Help support the WCHA Forums by making a tax-deductible donation!

Air dried wood vs kinl dried wood

Discussion in 'Wood and Canvas' started by Brian J Knudsen, Nov 18, 2020.

  1. Brian J Knudsen

    Brian J Knudsen Curious about Wooden Canoes

    Is it necessary or better to use air-dried wood for all of the different parts of the canoe?

    I've learned that it is best to use air-dried wood for the stems. Is it something to consider when getting planking material, ribs, and rails? I'm guessing yes on the rails, but no on the ribs and planking, but I don't know.

    Thank you,
    Brian
     
    Brian J Knudsen, Nov 18, 2020
    #1
  2. Dan Lindberg

    Dan Lindberg Ex Wood Hoarder

    Ideally you will find some air dry northern white cedar for the ribs and kiln dry western red is ok for the planking.
    Most of the planking I've cut has been from WRC from Menard's, "high graded" from construction stock.
    Here NWC is a lot harder to find, most comes from small local loggers/millers.
     
    Dan Lindberg, Nov 18, 2020
    #2
  3. Andy Hutyera

    Andy Hutyera The Red Canoe Guy

    Generally air dried wood works better for those components which are to be steam bent.
     
    Andy Hutyera, Nov 18, 2020
    #3
  4. Dan Miller

    Dan Miller cranky canoeist Staff Member

    As you have heard, air-dried is preferable. Green can be even better. However, it is possible to steam bend KD stock.

    In order to bend stems, for example, you need to select stock with no grain runout, soak it several days in water in advance, make sure your steam box is really hot (200F or more). It is also essential to use a compression strap. Make extra blanks, as you will probably break some.
     
    Dan Miller, Nov 18, 2020
    #4
    Rob Stevens likes this.

Share This Page