Three moisture meters commonly used by lumber distributors
Moisture Meter #1: RDM-3
The RDM-3 is a highly capable wood moisture meter for wood dealers with multiple features that make getting accurate moisture content (%MC) measurements easy. One of the important features of this device is its built-in wood species and temperature correction. These features allow the RDM-3 to adjust readings based on the type of wood currently being tested and the current temperature of the wood (as extreme temperatures can have a slight effect on moisture content measurements).
The RDM-3 is a good moisture meter choice for lumber dealers who work with many different species of wood or who need to proactively monitor the moisture content of wood in the kiln. Additionally, like any pin meter, the RDM-3 excels at helping lumber manufacturers determine moisture distribution across a board-especially when used with insulated pins.
The Delmhorst universal probe socket located on the top of the meter (which is part of all current Delmhorst pin-type moisture meters) allows the RDM-3 to be connected to the Delmhorst KIL-MO-TROL® in-kiln monitoring system.
Moisture Analyzer #2: ProScan
The Progressive Scan Pinless Moisture Meter is one of Delmhorst's very good moisture meters for hardwood floor applications. Lumber dealers who specialize in hardwood flooring for shipment to flooring stores often use pinless moisture meters because they:
1) Excel examines large amounts of wood in a short period of time; and
2) It is a non-destructive testing method (no pinholes in the wood).
A specific advantage of the ProScan as a wood dispenser moisture meter is its built-in species correction function and calibration check. The species correction feature allows the user to program the moisture meter to automatically adjust its moisture content measurement based on the specific gravity of the wood being measured. Built-in calibration check functionality makes verifying the meter's accuracy as simple as pressing a button.
Note that as a pinless meter, this device is best suited for testing wood that has been processed into a final product with a flat, smooth surface, such as hardwood floors. Pin moisture meters for wood provide a better way to test raw or rough-cut wood.
Moisture Analyzer #3: TotalCheck
The TotalCheck 3-in-1 Moisture Meter combines the benefits of both moisture meters mentioned above with a thermohygrometer to check ambient humidity conditions at lumber storage sites.
The moisture meter's scan mode quickly locates pockets of moisture in the wood being treated. Pin patterns, meanwhile, can be used to determine the distribution of moisture between the core and shell of a piece of wood.
The thermohygrometer feature is useful because it allows lumber dealers to verify the conditions they use to condition the lumber being prepared for distribution to the lumber destination. This is useful for maximizing wood quality for customers at the end of the supply chain, as it minimizes fluctuations in wood moisture content upon arrival.
