New guy with moisture question

[ohiowoodburner]

i bought a "Tool Shop" moisture meter from Menard's last month. It's measuring anywhere from 11-18% moisture on my seasoned black cherry splits but the wood just doesn't wanna take off. Anyone have any knowledge of these moisture meters? Should I buy a better one? Thanks in advance for helping the new guy out

 

[claydogg84]

Are you splitting the wood and testing on the fresh split? You need to get the pins in there as far as you can without breaking your MM in the process.

 

[Ram 1500 with an axe...]

I had the same experience as you today, I dropped 2 splits of DRY cherry on hot coals and it just didn't want to light off...
I had to open the door several times, idk maybe my kids had the bathroom fan running at that moment, all I know is that I just couldn't understand why it gave me trouble......

 

[ohiowoodburner]

Are you splitting the wood and testing on the fresh split? You need to get the pins in there as far as you can without breaking your MM in the process.

Thanks for the reply! I actually bought the wood from a guy I know. I know for a fact that it's 1 year seasoned and sounds great when hitting the pieces together. I'm pushing the probes in til they're almost bottomed out-1/4". Even after I split the already splits it is reading 11-18%.

 

[blades]

Calibration may be off take a piece of lumber like a 1x4 see what it reads ( apx 8-12%), then lightly on your arm or hand see what the reading is ( apx 30%)
if not at these parameters try a fresh battery and repeat- if still no, take it back. These are not hi tec units- just a meg-a-ohm resitance ciircuit witha scale calibrated for construction/ woodworking type lumber.