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Pro tip: a $25 moisture meter saved a $4,000 walnut slab last week
I was about to start milling a beautiful piece of air-dried walnut for a client's vanity top. The guy I bought it from in Asheville swore it was ready. My old meter gave a green light, but the new one I bought on a whim showed a 4% spike in the core. Letting it acclimate in the shop for another month was the right call. Anyone have a favorite meter they trust for figured woods?
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gray_carter966mo ago
My old Lignomat gave me a 9% reading on some maple last year, but the pinless Wagner I borrowed from a buddy found a 16% pocket right where I planned a joint. I still sweat thinking about that close call lol.
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king.andrew6mo ago
That's the exact reason I double-check with a second method now. I was building a walnut table last fall and my pin meter said 8% all over, but the board still felt heavy. I left it in the drying room for two more weeks and it dropped another 3%. Makes you trust your gut as much as the tool.
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perry.phoenix6mo ago
Trust your gut" is so true. My pin meter lied about some cherry once.
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