What moister meter to buy?

[Mesquite cutter]

I am undecided on what moister meter to buy.   There are so many out there.  I was looking at the Wagner brand.  Even that brand has many different models to pick from.   I plan on using it to measure MC on slabs ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches thick.  It will many be used on mesquite, oak and ash.  What brand do ya'll recommend?

Thanks 

[doc henderson]

It depends on the use.  I think for thick stuff, I would like the painless Wagner.  that is all I really use.  It becomes relative at some point as they only penetrate so far.  I have one I have had for 7 years and still my daily "beater".  I have one of the new ones, and I leave it in the case in a drawer and take it out for special occasions.  they work well.  I leave mine set at 55 for specific gravity.  that covers most hardwoods I mill.  I will check pine and know that the number will be low for the real M.C., but can follow the water loss.  It works great for what I do, but if I got a kiln, I may add the Delmhorst.

[Stephen1]

What is the final use of the wood. Are you kiln drying? Are selling the wood?
Anything over 2" thick needs a probe. Delmorst J2000 or the newer model with the hammer probe.
I like the Wagner and when I have another spare  $500 I will buy the surface meter.
I am adding this 
I have the J-2000 with the hammer probe now and could not operate without it. It is imperative that I know what the moisture content is at the centre of the thick wood. 

[K-Guy]

I only recommend pin type only, like the one in the link below. Pinless meters don't always read thicker material well.

https://www.nyle.com/lumber-drying-systems/kiln-store/kiln-accessories-2/delmhorst/delmhorst-jx30-moisture-meter-package/

[Mesquite cutter]

What is the final use of the wood. Are you kiln drying? Are selling the wood?
Anything over 2" thick needs a probe. Delmorst J2000 or the newer model with the hammer probe.
I like the Wagner and when I have another spare  $500 I will buy the surface meter.
I am adding this
I have the J-2000 with the hammer probe now and could not operate without it. It is imperative that I know what the moisture content is at the centre of the thick wood.

For now, I am only selling the slabs.   Most of the slabs are 2 inches or thinner.   I have a few slabs that are cut for fireplace mantels but not many.  

[Mesquite cutter]

I only recommend pin type only, like the one in the link below. Pinless meters don't always read thicker material well.

https://www.nyle.com/lumber-drying-systems/kiln-store/kiln-accessories-2/delmhorst/delmhorst-jx30-moisture-meter-package/

Wow, the price is bit steep but I am sure it will eliminate errors.    Right now most of my customers are purchasing the mesquite wood air dried.   I let them know before they buy.   I have not had any problems.    I want to build the solar kiln so I can pick up the serious wood worker that wants dried wood.   And I will be able to sell the slabs for a bit more money.  

[Larry]

I have three.  The first two I bought 28 years ago.  One was a Wagner pinless and the other was a Electrophysics, both pretty high end for the time.  The third is a Delmhorst J-2000 which is fairly new.  The Wagner still gives good readings but a bit on the high side compared to oven dry.  The Electrophysics has been flaky for a couple of years now.  The J-2000 has always been closest to oven dry.

I mostly use the J-2000 in the kiln but use the Wagner a lot to check lumber in storage or if I want to check for wet spots.

A little story.  I sawed a lot of 10/4 walnut live edge slabs for a guy.  He air drys than sometimes gets a few kiln dried.  Wanting to check the MC he bought a meter at Harbor Freight.  He called and said his air dried slabs were reading 7%.  A bit skeptical he brought his meter out to check against mind.  His meter read 7% on everything!!! no matter how wet.  Quick thinking on my part I could get rid of my kiln and buy his meter. :D :D :D