Process for steam straightening and kiln drying lumber

Claim 1

An improved process for kiln drying and steam straightening sized permeable lumber comprising the following sequential steps: a. forming to size individual pieces of lumber. b. securing the sized pieces of lumber within a rigid racking means which racking means is adapted to impose upon the sized pieces of lumber total restraint against warping in both the width and the thickness dimensions, c. kiln drying and steam straightening the sized pieces of lumber at a dry-bulb temperature of at least about 240* F. and employing an air circulation velocity of at least about 1,000 feet per minute to attain an average moisture content of ten percent, d. steaming the said pieces of lumber from step (c) still under restraint in the racking means for at least about three hours at the highest possible dry-bulb temperature at which a ten degree wet-bulb depression can be maintained with continued air circulation at about 1,000 feet per minute, e. cooling the said pieces of lumber from step (d) while still under restraint, and f. removing the finished, kiln-dried, steam straightened pieces of lumber from the racking means.