From Jeff...

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Light bulb kilns are used primarily to dry parts like rungs to a super dry state, about 4%. This is a key component of making a strong joint. Because chairmakers often use air dried wood, this kiln can also be used to get the moisture content of parts like front legs and arms down to a usable percentage, usually about 8%. And it can even be used to dry slats after steam bending.

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This kiln is based on the one I’ve used in my shop for many years. I’ve customized the design for people building a few chairs in their home shop by making it smaller and easier to build. For folks building Boggs chairs it can hold enough parts for 2 chairs.

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Light bulb kilns were traditionally heated by 100 watt incandescent light bulbs. These have gotten hard to find. But there’s an excellent alternative — 100 watt ceramic heat emitters that are typically used to heat reptile terrariums. They screw into the light socket just like a light bulb and produce an equivalent amount of heat.

I’ve updated this version of the booklet with a second method for regulating the heat — using a temperature controller. Just set the minimum and maximum temperatures of the temperature controller and it will turn the heat source on and off keeping the temperature in the kiln within a set range.

This 9 page booklet includes all dimensions, recommended electrical hardware, 2 methods for safely regulating the heat, a cut list, and parts list.

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