Hello,
Not only two examples of using the meter to pinpoint a given moisture level reading at a given time but a measurement of the reputability of two unscrupulous lumber dealers too. In fact, that second point is what I understood the two stories illustrated best to be honest.
Another use of a moisture meter that I can think of is a way of measuring patience. Do you have the patience to wait for that meter reading to get down there? I don't at all make light of the use of these meters and like I said up there don't discount them, just offer my perspective. I know a guy in France, a real campagnon, done the tour de France, the whole bit. I visited his yard full of oak mostly, all black and creviced some of it hundreds of years old. I'm pretty sure he has a moisture meter too. Clearly they serve some purpose and are popular, the one Don P pictured even looks like one of good quality. A lot would not be I guess. I think I even saw a moisture meter app for your iphone once, if not it's surely coming soon.
My own way of handling wood does not include the use of meters. I bring some wood home, if I cut it standing I prefer to do it in the winter when the ground is frozen and the underbrush is low, it goes though a pretty rigorous process lasting multiple years for the most part until I'm confident it has settled down, (the ol' emc or was that e=mc2? Anyway). In this way it's more a question of living with the wood than it is of trying to dial in its condition.
Greetings,
Don Wagstaff
