SEASONING OFTIMBER

1. PRESENTED BY : ADONICA BYNOE-BARNON

2. Natural / Air Seasoning
Artificial/ Kiln seasoning

3.  With this process the timber is roughly sawn to
size and stacked using spacers called stickers,
with the timber stacked in the open air.
 Vertical spacing achieved by using timber
battens (25mm) of the same species. The piling
sticks should be spaced close enough to prevent
bowing (600 to 9 00 mm centres ) This allows
the free movement of air.
 The ends of the beams must be painted to
prevent splitting.

5.  The stack should be protected from the
direct influence of the elements

7.  ADVANTAGES-
A. No expensive equipment needed
B. Small labour cost once stack is made
C. Environmentally friendly- uses little energy
 DISADVANTAGES
A. Slow drying rate
B. Large area of space required for a lot of
timber
C. Only dries the timber to approximately 20%
M.C. so leaving it open to some insect and
fungal attacks while it is only suitable for
outdoor joinery

8.  There are two main types of kiln used in
artificial seasoning: COMPARTMENT KILN AND
PROGRESSIVE KILN.
 Both methods rely on the controlled
environment to dry out the timber and
require the following factors:
1. Forced air circulation by using large fans,
blowers, etc.
2. Heat of some form provided by piped steam.
3. Humidity control provided by steam jets.

9.  The amount and duration of air, heat and
humidity again depends on species, size,
quantity, etc.
 In general, the atmosphere in the kiln at first
will be cool and moist
 The temperature is gradually increased and
the humidity reduced until the required
moisture content is achieved.

14.  ADVANTAGES:
 Quicker due to higher temperatures,
ventilation and air circulation
 Achieve a lower moisture content
 Defects associated with drying can be
controlled
 Allows more precise rates of drying for
various timber species and thickness of
boards

15.  DISADVANTAGES:
 Is expensive
 Requires supervision by a skilled operator
 Uses a lot of energy

16.  DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF AIR DRYING
TIMBER
 WHAT ARE THE TWO TYPES OF KILN USED
FOR SEASONING TIMBER?
 GIVE TWO ADVANTAGES AND TWO
DISADVANTAGES OF EACH METHOD OF
SEASONING.
 STAY IN THE GROUPS AROUND EACH TABLE
AND STACK THE PIECES OF TIMBER AS FOR
AIR DRYING.

17. THE END!