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Page 13
OPERATING YOUR APPLIANCE (Continued)
Seasoning Wood (Continued)
Place firewood in an open area to obtain rapid drying and to prevent deterioration.
Preferably, put a cover on the top tier of wood. If you cut trees in summer, let them lie for a
week. The leaves will draw moisture from the wood and dry it more quickly than if you limb
the tree immediately.
Seasoning can be accelerated greatly by simply stacking fuelwood in a sunny location and
then covering it with clear plastic sheeting. In sunny weather, temperatures within the plastic
covering will rise much higher than outside, warming the wood and evaporating the
contained moisture. The water vapor produced either escapes or condenses on the plastic
covering; therefore some arrangement for ventilation is necessary. It is also desirable to hold
the plastic away from the rough ends of the wood to prevent abrasion, allow air to flow, and
keep any condensation from re-wetting the wood.
SOLAR WOOD DRYER
In sunny weather, the temperature within the dryer rises much higher than outside
temperatures, warming the wood and evaporating the contained moisture.
Raise stack off
the ground to
increase air flow
Cover with 4 mil Polyethylene
Prevailing Winds
Air flow
Air flow
Air flow
Many arrangements for plastic covering are possible. Thin 2 millimeter, clear polyethylene
sheeting sold for drop cloths or garden mulching is not recommended because it is easily
torn. The 4 millimeter thickness is more satisfactory and less costly than 6 millimeter. Any
clear polyethylene deteriorates badly after a few months of exposure to full sunlight, so the
stack may have to be re-roofed to remain dry over winter.