Learn how to dry wood at kiln-drying course Aug. 11-14

The 31st annual Kiln-Drying Short Course will be Aug. 11-14 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus.

The course is designed to provide basic training for dry kiln operators and supervisors, but anyone desiring to learn more about kiln construction, kiln operation and wood-moisture relations is encouraged to attend.

The course fee is $395 per person, which includes refreshments, handout materials and one evening dinner. Registration is limited to 30 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

No previous drying experience or training is necessary, says Harlan Petersen, forest products specialist with University of Minnesota Extension.

Instruction will include lectures, demonstrations and “hands on” kiln-drying experience. Conventional kiln-drying of hardwood lumber will be emphasized; however, dehumidification drying, solar drying, and air-drying, will also be covered. Ample time will be available for group interaction as well as for individual consultation.

The University of Minnesota’s Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering sponsors the course, in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Forest Ecology and Management.

For more information, visit http://www.bbe.umn.edu/extens/shortcourses/kdsc.html, call Petersen at (612) 624-3407, or email him at harlan@umn.edu.