Replies

1. 
   mike4244 | May 26, 2004 12:49am | #1

   Penn State has a moisture meter for under $40.00. I bought one last week and checked it with an expensive one a friend owns. With most hardwoods that were checked it was within 2 or 3 %. Close enough for me for the small cost.I tested kiln dry oak, beech, mahogany and a few others. Also tested green stacks that had various levels of moisture. It seemed to be fairly accurate in all of the hardwoods, but off by as much as 5% on green pine, and hemlock. I didn't test long enough for a real in depth analysis but am reasonably assured that I did not waste my money.

   mike

2. 
   mudman | May 26, 2004 07:34am | #2

   I have a Ligno mini meter with pins. I think it cost $135. I have mostly used it for flood restoration and mold abaitment, therefore I usually use it on sheetrock and painted trim. I use it in my shop as well and I supose it is accurate. I only wish I could check concrete with it.

   Mike

1. 
   mudman | May 26, 2004 06:27pm | #4

   My Ligno reade up to 28% I think. That seems pretty high.

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 27, 2004 05:29pm | #5

   mike

      I you get a 28% reading, be sure to have paper-towel or rags handy to dry you hands. You might even consider building a sand-bag barrier around the wood to help check flooding.  ha.. ha...

      Actually, 22% to 28% is not that unusual if you buy direct from the saw-mill. If your source advertises kiln-dry then you got a problem.

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   mudman | May 29, 2004 07:44am | #6

   HI Sarge,

   Actually I frequently encounter readings well out of the range of my meter. I am a remedeler and have gotten into flood / mold remediation. I also buy disaster houses to fix and resale. To tell the truth I've never really needed the meter for my shop. I do check my lumber but my supplier's stock is always good. I agree that a meter for the shop need not read over 18%

   Mike

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 29, 2004 04:28pm | #7

   mike

      I have a Timber-Check pin style and a Lig sensor. Both work fine. I think from the review FWW did a year or so ago, most meters will work. For what you do with it, the Timber Check sounds fine. Just read what it is capable of as it is probably the cheapest. Cheapest in price that is, but still gets effective results.

   Regards...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   mudman | May 29, 2004 11:49pm | #8

   Hi Sarge,

     I'm not looking for a new one. The origional poster is. Even though I frequently get out of range readings in restoration work it really dosent matter. I only need to know when it is dry enough to close up the walls and unplug the dryers.

   Mike

3. 
   RANGERP75R | May 30, 2004 01:01am | #9

   mike

      Opps... I was thinking you were the original poster. Guess I'm getting old. Yep, that's it. I'm getting old and forgetable.

   ha.. ha...

   sarge..jtProud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

4. 
   forestgirl | May 30, 2004 07:30pm | #10

   Sarge, you will never be forgettable!!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   RickL | May 26, 2004 02:26pm | #3

   Do a search on google for moisture meters and get the catalogs from different makers and see what meets your needs. Concrete and certain building materials need a wider range than wood. Most of them make a small test block for around $20. Basically it's a couple of resistors in a block of plastic so you can always be sure of the calibration.  Then go seaching for best price after you find what you think will meet your needs. For a homeowner you don't need to spend as much as professional obviously.