Structurally sound and beautiful in appearance, wood is the ideal raw material. Woodworkers know that moisture content is the single most important factor affecting the quality of their project. To ensure quality, from the mill and dry kiln to the finished project, moisture meters help minimize defects such as shrinkage, cracks, and splits. Years of experience, high-tech tools, controls and premium grade lumber cannot make a difference if moisture content goes unchecked.
Are There Different Types Of Moisture Meters?
There are two types of moisture meters commonly used in lumber and woodworking applications.
Pin-Type Moisture Meters:
A pin-type uses two pins that penetrate into the wood at the users desired depth and depending on which moisture meter you purchase. Pin-type meters are the only instruments that indicate the moisture conditions inside a board or a piece of wood. Using insulated pins, only the uncoated tips are exposed to the wood fiber, providing more accurate readings of moisture content at various levels of penetration. Using a pin type meter with insulated pins is still the most effective method to determine moisture gradient, which is the difference between shell and core moisture content.
Pin-Type Features and Specifications:
- Gives precise readings and is a good indicator for evenly or unevenly dried wood.
- Leaves two pin holes.
- Indicates highest moisture content in the area between the pins.
- Can measure differences between core and surface moisture by using insulated pins which measure only at the depth they are driven to.
- Not affected by surface texture or shape, as long as both pins can be inserted.