Hi Neil,
I bought a moisture meter a couple of years ago after a long period of consideration. What really made up my mind was after I had finished a really complex piece ( HUGE Inlaid cofee table ) for a couple who had just converted an old Barn into a beautiful house. I was asked to complete the table for the christmas and so did the usual thing of leaving the wood in the house for 6 weeks prior to starting. All was well and good. I had no idea that after I had removed the wood and taken it to my workshop - which is a bit barn like in temperature and proportions, they installed a full central heating system and a 15kw heater.
On finishing the piece I was horrified at the temperature in the house and told them in no uncertain terms that the table was not to go in a room of that that temperature for obvious reasons.
I recieved a phone call some 2 months later saying that they had a problem with the table. Turns out the silly buggers had put the table a mere 6ft from the roaring fire for a new year's party, and had then proceeded to leave it there. Joints had stayeed put , but there was movement along all of the rails and across cross members. I was absolutely gutted. The table had over 70 hours in it. I subsequently checked the various moisture content levels. The offcuts of the wood which I had stored in the house were at 10% , my wood in the barn was 12-14%, and the furniture which they had bought from their other house was 7-8%. I didnt have a chance, but it taught me a bloody good lesson in moisture content importance
.
I susequently bought a Lignomat mini X from Rutlands.Cost about £100, and I use it everywhere. ( woodyards, clients houses, antique shops, in fact pretty much everywhere I can. )
Mine is of the pin variety which can be a bit awkward on furniture and finished pieces. consider possibly a pinless variety. More costly but probably less invasive. Check the depth that the reading is taken at.
Best of luck. You wont regret it.
Decklan
