George wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...
I am considering using reclaimed barnwood for an upcoming project, the
end result of which is going to be installed in a museum environment.
As museums go, this is not a very strict environmental control, but
they are certainly concerened about the introduction of pests and or
chemicals to their collection.

I am wondering about the process of kiln drying to eradicate pests from
wood and where I can get information on how this is done. I have access
to a large kiln but no idea what I'd be up against. I need to be able
to prove with some confidence that the wood I am using is pretty clean.
Thanks for any advice.

If the only holes in a board are from the nails you pulled
out then there won't be anything but wood inside the board
unless the tree grew around it.

That would be proof enough for me.

As I understand it, kiln-drying will not kill all fungus spores,
but they will stay dormant indefinately so long as the wood
stays dry. Unless you mill or sand the wood in the museum
those should not be a problem.


Though we're not supposed to have any confidence in government or its
agents, this seems a great source. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/

Your luck the curator will get her science from Oprah....

Or a pulpit, which seems to be increasing in popularity these days.

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FF