Alpha Knife Supply
Always Innovating
- Joined
- Oct 14, 1998
- Messages
- 2,157
I strongly believe one of the steps to minimizing the movement of wood on knives is to reduce the moisture content of the wood. Moisture content cannot be measured by any human senses. I've proven wood "experts" wrong. I've proven myself wrong so many times I don't even try anymore. The only way to accurately measure moisture content is with a moisture meter. A moisture meter is as important as any other measuring tool in your shop.
We currently use the following:
Mini Lignomat
The Mini Ligno is a solid inexpensive meter. It has two ranges and includes a card that tells you which range to use for specific wood types. It is accurate and tough. We've been using it for five years. The downside is you must press the pins far enough into the wood to activate the switch (about .125"). Woods like african blackwood, ebony and snakewood are very dense. It takes significant strength to press the probes far enough into the wood.
http://www.lignomat.com/
Wagner L607
The Wagner uses electromagnetic waves to measure the moisture content up to .500" deep. This meter is not as rugged or inexpensive as the Mini Ligno but it is much faster. When you have to measure 300-500 blocks a day, a few seconds per block adds up. It also does not leave pin holes in the wood.
http://www.wwwagner.com
All knifemakers who use their own wood should have a moisture meter. If you stabilize your own wood a moisture meter is a requirement. You will significantly improve the quality of your product by consistently using a meter.
Some of you are probably asking yourself, "Why does he care?". I care because if collector has a problem with stabilized wood, we all get painted with the same brush. The only thing that travels faster that the speed of light is a false rumor in the custom knife world.
We currently use the following:
Mini Lignomat
The Mini Ligno is a solid inexpensive meter. It has two ranges and includes a card that tells you which range to use for specific wood types. It is accurate and tough. We've been using it for five years. The downside is you must press the pins far enough into the wood to activate the switch (about .125"). Woods like african blackwood, ebony and snakewood are very dense. It takes significant strength to press the probes far enough into the wood.
http://www.lignomat.com/
Wagner L607
The Wagner uses electromagnetic waves to measure the moisture content up to .500" deep. This meter is not as rugged or inexpensive as the Mini Ligno but it is much faster. When you have to measure 300-500 blocks a day, a few seconds per block adds up. It also does not leave pin holes in the wood.
http://www.wwwagner.com
All knifemakers who use their own wood should have a moisture meter. If you stabilize your own wood a moisture meter is a requirement. You will significantly improve the quality of your product by consistently using a meter.
Some of you are probably asking yourself, "Why does he care?". I care because if collector has a problem with stabilized wood, we all get painted with the same brush. The only thing that travels faster that the speed of light is a false rumor in the custom knife world.
