There’s a lot to like about the Wagner Orion 950 pinless moisture meter. The meter is easy to set up for any wood species. The real deal for us furniture folks, though, is the meter’s ability to calculate the exact equilibrium moisture content in your shop for the species being checked. It does this by reading relative humidity and temperature and combining these with the desired species density. This makes it dead easy to determine if the lumber being scanned is ready for use. Dew point and grains per pound can also be detected for more esoteric needs.

Moisture readings can be saved, too, up to 100 of them. Once the readings are saved, you can scroll through them, get an average, and see the highest or lowest. An optional alarm on the high point will sound if the meter moves over an even higher point—another great option for hard-to-reach (and see) places.

You can transfer the meter’s data via Bluetooth to a free app for tracking or storing information. A device for verifying calibration, specifically set to each individual meter, is included, making it snap to check the meter’s accuracy.

—R.J.

Photos: Roland Johnson

From Fine Woodworking #283

	Everyone Needs a Moisture Meter New meters are precise and cheaper than ever, leaving you no excuse
	STL217: Chris Becksvoort thinks you need a moisture meter Contributing editor Chris Becksvoort joins Mike and Ben to answer questions on milling, wedged joinery, and his two favorite tools.
	How To Dry Lumber A seasoned sawyer reveals his secrets for drying lumber in a kiln or in the open air

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