Drying Timber Logs: Surprising Ease & Benefits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ease of drying timber logs in outdoor conditions, particularly focusing on the effects of bark and moisture retention. Participants explore the mechanisms behind moisture loss and gain in wood, as well as personal anecdotes related to timber drying methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses surprise at the ease of drying timber logs outdoors and questions whether the presence of bark aids in moisture loss.
  • There is speculation about a potential "ratchet system" that might facilitate moisture loss while making it harder for logs to regain moisture once dried.
  • A comparison is made between the drying process of wood and inflating a balloon, suggesting that it may be easier for moisture to escape than to enter.
  • Another participant suggests conducting an experiment to test the permeability of bark when wet.
  • Some participants share humorous remarks about using unconventional methods for drying timber, referencing explosives and military backgrounds.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes a mix of exploratory ideas and humorous exchanges, with no clear consensus on the mechanisms of moisture retention and loss in timber drying. Participants have differing views on the practicality of various drying methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed experimental data or definitions regarding the drying process, and assumptions about the effects of bark on moisture retention remain unverified.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in woodworking, timber processing, or experimental methods related to moisture management in wood may find this discussion relevant.

geordief
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I am a bit surprised (pleasantly surprised) at how easy it is to dry out logs of timber in the fairly damp ,outdoor and uncovered conditions I leave them out in.
And I am wondering if there is something to the drying that I am not aware of.
Now I am talking of logs that have the bark on and I assume that this is very helpful.
But is there some kind of a ratchet system involved that makes it easier for the logs to lose moisture than to regain it?
Is it a bit like blowing up a balloon where it is hard to blow up but easy to let the air out?
Does the fact that the wood shrinks as it dries mean that , when it gets wet with rain it is much harder for the wood to absorb the new source of moisture?
 
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you could do an experiment, get some bark and wet is some how, and see if it is harder to get water through it from one side or the other.
 
I've always relied upon Thermite, but I'm just lazy.
 
Danger, anyone who uses C4 to down the tree is bound to take the termite route in drying it..LAZY! you must have been in the Combat Engineers in a previous life!
 
Ranger Mike said:
you must have been in the Combat Engineers in a previous life!

Not personally, but all of my 20 or so uncles were in WWII (even a couple at Normandy), so I guess that part of that is in my blood. I am as proud of belonging to my Legion as I am of belonging to PF.
 
:bugeye:
me too!
 
Ranger Mike said:
:bugeye:
me too!

Then we have something in common beyond our shared love of automobiles. :approve:
 

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