Two things -
It is moisture content, not humidity. Humidity is the % of water that air can hold at any given temperature. Moisture content is the actual % of water in the wood. Many people confuse the two, and think you can't get wood to 6% moisture content in a climate where it is always 60-70% humidity. They are two different things.
Second, as with most electronic measurement tools, the readings are more accurate in the center of the range. If it reads from 6-30%, then from 10-20% should be accurate. It falls off greatly as it approaches the bottom end. A good wood moisture meter is not cheap, but can read down to 3%. The cheaper meters will tell you when you have gone below 10% pretty well. From there it is a bit of getting used to the meter and learning what it is really telling you.
FWIW, to be stabilized, wood has to be below 10% and preferably below 7%. A drying cabinet is a good way to finish drying wood handle blocks and scales (once they are to 10%) and antler. You can make one from a metal storage cabinet with a 100 watt light bulb in the bottom as a heat source, or use a warming plate for a heat source (like you use on the buffet table to keep a casserole warm). You don't need much heat, just a steady supply of warmed air. a small fan in the cabinet is a plus (scrap computer fan). The circulating slightly warm air will slowly dry the wood/antler to a perfect handle material. It then can be sent for stabilizing or used as is.
To air dry the wood when it is fresh cut, paint the ends with a good exterior house paint. Paint about 3" up the sides from the ends. Set the wood on its side in a well ventilated place ( not too hot - never an attic- a garage, basement, storage shed,etc. is good) and let it dry slowly for at least 6 months.If you are drying a stack of wood, put slats of wood between the pieces to allow air flow. Write the weight and date on the piece in the beginning. I use white house paint on the ends,and write on it with a marker on both ends. I also put a plastic tag on some pieces. Check the weight after 6 months,or use a moisture meter, it should be lighter. Make a note, and set it aside for another 2-3 months.If it is getting close to where you want it, you can leave it as is, or cut the painted ends off. Then let it set for another 3-6 months. The wood may be ready, or for some species, it may take several more years for it to get down to 7%. Even with the paint/wax, the ends will probably check somewhat. That is why you allow some waste on the ends to cut off. I usually figure I will loose the last 3-4" of any piece (the painted area on both ends). My procedure is to dry to about 10% ,cut into large pieces, dry until near 7%, cut into stabilizing size pieces,let it sit another 3-6 months, then ship to WSSI.
Stacy
