Replies

1. 
   saragosa | Jan 01, 2009 01:11am | #1

   Six years ago I did a comparative test of six electronic meters and they all performed equally well, regardless of price. I would avoid the type of meter that uses probes as these measure only surface moisture. An electronic meter will sense moisture accurately up to about 1.5 inches in depth. If you put a 3/4" plank on a wet surface, it will read right through the wood to the wet surface. They also do not measure absolute moisture but relative moisture, but that's all we need anyway.

2. 
   BG | Jan 01, 2009 03:58am | #2

   Bones,

   Ligno is a very good brand that is not too expensive. As I have looked at the various models, they appear to be distinguished by the ruggedness of their construction....I'm basing my opinion on what I can see, I have no idea if the technology is better. The Ligno is tough enough but probably could not stand up to the abuse that some might see in the field being handled by several different people. You'll probably give it a very protected life...as I would.

3. 
   RickLoDico | Jan 01, 2009 04:26am | #3

   I have a previous model of that meter. I've been quite satisfied overall and it's been working for over ten years.

1. 
   boilerbay | Jan 01, 2009 06:14pm | #6

   Bones,
   echo rick.
   good meter. Mine has a second set of long pins that are inside it. Pain to change battery. I've had accurate surface readings that weren't far off from internal after resaw. As far as pin meters go, I think it's one of the best.Boiler

1. 
   bones | Jan 01, 2009 06:20pm | #7

   Thanks to all who responded.  I figure what that heck. I ended up paying actually 28 bucks 8 tax & 20 difference so for 28 bucks If I'm wrong I've blowed more money on that on tools or jigs that did not pan out, but thats another thread.  Funny part is the web site said oversold so it won't even be back in stock till the 8th. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

1. 
   PHM | Jan 02, 2009 11:19pm | #8

   You might check Hartville tool for the Ligno

   http://www.hartvilletool.com

   May still be on sale with free shipping.  ;-)

   Pat

4. 
   forestgirl | Jan 01, 2009 10:13am | #4

   Bones, one post above was somewhat incomplete in the info about pinless meters.  A pinless meter needs very smooth wood to give an accurate reading.  Pinned meters often include longer pins for deeper reads (as does the Ligno you're considering).  I hope to eventually have one of each, using my pinned Delhorst J-lite for home use, and a pinless to use in the lumberyard. ;-)

   BTW:  the Rockler flier I got in yesterday's mail has the Mini-Ligno on sale for $99.99 -- if it's like the Delta feeder I'm after, it's a local store promotion, not a web thing.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   bones | Jan 01, 2009 06:08pm | #5

   Ya know I was browsing for something to buy and I saw your post.  Unfortunately since I move from STL, I don't have a local store or the feeder you mentioned would have been mine! Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

2. 
   saragosa | Jan 03, 2009 02:42am | #9

   I can assure you that an electronic pinless meter works just fine on rough sawn wood.It only needs a tiny contact area. Now, if you're talking about chain sawn wood, yeah, that might be a problem.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 03, 2009 06:11am | #10

   Interesting, different from what I've read over the years.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)