I need to know what are some of the tools that are good but don't cost a lot? Do I really need them?
1.Moisture Meter
2.IR Thermometer
3.Condar Magnetic Thermometer
.
1.Moisture Meter
2.IR Thermometer
3.Condar Magnetic Thermometer
.
Do I really need them?
1.Moisture Meter
2.IR Thermometer
3.Condar Magnetic Thermometer
.
The main drawback of the moisture meter is that readings are meaningless unless you have the wood at room temp (for most meters) and are measuring after a fresh split.
-dan
I need to know what are some of the tools that are good but don't cost a lot? Do I really need them?
1.Moisture Meter
2.IR Thermometer
3.Condar Magnetic Thermometer
.
danham, I was intrigued by your info about the moisture meter; last night I had to split some kindling, so I put your theory to the test. It was about 30Your eyes will work almost as well as any of these tools ... but, they are nice to have and not expensive. I have both 1 & 2.
The main drawback of the moisture meter is that readings are meaningless unless you have the wood at room temp (for most meters) and are measuring after a fresh split.
-dan
The main drawback of an IR gun is that it may not give an accurate reading. It will, however, let you know relative temp changes with decent accuracy. So if it says your firebox, shot thru the glass, is 700F, who knows what the actual temp is. But if you are careful to shoot the same spot, you can tell very accurately if it is geting hotter or cooler as you adjust draft or reload or whatever.
-dan
I'm pretty sure this will give you the temperature of the outside surface of the glass...
danham, I was intrigued by your info about the moisture meter; last night I had to split some kindling, so I put your theory to the test. It was about 30outside, I spit, then measured--15%. I took that piece into the house, let it sit for a few hours to warm up, then measured again, 14%. Not too different. This morning as I was rushing out the door, I quickly took another reading, it was 11%.
Not too critical, in my opinion, but I wonder if the difference was simply some surface evaporation over the hours? I did not resplit the piece, I wonder if I had, would it have been 15% or 11%.
I love this place, I learn so many new things. I thought I had lots of answers the first year, Figured I had it down pat last year, this year I realize I will never know it all. Any tool that I can afford that helps me burn more efficiently is okay in my book, but experience seems to be the best tool of all.
Machria, I sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I believe your MM must be broken.If you have a moister meter that costs less than 200 bucks, I'd argue the readings are almost meaningless, and that is coming from engineers in a lab.. I've used mine to measure the same spot on a piece of wood, it can measure from 5 to 65% in a 20 minute span.
Just saying....