Author Topic: Moisture meter (Read 1839 times)

buzywoodliff · « **on:** January 23, 2015, 01:59:26 PM »

Anyone find a good, dependable, inexpensive moisture meter for the hobby woodworker??

Thanks

beenthere · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2015, 02:04:03 PM »

Quote

good, dependable, inexpensive

Do they go together? Doubt it.

pine · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2015, 02:16:06 PM »

What is your definition of inexpensive? You want pins or pinless?
You can find some that are quite good (no fancy bells and whistles) Delmhorst J4 new for low $200's on Amazon. Used on ebay, there are a couple now, slightly used (what ever that means) for prices ranging from under $70, $129 and $150. Of course the Delmhorst RDM3 is a good bit more with fancy bells and stuff.

square1 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2015, 02:45:49 PM »

Quote from: beenthere on January 23, 2015, 02:04:03 PM

Quote
good, dependable, inexpensive

Do they go together? Doubt it.

You know the old saying: Accurate, Long Lasting, Cheap - Pick any two.

WDH · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2015, 09:19:19 PM »

I think that you get what you pay for when it comes to moisture meters.

buzywoodliff · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2015, 10:31:34 PM »

You get what you pay for pretty much applies to everything..... And I purposely didn't use the term "cheap". Lol

What little bit I know about them, the pin type are less expensive, and I think they would be fine for me anyway.

I was hoping to get something decent for 50-100 dollars.... Am I way off?

GeneWengert-WoodDoc · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2015, 11:02:57 PM »

How important is it to know the moisture content accurately? If the meter is off a little bit, will it ruin a project and mean a loss of hours of work as well? Probably "Yes" and so you do need to spend money (no less than $200) for a meter. I prefer one made in the USA as the calibration will be appropriate for our species, pus parts and repair will be very easy.

buzywoodliff · « **Reply #7 on:** January 24, 2015, 06:03:41 AM »

Thanks for the input, hope the new year is treating you all well.

Peace

WDH · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2015, 07:30:12 AM »

I have a Wagoner pinless MMC210, and it is fast and easy to use. You have to correct for wood specific gravity, but Wagoner supplies you with a chart. This one costs just South of $400.

I also have a Delmhorst J2000X with a slide hammer and 1" pins for use in the kiln. This one will run just South of $500.

The Delmhorst J-4 without the slide hammer is about $260.

jdtuttle · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2015, 08:04:55 AM »

I've had good luck with Lignomat. Not too expensive and works well.

xlogger · « **Reply #10 on:** January 24, 2015, 08:49:34 AM »

After looking at prices this morning you are right WDH, you will spend at least $400 for a good pinless. I want one myself but not in a hurry to get one, so I wait awhile maybe I'll find one on ebay or craigslist. I've need to start on building my kiln first for now. After a pm with doc, I thinking more about building a kiln and connect it to my OWB as a heat source. Anyone here done that? So any suggestions on the structure will be appreciated.

dean herring · « **Reply #11 on:** February 08, 2015, 09:58:04 PM »

I am getting really confused, the more I read about weighing lumber using electricity, the more I am confused. Is there a simple but accurate way to check?

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