SUNY ESF
New England Kiln Drying Association
2023 NEKDA Spring Meeting
New England Kiln Drying Association (NEKDA) Officers and Board of Director's have put together an excellent meeting program with important and informative topics and opportunities for kiln operators and managers, including an interesting tour of Wightman Lumber Specialty Woods.
The Oneonta Quality Inn in Oneonta is located off I-88, Exit 15 (about half way between Albany and Binghamton, NY). From Exit 15 go south on Lettis Highway a short distance to Route 23, turn left and head east on Route 23 about 1 ½ miles to the hotel at 5206 HWY 23.
The details of the meeting program is below or you can download the Meeting Program (PDF).
Registration
Please mail your Registration Form and check directly to Bill Smith, wbsmith@esf.edu (by May 6). All tour participants are required to pre-register.
Program
Monday | May 8
Dry Kiln Basics Course
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET | Oneonta Quality Inn
One day seminar of Lumber Drying and Dry Kiln fundamentals, with introductory focus,
led by Bill Smith and Bob Pope. Topics include – Wood Moisture Relations, Lumber Handling
and Preparation, Schedule Development and Implementation, Drying Defect Prevention,
Dry Kiln Equipment, Dry Kiln Control and Management.
Tuesday | May 9
Plant Tour
9:30 AM ET | Plant Tour (Preregistration required)
Wightman Lumber
Wightman Lumbar and Building Supply manufactures high quality hardwood and softwood
lumber. On the tour we will see their sawmill, dry kilns, planning, mill and retail
lumber operations.
Address: 146 Co Hwy 35A, Portlandville, NY 13834
Directions: From exit 17 off of I-88, take Rte.28 north ~ 5 miles. In Portlandville turn right
(east) onto county Rte.35 and cross the bridge. Mill is ~ ¼ mile on right.
Tour participants should bring their own hardhats and safety glasses and wear appropriate
footwear.
At the Quality Inn
| Time | Event | Description | Location |
| 12:15 - 1:00 pm ET | Registration and Lunch | Meeting Room | |
| 1:15 - 2:00 pm ET | Kiln Drying for Retail Customers | Dave Wightman, Wightman Lumber, Portlandville, NY | |
| 2:00 - 5:00 pm ET | Kiln Operator's Clinic | Informal and practical instructions and discussion on the basics of kiln operations,
maintenance, stacking, DH, conventional, and high- temperature drying, stain and discoloration,
scheduling, changing species, wood-moisture fundamentals, kiln loading and baffling,
moisture meters, restarting kilns, drying degrade, and more. Bring your individual
problems, questions, and solutions! Please note any interests for discussion at the clinic on your registration form. |
Led by Bill Smith, others |
| 3:15 - 3:30 pm ET | Refreshment Break | ||
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET | Stress Relief | ||
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET | Banquet Dinner |
Wednesday | May 10
At the Quality Inn
| Time | Event | Description | Location |
| 7:00 - 7:45 am ET | Board of Directors Meeting | ||
| 7:45 - 8:10 am ET | Registration and Coffee | ||
| 8:10 - 8:15 am ET | Welcome and Introductions | ||
| 8:15 - 9:00 am ET | Protect your Lumber | Mark Metzger, U*C Coatings, Buffalo, NY | |
| 9:00 - 9:45 am ET | Boiler and Feed Water System Maintenance | Matt Colburn, Messersmith Manufacturing, Mark River, MI | |
| 9:45 -10:30 am ET | Steam Technology and Utilization - Fundamentals | Jim Davis, F.W. Webb Co., Cazenovia, NY | |
| 10:30 - 10:45 am ET | COFFEE BREAK | ||
| 10:45 - 11:30 am ET | Steam Technology and Utilization - Applications | Jim Davis, F.W. Webb Co., Cazenovia, NY | |
| 11:30 am - 12:15 pm ET | Safety Issues with Kiln Drying and Lumber Handling | Peter Sformo, W.J. Cox Assoc., Clarence, NY | |
| 12:15 - 1:00 pm ET | LUNCHEON BUFFET |