In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Where would I buy a MC meter, and how much is reasonable

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by riks, Mar 4, 2015.

  1. riks

    riks

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    I live in an area where we have big box stores, Lowes, Home Depot, plus many smaller hardware stores. Instead of guessing, it would be nice get a better idea, of which methods work best for drying times. Thanks
     
    riks, Mar 4, 2015
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  2. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Seems like a lot of members here have a yellow one ~$20 from HD or Lowes and it does the job for them.
     
    wildwest, Mar 4, 2015
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  3. HDRock

    HDRock

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    HDRock, Mar 4, 2015
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  4. KaptJaq

    KaptJaq

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    KaptJaq, Mar 4, 2015
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  5. MightyWhitey

    MightyWhitey

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    According to Backwoods Savage, the best moisture meter is the "3 years ahead" on CSSed firewood!! No guess work then.
     
    MightyWhitey, Mar 4, 2015
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  6. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    Menards has 'em for about $14.
     
    yooperdave, Mar 4, 2015
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  7. Ralphie Boy

    Ralphie Boy

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    I haven't said this in a long time: "The best device for determining the moisture content of split firewood is a multi-year calendar." That being said, Lowe's has a General Tool meter for $20 or so and it does just fine. I strongly recommend you go on the 3 year plan if you have the space. It's the only way to fly....er... burn!
     
    Ralphie Boy, Mar 4, 2015
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  8. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    If you want to track drying progress while you experiment with your stacks I would suggest you use a scale. If you stack up similar splits in different conditions and you can easily compare methods by looking at their weight. One of the shortfalls to a moisture meter is that it requires you to destroy your test specimens to measure the insides. That makes it kind of difficult to take repeated measurements as you try and figure out what works and what doesn't and why. A moisture meter is also only accurate on wood up to about the mid thirties. If your wood is green you'll be unable to measure your starting points for a large number of species. Get some slow going oak and you might be waiting a while before you even get anything meaningful.
     
    Paul bunion, Mar 4, 2015
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  9. Woodrat1276

    Woodrat1276

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    All the guys I know who burn or sell wood don't have a moisture meter myself included. They however burn green and sell green so one isn't really needed in their case because they don't care I however refuse to burn green wood I've tossed the idea around a little on buying one but have not.

    I really don't think one is neccesary unless you buy your wood and the seller is stating it is seasoned. Get on a two year or more plan.
     
    Woodrat1276, Mar 5, 2015
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  10. riks

    riks

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    Hey, thanks everybody for your feedback. I do realize that a 3 year plan is the surest way, and as I found out the drier the wood the less wood I burn.
     
    riks, Mar 5, 2015
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  11. Chvymn99

    Chvymn99 Moderator

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    Spoken like an experienced burner...:yes:... Welcome to FHC!
     
    Chvymn99, Mar 5, 2015
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  12. oldspark

    oldspark

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    Nothing wrong with the MM's, just a handy tool to make a quick check, I am over 3 years ahead but I still use mine once in while.
    The cheap Harbor Freight one has been good for me.
     
    oldspark, Mar 5, 2015
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  13. HDRock

    HDRock

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    I think a moisture meter is necessary.
    The question was, where to buy a moisture meter ?
     
    HDRock, Mar 6, 2015
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  14. oldspark

    oldspark

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    Some seem to have a problem with comprehension .
    Guy wants to buy a MM so help him out or shut your pie hole!:D
     
    oldspark, Mar 6, 2015
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  15. prell 73

    prell 73

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    Home Depot is were I got mine 20$
     
    prell 73, Mar 6, 2015
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  16. bushpilot

    bushpilot

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    eBay, forgot the price, but less than $20.
     
    bushpilot, Mar 8, 2015
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  17. ErikR

    ErikR

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    I use the cheap one from Harbor Freight. To save a few bucks when it needs batteries, I buy A544 camera batteries and peel the tin off the outside. Inside are the 4 LR44 button cell batteries needed for the moisture meter.
     
    ErikR, Mar 8, 2015
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  18. HDRock

    HDRock

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    Thanks , Good to know , the batteries are the only thing I don't like about that one , it's in need of bats right now
     
    HDRock, Mar 8, 2015
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  19. oldspark

    oldspark

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    Found some cheap batteries on ebay for my harbor freight MM and I take them out when not using it, they last much longer.
     
    oldspark, Mar 9, 2015
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