Effect of water spray storage of southern pine legs on the drying and shrinkage of lumber

Ten charges of southern yellow pine were dried to evaluate the difference i n drying of lumber from freshly cut and water-stored logs. Final moisture c ontent and shrinkage were evaluated. Kiln temperatures were held the same f or all charges: 250 degrees F dry bulb, 180 degrees F wet bulb. Results ind icated that the difference in drying times between the two wood sources was of little practical significance. These results show that it is not necess ary to segregate lumber from water-stored material at the dry kiln; kiln ch arges can be mixed. Additionally, shrinkage values between the two wood sou rces were not significantly different. This indicates that there is no need to increase green target size in the sawmill when sawing water-stored mate rial.