Pn

Phisherman

22/11/2007 1:33 PM

Moisture testing

Has anyone used a VOM to test for moisture in wood? If so, how can
this be done? The wood-moisture meters are somewhat expensive, so
I'm looking for alternative methods. Thanks.


This topic has 2 replies

Dd

David

in reply to Phisherman on 22/11/2007 1:33 PM

25/11/2007 5:21 PM

I thought about this a while ago, and saved the article that talked me
out of it. It is almost 20 years old, but describes many of the factors
you'd need to consider. The bottom line is that you'd need a
conductance meter to measure the high resistance (greater than 1000
MOhms) encountered in wood that is dry enough to make furniture out of.
The article does give a great review of some of the other issues to
consider even if you use a commercial tester. (Where to test, effect of
thickness, temperature, grain direction, calibration issues, surface
water, etc.)

Here's the link: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr06.pdf

If you find a way, please pass it on.

David

Phisherman wrote:
> Has anyone used a VOM to test for moisture in wood? If so, how can
> this be done? The wood-moisture meters are somewhat expensive, so
> I'm looking for alternative methods. Thanks.

Pn

Phisherman

in reply to Phisherman on 22/11/2007 1:33 PM

26/11/2007 7:05 PM

On Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:33:55 GMT, Phisherman <[email protected]> wrote:

>Has anyone used a VOM to test for moisture in wood? If so, how can
>this be done? The wood-moisture meters are somewhat expensive, so
>I'm looking for alternative methods. Thanks.

After some thought I decided to purchase the Lignomat Mini Ligno E/D
($113 delivered), which has extended moisture readings 6-45%, digital
readout, and a two wood-group compensation. The Wagner is just too
much money, but I'm sure it is good choice.

I know I can get accurate moisture computations using a sample, a very
accurate scale, and an oven.


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