Which moisture meter ?

[Seaman]

Hope for some help making a good selection. I need a meter to read moisture in my slabs, generally 3 in thick. My current model is a General MMD7NP. It is a cheap $40 or so that I picked up at a show. It is a "window" type, and I really think a pin model would be best for what I do.
The budget is $200 or so, what think you?

Thanks in advance.
Frank
 

[scsmith42]

Frank, for a 3" thick slab your two options are a slide hammer type attachment for a pin meter with 1-1/4" long insulated pins, or a deep reading RF type meter.

I have a Merlin HM8-WS25 series that will measure to 40mm of depth (almost 2" deep) and I like it a lot.  It is made for kiln operators to allow them to measure to the core of thick lumber w/o using pins.  The HM8-WS13 will measure around 1" deep into lumber.

I also have a Delmhorst 2000 series with the slide hammer and insulated pins.  Both work great, but the Merlin is faster and does not leave the pin holes in the lumber.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

There are two types of moisture meters---pin and pinless.  Within each category, there are several manufacturers.  Due to the risk of having the meter get damaged in a sawmill or dry kiln setting, it is best to have a meter that can be quickly serviced in the USA.

I compared the two types of meters some years ago and the summary is in the appendix in DRYING HARDWOOD LUMBER (widely available on the Internet).  Both work well in some situations, but each has its advantages or disadvantages, so check out the features in the article to help you decide the best one.

If you need accurate readings, then spend no less than $200.  As the price goes over $200, you get more "bells and whistles" including memories, Bluetooth, etc.

If the MC values will be checked by a customer, make sure that you either use the same meter that the customer has or specify in the paperwork how moisture will be checked (and obviously, specify your specific meter).

Regarding brands of meters, the big three now area Delmhorst (in NJ) and Wagner and Lignomat (in the West Coast).  All have widespread availability.

[Seaman]

Thanks fellas, anyone else want to weigh in?
Frank

[YellowHammer]

I also have a Delmhorst 2000 series with the slide hammer and insulated pins.

. I've got one of these, excellent unit.
YH

[WDH]

I also have the Delmhorst J2000X made for use in kilns.  Also have the slide hammer with insulated pins that can penetrate 1" into the wood. 

[darinputman]

I use the wagner pinless moisture meter but that only measures 3/4 inch in. even if you checked both sides leave you wondering about that last 1 1/2 inches inside.