Replies

1. 
   frenchy | Dec 17, 2006 03:21am | #1

   flipstuff,

     about a decade ago Fine wood working did a comparison of them based on their suggestion I bought a mini Lingo.  I'm happy. I doubt that you will get too many people who have  bought a variety of them and actually done back to back comparisons, so now you get to hear everybody support their buying decisions..  clearly not objective.

2. 
   BilWil | Dec 17, 2006 07:45am | #2

   In my experience using a number of different ones, I have settled on using a Mini Lingo with the pins.  It has consistently come the closest to the readings of the one built into the kilm where I buy lumber.  I used to take the reclaimed and air dried lumber to them to get a reading and now when I go out to buy reclaime lumber I take my own.  Lots quicker and I don't have to pay for kilm drying without knowing what I'm buying.

3. 
   DavidCockey | Dec 17, 2006 06:25pm | #3

   The current issue (Fall 2006) of Woodworking magazine had a review of moisture meters. I don't remember any recommended under $75.

1. 
   SCMedLion | Dec 18, 2006 11:30pm | #4

   Just did a quick search, and TylerTool.com has the Mini-Ligno for $89.95

   Hmm, wonder if that'll fit in my stocking?

4. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 19, 2006 02:10am | #5

   The Ligno hasn't let me down in 9 years.

   Jeff

1. 
   flipstuff | Dec 19, 2006 03:12am | #6

   hi all --
   thanks for the input and suggestions. i am just getting back from the weekend, and am finally reading all these now.btw, i posted on another forum (egads!) and a couple of people suggested the delmhorst meters. i guess that i can conclude, from these and postings elswhere, that meters under $100 are probably not worth the money. bob smallser said, essentially, "you're better off with no meter than with an inaccurate meter."do people here agree with that statement?if so, how about one additional recommendation, other than the Ligno-Mini (which seems to retail at around $90-110) ?
   say, one at a higher price point w/ more features or capability?again, thanks in advance for your time and input.
   best,
   philip

1. 
   frenchy | Dec 19, 2006 04:27am | #7

   flipstuff,

     No meter better than an inaccurite meter?

          Hmmm,

     If the wood read 7% moisture but was actaully 7.5% would it really matter?  Not in my experiance..

     What degree of inaccuracy is accepted? Do you need labratory grade stuff for scientific purposes?  Are you one of those people who believe that you need to buy the most expensive items because everything else is junk? 

    I've built a lot of stuff and as long as the moisture is within reason I'm pleased with the results..

       Some people are so anal they cannot accept that wood has tolerances and to a limited degree Forgiveable..But your needs could be differant than simply building wood projects.  So I won't judge..

        

1. 
   flipstuff | Dec 19, 2006 09:39am | #8

   thanks for the reply. i'm not sure that being snide is necessary, however. in my last post i was quoting bob smalser, who writes for FWW, who believes that accuracy is important. in fact, if you go over to sawmill creek you can read the whole post and see his discussion with another experienced woodworker. i learned something anyway.

1. 
   frenchy | Dec 19, 2006 11:32pm | #9

   flipstuff,

   I'm sorry,  I really had no intention of coming off snide that's why I took the time to give other sides to the issue and ended it with I wouldn't judge, just in case it was taken wrong..

     Not everyody does things my way and that's just fine by me.  I try to be helpfull at all times and not judgemental so I guess I'll need to spend even more time rereading my posts before I send them.

    Again I apologize if you were offended..