Replies

1. 
   Woodcrazy | Jul 15, 2003 08:57pm | #1

   Have had one for several years, they are good for the task,  the pins don't penetrate very far as mine is hand held and can't drive it deep.  the pins will bend if too much force is used.  the only fault i have with the unit is that one may forget to turn it off after use - it has a light to indicate power.  repeatability - sometimes one will get readings that differ by %1 in the same piece of wood and same spot by repeated jabs.  Instructions are good and comes with tables to compare movement and convert to standard temperatures.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 15, 2003 10:32pm | #4

   Thanks WC, that's excellent info.  I can deal with 1% variability I think, and I'm well-trained to remember to turn things off -- my digital calipers and a specialized calculator I have at work both require that.  As long as it's not easy to accidentally turn it on!  Is it???forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   Woodcrazy | Jul 16, 2003 12:25am | #5

   FG: i keep mine in the original tube container. the switch is a dial with click stops.  I have replaced the battery once because of some idiot who forgot to turn it off. extra pins are available, and there is a plastic cover for the pins, in case one needs to carry it around.

2. 
   BG | Jul 15, 2003 09:04pm | #2

   FG,

   I did a bit of research on moisture meters about 4 months ago.  You'll recall the article last year in FWW that went into some depth...however, the timber-chek was not in the article.  There were some good reviews of the TC...as I recall the accuracy was there.  However, guess who has two moisture meters....and knows how to use them...Sarge...I'm sure he'll be on shortly to answer all....

   I think if you hang your engagment ring from a string over the wood...N/S movement indicates male wood...E/W = female.....lol

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 15, 2003 10:29pm | #3

   BG, if I put an E/W piece of walnut and a N/W piece of walnut in a dark corner and leave them overnight, will I get more walnut???? LOL!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

3. 
   patricks13 | Jul 16, 2003 12:41am | #6

   I tend not to do things that I am uncomfortable with. For that reason I don't think I would be taking a pin type moisture with me to buy wood. I bought a used Wagner L609 pinless for $75 and I have been happy with it. I usually buy hit and miss wood so it works fine for that.

    

   I was reading another forum today where a guy surfaced a board flat, went on vacation and now the board is out 1/2". While he did lay the board flat, if it was at equilibrium it wouldn't have mattered, unless the moisture content changed in the shop while he was gone. Unless your wood moisture content is at equilibrium or it is quartersawn the chances are pretty good that it will warp after you surface it. Buying kiln dried wood is no guarantee that it will be dry by the time you machine it. All reasons for buying and using a moisture meter.