Humid Climate Solar Dehydrator

Step 5 Make the screens

The screens are constructed of 3/4" cedar and aluminum screening. I made two for each dehydrator so that I could dry two different things at once without them mixing and the narrower size was easier to handle. Because of the ribbing in the roof, I had to add supports for any long edge that would not rest on a rib. These supports are the thickness of the rib.

1. Determine your screen dimensions based on the inside dimensions of your frame (and allow for clearance of braces if you are using them!).

2. Each frame has eight pieces. The strongest way to construct the screen frames is with lapped joints. If the bottom half of the frame has the north/south pieces between the east/west pieces, the top half has the east/west pieces between the north/south pieces. (see photo)

3. Assembly is best done on a workbench top. Lay out the bottom frame, stapling across the butted joints. Cut your screen to the outside dimensions of the frame. Staple it down on one long side, then pull to tighten and staple down the other long side. Staple one short side, then pull to tighten to other short side and staple down. Trim the screening as needed. Secure the top frame to the bottom frame, lapping the joints.

4. Set aside to where nothing with a sharp corner will drop on it, or you may end up with a ripped screen! (Such can be mending with a patch of screening without effecting its ability to dry, but it's a hassle to do.)