Thread: Controlling timber movement

Originally Posted by Carpenter

This discussion indicates the importance of knowing the moisture content of you're timber, which leads me to another question; whats the best type of moisture meter? There are spike/probe units & I've seen one from Carbatec that uses some other method. Which one would give the most accurate indication of EMC - I'm supposing that the one which can measure deepest would give the best indication?

Pin meter.. Delmhorst J2000 with slide hammer and insulated pins.
Temp and specie correction built in (and accurate for OZ species).
Insulated pins allow depth readings to be done (good for finding wet subfloor).
Capacitance meter.. Wagner L612. There is none better.
Correction needs to be done against O.D. yourself.
I love this meter. Great for site inspections as it doesn't damage the floor.

J200 cost is about $900 with all the gear.
Wagner 612 is about $1700.
These are true moisture meters. If you need reliable readings that will stand up in court, these meters will do it.

Forget the $100 to $300 units from carbatec and others.
Remember...you get what you pay for.

I currently have 3 wagner meters. 1 Merlin piece of crap. 2 delmhorst and 1 deltron meter.
2 sets of Oven dry scales and ovens and a Sartorius MA45 weighing oven normaly used for pharmaceutical industries.

For calculating EMC, you need a temp/humidity meter.
EMC is calculated from the relationship between Deg C and R.H.%