How to Build a Food Dryer
- 1). Build or acquire the trays for the dehydrator. According to the Mother Earth News website, window screens can be used for the trays. If this is done, the dimensions of the frame of the dehydrator is sized to accommodate the size of the trays. Build a frame of 1- by 1-inch lumber using 1 1/2 inch wood screws. Stretch a nylon window screen across the frame and staple it in place, if the trays will be built rather than purchased. Dehydrators usually use three or more trays.
- 2). Build a box to fit the trays. Cut a bottom, sides and top from 1/2-inch plywood. Plan the box with a 12-inch space below the bottom tray space and 3 inches between each of the planned tray slots. Drill four 1-inch holes on each side of the box about 2 inches above the floor. Build the dehydrator box, leaving the front open for the time being, using 1 1/2- inch deck screws. Attach quarter round pieces to the interior of the box for the support of the trays.
- 3). Add the heating unit to the bottom of the dehydrator box. Install two or three light fixtures in the base to allow light bulbs to be used as heat. The wattage of the light bulbs controls the amount of heat generated, allowing the operator to make adjustments to the heat generated by trial and error.
- 4). Add a fan to the top of the dehydrator box. Cut a 4-inch hole in the top of the dehydrator box and mount an electric fan in place to blow air out of the box. Attach the front of the dehydrator box to the box using two hinges and a latch.
