Shipping container Kiln

[Big Beech]

still doing some investigations in Kilns, various options about from simple solar to logosol to DIY wooden crate jobs.

Does anyone have a thought about insulated shipping containers?

 one for sale locally, but unsure if that it would suit the needs for a kiln?

Obviously needs a few tweeks here and there, but in my eyes looks to be a good staring block?

Just as a side note, this container is 10ft6 and insulated, but weather there is enough i wouldn't know? Guessing you can never have enough!

Edited December 20, 2020 by Big Beech

[Rough Hewn]

For the same price yiu could build a wooden insulated shed and buy the gubbins for inside.
Also all containers rot, either from the inside or out.
[emoji106]

[Rough Hewn]

I’m building my shed next week[emoji106]

[Big Beech]

Unit costing is around 1k plus delivery, excluding any equipment.

Life spans seem dependant on many factors, but for me it needs to a be move able unit as my yard is due to change at some stage.

But I haven't looked at equipment price, heaters and fans. Guessing 500 going by big J post. So could have a kiln for 2k, if that last 8 years that will do me!

[topchippyles]

Just paint the outside every couple of years and maintain the thing and it will be fine

[gobbypunk]

Hi I can get you one of those insulated box,s that they use for the tesco delivery trucks  they are well insulated I think my matey wa selling them for 650 but you would have to get it from his yard near bristol 

[arboriculturist]

1 hour ago, Rough Hewn said:

I’m building my shed next week

Does drying the air dried planks you have had stickered up dry for the last year or 2, really add that much value to them and make them that much more marketable.

 

If it were to add 25% to a £100 plank, which then sells for £125 then maybe it is worth the investment and additional handling costs. Handling costs money and all labour input need to be accounted for.

 

There is the issue of having a room that is kept below 10% ambient MC that has to be constantly heated, as somewhere to store the dried planks..

 

I have a 20 ft container that is already insulated with 450m celotex that could be used for the purpose and 25 solar panels 250watt that could be used to heat an accumulator during daylight hours and would heat the installation 24/7.

[Rough Hewn]

Does drying the air dried planks you have had stickered up dry for the last year or 2, really add that much value to them and make them that much more marketable.
 
If it were to add 25% to a £100 plank, which then sells for £125 then maybe it is worth the investment and additional handling costs. Handling costs money and all labour input need to be accounted for.
 
There is the issue of having a room that is kept below 10% ambient MC that has to be constantly heated, as somewhere to store the dried planks..
 
I have a 20 ft container that is already insulated with 450m celotex that could be used for the purpose and 25 solar panels 250watt that could be used to heat an accumulator during daylight hours and would heat the installation 24/7.

It’ll double or triple the price of the slabs.
Also it means the 98% of woodworkers who don’t want to wait years, can buy their kiln dried timber from me.
I’d prefer to have a kiln with mains supply.
[emoji106]

[trigger_andy]

1 hour ago, Big Beech said:

Unit costing is around 1k plus delivery, excluding any equipment.

Life spans seem dependant on many factors, but for me it needs to a be move able unit as my yard is due to change at some stage.

But I haven't looked at equipment price, heaters and fans. Guessing 500 going by big J post. So could have a kiln for 2k, if that last 8 years that will do me!

I like the idea of an insulated Container as well Simon. I'd maybe clad the outside so it looks a bit more presentable.  

[arboriculturist]

1 minute ago, Rough Hewn said:

It’ll double or triple the price of the slabs.
Also it means the 98% of woodworkers who don’t want to wait years, can buy their kiln dried timber from me.
I’d prefer to have a kiln with mains supply.

Jesus Christ !!!  Christmas has come early - 2 - 3 x air dried.

 

Is there a rule of thumb average how many years say Oak has to be kept stickered air drying before force drying.  e.g 1" slabs 9 months, 2" slabs 18 months, 3" 2 years, 4" 4 years? Thanks.

 

I would have electricity supply controlled by thermostat that takes over if the accumulated drops below a pre-determined temperature.