Replies

1. 
   Decovic | Jun 01, 2011 03:41pm | #1

   Lumber moisture content

   Typical air dry time is 1 year / inch of thickness.  You can expect those 4" thick slabs to be ready in a couple more years.  I consider 8% to be just fine, but you should have an idea where the wood is going to be used before you make that call.  The two main reasons kiln dried is "better" than air dried are:

   1.) Kiln drying lumber kills any bugs in the wood

   2.) Modern HVAC systems tend to keep the humidity in modern homes much lower than exterior ambient.  So, air dried wood can continue to shrink and check more so than kiln dried lumber.  On the flip side, kiln dried lumber stored in a barn will tend to absorb moisture back up to "ambient" so...

   Since it looks like you're in New Hampshire, I'd get to it.

   Also, the higher moisture content big stuff may actually be better for turning now rather than fully dry.  I'm not a turner, but I know a lot of turners turn wood that's green and then let it finish drying in a controlled manner (storing it in a plastic bag, etc.). 

   http://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/green.htm

1. 
   jrmdog | Jun 02, 2011 03:56pm | #2

   air-dried cherry wood

   Hi,  Thanks for your advice and information on my cherry wood.  I was contacted by a turner and as you mentioned, he was most interested in the slabs.   Well, thanks again for help.     jrmdog

2. 
   PheasantHunter | Jun 05, 2011 07:13pm | #3

   Moisture

   The easy way to see if 8% is dry enough is compare it to some wood in your shop.  If you have some kiln or air dried lumber that has been in your shop for months or years check it or wood in your house.  There is no magic number it just needs to be close to what "seasoned" wood in your shop or house.  There are lots of downside to kiln dried lumber if it isn't done right...

1. 
   jrmdog | Jun 08, 2011 06:19pm | #4

   air drying cherry

   Thanks for note on the M/C on the cherry.  I will take your advice and check around with my meter.  Also, if you don't mind my asking, what do you mean by the drawbacks to kiln dried wood which was incorrectly dried?  Thanks again for your insight.    jrmdog