and smoothly explained. Thanks Mr Boyt!

[SuperheroDon]

Thank you for educating the rest of us. Greatly appreciated

[cedarbeauty]

God bless you. I've been sawing for 25 years and it's good that your getting the knowledge out there. People just don't get in without experience.

[josephdomshy]

Your voice, cadence, and attitude (not to mention the down-to-earth topic) brings me back to my childhood days watching Red Green. You're certainly a lot more informative, though! Thanks for the information, Dave.

[georgehendry]

This is the best video I have seen on this subject. Plain and simple. Easy to understand and well done. Thank You...

[brad]

Sir. You'd be easy to Love.. you're a good teacher and I miss my Grandpa and Dad. Thanks for being the quality gentleman you are.

[kusterflattail]

Was lucky enough to know a couple gentleman like yourself in my youth that were willing to teach me important things as you do in your videos . A really teacher you are sir.

[uhmgawa]

Humble but prolific educator. Where has this breed of teachers gone?

[drakewilliams]

Thank you🤙🏼🤙🏼 I’m Now subscribed to 4 YouTubers. Your the first in woodwork, I appreciate your wisdom🙏

[seanmanwill]

I loved your video, and it was apparent right away that you knew what you were talking about.
I've been a traditional style woodcarver and furniture maker for over fifty years. My dad always told me to stack my slabs two feet off the ground, use stickers at least every two feet in a uniform vertical line, paint the end grains, edges, and both surfaces, at least 6" back from the ends to slow the drying process to reduce checking and cracking. Also, he told me to keep the sun off of it completely, and air dry one year per inch of thickness outdoors, and then two years indoors for thicker slabs. I guess that would depend on climate, but it has always served me well. Air dried lumber carves better than kiln dried.
I've been using aluminum roofing paint on the ends, but I'll start using your recommendation once I review your video and learn whatever the heck that was. 😀 Great video!
Thank you very much Sir!

[adventure-cowboy]

Amazing instructions, thank you for sharing your wisdom and guidance on a super hard process that I'm just getting into. I really like how you explain things and show each step. Wish I could work under you to learn more.

[woodlandharvesthoneycompanyllc]

Good informative video. It was really good seeing Dave on a video again. The sawmill school is a very valuable thing for Norwood Sawmills to provide.

[ShannonFreng]

Hi Dave. Your mannerisms make it quite relaxing to listen to you. The reason I'm making this comment, though, is to say I'm glad you have a kitty. I think it's an unwritten rule that every sawmill needs its cat. She probably brings good luck, too.

[rmschrader]

Fantastic video Mr. Boyt! Thank you for the education!

[Matausi]

I do enjoy listening and watching people like yourself sharing your knowledge and experience. It is so valuable. Thank you and keep it up.

[JL-]

Very excited to see you back Dave. You should do more videos

[PHenMeira]

Very good video sir, thank you for your knowledge! Regards from Brazil.