REPURPOSING YOUR WOODLAND MILLS SHIPPING CRATE:
HOW MIKE BUILT A STERILIZATION KILN
Woodlander Mike made his Sterilization Kiln from an HM126 Portable Sawmill shipping crate
Woodlanders are getting crafty these days, and not just by using the lumber they've milled, but by being repurposing the steel crate their Woodland Mills products are shipped in!
Mike decided to repurpose his HM126 Portable Sawmill shipping crate into a sterilization kiln after discovering powder post beetles that came out of his air-dried wood. He was shocked to find these beetles even after 2 years of a completed project.
Follow along below to see how Mike built his kiln and see how other Woodlanders have repurposed their Woodland Mills product shipping crates!
Follow along below to see how Mike built his kiln and see how other Woodlanders have repurposed their Woodland Mills product shipping crates!
"During my maiden voyage with the kiln, I registered about 176°F after two hours."
Mike's excited to tell us that his kiln will be killing bugs in no time! From what Mike has researched, 150°F air temperature should be enough to reach an internal wood temperature of 133°F. His plan is to put wood in the kiln for 24-hours prior to using it on a project with hopes to eliminate the bugs.
"I plan on finishing it with old barn tin but it works for now. I probably only have about $100 into this thing."
"I hung on to [the crate] for three years before I came up with a good use."
Mike's excited to tell us that his kiln will be killing bugs in no time! From what Mike has researched, 150°F air temperature should be enough to reach an internal wood temperature of 133°F. His plan is to put wood in the kiln for 24-hours prior to using it on a project with hopes to eliminate the bugs.
"I plan on finishing it with old barn tin but it works for now. I probably only have about $100 into this thing."
"I hung on to [the crate] for three years before I came up with a good use."
Mike started by removing the top of the crate and cutting 1 inch off the backside before rewelding it to have a slant.
He continued by covering the inside with wood, then added 1.5" of foam scraps that were given to him by a friend.
Next, Mike covered the kiln with a tarp and wrapped it in plastic sheeting he made from an IBC tote that he brought home from work.
The heat is provided by electric grill heating elements Mike found from a local second-hand store.
"I only need one in the summer, but in the winter I need at least two heaters."
"I only need one in the summer, but in the winter I need at least two heaters."
The heaters are each controlled by their own thermostats. Mike started with a fan inside the box but they didn't last so he extended the shaft so the motor is outside and the fan is on the inside. This ensures an even distribution of heat at the top and bottom.
Mike uses the kiln to kill bugs and eggs but says it could also be used to dry freshly milled wood.
Although Mike says It only holds about 4 - 5 2" boards stacked on top of each other with spacers - it's still a resourceful way to sterilize and dry wood for future projects! If you are curious about the dimensions of the shipping crates, scroll down to the shipping section on each Woodland Mills product page.
It's not just Mike repurposing his shipping crate - check out how other Woodlanders have repurposed their crates
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