500-62001-001 Rev.J
Page 27 of 30
Meters will read slightly higher than normal (probably less
than 3 to 4%). If water is allowed to soak into the wood, it will
naturally show a higher moisture content. If a piece of wood is
quite rough, it will soak up the water quite readily and readings
will be affected.
Q: What are the effects of relative humidity on Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meter readings?
A:
As long as there is no condensation on the bottom surface
of the instrument there is no effect from changes in relative
humidity.
Q: Do the meters on the Wagner Hand-Held products ever
require readjustment? Does my Wagner Hand-Held
Moisture Meter need to be calibrated? If so, how often
must it be done?
A:
Occasionally Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters require
adjustment. However, the process of checking zero points and
calibration is very simple.
Note: Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters are originally
calibrated at the factory. Type and amount of use will
determine how long this original calibration will last. A
calibration verification block is available for the customers who
must check their calibration often. Anytime that the meter is
not reading correctly on that calibration verification block, it
should be sent into the factory for calibration.
Q: I have a very thin veneer over a door stock and I’m
trying to measure the moisture content of the core. Can I
measure accurately through laminated materials?
A:
If you’re measuring an all-wood door with a very thin
veneer wood laminate, you can probably use a correction
factor to determine the moisture content of the core material.
Note: If yo
u’re measuring a door that has a plastic laminate or
Formica-type laminate, the Formica laminate is going to have
its own density, which is going to affect the reading of the
meter. You can determine the variance caused by the laminate
by first measuring only the core and then the core with the
laminate. For example, if the core measures 12% without the
laminate and 13.5% with, you will then know to correct your
readings of the combined material by 1.5%.
Q: Will Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters work the
same on rough lumber as they do on smooth clean
lumber?
A:
There are little fibers in very rough material that actually
allow a minute layer of air between the meter and the main
body of the wood. However, this should not materially affect
the reading, or if it does, only slightly lower.
Note: It’s important on rough material to use some pressure
and force the meter down firmly against the wood.
Occasionally, the measurement of exceptionally rough
material may necessitate adding 1 to 2% to get an accurate
reading.
Q: Can you check the moisture content of plywood,
particleboard or wafer board with hand-held meters?
A:
Because of the glues and mixed species nature of these
materials, it is very difficult to take reliable moisture readings
with pin-type or Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meters.
