grgfinney backwards kiln build

[grgfinney]

Most people build a kiln first then put baccy in it not me,I needed the room for more leaf. I have two small fans for airflow and a 5qt crockpot for heat and humidity then a reptile light for quick heating hooked up to a water heater thermostat .Do I need to make another hole on other side for intake?it smells so good wonder what it will smell like in 4-5 weeks

 

[DGBAMA]

You will want you're two heat sources wired separately.....wet heat and dry heat so you can control humidity. On my power to heat source I spliced in a .4w led nightlight between the thermostat and crockpot so I could tell if the crock was on or off without opening the door.

Lowes has an indoor/outdoor weather station for 20 bucks that is working well for me. Keeps temp and humidity. I put the outdoor sensor inside the kiln.

 

[DGBAMA]

Looking good.

 

[grgfinney]

Wouldn't you know it I have to go to lowe's anyway cant find my old thermostat from last years failed kiln it steamed the leaf exhaust wasn't right

 

[DGBAMA]

Forgot....except for controlling humidity you don't need ventilation, you need circulation. Still air is dead air....invites mold.

 

[Brown Thumb]

Looks good Greg fast & cheap
Is that a roasted chicken on the bottom rack?
I might be getting hungry benn hanging leaf all day

 

[grgfinney]

No not this time just a brand new crockpot the wife wouldn't let me take the one out of the kitchen,I know about hanging leaf dont have as many as you do but I did string up 3 more sticks at the crack of dawn and took down three to make room

 

[grgfinney]

Kiln also a success I took out some va 501, va 301, and some havana 142 not strong enough.what to do what to do, into the garage where the kiln sits,the baccy has been in there for 2 weeks so I grab a hand and slice it up and mix it in.that did the trick medium strong with a sweet undertone if I wasn't hooked on homegrown before I am now!kiln is running about 127degrees and 75%rh cant wait to try it after a month

 

[DGBAMA]

Good to hear. Looking forward to finishing harvest/curing and going into kiln mode.

 

[AmaxB]

Yep yep you get to smoking kiln tobacco, you won't want any other.....