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 wrote:
I don't.
Gee, I was sure you would have one. Oh, well. Wrong again.
So Jerry you get a pin or pinless meter?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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