For hardwood processors in the U.S., oak is a double-edged sword: it’s valuable, but notoriously difficult to dry. Traditional practice requires months of air-drying before kiln use. During that time, lumber ties up capital, takes up yard space, and risks defects.
One New York mill wanted a faster, more reliable way to move oak from green condition to production-ready stock—without sacrificing quality.
The Solution
The mill installed a Shuowei High-Frequency Vacuum Wood Drying Kiln designed for dense hardwoods. Unlike conventional systems, this kiln:
- Heats lumber from the core outward, preventing surface cracks
- Uses vacuum conditions to speed evaporation at lower temperatures
- Adapts automatically to oak’s drying curve with real-time control
- Handles mixed loads, giving flexibility for mills that run different hardwood species
The Results
The first run delivered a clear outcome:
- 50 mm (2-inch) green red and white oak dried in just 15 days
- Zero defects: no warping, no cracking
- Air-drying stage eliminated, freeing up yard space
- Faster inventory turnover: lumber went straight into production, accelerating cash flow
Customer Perspective
Jerry, the mill owner, shared his experience:
“With oak, we used to plan inventory months ahead. Now, in just over two weeks, the boards are dry and stable. That means we can deliver faster, carry less inventory, and take on more business. Shuowei’s team didn’t just sell us a machine—they solved one of our biggest bottlenecks.”
Why It Matters for U.S. Mills
- Cash flow improves when lumber moves faster from log yard to finished product
- Less land and storage cost without long-term air-drying yards
- More flexibility to respond to customer orders instead of waiting on weather and time
- Proven on oak, and equally effective for other dense species like maple and walnut
Looking Ahead
This New York installation builds on a recent Arkansas project, showing how high-frequency vacuum technology is reshaping hardwood drying across the U.S.
Shuowei continues to support American mills with around-the-clock service, giving operators confidence to adopt a new standard in wood drying efficiency.
📌 Want to see if vacuum drying makes sense for your mill? Contact us at swwooddryer.com
