The drying process is one of the most important steps in the processing of hardwood lumber.
Over the last year and a half, many wood products businesses have seen long-time employees leave the industry, including kiln operators and managers, taking years of experience and knowledge with them.
Penn State Extension will hold an online eight session Drying Hardwood Lumber: Back to Basics training course on Mondays from February 28 to April 11th. The course will consist of 8 hour-long sessions each Monday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Drying Hardwood Lumber: Back to Basics is geared toward new or inexperienced kiln operators, supervisors, and managers to provide the knowledge base they will need to be successful at drying hardwood lumber.
Sessions will be held on February 28th, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, April 4th & April 11th.
Participants will learn:
- Moisture’s effect on wood and wood products
- General kiln maintenance and operation
- Air-dry yard management
- Using kiln samples to monitor moisture content
- Causes of drying defects and how to minimize them
- Modifying kiln schedules to produce quality lumber
- Conditioning and stress relief
This program is made possible by the partnership of Keystone Kiln Drying Association.
To register for this course, go to https://web.cvent.com/event/6b3d38b5-77dd-42f6-95ed-bd55962a0d46/summary