Specific energy curves for water removal in vacuum-press drying of different thick softwoods of red pine (Pinus densiflora), white pine (Pinus koraiensis), larch (L. leptolepis) and Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) were split into three sections: increased slowly, fairly constant, and increased rapidly. Calculated specific energy for 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11cm thick lumber was a value of 0.483, 0.649, 0.814, 0.977 and 1.138kWh/kg of water, respectively. Specific energy almost linearly increased as lumber thickness increased, and specific energy for severe schedule was less than that for mild schedule. Average specific energy was 0.712kWh/kg and vacuum-press drying consumed less energy as compared with any other drying methods.