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Dried or Not?

2K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  elks 
#1 ·
In the back of my shop there are several rough cut cedar boards. I am curious on how I might tell if they were kiln dried or not. I picked out a piece today and could see some pitch crystals.

I am currently working on a project with a student to build a small cedar chest, but am scared that the previous shop teacher (known for making many bad decisions and not buying quality materials) bought the cheapest stock he could find.

So with the stock in the back of my room how can I tell if at all that it has been kiln dried.
 
#2 ·
I don't even kiln dry cedar (aromatic-eastern red cedar. I assume you are talking about). Air dried is just fine. If it's been inside the shop for any length of time I can say with almost 100% certainty it is fine to use. You are seeing a good sign "pitch crystals", this means it's already hardened or "set" and should give you no problems.




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