Wood cure is a process that has been used for centuries to preserve the wood. It is a process that involves the use of heat and smoke to protect the wood from decay. In order to achieve the best results, the wood should be as dry as possible before curing. We will discuss 7 surprising facts about wood cure and everything you need to know in this blog post.
Facts on Wood Cure:
- It is a process that involves the use of heat and smoke to protect the wood from decay.
- The most common type of wood cure is a smoke cure.
- The smoke cure is the process of exposing the wood to smoke from a burning fuel source.
- The temperature of the smoke should be between 150 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The time required for smoke cure depends on the thickness
- The process of curing wood takes many years for it to become fully cured.
- The process can be done using a variety of different methods such as heat, smoke, and pressure.
Wood Curing Techniques
There are a variety of different techniques that can be used in curing wood which include; heat and smoke, pressure curing, chemicals, and UV light. These techniques can be used to either speed up the process of drying or slow it down depending on what type of wood you are using.
Using Heat and Smoke
One of the most popular methods for curing wood is to use heat and smoke. The process of using heat and smoke to cure wood has been used for centuries and is a very effective way to preserve the wood. This technique involves heating the wood until it begins to swell up then allowing the pressure from the air in the container to force out all of the moisture that has been trapped inside.
Once the wood starts smoking, it is then sealed in a container where it can continue to smolder for several days. Once this process is done, the wood can be stored in a humidity-controlled environment until it is fully cured.
Pressure Curing
Another method of curing wood is to use heat and pressure. This technique involves submerging the wood in water and then sealing off any openings so no air can escape from inside of it while also preventing any new air from entering the container.
Curing Wood with Chemicals
The fourth method of curing wood is to use chemicals. This method involves submerging the wood in a chemical bath that will force out all of the moisture. Once the wood has been removed from the bath, it can be placed in a container where it will smolder for several days.
Curing Wood with UV Light
This wood cure method involves exposing the wood to UV light for a period of time. Once the exposure has been completed, the wood can then be placed in a container where it will smolder for several days.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Method
In order to find the best method for your needs, you will need to consider the following factors.
How Much Time You Have
The first factor is how much time you have. If you only have a few days or weeks to cure the wood, then using heat and smoke is the best option. However, if you have several months or years to cure the wood, then using heat and pressure or chemicals might be a better option.
How Much Money You Want to Spend
Secondly, is how much money you want to spend. If you are looking for a cheap method, then using heat and smoke is the best option. However, if you are looking for a more expensive method, then using heat and pressure or chemicals might be a better option.
How the Wood will Be Used
The third factor is how the wood will be used. If the wood is going to be used in an outdoor application such as a deck or fence, then using heat and smoke is the best option. However, if the wood is going to be used in an indoor application such as furniture or cabinets, then using heat and pressure or chemicals might be a better option.
How much Moisture the Wood Contains
If the wood has a high level of moisture, then using heat and smoke is the best option. However, if the wood has a low level of moisture, then using heat and pressure or chemicals might be a better option.
Availability of Space
How much space do you have? is something to really consider. If you do not have a lot of space, then using heat and smoke is the best option. However, if you have a lot of space, then using heat and pressure or chemicals might be a better option.
Stages to Curing Wood
There are three stages to curing wood.
- The green stage – this is the first stage .which is when the wood has just been cut down from the tree. The wood is still wet and needs to be dried out. This stage uses heat and smoke
- The pre-drying stage – is when the wood is dried until it reaches a moisture content of about 20%. The wood is also heated to kill any bugs or fungus that might be present. This stage uses heat and pressure or chemicals.
- The third stage is the final curing stage, which is when the wood is dried to a moisture content of about 12% and is ready to be used. This final curing stage uses heat and smoke, heat and pressure, or chemicals.
