Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 07, 2005 05:10pm | #1

   I have the electrophysic pinless and it appears to be sufficiently accurate to easily meet your specifications, even on rough sawn lumber.  It also allows checking moisture levels over a large part of a board, not just the area where the pins have been stuck.

   And no, I would not think it appropriate to hammer pins into stock while shopping. 

2. 
   GHR | Dec 07, 2005 10:28pm | #2

   I only have a wagoner 205 (pinless).

   I seem to get reasonable numbers.

1. 
   John_D | Dec 07, 2005 11:23pm | #3

   Wagner's what Rockler's got.  I think I'll probably get that, thanks!

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 08, 2005 04:27am | #4

   I have one of those Wagner pinless models -- bought maybe 5-6 years ago for $200+ -- I think they may have cheaper models now. I have not owned one with pins, but I can tell you the Wagner works just fine. Are you aware of the fact that these machines are calibrated to a particular wood species (mine is Doug fir, as I recall)? Once you get a reading for another species,white oak for instance, you have to look in a little booklet they provide to factor the number they give you for the species you are testing. Kind of a pain. I don't know if other moisture meters are set up this way, or if it just the Wagner model I own.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 08, 2005 04:51am | #5

   In the electrophysic model I have, you dial in the species correction so that the numbers you read are already corrected. For really precise use, you can buy a calibration plate, but I have never found that to be necessary. 

   For grins, go to one of the borgs with a pinless meter and measure the moisture content of the framing lumber.   

2. 
   John_D | Dec 08, 2005 10:14am | #6

   Some of the Wagners (MMC220, MMC210 etc.), you set the wood's specific gravity, then the displayed number needs no adjustment.  Others (L609, which they have at Rockler), you have to look in a booklet after you read the output.

   I don't think that's enough of a problem that I'll avoid it.  If I'm wandering around looking at different woods, I wonder if the cheaper model (L609) might be easier, as I won't have to mash the buttons a lot, just look up the MC based on the indicated MC.

   Thanks!

3. 
   Thew | Dec 08, 2005 09:12pm | #7

   I think the pinless type is just fine if you will be using it for shopping for wood and checking wood in the shop. I have been air drying lumber, and find the pin type very useful, particularily in thick stock, where I can hammer the pins in and get a moisture gradient. I agree it is not appropriate to use a pin type in a retail setting.

   Thew