Moisture Meter Calibration

[Gotrek]

I just cut a few trees during a cold spell (-25 - -30 Celcius).

I cut a spruce, an aspen and a couple box elders.

I brought a piece of each in the garage to let it warm up then a few days later split it and tested the moisture content.

The spruce was around 22-25 %
The Aspen was around 17 - 20 %
The box Elder was 15 -17%

I think my meter is lying to me is there a way to test it? That just seems pretty dry. Granted Frozen wasteland trees probably not as moist in winter but I would think it shouldn't be ready to burn out of the box

 

[Lake Girl]

Got any chunks of dimensional lumber around that you can test? Wood inside the garage or house that you know is dry? Fresh split and compare...

 

[Gotrek]

I do, what moisture content would a normal 2x4 be? It's inside the garage so similar condition to the logs I brought in.

 

[CentralVAWoodHeat]

As I understand, most moisture meters are calibrated somewhere in the 60's-70's Fahrenheit. Is your garage that warm or just slightly warmer than outside? I've had my meter vary by as much as 10% when wood is measured at 70ish F vs in the 30's F.

 

[Gotrek]

It's about 61 in there (16 celsius) But I'll bring some in the house to test.

 

[Hasufel]

As I understand, most moisture meters are calibrated somewhere in the 60's-70's Fahrenheit. Is your garage that warm or just slightly warmer than outside? I've had my meter vary by as much as 10% when wood is measured at 70ish F vs in the 30's F.

Thanks, I've been wondering how much of a difference the temperature makes. Does the MM reading tend to run higher or lower at cold temps?

 

[D8Chumley]

I thought I read somewhere pressing the pins into your open palm, not far enough to draw blood, should be ~25%

 

[CentralVAWoodHeat]

Thanks, I've been wondering how much of a difference the temperature makes. Does the MM reading tend to run higher or lower at cold temps?

Lower at colder temperatures.

 

[Gotrek]

27% probing my palm fairly hard.

No reading in 2x4 just reads lo. But the wood I brought in to the house is now 36% for the elder and 24% for the aspen. So I guess temp has a pretty decent impact

 

[D8Chumley]

Just probed my hand, 29% in the meaty part at the thumb

 

[Gotrek]

Alright thanks everyone

 

[Dobish]

i tested some box elder that was 93%....