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Measuring Moisture

D

DennisM

Joined
Dec 4, 2004
Messages
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Location
Washington IL - Central Illinois Peoria Area
I'm stumped. Trying to figure out how to determine the moisture content of a roughed out blank. Really don't want to wait the 3 to 9 months to let the blank air dry. I would like to use the microwave, but haven;t been able to figure out how to determine when I have the rough bowl at a suitable moisture content.

I purchased a pinless moisture meter (about 200 ouches) only to discover that it has to be flat against the wood over the entire reading pad of about 3x4 inches to read properly. Obviously one can't get a flat 3x4" reading pad flat against a curved bowl. I sent the moisture meter back.

Looked at a pined moisture meter, but the directions seemed to say that it wasn't going to work properly unless the pins where fully into the wood. That's about 1/2". Tried to test use the meter, but couldn't get the pins that far into the wood.

I really would appreciate a few words of advice - be specific (I frustrate easily). If you use a moistire meter, what brand, what model works.

Thank you
 
I pretty much guess, I pick em up from time to time and when they feel right I turn em. No its not scientific but I haven't had a bowl warp in ages. I was boiling and I figure in 4 to 12 weeks depending on the size and thickness.
 
Dry bowls

The best way to determine if the wood is dry enough is to measure the weight. Not the moisture. When the weight stableizes then it's dry. Meanwhile slow down. Take your time. The world goes by to fast anyway..It also helps to always have a lot of roughed out blanks of all ages. That way you always have something to turn.
Remember turning should be fun. Not just another problem.
Duane
 
too dry or not too dry

I use a HF moisture meter. Said meter is $19.99 on their web site.

There is another thread on this subject from about a month or so ago. I put a more detailed answer there.
 
I've been seeing alot about soaking pieces in denatured alcohol to speed up the drying process. This will apparently decrease a dry time from months to weeks. That and using weight make for an inexpensive way to improve drying time and track finished moisture.

Dietrich
 
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