Abstract
Increasing emphasis is being placed on alternative processing methods for low-value hardwoods. Extensive research has shown that drying softwood lumber using edge-wise restraint improves product and value yields. Currently, the effects of restraint drying on product and value yields from low-grade hardwood lumber have not been investigated. We evaluated the use of a modified restraint drying system on its potential to reduce bow, crook, twist, cup, and surface defects in low-grade white oak (
Quercus alba) lumber. We found that the amount of crook was significantly lower in boards that were dried using pneumatic restraint versus those dried with top-loading only. These results suggest that restraint drying could help secondary processors increase yields and overall returns on low-grade lumber.
Parent Publication
Citation
Grushecky, Shawn T.; Adedipe, Oluwatosin; Collins, Charlie II; Cox, Brian; Dougherty, Colin. 2008. Defect reduction in low-value white oak lumber using restrained drying. In: Jacobs, Douglass F.; Michler, Charles H., eds. 2008. Proceedings, 16th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2008 April 8-9; West Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 143-147.
