500-62201-001 Rev. M Page 28 of 33
Question and Answers
Q: I’m nervous about buying a new technology. What
about Wagner Meters? How long have they been building
this type of Hand-Held Moisture Meter?
A:
Wagner Meters has been building quality moisture
measurement instrumentation for over 40 years. They are a
leading supplier of sophisticated moisture measurement
systems for the primary forest products industry. The
advanced electro-magnetic wave technology used in Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meters has been closely scrutinized by
professional wood grading associations and scientists in the
industry. It has proven reliable, consistent and much easier to
use than pin-type resistance moisture metering.
Q: How can I take accurate moisture readings without
sticking pins into my wood? Why doesn’t my new Wagner
Hand-Held Moisture Meter read the same moisture content
as my old pin-type 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.
Q: What is the narrowest piece of lumber I can measure
accurately with the Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter?
A:
Model L622 measures boards as narrow as 2 ½" in width.
Q: What thickness boards can I measure?
A:
You can accurately measure boards as thin as ½" and up
to 2" thick.
Note: Make sure there is nothing behind boards less than 1"
thick when you take the measurement because Wagner Hand-
Held Moisture Meters will read through the thinner board and
measure the moisture in the material behind. Under no
circumstances measure a piece of wood that is sitting on a
metal surface. The Wagner L622 measures to a depth of 1",
which will reach the center of a 2" board)
Q: Can I get accurate results on 4x or thicker lumber?
A: No hand-held moisture meter can accurately read to the
center of 4x material unless you are willing and able to drive
pins 1" into the lumber all the way up and down its length and
breadth. However using a Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter,
you can quickly and easily scan 4x lumber on both sides (4 x
4’s on all four sides). Then only the center 1
5/8
" would be
unmeasured.
Note: Most wood grading agencies are generally not
concerned about the moisture content in the center of thicker
beams and posts. They consider 1" deep scanning more than
adequate.
Q: Where is the reading taken with a pin-type meter? With
a Wagner Hand-Held Moisture Meter?
A:
Pin-type meters take their measurements at the depth that
you’ve been able to drive the pins. . . and only in a line
