Thermal Modification Science Fair Project Wins First Place
Felicia Brooks tests 3 criteria in science fair project that addresses issues in thermal modification technology to understand if British Columbia pine beetle wood can be used as a more sensible and environmental choice for wood products requiring durability. Felicia won best overall in her category of earth and environmental sciences. She was also awarded [...]
What happens to all that blue-stained pine?
Sustainability question: What happens to all that blue-stained pine? It is no mystery that the recent outbreak of mountain pine beetle has affected British Columbia forests and will continue for the following years as it continues to consume many more millions of hectares of forest lands. Mountain pine beetles successfully kill trees by laying eggs [...]
Guidelines for Successful Thermal Modification Pt. 3
14. Pre-stack lumber to save on setup time – Do not let your thermal modification kiln sit idle while waiting for wood. Have next wood load ready before the current modification cycle is finished. As soon as the wood inside the kiln is done being modified and taken out, having wood ready to go in [...]
Guidelines for Successful Thermal Modification Pt. 2
8. Diversify location of heat sensors – Like moisture sensors, heat sensors should be introduced in wood in different locations to get a better picture of temperature inside the wood across the whole batch. Try locating sensors at varying heights and distances from the fan and radiator. 9. Watch where you drill holes for heat [...]
Guidelines for Successful Thermal Modification Pt. 1
Kiln operations must be effective and efficient for Thermal Modification technology to be successful. Effective thermal modification produces quality wood that meets the appearance and performance expectations. Outgoing wood is darkened and becomes better in biological durability, dimensional stability, and stain performance. Efficient operations ensure these wood enhancements are realized at a reasonable cost. Thermally [...]
Adding Value to Poplar
Poplar is a soft hardwood often undervalued because of its lighter white color which is not often desirable for furniture construction. From a technical standpoint however, it is still a great wood species for wood products because of its even texture and ease of machinability. Because of this and its ability to take glue and [...]
Everything Exotic but the Price
Exotic woods have everything going for them to be the choice of wood for fine woodcraft and durable construction. Well, almost. Exotics stand out. Be it an exotic red Ferrari or exotic Honduran Mahogany. Exotic woods have bright, dark, or an otherwise distinct color. They look nothing like your average IKEA pine furniture stock. A [...]
