The most common problems caused by moisture in wood are finishes that don’t stick, joinery that breaks apart, and boards that take on new and unwanted shapes after milling. The solution to all these problems is to use wood that has been dried to the right moisture content, between 8% and 12%. And the easiest way to determine moisture content is to use a moisture meter.

Moisture meters use either pins or an electromagnetic plate (pinless) to measure moisture. Some pin-style meters take deep readings with hammer probes; others take readings from 5/8 in. or less. Both styles leave marks. Pinless meters leave no marks but require the wood surface to be smooth; they detect moisture down to about 5/8 in. I looked at a dozen meters priced from $60 to $350 and was surprised to find that their overall accuracy is quite good.

The Wagner MMC 210 has a very compact, fucntional deign. A note pad on the front keeps track of the species correction for your most frequently tested types of wood. It comes with a case and a belt clip, and the manual fits neatly within the storage case.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Sawstop Miter Gauge

It has a toothed angle-setting rack that is extremely solid, accurate, and easy to use, and it offers all of the features I love in a miter gauge, including the ability to add an auxiliary wood fence, and a flip-stop that will accommodate it.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Dividers

Incredibly useful for laying out, setting equal distances, and comparing measurements, these are an essential tool for any furniture maker.

Buy at Amazon