Westvaco Cone Kiln
To fill a definite need for a low-cost cone kiln to cure small lots of cones, the Westvaco Experimental Forest designed and constructed a kiln that has a capacity of 12 bushels of loblolly pine. Inquiries prompted publication of the design and effectiveness of the kiln. The kiln is 72 inches high, 50 inches wide, and 96 inches long. The gas heater and air duct add 40 inches to operating length. The kiln cabinet, made of 1/2-inch Westvaco Flakeboard, has two compartments with three sections each. Each section holds two trays (fig. 1); therefore, there are a total of 12 trays. The accompanying diagrams and list of materials provide sufficient information for construction (figs. 2-5). All materials, Reznor Heater 1 ductwork, and labor should cost $500 to $600. The heater operates on bottled gas. To increase heat efficiency, all interior surfaces were painted with two coats of aluminum paint. The exterior was shellacked.
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Author(s): L. T. Easley
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 77 (1966)