How to Dry Wood Discs or Slices. 25 Things You Should Know

Drying of wood is a very essential task especially if you need to use wood for either woodwork or firewood. It is important to know that wood, being hygroscopic, is naturally filled with a lot of moisture. However, to be able to use wood for greater purposes and to improve its efficiency, durability, and resilience to pests and molds, the moisture must first be removed completely. Lumber used as firewood should be properly seasoned for it to burn well, and prevent ashes as well as creosote.

Placing lumber in a dry area where it can lose moisture naturally and dry out (air drying) is simple and easy. However, this process tends to be quite slow and time-consuming. Generally speaking, there are two basic ways by which you can dry wood: the air drying and kiln drying methods. Air drying involves leaving wood outdoors in a dry space and letting it dry out on its own. Here, the major drying factors are natural air and sunlight. Kiln drying, on the other hand, involves the use of a special controlled oven to “bake” wood until it is dry enough for use. This method is faster and is more controlled.

How to Dry Wood Discs or Slices:

There are several methods to dry wood discs or wood slices, depending on your requirements. If you want a quick-drying method for large quantities of wood you can use Kiln drying. Cheaper, but taking much longer is airdrying. If you have a small quantity of smaller wood you can use a microwave or an oven as a super-fast way to dry.

Depending on several factors such as relative humidity and weather condition of the area, wood may take weeks, months or even years to dry up naturally. So if you’re in a hurry and you want your wood to dry faster, this process may not work very well for you. This is where your simple kitchen oven can make a great difference. Wood slices, which are also referred to as wood cookies, are often used for a variety of projects and jobs to add that rustic look and feel. When you dry them, the moisture in the wood gradually evaporates causing the wood to shrink, and this eventually causes the slices to crack. Home ovens, however, can play an important role in drying wood slices faster and more effectively. Do you want to know how to dry wood slices? Don’t look too far; this article will show you the different drying methods specifically for wood slices.

Different Drying Techniques

As stated earlier, the simplest and least expensive technique for drying wood slices or discs is by air drying- allowing the wood to sit at a particular humidity level and dry naturally on its own. However, there are several factors that you must keep in mind such as the amount of time it would take for the wood discs or slices to dry depends greatly on the species of wood you’re using, the moisture level of the wood, its thickness, and the seasoning technique you plan to use.

However, there’s also the most important thing to keep in mind when drying wood with this method- just know that you cannot rush the process. By taking your time and doing it slowly, you will ultimately reduce the chances of cracking or splitting. Due to this, the standard technique often employed when drying wood is by sealing the end grain and then leaving the piece of wood to dry on its own.

● End Grain Preparation

It may seem confusing, but sealing up the end grain of your wood slows down the drying process, and this technique is quite important when drying wood. Wood should not be dried too rapidly or else drying defects and other issues may occur.

You can make use of a commercial product such as Anchor seal to cover the end grain. You can also decide to use a melted wax instead; either will do just fine. Any type of wax can do this job just fine, so you don’t need to worry about the quality of wax to use. Some people usually make the mistake of using latex paint to seal the end grain, however, latex paint can be quite porous and is very unlikely to work effectively as a sealing agent. Just note that in most cases, the thicker the coat, the better the result. It is even recommended to seal the end grain heavily to get better results. You may also consider using a good wood filler, in case the wood needs a little bit of help.

● Using a Microwave Oven

If you’re dealing with a really small amount of wood slices, you could easily speed dry it in a microwave oven. If you’ll also be doing this regularly, you may want to consider investing in a second-hand microwave oven. Also, remember that you must use the microwave solely for this purpose. Also, speed drying using this method will only work on smaller pieces of wood.

● Using a Conventional Oven

When using a conventional oven to dry wood slices, you should do it slowly. To get better and effective results, you may want to bake the wood for 24 hours or more. This will also depend on the type of wood you’re working with as well as the moisture content of this wood. That being said, you should ideally aim for at least 24 hours of drying time.

Also for smaller pieces of wood, a toaster oven or a conventional oven can be used to achieve effective drying. The only downside to using a conventional oven is that you have to be carefull using it also to cook if you have also used it for drying wood. This is because, when you heat the wood, there is usually a permanent change in the physical property, and as well as a release of certain chemicals or toxins that can be harmful to the body system. These extractives can gradually change into harmful compounds when you use the same oven for cooking, causing your food to develop a certain flavor. This may in turn be harmful to your body. So it usually recommended investing in a second-hand oven which you can use effectively for drying wood discs without worrying about the effect it has on your health.

● Stacking Wood

​If you don’t want to use an oven to dry your wood ​discs or slices, then you’re left with the option of relying on time and natural forces of nature like the wind and sunlight, to slowly dry your wood. In the air-drying method, you can control the drying time as well as the results by speeding up the drying process. This can be done by simply stacking your wood properly. The major trick here is to allow air to flow in all sides and direction of every piece of wood. The more air you allow to flow, the faster it will take for the wood to dry.

This can be accomplished by creating spaces between layers of wood, as well as between each piece of wood. Make sure your wood slices are not in contact with the ground as moisture may collect below, causing it to rot. You can use any material that won’t absorb water to create the spaces. You can also use wooden materials like lumber or pellets that you longer have a use for. If you’re using a wooden bed,  line the top of the bed with tarps, plastic sheeting, or any material that can block the transfer of moisture from the wood underneath to the wood slices on top. This will make the wood slices or discs to dry faster.

Steps on How to Dry Wood Slices in an Oven

Step 1: Prepare your Oven

Take out your racks and reposition them so that one is at the bottom and the other one is in the center. Since you want all sides of the wood to dry evenly, you’ll be making use of the center rack. Place a large sheet pan on top of the bottom rack, as this would serve as a precaution to catch any smaller pieces that may slip through the wire. Although your oven has a built-in thermometer, a second one can help ensure more accurate readings and prevent over-drying.

Step 2: Set the Oven Temperature

Set the temperature of your oven to be as close to 218 degrees Fahrenheit as possible. If you’re using an analog oven, then you should first heat the oven between 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn on the convection fan if your oven has one, to ensure adequate circulation. Then check the thermometer after 15 minutes, and continue adjusting the settings until the internal temperature of the oven is between 210 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Place the Wood Slices in The Oven

Place the wood discs or slices on the center rack, making sure no piece is touching each other. This will ensure that the heat reaches all parts of the wood. Place the smaller wood slices perpendicular to the rungs of the rack to prevent them from falling through the rack. Dry the wood for an hour.

Step 4: Measure Wood’s Temperature

Take out two wood slices of different sizes, then press the two metal pins of the moisture meter into the surface of the wood. If the desired moisture has not been reached, return the wood to the oven.  Then when you’ve got the desired moisture content, place the wood on a wire cooling rack to cool.

Using Denatured Alcohol for Drying Wood Slices

One of the most effective methods of drying wood slices is the use of denatured alcohol. As an experienced woodworker, I recommend that wood slices should be completely submerged in denatured alcohol during the drying process.

There are multiple benefits of using denatured alcohol, including its ability to quickly draw moisture out of the wood, which significantly reduces the drying time.

• The Soaking Process

The soaking process is crucial when using denatured alcohol. Importantly, the slices should be fully submerged in the denatured alcohol for the soaking process to be effective. To ensure this, you can use rocks to weigh down the slices during the soaking phase.

Rocks are beneficial because they have enough weight to keep the wood slices under the alcohol, ensuring that every part of the wood pieces is treated.

• Protecting the Denatured Alcohol

Interestingly, covering the soaking pan with plastic wrap helps to safeguard the denatured alcohol from evaporation. When denatured alcohol evaporates, it loses its potent properties.

By covering the pan, you ensure that the denatured alcohol remains in liquid form, which allows it to adequately penetrate the wood slices.

• The Drying Phase

Post soaking, it is vital to make sure that the wood slices dry properly. Based on my years of experience, the best way to achieve this is by placing the wood slices at an angle on a towel against a wall. Doing so increases air circulation around the wood, leading to faster and even drying.

• Drying Time

Drying time is an important factor to consider. It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours for the wood slices to dry fully before moving them to a dry slice pile. This time frame may vary depending on the size of the slice, but it’s a good benchmark.

Alternate Drying Methods

For those who prefer, there are alternatives to using denatured alcohol, such as drying wood slices in an oven. This method can hasten the drying process. However, caution should be exercised as drying wood in an oven may increase the likelihood of cracking.

• Natural Drying: A Longer Route

Natural drying is another option, but this method requires a lengthy timeframe. The benefit of natural drying is that it is a gentle process, reducing the chances of cracking or warping, but the downside is the time commitment.

• Prevention of Mold and Bug Attraction

Regardless of the drying method used, it’s important to understand why drying wood slices before usage in projects is vital. This process helps prevent the growth of mold and the attraction of bugs, both of which can compromise the quality and longevity of the wood.

• Video Tutorial for Reference

To help readers understand this process better, I have included a video tutorial. This link offers a visual reference that could be of great assistance to those who are more visual learners.

To recap, the process involves soaking, protecting, drying, and curing the wood slices either by using denatured alcohol or naturally over time. Proper drying of wood slices ensures high-quality results for your woodworking projects.

Techniques for Drying Wood Slices

So, you’ve got your newly cut wood slices and you’re looking to dry them safely and efficiently. Here, I will give you a rundown of the various methods you can use. Stick to these guidelines and you won’t go wrong.

• Drying Freshly Cut Wood Slices

For wood that’s newly cut, you can use a stabilizing solution such as Pentacryl to prevent it from cracking as it dries. If, like me, you’ve dealt with a good deal of timber, you’ll know that cracking is a sure sign of rapid and uneven drying.

The rule of thumb is to soak it for 24 hours per one inch of thickness. By doing this, you allow the penetrant to seep deep into the innermost fibers of the wood, preserving its integrity for years to come.

• Drying Partially Dry Wood Slices

If your wood slice is already partially dry, you can still use other methods to prevent cracks or splits. Wood sealer or denatured alcohol are excellent choices for this.

I usually recommend using these two because they slow down the overall drying process, giving your wood slices a more uniform dry and far less tendency to distort or crack as a result. By ensuring that your wood dries at a controlled and moderate speed, you can maintain its aesthetic value longer.

• Using Salt Paste Method

Another option at your disposal is the traditional salt paste technique. Creating this paste is pretty simple. Mix 3 pounds of table salt with 1 gallon of water. Afterward, thicken your concoction with cornstarch and stir in 3 egg whites.

The paste, which you should apply to your wood slice, should have a creamy consistency. Once you’ve got the paste on, let it air dry for about a week. This salt paste technique is an old-time favorite of many wood enthusiasts like myself.

• Choosing the Right Storage for Drying

Now, where you keep your wood slice as it dries matters as well. Store it on its side in a well-ventilated area. You want it to get as much air as possible from all angles. This ensures an even drying process.

• Maintaining Appearance and Durability

All these methods serve to remove moisture from the wood and restrict shrinkage. From my experience, following these techniques guarantees that the wood slice maintains its appearance and durability.

If you’re new to drying wood, feel free to visit this link from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to learn more about the properties of wood and how to treat it.

Remember, drying wood slices can be a fun and rewarding process if done correctly. By taking the time to treat your wood slices properly, you’ll ensure they last long and continue to look attractive, adding that special touch to your space.

– Use a Moisture Meter for Measuring Wood Moisture Content

Based on my personal experience, I recommend investing in a moisture meter. This instrument can precisely measure the moisture level in the wood before you start the drying process. By using a moisture meter, we ensure that the drying process is effective and efficient.

– Sealing End Grain with Varnish or Oil-Based Enamel Paint

Preventing the wood from cracking or splitting is crucial during the drying process. For this purpose, the use of varnish or oil-based enamel paint is highly recommended. These substances act as water barriers, sealing the end grain of the wood. A well-sealed end grain will retain its integrity and prevent unsightly cracks or splits.

– Dedicating an Oven for Drying Wood Slices

Retain an oven solely for drying wood slices. This mitigates the release of harmful chemicals into the oven which could affect the flavor of food items baked in the same oven. It’s not worth risking our health or compromising the taste of our food by using the same oven for this process.

– Slow Drying of Wood Slices in the Oven

A slow and steady approach is best for drying wood slices in the oven. Aim to bake them for at least 24 hours. This time window may vary depending on the species of the wood and its moisture content. A gradual drying process can minimize wood distortion and other potential damage.

– Regulation of Heat During Drying

A common challenge in drying wood slices is the maintenance of a consistent temperature. Often, oven thermostats can be inaccurate. To counteract this issue, you could utilize a heat sink or microwave the wood in short intervals. This will help to keep exterior and interior wood temperatures in sync.

– Precautions Before Drying Wood Slices

Before drying, it’s beneficial to bring the wood slices to room temperature. This can help in minimizing the risk of splitting. Using a wood stabilizer is also an important consideration. Straight from the Pennsylvania State University extension website, stabilizer usage combined with an even drying approach can further reduce the risk of wood damage.

– Stacking Wood Properly to Promote Air Flow

To expedite the drying process, stack your wood in a way that promotes airflow. Properly stacked wood lets air pass between the slices, which speeds up drying, both indoors and outdoors.

Incorrect stacking could lead to moisture being trapped, which can prolong drying and potentially cause damage to the wood.

– Using a Fan for Indoor Drying

Air flow is an important aspect of the drying process. When drying wood indoors, using a fan can significantly decrease the drying time by increasing the airflow. Place a fan close to the wood stack, ensuring it’s blowing air over and through the entire stack for optimized drying.

• Using Denatured Alcohol to Accelerate Drying of Wood Slices

Denatured alcohol has been known to aid in the rapid drying of wood slices. To use this method, you’ll need to ensure that your wood slices are fully submerged in the denatured alcohol. Place them in a container and pour the alcohol over them until they are completely covered.

Allow the slices to soak overnight before removing them and letting them air dry. As the alcohol evaporates, it helps remove the moisture from the wood. Be sure to handle denatured alcohol with proper safety measures as it is a highly volatile substance.

Information about its safe handling can be obtained from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

• Using a Moisture Meter for Determining Dryness of Wood Slices

Moisture meters are integral to the wood drying process. They can accurately measure the moisture content in the wood, allowing you to determine when the wood slice is dry enough for use. Some moisture meters provide readings in percentage form, while others may use a scale of 0 to 100.

You can usually purchase a moisture meter from home improvement or woodworking specialty stores. To use the meter on the wood slice, simply insert the probe into the wood and read the results. You should follow the specific instructions provided with your device, as each one can be slightly different.

• Conducting the Spritz Test for Wood Slice Dryness

The spritz test is another method for checking the dryness of your wood slices. To perform this, lightly spritz a small amount of water onto the surface of the wood. If the water droplets seep into the wood quickly, it indicates that the wood is still moist.

However, if the water sits on top of the wood or takes a long time to be absorbed, it signals that the wood is effectively dry.

• Drying Wood Slices in an Oven

Although drying wood slices in an oven can take over 24 hours, it is an effective at-home method. Maintain a constant low oven temperature, preferably between 185 to 200F, to prevent the wood from cracking due to rapid moisture loss.

Arrange the wood slices on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Turn the slices intermittently to ensure even drying. Oven drying may be a slow process, but the results can be highly satisfactory.

• Using a Microwave to Dry Wood Slices Quickly

Quick drying of wood slices can be performed in a microwave. Choose an intermediate power setting to prevent rapid moisture removal, which can cause the wood to crack.

Place the wood slice on a microwave-safe dish and microwave it for one minute, let it cool, then check the progress. Repeat until desired dryness has been achieved. Remember, the time it takes can vary as it is dependent on the microwave’s wattage and the slice’s thickness.

• Preventing Cracking During the Drying Process

Cracking or splitting can be a common issue with drying wood slices. This generally happens if the wood dries too quickly. To prevent this, you should aim to dry the wood slowly and evenly. During any of the aforementioned drying methods, introducing humidity can prove beneficial.

For instance, enclosing the slices in a cardboard box with moistened newspaper during the drying process can slow down the speed of drying and help prevent cracking.

• Relevance of 20% or Less Moisture Content in Wood Slices

A moisture content of 20% or less is often desired in woodworking. This is a good indicative value to ensure the wood won’t shrink or deform further during use. A moisture meter should be able to help determine if a wood slice has reached this level.

If the meter shows a reading below or equal to 20%, it means the wood is adequately dry for most uses. For more information on moisture content and its significance, The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service provides an excellent, comprehensive guide.