# Free DIY Solar Dryer Plans
Things You'll Need
- Hollow core door with hinges attached
- Circular saw with a fine tipped, finishing blade
- Clean, dry rags
- Epoxy
- Wood blocks (1/2-inch-by-1/2-inch)
- Nylon mesh screen
- Shears
- Plexiglass sheet (1/8-inch thick)
- Fine point marker
- Drill with 1/4-inch bit
- Bolts (3/8-inch diameter) with washers and nuts
- Adjustable wrench
- Sliced food and herbs
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut the side face off a hollow core door with your circular saw. The side where the hinge pins are located is best for this project. Flip the door and shake out any loose sawdust. Wipe out the inside of the door with a clean rag.
-
2
Glue several 1/2-inch-by-1/2 inch blocks inside of the door with epoxy. Place a block every 12 inches each way to leave a grid of risers for your drying screen.
-
3
Unroll your nylon screen on a flat surface. Cut the screen with your shears so that it fits inside of the door. Glue the screen to the wood risers inside the door.
-
4
Purchase a piece of 1/8-inch clear plexiglass that is the same size as the door. Lay the plexiglass on top of the door and close the hinges. Mark the holes in the hinges on your plexiglass with a fine point marker.
-
5
Lift the plexiglass off the door. Drill through each of the marks on the plexiglass with a 1/4 inch bit. Stand the plexiglass on its long edge on top of the hinge side of the door. Line up the holes in the plexiglass with those in the hinges.
-
6
Slide a bolt through each hole in the plexiglass. Slip a washer onto each bolt on the outside of the hinges. Twist a nut onto each bolt. Snug each nut with your adjustable wrench.
-
7
Lay your solar dryer on the roof of your house. Place the dryer on the side of the roof facing the sun. Open the plexiglass door and lay your slices of food, or herbs, onto the screen. Close the door of the dryer. Check your dryer periodically and remove the food when it is dry and crispy.
-
1
