Which moisture meter to buy?

[botemout]

Sorry, if I've not discovered this information on this site yet but I'm looking for a moisture meter (I'll be trying to dry out wood quickly in the next couple of months for use this winter!).

This one on amazon seems cheap: http://www.amazon.com/HQRP-Moisture-Analizer-Inspection-Mousepad/dp/B000XUQNLM

Is there a better one that's not crazy expensive?

Thanks
JR

 

[kork]

Seems like it would do the trick. Depending on the current condition of your wood the most important thing you need to do is get it split ( if not already) stacked and you might consider covering just the top during wet weather. Also you might consider resplitting any large splits you have as they will dry faster. I've found that if you open up a split and hold it to your cheek if it feels moist your still to wet.

 

[Todd]

That's the one I have, works fine. Be careful when you stick the pins in the wood, they only have to go in 3mm, not all the way in or you may break them.

 

[leftyscott]

`I have the 4 pring version of the same model. You're smart to get the 2 prong. I have a bit of difficulty getting a reading with all 4 prongs but overall it's fine.

 

[rdust]

`I have the 4 pring version of the same model. You're smart to get the 2 prong. I have a bit of difficulty getting a reading with all 4 prongs but overall it's fine.

I also have the 4 pin version, it seems to work just fine.

 

[botemout]

Thanks for feedback, guys; I'll order the 2 pin model.

 

[daveswoodhauler]

I picked up this one and got it in the mail yesterday...thanks for the link.
Basically, I am not sure how accurate it is, but I am going to write some readings in marker on some splits, and then check them in a month or so to see if there has been any difference.
Seems like most of my stuff is 18-20 in the middle, so I hope I will be good to go for the burning season.

 

[botemout]

I received it yesterday. Took some readings; I've got about a cord of hardwood that I split in April that reads about 20%. Pretty good, I guess. The uncut logs I have all read 39-40% (40 is the max). As soon as I kick this weird flu I got on Friday, I'll be back out there blocking up my new load of wood.

 

[wendell]

Did you re-split the wood before you checked it? Measuring the exposed surface has no bearing on reality.

 

[botemout]

Did you re-split the wood before you checked it? Measuring the exposed surface has no bearing on reality.

Well, I checked by putting the meter in the ends; are you suggesting, split and then put the meter into the side of the wood? I bet you are and I think that'll result in wetter would. As I said, I WAS surprised that it seemed so dry already. Thanks for that heads up. I'll let you know what I find.

 

[wendell]

Yes, the ends dry REALLY quickly so the reading there means nothing. Split a piece and take the measurement off of the freshly exposed surface.