Drying wood

[John Torchick]

Have a small toaster oven but like something bigger. I know there are kilns made from old refrigerators. Could one be run off solar panels in my storage building? No room in the shop or basement. Thanks. Asking as my neighbor works with rental managers to clean out old appliances, etc.

 

[John K Jordan]

Have a small toaster oven but like something bigger. I know there are kilns made from old refrigerators. Could one be run off solar panels in my storage building? No room in the shop or basement. Thanks. Asking as my neighbor works with rental managers to clean out old appliances, etc.

I've read many times over the years of people using an (insulated) fridge or freezer, cutting some vent holes near bottom and top so moisture can escape, then heat gently with incandescent light bulbs near the bottom. If you have no power in your storage building, I can't see why solar panels wouldn't work = as long as they can supply enough power to power an incandescent bulb.

I'd have to do some research to try to find what wattage has been used successfully. Or maybe someone will chime in with their experience.

JKJ

 

[John Torchick]

Thanks, JKJ. Will check Internet and Ye Olde YouTube, too. I might be able to shuffle a few things in the basement. Power drain wouldn't be to much.

 

[Wally Crawford]

I use an electric space heater attached to a thermostat for more accurate control. Heating devices like mine are power hungry, so probably would not work with your solar, but if you decide to move it to the basement, it has been an awesome set up.

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

I use to run lights in an old fridge. Now I just run a tiny fan to pull moisture out. I can return a hf in about 2 months . Probably above 98% success rates. The key is to leave just enough moisture in there to keep things slowly drying. Turn down to say 10% of intended form thickness and round corners before you put it in. Weigh ever week or so till it stops losing weight.