500-61001-001 Rev. D
Page 25 of 30
Questions and Answers
Q: I’m nervous about buying a new technology. What
about Wagner Electronic Products, Inc.? How long have
they been building this type of moisture meter?
A:
Since 1966, Wagner Electronic Products has been
providing quality moisture measurement equipment. Wagner is
the leading supplier of moisture measurement equipment for
the primary forest products industry. Closely scrutinized and
approved by numerous university studies and used for years
by professional wood-grading associations, Wagner’s meters
continue to prove reliable and consistent, with unsurpassed
convenience and ease-of-use.
Q: How do Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters operate?
A:
Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters send technologically
advanced electromagnetic radio waves deep into the wood
without leaving destructive holes. Known around the world for
speed and accuracy, Wagner meters supply instant readings,
scanning large amounts of board feet in seconds. Virtually
unaffected by temperature and * humidity, they scan right
through finished products.
* For frozen wood with up to 15% moisture content, accurate
measurements can be obtained. When the frozen lumber
moisture content is suspected to be over 15%, a relative
reading can be obtained. Contact Wagner technical support if
additional guidance is needed.
Q: What about gradients and wet pockets?
A:
Although the various drying processes for green lumber
can leave wet cores and pockets, moisture continues to pass
from fiber to fiber within the wood until it has equalized through
out the whole board, and then to surrounding humidity levels.
Determining if a board or load of lumber will equalize within
tolerance levels can be difficult and tricky, but Wagner
Moisture Meters provide this information automatically.
Penetrating deep into the wood, they mathematically
determine equalized moisture content and are capable of
checking truckloads of board feet for specified moisture
content in minutes. For even more convenience, many
companies use their Wagner Hand-Held Meters to read right
through the plastic wrapping around the wood on new
deliveries before they allow unloading!
Q: How can I take accurate moisture readings without
sticking pins into my wood? Why doesn’t my new Wagner
Hand-Held Meter read the same moisture content as my
old pin meter?
A:
Pin-type meters work on a primitive, resistance principle
that basically measures the flow of electricity through a
substance. This method is subject to many environmental
variables that can dramatically affect moisture readings such
as chemicals in the water trapped within the wood and the
temperature of the wood. Pin-type meter readings must always
be corrected for any difference in temperature above or below
70 degrees F. Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters use
advanced electro-magnetic wave technology and are sensitive
to changes in density and the actual moisture content of the
wood.
