Appearance of cedar boxed-heart timber without back splitting after wood drying

- A drying combining high temperature and low humidity processing and natural drying -

Abstract

High temperature and low humidity processing to prevent surface cracking (dry-bulb temperature: 120°C, wet-bulb temperature: 90°C, 24 hours) was performed on cedar boxed-heart timber without back splitting (12cm square x length: 3m) immediately after sawing. Following this, the timber was allowed to dry naturally in order to conserve energy. Although some of the surface cracking of the timber dried naturally after high temperature and low humidity processing was only minor, there were also relatively prominent cracks. Deformation such as bending or contraction did not impair use. Dark discoloration of the timber was observed after high temperature and low humidity processing.