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General Q&A for New Turners

Systems for drying wood bowl blanks
David Chapin

I'm interested in finding a faster way to dry wet wood, specifically wet once-turned bowl blanks. I'd like your advice, please.

The standard method of "stick it in a paper bag and wait" takes TOO long, doesn't give me enough control over the process, and can lead to mold, which can ruin the wood color.


Ideally, I'd like to dry several items at once, each one as large as a 12-18" bowl blank. In an ideal world, I'd be able to fit this under my workbench.


Steve C mentioned in a recent Show and Tell that he uses an electric smoker. Following that hint, I went online and found that there are many other systems: dehumidifiers, smokers, 5 gallon buckets full of desiccant beads, as well as lots of DIY options (typified by an incandescent light bulb in the bottom of an old refrigerator).


All the electric solutions have: a heat source and ventilation holes top and bottom.

Some have more features, including: thermostatic control, an air-circulating fan, moisture sensing capabilities, etc., etc.


Cheaper is better, but I'm not above spending some money to get a good solution.


Does anyone have any advice, specifically solutions that work well or options that should be avoided?


Many thanks for any guidance.


David Chapin

dchapin150@gmail.com

@davidchapin.creative

919-612-6058



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