I have been checking the moisture % of my firewood periodically and have noticed that when you stick the split with the prongs you get a different reading on just sticking the split and penetrating the split with the pins. What's the correct method? Should I just stick the split or try pushing the pins in? The pins aren't the most heavy duty so I have been careful to not apply a lot of pressure. I have been resplitting the wood when checking.
General Tools moisture meter
- Thread starter Egghead
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I just push it in a little. Yes it changes a bit if you decide to go nuts and wiggle them down in deep on a freshly spit face, however, for me I have found that if it reads in the lower 20% range or less when the pins have what seems like reasonable pressure on them, the wood burns fine. 25% + and I notice the difference in a negative way in the load.
That said, don't be too concerned with an exact %, split some pieces, look at the percentage and see how the fire burns. If it goes well, you know what works. If it doesn't, then...... Also, being in Georgia, be aware that unless you have a pretty darn tall stack, your moderate temps are going to mean a weaker draft than many people further north in colder weather are used to. That said, if you think your wood is good, and you have trouble with a fire, and the temps are not really cold, weak draft could be an issue.
pen
That said, don't be too concerned with an exact %, split some pieces, look at the percentage and see how the fire burns. If it goes well, you know what works. If it doesn't, then...... Also, being in Georgia, be aware that unless you have a pretty darn tall stack, your moderate temps are going to mean a weaker draft than many people further north in colder weather are used to. That said, if you think your wood is good, and you have trouble with a fire, and the temps are not really cold, weak draft could be an issue.
pen
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Thanks- hopefully I'll be in good shape. I guess I'll know pretty quick when temps get low enough for the first fire. I have some sweetgum that is definitely ready if I get in a pinch.
Paulywalnut
Minister of Fire
If you check your own arm with the MM you get a good reading without actually sticking the prongs in too deep.
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