Q:

How do I know if the kiln-dried lumber I order from out of state needs to acclimate to my shop before use?

Joseph Zeh, Worthington, MA

A:

First, you need a moisture meter, so buy one if you don’t have one already. Then, find a piece of lumber that has been in your shop for at least a year and use the meter to determine its moisture content. Next, determine the moisture content of the delivered wood. If the difference between them is more than 2% to 3%, the delivered wood needs to be acclimated to your shop. How long depends on how great the difference is. A difference around 5% should disappear in just a few weeks. Check the wood weekly, and use it when the difference is around 2% to 3%.

However, if you work in less-than-ideal conditions, like a damp basement or unheated garage, you should use the new wood immediately and get the finished piece into a kinder environment (like an air-conditioned house). Letting wood acclimate to a damp space with 12% to 14% MC will only make things worse in the long run.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

AnchorSeal Log and Lumber End-Grain Sealer

Good for both sealing the end grain of freshly cut logs and boards, this wax prevents end-grain checking and saves material

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DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

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Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

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