Solar kiln

We constructed this nifty 8x8x12' passive-solar kiln. And boy does it work, not to mention save money! Better still, we developed a plan for our kiln so you can build one just like it.

By Dave Munkittrick…

WOODWEB's Sawing and Drying Forum - Message

Solar kilns offer numerous advantages for hobbyists and professional woodworkers, including cost savings, simplicity, and eco-friendliness.

An example of a fan-and-plastic-sheeting setup that forces air through the lumber stack. May 14, 2006

I got my hands on some tree parts locally that I want to use in a workbench later, but needed and cheap and easy way to speed up drying them.

Making my own kiln for pottery was a goal I set when I realized that buying one might be too expensive for my budget. So, I started looking into cheaper DIY solutions. I found out that with some basic materials and a bit of creativity, it's possible to build a functional kiln. The process involved lots of trial and error, but it was a rewarding learning experience. I gathered information from various sources, took notes, and finally came up with a design that met my needs without breaking…

The solar kiln is based on the well know Virginia Tech design, adapted for my own needs and materials I could find easily on local hardware stores. Mine is a small one, with a gross storage space inside of about 1.5 m in length, 0.85 m wide and 0.65 high (~5’ x 2.75’ x 2’ ).

New solar kiln begins - Page 2