Firewood Moisture Content Tester

[bedbugbilly]

Moisture meters have been around for years. I used to have one to check the moisture content of hardwoods that I bought from various suppliers when I had my millwork shop. I got mine through forestry supply if I remember correctly. I used it often to check on the moisture content of the firewood I cut (I would cut a year ahead). There must be some cheaper versions out there now. A quick google should give you some results.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

maybe Shawlerbrook meant "too seasoned", instead of "too dry".
Besides Moisture, wood has esters and/or resins that provide BTUs, besides the cellulose. If the wood is seasoned so long that the esters and/or resins have left the wood, it burns faster with less overall BTUs per hour.

[Markopolo]

Alder burns green fairly well.. our problem here is the rainforest is damp... all our firewood is damp a bit even if it sits under cover for several seasons...only the real cold weather drys in out completely.. i have tried all of the above methods, and the wood we have is just damp. it drys enough to burn pretty well, but not like you guys have.. i burn about 12-15 cords every year.

[snowwolfe]

In my experience you can generally tell if wood is dry by the weight and the sound it makes if you bang two pieces together. Wetter wood has a dull thunk to it why dry has a sharper sound. Moisture meters are still the best way though.

[DickelDawg]

I've been using firewood to heat my house for 34+ years. My test for moisture content is, throw it in the woodstove - if it burns, moisture is low. If it doesn't - it's too wet.
Never heard of a moisture tester for firewood. By golly, what won't they think of next?

[GregLaROCHE]

I got a $25 meter in the mail this morning and bought he 9 volt battery it needs this afternoon. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow.