Q. We have a pin-type moisture meter with a hammer probe connected with wire to our instrument. Sometimes when I take this into the kiln to measure the moisture, the lowest reading I can get is 12 percent MC. Any ideas why?

Learn how moisture impacts the qualities of the wood product.

To get lumber to the right moisture content, it’s not as simple as just letting the wood sit before you use it. Sometimes letting the wood acclimate to its new environment is actually a bad idea.

When the General Tools & Instruments MMD8P moisture meter ($199) showed up to be reviewed, I was excited. I have moisture issues with wood – it seems like it’s always too wet to use and I don’t want to wait.

It is not enough to use lumber at 6-8% moisture content when producing cabinets and furniture. Lumber interacts with the surrounding air so a product may not stay within that range if the surrounding relative humidity is not kept between 30-50% at around 70F. Changes in moisture content are often accompanied by shrinking, warping and cupping.

Delmhorst: AWFS 2013 Visionary Awards entrant for the Proscan Pinless Moisture Meter.

Pin or pinless, moisture meters are an essential tool in the woodworking plant, as well as other areas where moisture can affect the outcome of the project.

New wood moisture meter firm Brookhuis America Inc. has been established as a joint venture between Brookhuis Micro-Electronic BV in The Nederlands and Claus Staalner.

Wagner Meters donated the MMC220 – their best-selling ”Extended Range” pinless moisture meter – to the McKinleyville Middle School Woodworking Program.