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
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.
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.
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/
Quote from: Stephen1 on January 06, 2023, 09:36:46 AM
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.
Quote from: K-Guy on January 06, 2023, 09:40:46 AM
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.
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