Thread: Review - Wagner MMC220 Digital Moisture Meter

Cheers Dean.

It sounds like a great tool, but there is no way I am going to be able to afford it. Any recommendations for ones more in the price bracket of backyard operators?

I tried the Carbatec $70 one. POS. Took it back after a few short weeks as it stopped sensing any moisture in any wood - just cut, through to very dry. New battery made no difference. Touching the probes still elicited a response, but not when used on timber. So now I am moisure meterless again.

Thanks Dean,

I found the info in your review very interesting.

I would like a moisture meter, but will not be spending that money on one.

How about a review on a lower spec. meter, or even a comparison between a number of different types?

Cheers

Moisture meters are one product that come under the heading you get what you pay for the Wagner is I beleive about $5-600.00, and that is low priced for a moisture meter, most proffesional grade moisture meters a in the price range of $2-3,000.00. I have seen many of the low priced units not live up to what the makers claim

Yep definitely a case of you get what you pay for.
I had a pinned cheapy one too. It sucked

This Wagner one is MUCH better. Bit costly though but worth every penny IMHO.

Has anyone tried any of the better Merlin meters?

For that sort of money, think I'd rather buy a domino.

Typical of an American tool being sold in Australia is that no forethought is given to the local situation here with some of the timbers we have.

Deans concise summation of a well known and handy tool is thorough, but I feel Wagner fails in that the market in which it wants to give voice to with it's product dosen't deem it necessary to include some of the well known OZ timbers...relying on local knowledge to foreguess the SG of the timber they wish to analyze.

Does this mean that after you've purchased a 'not so cheap' moisture meter you have to also cart around something like K.Bootles "Wood in Australia" to arrive at some modicum of satisfaction.I think not.

Wagner have for years had their Moisture Meters on the market here however, if ...and only if there is a consideration on the adjustable percentage relevant to the device of any given moisture on Australian Timbers is it then deemed to by OZ Compliant.

Cheers

Th CD that comes with it has an extensive database of wood species from around the world with SG values for each. I looked up a few aussie species too and most of them were in the database

Hey Dean,
how about getting a review of the Merlin ECO-10 or WS13HD they are $399 and $569 respectively and most likely in the range for most of us who would 'need' one?

Personally I'd like to get the Merlin PM1-E, just need to convince the minister of home affairs

Originally Posted by Dean

Th CD that comes with it has an extensive database of wood species from around the world with SG values for each. I looked up a few aussie species too and most of them were in the database

Dean I stand corrected,that they do include some Oz timbers with measurement ,however there are a lot of people using timbers that they still need to know the SG and therefore the Wagner in my view is only partially compliant.
Have you reviews for an Oz built Moisture Meter?

Cheers

Hi Dean, good helpful review.
Looking at moisture meters at the mo, and was wondering where you got your Wagner MMC 220 from?

If it was from the U.S. or Amazon, did you have to pay any import duties? cheers.

Be a handy tool to have.
Look no further than LeeValley

Originally Posted by Harry72

Be a handy tool to have.
Look no further than LeeValley

yeah Ive checked out lee valley, but I think that is the MMC 210.

I'm looking for the Wagner MMC 220 which has an extended SG range to accommodate Exotic timbers. I guess it wouldn't hurt to shoot them an email.

I have sent an email to The Moisture Meter Company in Coffs Harbour to see if they have it....

Originally Posted by Dean

Has anyone tried any of the better Merlin meters?

Not sure how to read this Dean, do you mean the Merlins are better than the Wagners? Or, are you referring to a higher quality Merlin tool, as opposed to a cheaper Merlin? I'm guessing the latter, and my answer would be no, though I did try a cheaper Merlin - even the owner wasn't terribly impressed with it.

I have seen the Merlins advertised for $800-$1000 and was thinking the Wagner looked reasonably priced. Not sure how you would test them though. I guess you would need a calibrated high end unit to test a piece first, then try the cheaper units to see how they compare. The CD that accompanies the Wagner advertised on the LV site seems to suggest it has a comprehensive species SG reference, I'd like to know if that is just a comprehensive American list. They do have a handy FAQ page but they don't mention other species in detail.

There is another mob here, PCWI.

There is a wealth of information available at http://www.thewoodexplorer.com.

Totally unrelated to moisture meters I know but I have to ask. Dean, are you going to do part2 to the Leigh Dovetail Jig?