secutanudu Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 I got some 4/4 roughsawn ash and maple. He said the ash is 5 years old, maple about 8-9 months. Some of the ash was wet from being stored outside, but not too bad, I assume it'll clean up nicely. I am assuming I need to get a meter to check when the wood is ready to use. I see this one on rockler for $25, is it good enough or is something more expensive worth it (or even necessary)? http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=30937&site=ROCKLER What target moisture % should I be shooting for? Is there anything I should know when looking at roughsawn lumber? I am not experienced to know if it's a good piece of wood or not without it being cleaned up. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grain Guy Posted May 16, 2012 Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 That meter looks fine to me. I wouldn't mind having it. The one I have you have to consult a chart and find the species your checking because it's calibrated for fur. When I get rough cut material I always take a knife to a edge or run a block plane to it real quick in a small spot. Just to get a look at it. Check the end grain for the type of cut and that will give ya an idea of the grain patterns on the face. Make sure if you get 4/4 it measures a heavy inch. Some mills I've ran into will mill too small and after drying you get shorted that full inch. If you're getting wet wood it should measure around an 1 1/8 - 1 1/4 easy. I feel good about working with wood that reads 12% or lower. 9% or lower is real good. It also depends on where you live. I still use the woodshop widget to foreshadow any movement. I love rough sawn. Mill it right and you get nice, true, and stable parts. Later 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secutanudu Posted May 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 8 percent for furniture. A good moisture meter is important I would not buy the cheap one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secutanudu Posted May 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Do you have one that you'd recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Lignomat with slide hammer probe is my favorite. Even if the wood is a little wet now it will dry out. Just don't cut it or use it until it's 8%. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secutanudu Posted May 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Would the cheaper one be worthwhile? I can't afford to spend that much right now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bru Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 timber check made in canada priced at about 90.00 shipped to your door. very happy with mine, i only by rough sawn lumber and dry it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 Would the cheaper one be worthwhile? I can't afford to spend that much right now... IMO no. Like HHH said little pin meters dont read accurately, this is why I like the slide hammer probe. Inexpensive pin meters are good if you are going to cut the board in half and imediatly take a reading or if you are checking veneers. If your heading to the mill to buy lumber you will only get a general idea. All meters need to be adjusted for species, those that are not adjustable or at least have a conversion chart will not be accurate. You can get a decent non invasive meter but they dont work well on thick stock. If you just need something to spot chech around the shop then the cheaper pin meters are fine assuming you understand that you will have to measure after making a through cut. If your roughing down stock it wont be an issue. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secutanudu Posted May 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 For now, I am fine making a through cut and checking for moisture that way. How far from the end of a board do I have to make the through cut so it's indicative of the overall wetness? Thanks for the advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 For now, I am fine making a through cut and checking for moisture that way. How far from the end of a board do I have to make the through cut so it's indicative of the overall wetness? Thanks for the advice. Just do the best you can. Think about what your using it for so you dont waste wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwacker Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 ==> . I haven't seen much slide hammer below about $500 w/ probe. Don't have experience beyond 16/4. Lignomat is only about $120, the slide hammer probe is $100. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthearted Posted July 13, 2012 Report Share Posted July 13, 2012 I have a Ligno-Scanner SDM surface meter that reads 1/4 to 3/4. What should I do for thicker stock? Cut it down to get an accurate reading? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nateswoodworks Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 I have had the Delmhorst J-lite for about 10yrs now and have been very pleased with it. I use it for drying my on lumber and for when I use stock I have stored out of my shop or purchased. I think this is one of the un-sung heros of the shop. Match it with the wood movement calculator at http://woodshopwidget.com/ (set it at measured) and you have all you will need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.