Moisture Meter -- Pin Type or Pinless ?

[ssmith1627]

I guess these moisture meters are like anything else -- the prices seem to range from $35 to $300. I see one from Woodcraft for that $35 price, the pin type, but the meter only measures 10% and up -- that doesn't seem adequate to me so I've pretty much discounted that model.

Is there a huge difference in the pinless ones ? Are they as accurate or not really ? Just curious to hear some feedback on the differences there.

Thanks,
Steve

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning Steve...

I have a Timber-check (pin type) that was given as gift from BIL not knowing I already had a Wagner (non pin). I use the "Airborne System" from purchase to actually putting the stock in use.

I take the pin type TC with me to my hardwood lumber supplier to get an acceptable range reading before purchasing... Hence "Red Light.. Stand Up and Check Equipment"

After I find stock that meets my criteria in both size, grain orientation and reasonable moisture level, I purchase.. Hence "Hook up"

The stock is taken to my shop rack for storage. I use the Wagner (non pin) to check it at this point as it gives a more sensitive reading. I am testing to see that it has stabilized over-all to surrounding conditions in my shop. I look for a range before working it of 8% -12% with 10% ideal). Hence.. "Shuffle to the Door"!

Once I get the moisture level to the the target area... "Green Light.. GO"!

And ladies and gentlemen, that's the story of how uncle Sarge uses his previous military training as an aid in his woodshop... "Geronimo" ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

Regards... :>)

[Stormbringer]

Search for the thread that Jeffrey Schronce started about a month ago on this very topic. A bunch of replys that might help you out.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Edit : Below is basically what I discovered through talking with a lot of folks, some of which is based upon the above mentioned thread.


The 10% limitation is no big deal since you are only working with wood below that MC. Having said that, most reliable meters will read content much higher than 10%.

1) Pinless measures a larger area in a given reading.
2) With Pinless temp does not affect the reading and you don't have to make compensation for temp.
3) Pinless leaves no holes. (Duh)
4) Pin meter is better for rough lumber since pinless requires flat/smooth surface.

Lignomat has a brand new meter out that is awesome. It is called the E/D is on sale for $99 from Lignomat. Note this meter is so new it is not on their website and you have to call to order 800-227-2105. This meter has digital LED read out with read out accuracy up to one decimal place. Note all Lignomats are the same accuracy as far as the mechanical reader. However the older, less expensive Ligno will read 7% where as this new one will read 7.9%. To me the ability to have the resolutoin of .1% below 10% is a big deal. $99 is a great deal for what is effectively one of Lignos best units.

Lignomat also has a special where you can buy a pinless meter for a reduced price if you also buy a pin meter. The Ligno-Scanner D is List $189 and on sale for $176, however if you purchase with a pin meter it is $159. So basically the pine e/d and the pinless D cost $258 if bought together. That is approximately the same price of the Wagner 220 pinless meter. This made my decision pretty easy!

Here is a pin v. pinless comparison :

http://www.lignomat.com/handheld/versus.htm

[ssmith1627]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. That really does help.

Sarge, I definitely do need an SOP for this. I've only now started buying any rough lumber and without a meter I'm blind to whether or not the wood is even ready for use. Not the smartest thing to do.

Jeffrey -- is the new E/D you mentioned the pin type meter ? Just curious. That may very well be the direction I go to get me started with one. That's a price I can swallow right now.

Thanks again.

Steve

[Jeffrey Schronce]

E/D is a pin meter. Pin meters are recommended as first meters. You can check rough lumber and even finished lumber in the end grain.
Pinless opens more doors such as checking MC of glue ups table tops, finished projects, moisture in walls, furniture, etc.
I think the E/D is a great meter at $99! I don't think they charged shipping or tax.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I got the manual out and here is a little more info on the E/D :

mini-Ligno E/D (replaces mini-Lingo E and E/C)

The E/D has a moisture range from 6 - 55% in ground 3 woods and 46% in ground 2 woos. For moisture above the given range it will show the maximum score and for readings below 6% it will show 6%.

Wood Group 2 and 3 are changed by pressing the little plastic pin between the metal pins twice. Group 2 includes Beech, Ipe, Jatoba, Oaks, Poplar, OSB and others while Group 3 includes Cherry, Ash, Birtch, Mahogany, Maple, Pine, Walnut and others.

Using the temp chart to correct % for temp works very well, though you deal with a little rougher numbers. The readings from the E/D compared very well against the pinless Ligno meter which is not affected by temp.

All in all the E/D is a GREAT buy at $99.