I don't own a moisture meter and have been looking at some of the brands. What do yall use? and do you like it? Did a search and didn't come up with any past threads about moisture meters. I came across this document from the Forest Service about moisture testers and using multimeter to test moisture in wood. Interesting read. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr06.pdf
I have a cheap harbor freight unit. Don't use it to often, but ill split a split again and do some testing.
Here's the one I have from e-bay, it has worked well. 4 Pin LCD Digital Wood Firewood Moisture Humidity Meter Damp Detector Tester BL
This is mine from Amazon. It works well. Just search Amazon for "moisture meter". http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools...qid=1444568111&sr=8-3&keywords=moisture+meter
If you've got an android or iPhone, get the ryobi phoneworx one. Ryobi Phone Works Moisture Meter-ES3000 - The Home Depot
Mine looks identical to this, but 2 pin. I likely bought it on eBay, about the same price. It works fine. Greg
Ive had this one for a few years. For those who process wood and use it within a year this is a more valuable tool than those who are on the three year plan. They are cheap enough though that its nice to have around. This split was from a few weeks ago. I think I can burn it now
Deererainman, get on the 3 year plan and no MM is needed. You know the wood will be dry so long as you've split and stacked it right away then top covered it after the first summer. But what really interests me is that avatar! Can you explain that one for me please?
That's a 4000 John Deere with a 15 ft bush hog behind it. Tractor had a new set of rear tires on it at the time. Dad ran over a 8" diameter log and both rear wheels went over the log, the log squirted out, the new tires had a good grip and the tractor reared all the way over. Dads reflexes are not as sharp as they used to be. Came to rest as the pic is. Luckily Dad was buckled in and kept the presence of mind to shut the engine down. We put it in 1st gear, attached a chain to the front axle, pulled and the tractor eased down. The only damage was to the bush hog drive shaft and Dads ego. The man upstairs was looking out for him/us that day.
If I was your Dad, I think I would have well shall we say soiled my pants. LOL..... Glad it was no worse! I have a MM I bought at Lowes and like it. Even if you get on the 3 year plan still a handy little tool to have around.
The ryobi phone one I have isn't too expensive at $30, but it will record the measurements, and you can save a pic too. So it's great for reference, especially if you don't write stuff down.
I'll most likely end up with one, because I like Gadgets. I'm working on next years wood mostly now, the only wood that goes into this seasons wood is dead standing wood. I grew up feeding a Wonderwood stove upstairs and a Fisher stove in the basement. Last year I got tired of being cold and had a chimney installed. Here's a few pic's of the build:
I don't use anything to check moisture. never saw a need. Now the IR temp gun on the other hand is pretty darn handy.
For now, I use the "2 year old split wood" meter. If I had the opportunity for the "3 year old split wood" meter; I'd buy it!!
I agree. I have a H.F. IR gun that I use in the shop and I checked it against those magnetic stove top thermostats. Mine only goes to 1000F, not that I'd want the stove to get that hot, but I thought I could use it when forging knife blanks. I usually just take them to non-magnetic and off to the anvil for some hammering/shaping.