Air dried vs kiln dried

[Terry Q]

In 1967 during my junior year in high school I made a table using Maple and Walnut. The table wasn't anything special and I finally got tired of looking at it so I cut it up. The difference in colour is remarkable. The top blank is air dried, bottom kiln dried. The air dried has a much richer colour. No artificial colouring needed. Wish I had a couple hundred feet.

 

[Vic Perrin]

Never mind a couple of hundred feet one of them beauties would do for me

 

[wm460]

That is a big difference, could you leave the kiln dried wood in a window in sunlight to darken it?

 

[chas_41_uk]

I never realised that the two different drying methods would cause such a difference in the wood

Never mind a couple of hundred feet one of them beauties would do for me

I know what you mean Vic they are beauties

 

[Penpal]

Lesson ten this morning thanks for the comparison Love them both. Interesting to watch the mill owners face as you ask was this timber kiln dried or air dried. So happy you are back in the land of the makers once more mate.

Peter.

 

[Terry Q]

That is a big difference, could you leave the kiln dried wood in a window in sunlight to darken it?

No, in fact just the opposite happens. Walnut turns gray over time.

 

[Jim]

Looks like it also affects the grain Terry .. Agree with the others that these are special blanks ..

 

[Bill Mooney]

Two beautiful blanks Terry. The colour difference is very noticeable.

 

[bassethound]

Really lovely blanks..

 

[Penpal]

The Walnuts I have Terry on the shelf in the sun would have a different smell always glad when I finish cutting up.

Peter.

 

[Terry Q]

The Walnuts I have Terry on the shelf in the sun would have a different smell always glad when I finish cutting up.

Peter.

I agree Peter. Walnut is lovely to look at but I don't like the smell of it either.