Moisture meters????

[DaveO]

I am looking to get a moisture meter. There are many that I look at all glassy eyed and drooling, but the reality is I can't spend $300 on a meter.
So I am looking at the Lignomat Minis. They are priced in my budget ~$100-150 and seem to be good quality meters.
I have my eye on the Lignomat E/D
and the Lignomat S/D

The only difference I can between them, other than $20 in cost is that the S/D can be used to read moisture content in stuff like drywall and other building materials. I don't need that function. On the other hand I can barely find any reviews on the E/D, but find a lot of excellent reviews on the S/D.
Am I missing something here? Why is the S/D much more popular than the E/D?
Any opinions from the brain trust, especially owners of either model?
TIA,
Dave

 

[MikeL]

Hey Dave, I do not yet own a meter but I would like to get the Lignomat E/D. Hartville Tool currently has it on sale for $95 with free shipping. This is the best price that I have seen.

 

[BobN]

Dave, I have the Lignomat E meter. I have had it about 4 years now and have been very happy with it.

About 3 years ago we had a water pipe brust and flooded the family room and hall. The insurance company sent a crew out to check the damage. They had some very fancy moisture meters, I ask about them and was told that they ran about $500 -$600. Well I followed them around with my little Miniligno and got the same readings that they did.

I guess the Lignomat E/D and S/D are later models since mine is 4 years old. If the new ones are as good as the one I have you can't go wrong.

Bob

 

[scsmith42]

Dave, whatever you ultimately decide to purchase, be sure that it's depth of reading matches up to your needs.

If you primarily work with 4/4 wood, you'll need one with at least a 1/2" reading depth.

 

[Rob]

I have the ED, just recently purchased it, it has probes both 1/4" and 1/2" with it, works well for me. I purchased it at Klingspors.

 

[MikeL]

Scott, do you know of a meter that has a greater depth of reading at his price point? I would think that anything greater would require one of those slide hammer attachments or a more expensive pinless model. I know that the Lignomats have the option of a slide-hammer for an additional $100 or so. Another feature of some of the more expensive models is the adjustment for different species of wood. I don't know if this warrants the additional cost. I plan on purchasing one in the not too distant future (please don't tell Michelle :eusa_hand) and would like the ability to measure 8/4. I thought that the E/D would be sufficient and it is within a reasonable cost. Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[scsmith42]

Mike, the meter that I use the most is a Merlin pinless, made in Austria. I have the sawmill model which will read to a depth of 1.5" (good for up to 16/4 boards), FactoryNew sells them for $439.00. It's accuracy is great. They sell the "Fine Wood" model (1/2" - 3/4" scan depth) for $299.00

Delmhorst is the standard for kiln operators, and you need the slide hammer attachment for anything greater than 5/4 - 6/4 boards.

I have a J2000X model, which is an outstanding meter. In addition to species adjustments, it also allows you to compensate for temperature (important in a kiln). Nyle sells these with the slide hammer for $430.00

Nyle also sell's Delmhorst's Accuscan pinless meter for $295.00. It's good for up to a 6/4 - 8/4 board.

FactoryNew also sell's Merlin's MoistTec 2 in 1 small pin-type model for $69.00 I'm not familiar with this model, but Merlin has an outstanding reputation for accuracy and this strikes me as an incredibly good deal.

 

[fergy]

Just saw this on CL:

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/1100657352.html

Not the brand you're looking for...but...it's a Delmhorst 2000

 

[scsmith42]

Just saw this on CL:

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/1100657352.html

Not the brand you're looking for...but...it's a Delmhorst 2000

That's a good price on an excellent meter! I have something similar, except mine is calibrated for a wider range of MC%'s that are encountered during the kiln drying process.

 

[fergy]

I'd snag it if Dave didn't, if I had the cash right now. I need one.

 

[lonehunter]

All this talk about meters got me thinking. I know, I know, Thinking almost always get's me in trouble!

What is the moisture content of most live or recently cut trees? I imagine it will vary by species.

What % is required for woodworking?

11% seems to ring a bell.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[scsmith42]

All this talk about meters got me thinking. I know, I know, Thinking almost always get's me in trouble!

What is the moisture content of most live or recently cut trees? I imagine it will vary by species.

What % is required for woodworking?

11% seems to ring a bell.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff, green lumber is usually 50% - 60% MC, depending upon species.

Furniture grade lumber is typically between 6% - 10% MC. Exterior or framing lumber is typically 14% - 18%.

Most folks match the lumber MC% up to the environment that the piece being worked on will live in. So, if it will be an interior piece, they will perform the woodworking when the wood is below 10% MC.

There is some flexibility depending upon the nature of the piece and the wood being used.

 

[lonehunter]

Scott, Thanks for the info! :thumbs_up

Jeff