Moisture Meter, Anyone? I heat with wood, and dry wood is far superior to wet/damp wood. It can take a long time for cut, split wood to air dry, and I'd prefer to put only dry wood...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I heat with wood, and dry wood is far superior to wet/damp wood. It can take a long time for cut, split wood to air dry, and I'd prefer to put only dry wood into my stove. I've seen people online - mostly woodworkers - using moisture meters. I ordered one, and it will arrive today. Now I can spend the next two weeks sorting all my firewood according to its moisture content.

Do any of you use moisture meters?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I don't.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Longshadow wrote:

I don't.

Gee, I was sure you would have one. Oh, well. Wrong again.

BebuLamar

So Jerry you get a pin or pinless meter?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BebuLamar wrote:

So Jerry you get a pin or pinless meter?

Dual pins

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

jerryc41 wrote:

I heat with wood, and dry wood is far superior to wet/damp wood. It can take a long time for cut, split wood to air dry, and I'd prefer to put only dry wood into my stove. I've seen people online - mostly woodworkers - using moisture meters. I ordered one, and it will arrive today. Now I can spend the next two weeks sorting all my firewood according to its moisture content.

Do any of you use moisture meters?

It's a good idea, I have an offset smoker and dry wood is especially important for smoking meat, many backyard pitmasters use them. I have had a few for inspecting moisture damage in homes, but seemingly have lost them in a move.

Canonuser Loc: UK and South Africa

Yes, I have one and ensure all wood is below 15% moisture before it goes onto the log burner. Wetter wood does not burn efficiently, creates less heat, will clog up the chimney more quickly and pollute the environment.

tairving Loc: Magnolia, Texas USA

Woodworking is another hobby for me. And yes, I have one which I use for woodworking. I don't heat with wood, so no need to use it for that purpose.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Jerry, it is hard enough to stack it, I can't imagine taking time to moisture test it. I agree the dry wood is far superior but that seems like a lot of work!

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I've been burning wood since my first Jotul in 1979 and I've never used a meter. Never even knew they existed, in fact. I have cut, split, green wood delivered in April and it sit in full sun, most of summer until I get it stacked and covered. By then it's fully checked and dry as a bone; I never hear the hiss of water burning off in the stove.

However, I'd be interested in your results and wouldn't mind using a meter to confirm my estimate of my wood's dryness so let us know what transpires with yours.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Canonuser wrote:

Yes, I have one and ensure all wood is below 15% moisture before it goes onto the log burner. Wetter wood does not burn efficiently, creates less heat, will clog up the chimney more quickly and pollute the environment.

I checked the wood in my indoor rack, and it was between 12 and 16. It's been so warm here that I start it at night and let it burn out. They say it will be 60° today.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I use mine in woodworking. I read that 22% is a good number for firewood. My firewood comes from logs that have been down for a season or two and I get it in the Spring. Dries out well over the summer when split and stacked.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

gvarner wrote:

I use mine in woodworking. I read that 22% is a good number for firewood. My firewood comes from logs that have been down for a season or two and I get it in the Spring. Dries out well over the summer when split and stacked.

I'm going to start using it for woodworking, too. I get my firewood in the spring, and it sits outside, air-drying till the fall. Then it goes into storage.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have one I use for woodworking… if you’re having trees sawed up for wood which you’re then drying over a period of time before use, it’s very useful.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

TriX wrote:

I have one I use for woodworking… if you’re having trees sawed up for wood which you’re then drying over a period of time before use, it’s very useful.

Yes, the "shrink factor" in green wood can be considerable.