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[Seniorplayer]

I'd argue leaving it out in the elements means a far less consistent moisture level, particularly given the variable climate in the UK, this applies especially to cleft piles at the back of the sheds which don't get the same level of airflow as those at the front. Hence the investment in the moisture control room at GM for example. They can put thousands of clefts in and a few weeks later via an automated process they will have clefts all at the exact moisture content they require. Of course much faster turnaround is also a big advantage.

If i'm reading it right you are trying to suggest that a kiln dried cleft will be wet in the middle and therefore heavy, but earlier in the topic you have said a naturally dried cleft is less susceptible to breakage than a kiln dried one? A kiln dried cleft can't be both brittle and wet?

Take another read and you see  find I wrote  air  drying  gives a more even moisture content and will be LESS LIKELY to get moisture trapped inside the blade.

[edge]

Take another read and you see  find I wrote  air  drying  gives a more even moisture content and will be LESS LIKELY to get moisture trapped inside the blade.

The trouble is, the opposite of this is true!

[Seniorplayer]

The trouble is, the opposite of this is true!

Not according to JS Wrights it isn't.
But if you know different  fair enough  also would you care  to share

[The Doctor]

Not according to JS Wrights it isn't.

To be honest I think you are both correct in a round about way.

Air drying - you will never get any moisture trapped because this is a very gentle process (UK climate). BUT you will only ever get down to around  20% moisture  but this should be consistent all the way through the cleft.

Kiln drying if done incorrectly will result in a. Moisture trapped in the centre and b. a brittle outer layer.

Kiln drying done correctly will result in a very uniform moisture across all clefts in the kiln and can be very accurately controlled/monitored.

[Buzz]

So much to learn, thanks for sharing.