Moisture Meter

G

Greg Scott

Joined
Apr 1, 2012
Messages
8
I have an opportunity to purchase some really well figgured wood that has just been cut ( approx. 1 year). 3 questions. 1. Who makes a reliable meter to measure moisture ( are the building material units adequate)? 2. What should the moisture percentage of the wood be before using? 3. Would it be best to leave it in say 6x9x3 thick pieces or cut it 6x6x1?
 
I have a Lignomat SD scanner coming. Most meters use pins to check the moisture. The company I use for stabilizing requests less than 10% moisture content. Are you planning on having it stabilized. Use wax, anchor seal or latex paint to seal he endgrain. This will help prevent cracking. I'm trying to keep my pieces ss big as possible when drying.
 
I have had a couple of Lingomat meters that I liked. note if you get one of the cheaper ones you may have to adjust for the temperature. what I mean by that is on some of the cheaper meters if it reads ( these numbers are not right but should give you the idea ) 8% and its 70 degrees then its 8% but if its 40 degrees or 100 degrees you will have to look at the chart and see the real % , because the real % will be different. There will be a chart that comes with the meter.

somewhere between 6 and 10% is normal. It will take a long time for a 3" block to dry all the way through , I would cut it to a thickness thats just a little bigger than what you want to use. If the wood has already been cut for a year my guess is its to late to worry about sealing the end grain
 
You can also use wood glue to get a good seal on the ends of the wood... I like titebond II personally, it's pretty good stuff, sets fast, water proof after it dries and cleans up with water while it's wet.
 
Thanks, Gona try a couple of pieces. Will cut some thin pcs 3/8 & 7/16 hoping for 5/16 finish post dry. Also some 17/8x11/4 to finish 11/2x 7/8 when dry. Gona look for meter tomorrow. Again thanks for yhe guidance!
 
I know I said "I would cut it to a thickness thats just a little bigger than what you want to use" but ... after reading your last post I would wait until the wood is finished drying to cut it 3/8. Instead I would cut it 7/8 or 1" thick , finish drying it then cut it to 3/8. Especially if you are going to have it stabilized. The thinner you cut it before its dry the more chance it will have to warp.
 
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