Update on Our Solar Kiln: Problems Met with Solutions!

[@VTKingdomsawing]

Awesome to see Grampa and The Boss in the vid, teaching us all! Here's my recipe for a good barrel stove: Start with a gasketed cast iron door in a good quality barrel stove kit. Get a clean, new barrel or old propane tank. Put several inches of fine, dry sand in the bottom to create a level surface, build a flat floor of large size firebrick and then line both sides of the floor with more brick, as high as they can go but without tipping over. Pack them in as tight as possible without using cement. The bigger, heavier brick stay put the best. Put in an upper flue exit hole but also one in the lower center and then double "T" them together in back, providing a clean out for the chimney, which should be capped and secured with screws. Put in a damper on the upper flue exit and a damper on the first full piece of vertical flue pipe, to control the draft and flue gases. Use plenty of vertical pipe for a good draft and a nice tall cap and spark arrestor. Keep it clean and burn dry wood as much as possible. Also, keep an open can of ammonia at the air intake to control the creosote. Get the good stuff online. Good luck however you guys do it! Best regards from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont (NEK).

[@rexwoodall2179]

Kudos to Grandpa, I’m one myself. I love how he teaches the girls! What a way to learn. Love this video, I’m excited that the Boss comes up with these great ideas. I love wood stoves and I can’t wait to see this barrel job go to work.

[@KenBreon]

We will do a follow up video to let our audience know how it works…Boss Man.

[@tomwilliams8675]

Us Grandpa's still have a few tricks up our sleeves. I think it's a great idea. Too bad you couldn't get larger solar panels and batteries to maximize the cloudy days, but I know they're expensive.

[@Whipkick2]

Love the craftsman approach by Grandpa. Like the way he teaches small important tips as he goes, passing on to the future generations. Ken never stop thinking or innovating. Watching the channel for the last 15 months or so. All the little things add up to a greatly improved business and customer experience.

[@KenBreon]

Thank for the encouragement. Dreaming up crazing things is part of the enjoyment of owning a business…Boss Man.

[@thomasnourse7506]

That generation had so much ingenuity and such a “can do” attitude. I remember my own Grandpa. Always tinkering, always building, always fixing. I guess that’s why I do too. Was an incredible example. Count your blessings that he’s still here!

[@VicsYard]

I’m guessing that’s Dad and Grandpa. How lucky you girls are. Cherish every minute. 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@canbonly1970]

We’re going to need a follow up video on this one.

[@carlfoltz4244]

Elders sharing hard earned knowledge with the upcoming generations. This is what families are for. Thank you Grandpa and Emerald.

[@1958wstewart]

Learn something new every day. Who knew that there was a difference between the top and bottom of a block. Thanks to your grandpa.

[@HenryHoffman]

it is so nice to see GOD'S Blessings working in Harmony! keep loving Grandpa he is a treasure in my opinion

[@rongirard326]

This would have been a perfect time for a camera on a tripod and a time lapse video. I feel like grandpa has a wealth of knowledge, and I would love to see the way he handles a project like this from start to finish! Please don't forget to update us, maybe with grandpa doing a walk-through. 👍👍👍

[@bobmiller9835]

The stove is next door to solar for inexpensive heat source. Will be a good place to hang out for a coffee break on those cold damp days. A video on Grandpa’s construction work would be great. As always Emerald and Jade are learning life’s lessons and doing a good job with the videos.

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Love to see your Grandpa and doing his thing! What a man of experience and a great role model! You are so blessed to have him close by and able to be with him. Keep up the great video's and keep that coffee rolling!:-)

[@KenBreon]

Thanks Charles. Have a good evening.

[@pcampbell55]

Grandpa is blessed to be able to work hard and be a good teacher!

[@Adirondack_DFL]

You'll need to do some research on kiln operation with higher heats if you run the heater in the summer, wood can get 'case hardened' being dried too quickly. There are curves for heat/humidity with rest times for a wood kiln. Bigger kilns actually have a stage where they add mist to humidify during some stages of the drying process.

[@richardlee2488]

The science behind timber drying success simply cannot be cheated. Few people would believe that it's not simply temperature but also the temperature rise. As you mentioned case hardening is just one of many mistakes. Honeycomb and wash board or collapse can render the materials to near useless. Maybe not a big deal for easy drying softwood used for hidden construction and possibly tulip wood. If they had the room and the knowledge the principle does work for tunnel kilns but it needs to be insulated fully. If you must use solar it should be to heat water to be drawn from when a control demands.

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

And all this time I thought g-pa was shy. He's a talker with knowledge to share. And, your dad has excellent thoughtful manners. Good vid.

[@wassabuck]

Good to hear from Granpa . Between him and boss man you have a wealth of knowledge.

[@gogetem188]

HI ALL, EMERALD PLEASE enjoy ya grandparents lucky to have so many positive people around ya the fan will work every day ya learn

[@alexander20991]

Hope there will be a Part #2 to this video , love to see old technology at work .

[@northwoodsguy1538]

I learned something from Grandpa today about block.

[@dmalloy96]

Can’t wait to see it all done with the stove in

[@TomStedham]

The look on her face when she realized what Grandpa meant about "the top of the blocks." Family wisdom being passed along..... Priceless!

[@gregconfer8915]

Learned something new today on concrete blocks. Thanks Grandpa!

[@jbbrown7907]

I used the two boards( cut in half) to make shelves by using cinder blocks. I learned what way is up on a cinder bkick.

[@kennethnevel3263]

That is a good idea to heat the kiln . You will have to watch how hot it gets and keep air moving good and not have a hot spot where the air comes in on the wood or it will dry check or even split from drying to fast . Good luck with the kiln.

[@joelongstaff7601]

Hey folks I like your videos and the info nuggets you share along the way. I use a Woodland mill and up here in Northern Ontario Canada the sun can be finiky so I built a dehumidifier kiln. It's basikly a two chamber dryer you sticker the wood stacks in the larger chamber and blow air through the other smaller space in the small space put a vertical divider with a dehumidifyer so the air will dry as you blow it through the wood. You have to turn the fan and dehumidifyer around so each end dries the same. I build guitars now that I retired. It works faster and I find less warping. I am using a lot of birds eye maple, some spalted maple and clear maple. I spend a lot of nights fetching spalted woods and cherry. The white pine has been a good deal lately. Thanks for the great videos. God bless and keep well y'all. Rev. Joe.

[@paulsims6888]

It's fun experimenting!! I have been doing this for years. What I have found is listening carefully will make your experimenting succeed, 30 years ago when I built our dry kiln you could get a free copy of the "Dry kiln Operators Manual" published by the USDA. It's a big book with to much info. To sum up much reading. Air flow and humidity are all more important than temperature. There is a chart That expresses relative humidity to wood moisture content. This is critical to understand. Heat just makes the water transfer to the air quicker. Just be careful, you might not like the look of your lumber if it happens to quickly. I love the small scale producers. They are the back bone of our future. Knowledge is power, Share it when you can.

[@dennishinkle5010]

So long as you don't blow hot embers in and set fire to the lumber it should work fine. Kudos to your grandfather. Great job ladies. Thank you.👍👍♥️

[@joegee2815]

Where I live in NJ you couldn't do anything without the town getting all up in your business with permits, inspectors, dubious requirements, etc... Nice to see there's places that people are free to solve problems with innovation.

[@stephenwilliams4118]

A rare but appreciated appearance by Grandpa 👋 Always nice to be trying something different Ken, I'm constantly looking for ways to improve the way I run my business, I copy others, try stuff that often fails but as long as we keep trying we are never failing. The only thing I would worry about would be drying the lumber too quickly with a fire source but I'm sure you'll watch this closely. Awesome video

[@frankward67]

I'm 55 years old and I just now learned cinderblocks have a top and bottom. LOL Thanks Grandpa!!

[@cluideman]

You will need to vent the warm moist air to the outside and replace it with cold air ,this is how it will dry the timber ,otherwise it will not dry very well and mould will bloom on the wood

[@kennethdean2417]

Grandparents are always filled with knowledge and it is so nice to see and hear them pass on this valuable knowledge to the younger generations

[@charlesnunno8377]

Your family seems so AMAZING it's embarrassing. I have to love these company centric videos. It's so fucking cool!

[@brentdavis4867]

pro-tip on filling block cut the top off a safety cone bam you have a funnel to fill block etc. ( sand bags too )

[@MrRossi1805]

Dear Emerald, as you have now a heat source (at least during day) you might check out an Sterling Engine to generate electricity from the (waste) heat of your kiln. Of course it will need some batteries and inverter, but definitely a green power source!

[@halfabee]

Looking forward to seeing the finished installation.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Rock on .... Grandpa!! You got this!! Good idea,right from the military inspiration: " IMPROVISE,ADAPT, AND OVERCOME "!!! And you are doing just that!! 👍🧙‍♂️!!! Thanks for sharing your time n talents!! Looking forward to seeing the new heat source in action!! 👍🐺🧙‍♂️🦊👍

[@paulbarr3981]

Clever set up. Nice to see Grandpa talks also! Interested in seeing this work.

[@TxStang]

having that much heat will kill any bugs and fungi in the wood as a bonus for sure

[@waynecamardelle4459]

I love watching the teamwork attitude of your beautiful family! I’m a grandpa as well and try to incorporate my grandchildren into any small project that they may be interested in. The work ethic is very much lacking in present day society and any person that possesses that quality should have no problem being successful in life! These guys are a shining example of that fact… Godspeed to the Breon family

[@Cbor322]

Thanks for joining Rumble! (#48)

[@richardbrowne1679]

I can’t wait to see the finished product.

[@devarskinnee8760]

Good thing too help grampa , it will be a good video. I work with my grandpa to when I was your age, so glade I did,I sure miss him. We built houses for my dad. Did that all my life. So many memories. Help him all you can getting materials for him and stuff like that. You girls will learn so much from him, and tell him and boss dad you love them every day.i did when I was a youngster. Be safe girls. Devo on the block.

[@jodyfannin5496]

Thanks!

[@matthewward631]

I love the we can fix anything attitude!

[@T10elC]

I think your innovation is wonderful. When you have the resources, brains, and man and woman power, it's great to make them work in your favor.

[@dugganwoodworks]

Looking forward to seeing the details on that stove!

[@earldean4858]

After seeing that if the blocks move it will be because of a tornado! Grandpa can biuld anything! Its great to have a guy like him around!

[@johnaddis1022]

I like the barrel stove idea, been using one in my shop over 20 years, first one lasted about 18 years before replacing with new barrel. if you have extra corregated steel may want to use about 2 inchs of stone and cover with more steel would help to hold heat. Grandpa you are tops! 🤠👮‍♂

[@armoredsaint6639]

I see a lot of wisdom and experience in this family. I was telling my wife the other night in regards to the boss, When I listen to this man speak something inside me tells me to listen. I get the feeling there’s more to learn than just wood production, and logging in his words!

[@jerryweiser1145]

Gotta love this solar n wind, set us back 200yrs.

[@2020Tundra]

Jerry Weiser - I was thinking almost the same thing. Maybe unintentional, but this video hints at the reality of only having solar as a power source. Now having Grandpa on this video was a blast 👍 Love the wisdom he was sharing with the girls… Way to go Grandpa 👏

[@MerrittFlims]

I love you have such variety with your content.

[@ericcorse]

Old guys know stuff.👍

[@dek779]

Emerald is a perfect 10 in everything. So BEAUTIFUL 🥰🥰. This is the first video I have seen her grandpa In. He definitely should be in more

[@robertcourson8002]

She really is. She is a gorgeous flawless red head

[@95thousandroses]

I've seen dry-stacking block but haven't seen just using gravel and rebar to shore up the corners. Neat idea for something that is only semi-permanent.

[@erniejolley5504]

You are great people doing a great job❤

[@sswoodprocessing]

I like the way you innovate!

[@rogerbutchbouchard8019]

Loved this idea. Now you have two options.

[@jimwyatt20]

Love hearing from Grandpa! Work him into more content, please.

[@A..n..d..y]

Just a suggestion but if your going to heat the kiln you may want to insulate it. Another suggest would be the stove should mostly be in the kiln. You can the use heat activated fan to move the air. No electric needed that way.

[@M_T_outdoors]

Nice to see families like this. I wish you success in business, and good health to grandfather.

[@apollomoon1]

Thanks guys. Yep we’ve got a bad case of the dreary days in northern NYS as well. Those old barrel stoves are great. Don’t tell the environmentalist but I run a little waste oil drip in mine. Like a blast furnace.

[@bdickinson6751]

The nut cases are gonna be knocking at your door any day now.

[@apollomoon1]

@@bdickinson6751 You got that right. At least they’ll be warm while we argue about it. So ridiculous. I have done forever.

[@anthonyricard7458]

That heater should make a big difference in the kiln, plus filling the block with rock to help hold the heat! Looking forward to seeing how the finished product turns out! Thanks for the video ladies and have a great evening. TTFN

[@buckchamp9011]

Hello everybody 👋🏻☕️☕️😊👍🏼🇺🇸, it’s raining pretty hard here in Arkansas and probably heading to the log yard , hopefully it fizzles out before getting there. Stay safe and warm and dry .

[@johnmalecki713]

I've read somewhere that it is good for the lumber to cool down at night while drying in a kiln. You're idea of letting the fire burn down is a good thing.

[@keegantimber8571]

Great great video Em. Please, more video of grandpa doing the construction and building the barrel stove!! Can’t wait for the next one! Get those snow shovels ready!! 👍👍

[@randyhughes5160]

If you do a double barrel heater one on top of the other the pipe you connect the two barrels on one side the vent outside out the top on the opposite top side you get more heat and it cools the vent pipe

[@rogerstepp3240]

Another great viewing.learning more myself of how you do it.

[@charlesrobertson3997]

The addition of heat to the kiln will certainly help the wood dry out but it's important to get that warm moist air out on the kiln to be effective. I would consider installing a fan on the far end to exhaust the warm wet air outside. You will have plenty of heat from the stove to replace it.

[@IAM...1111...]

💚 I like anything that produces heat especially this time of year (I'm in Sutton, Ontario n here comes the real winter month)

[@robintaylor-mockingeemill8223]

Simple tips . Good for him to teach you that little bit of info on the bricks

[@brenchuckswood3826]

Good luck with snow tomorrow, we are all set here on the homestead. I’ll be following for the solar kiln results as we to have a solar only kiln, with plenty of firewood to burn, if yours works I’ll be filing suit.

[@williamhale6808]

You will succeed , all ways thinking and trying. So you will accomplish your end goal !

[@mikemorgan4726]

Sounds like a good idea and he seems to know his stuff

[@AR15231]

Last summers black cutoffs are the best way to heat up a kiln.

[@MoistlyMoist]

I'm keen to see this up and running, go Gramps 🙃

[@keithbennett5519]

Amazing video hard working family, and hello to your Grandpa

[@goatfather5711]

3 generations working as one, love it.

[@johnwaller4983]

Love the video missing my grandpa we used to build wooden stagecoaches night lights out of white oak

[@wendyfletcher8348]

Love Grandpa and, of course, the Boss. The camera work is so interesting, too. This channel keeps getting better and better.

[@KenBreon]

Thanks Wendy for the kind comment…Boss Man.

[@jamarie1972]

Hello all great video. Hi Grandpa

[@paulc.4211]

Good luck with the kiln, hope it works for ya

[@grumpyswede]

Golly learn something new every day

[@jimbrock8310]

Ken, You can dry lubber with just fans. It will take a bit longer but it will dry to the ambient moister of where you are. As long as it has air circulating through it it will dry. Your target up there is probably around 10% or a bit more. In Arizona where it is very dry you want it about 6-7% I would imagine where you are the moister content of the wood in no where were the content in the south. They have to have a lot of air flow there so fans are needed. Where you are I would think as long as it is stickered 2-3 months dry time would bring the moister down. Kilns can be tricky you need to have a happy medium of where you are drying it and the final destination.

[@bodeensherman4999]

Right on what the the construction project...

[@georgecrinnion2131]

Thank God for Grandpa!

[@richbattaglia5350]

Consider extra fire extinguishers for this new build. Maybe even add in a PVC sprinkler system in the ceiling just in case of a breakout fire. Ventilation, a flame, and drying lumber all seem for a recipe for perfect storm scenario. Just a little bit of prevention and maintenance can go a long way in stopping catastrophic damage. Great craftsmanship otherwise with this design.

[@joebeecher3919]

You should consider a second layer of plastic on the inside to have more insulation.

[@RoccaDiCambioFarm]

Nice job guys! I’m excited to see how it works!

[@edwardparkhurst9804]

Granddad is pretty smart ol man. Great video as well. Thanks for sharing this with us that watch your channel. Yours truly Ed Parkhurst.

[@scottsuggitt669]

what a great family

[@paulrambone6705]

I love the doggy with the jacket. What a cool dog.

[@leesirkis3283]

Perfect video 😍. i was thinking yesterday.. about telling u, if only granpa makes a video. i wanted to hear his voice, he still young.

[@johncarter1137]

Grandpa seems to be a good guy.

[@dulakamanawa6113]

Love the content Emarld..can't wait for the follow up vid......three days of no sun... I'll send you folks the sun from Hawaii....keep up the good job .. much love and aloha 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@robertcourson8002]

Love grandpa in the videos

[@SpamMusubi308]

Could you add a thermo couple to the stove to gain another way to create electricity?

[@paulcochran1721]

He's a natural!

[@kenbellamy6085]

Great idea, and tell he's got a real classy hat. Great video!!

[@michaelallsup1]

Just cant dry the wood to fast. Needs to be gradual and you need to run water to add humidity in there so that the bound moisture can escape. When its dried to fast the wood gets to hard on the outside and doesnt allow it to dry inside. This causes what we used to call honeycomb and makes the lumber useless.

[@CoinSlotKitty]

You guys like Patron too? Its my favorite tequilla