Reccomend me a moisture meter!

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Sconnie Burner

Sconnie Burner

Feeling the Heat
Aug 23, 2014
488
Western Wi
Although I have the multi meter method figured out it is a bit time consuming when trying to do it with a hammer and nail, tape measure, and 2 individual probes. I like the fastest method possible. I would like to simply check moisture while out in the woods or splitting to determine what is ready, what needs a summer, and what needs to wait till next year, so I dont end up with a dilemma like I have posted: (oak at 23-25%) in the middle of my winters stack under my deck. I do have a small budget for this item: $50-60. Are the cheaper ones reliable/durable?
Thanks again guys!
 
1+ for the Sonin unit. Either or.

I got one and works great.
 
I have the Lowes $29.95 one. Seems good enough.
 
I bought this one, and it seems to work. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00275F5O2

Dry pine that has been outside in the wind all summer reads ~6% freshly split, which seems a bit low, but it is quite dry here. Wet poplar reads 50% (!!!) and everything else reads between those two points about where I'd expect them to read; ie, the center of a fresh split will say 18%, and as I work to the edge, it goes down to ~6%.

I did have a different one (black and orange case), but it read either 0% or 39%, which is useless.
 
Hoozie said:
I bought this one, and it seems to work. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00275F5O2

Dry pine that has been outside in the wind all summer reads ~6% freshly split, which seems a bit low, but it is quite dry here. Wet poplar reads 50% (!!!) and everything else reads between those two points about where I'd expect them to read; ie, the center of a fresh split will say 18%, and as I work to the edge, it goes down to ~6%.

I did have a different one (black and orange case), but it read either 0% or 39%, which is useless.
Click to expand...

Long dead snag pine CSS for a short time is showing 16%.

Maybe your meter is slightly out?

What's it read when you press it against ya palm?
 
Just get the 25 dollar one from lowes. Works fine for checking firewood
 
Hoozie said:
I bought this one, and it seems to work. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00275F5O2

Dry pine that has been outside in the wind all summer reads ~6% freshly split, which seems a bit low, but it is quite dry here. Wet poplar reads 50% (!!!) and everything else reads between those two points about where I'd expect them to read; ie, the center of a fresh split will say 18%, and as I work to the edge, it goes down to ~6%.

I did have a different one (black and orange case), but it read either 0% or 39%, which is useless.
Click to expand...

Sounds like your meter may have an issue. A line reading that low lights be from a 2x4 :oops:
 
Just tested my palm at 23% (they are currently also very dry). I guess I was trying to say the absolute number it gives may be wrong, but the relative numbers it gives between pieces of wood seem correct. Works well enough for me, but makes comparisons online difficult ;hm
 
I think your palm should read in the 30-40 range (depending on how deep you press those probes in ;lol)

If it works for you though, carry on
 
Hoozie said:
Just tested my palm at 23% (they are currently also very dry). I guess I was trying to say the absolute number it gives may be wrong, but the relative numbers it gives between pieces of wood seem correct. Works well enough for me, but makes comparisons online difficult ;hm
Click to expand...

Yeah. If your wood is reading 6% then regardless of variation. Am giving you permission to burn.
 
Rebelduckman said:
12 bucks harbor freight. Had mine for 6 months with no issues
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I will second this. I bought one back in the spring and have used the heck out of it and seems to work just fine. The only thing i have noticed is that if I test it on a fresh split it take 3 or 4 seconds sometimes to settle on a number.

Here is a link :http://www.harborfreight.com/http-www-harborfreight-com-digital-mini-moisture-meter-67143-html.html

If you decide to order one use this code (54708713) at check out to save an additional 25%. Should bring the price down to $10.49.
 
I have one of these types of meters. The instructions say to push it into the wood 5mm. I tried this yesterday on some kiln dried hard wood I had delivered but the woods too hard to push it in that far. I was getting readings between 3 and 6 percent pushing the sensor pins in approx 1-2mm. Does this sound about right?

I cant see how to get the pins in deeper without breaking it...
 
I can get mine in deeper if you kind of wiggle it and rock back and forth. Never tried it on kiln dried wood though

Although of you're measuring a fresh split face, I doubt it matters how deep you go
 
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Sconnie Burner said:
Is it worth the extra cost to have it a little more durable/dependable?
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Is it proven the $45 one is more durable/dependable? Read as many reviews as you can to compare. I'd just get the $14 one and play with it.
 
bigbarf48 said:
Although of you're measuring a fresh split face, I doubt it matters how deep you go
Click to expand...

Yeah I think they want you to push it in farther because the outside bit will always be the driest. So you can get way farther in than 5mm by resplitting.
 
dougand3 said:
Is it proven the $45 one is more durable/dependable? Read as many reviews as you can to compare. I'd just get the $14 one and play with it.
Click to expand...

It looks like the pins may be a little more stout on the SBI meter. And I think it actually has a setting for wood vs other materials to compensate for different resistances. Not sure if the Tool Shop one has any options. I will be using it quite a bit as I have a few years of cutting to do and it will help me decide whether or not to bring the wood home or leave it sit for a year. So I want it to beable to hold up to some abuse! Not be worried if I'm being too rough with it. If the cheaper one has held up for you guys without complaint that's the one I'll get!
 
The free one that came with my stove seems to do a good enough job for me. I personally think it's kind of funny watching people get that concerned about a couple percentage points on firewood. Is 20% going to burn that much differently than 23%? Just my $.02
 
Rebelduckman said:
12 bucks harbor freight. Had mine for 6 months with no issues
Click to expand...

I have this one too , be warned it likes to eat batteries- best to remove them after use to extend there life.
 
Rebelduckman said:
haven't really had any issues battery wise. I've changed mine once since I got it.
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At least for me the batteries were pretty pricey. I am just thinkin one could save a few bucks by taking them out, I learned this tip on this site thought I would share it.
 
I've had the thing for four years and it is still using the original batteries.

The ones it uses are dirt cheap in 25,50 and 100 packs on eBay.
 
BrotherBart said:
The ones it uses are dirt cheap in 25,50 and 100 packs on eBay.
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I do not understand why you would by a back of 25/50 or 100 if you have gotten 4 years on the same batteries without removing them. Plz explain ??

So much for trying to save a guy a few bucks with a tip.
 
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