Understanding Predrying in Woodworking and Furniture Making

Predried is a term used in the context of woodworking and furniture making. It refers to the process of drying out the wood before it is used for construction or finishing. The purpose of predrying is to remove excess moisture from the wood, which can help to prevent warping, cracking, and other defects that can occur when using green (wet) wood.

Predrying can be done using various methods, such as air drying, kiln drying, or using a dehumidifier. The specific method used will depend on the type of wood being dried and the desired final moisture content.

In general, predrying involves bringing the wood to a moisture content that is lower than its equilibrium moisture content (EMC), which is the moisture level at which the wood will remain stable over time. The EMC varies depending on the species of wood and the ambient humidity, but it is typically around 6-8% for most types of wood.

Once the wood has been predried, it can be further dried to a lower moisture content if desired, such as for use in a humidity-controlled environment or for specialized applications like musical instruments or fine furniture.