Ideas for a new moisture meter? <$50

[benush26]

A while back I bought a Cheap digital moisture meter and I got what I paid for , so now I am looking for ideas for it's replacement.

I've been considering this one
Dr.meter MD912
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008V5XFK8/re ... Q4MC&psc=1

But am I again just wasting money by not buying an expensive but better reputation, say Fluke, etc.?

If you have used one that you like please let me know. I "think" my price point is aprrox $50 but if that is still going to get me junk, then what is it I should be saving for instead.

Thanks

Be well,
Ben

[charlese]

Hi Ben! Your price point may be a bit low.

About 12 years ago I opened my wallet for a Wagner L609 moisture meter. The cost was about $150. Here is a page giving you information on that meter. http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/wagnerl609rvu.html

When googling for a Wagner L609 I found a used one that was sold on EBay for $45. You might still be able to find a used one. It looks like Wagner doesn't still sell the L609, and most of their meters are $300 and more.

If you can find a used meter and it is broken - Wagner has a site where you can get repair.

I've been very happy with the meter I have. It measures moisture to 1/2" deep. I've been able to avoid problems because of this meter.

[benush26]

Hi Ben! Your price point may be a bit low.

Hey Charlese!
Kind of figured that might be the case . Thanks for the information and recommendation!! I'll start looking and saving. With the winter we've been having in Helena (though not NEARLY as bad as others around the country!), I won't be needing anything for a few months!!

Thanks again,

Be well,
Ben

[charlese]

I was at a staff meeting in Helena when it got so cold a train's brakes let loose and it rolled down the track and crashed into a power station. That blacked out most of the city. About 45 deg. below, if I remember correctly.

Yes! It can get cold in Helena

[benush26]

Was that in the late 80s early 90s? I was in Seattle at that time and heard about it. I think it was the same year Seattle go so much snow that the city ground to a halt for a few days (well except for a few of us that had tire chains and common sense, we got around just fine.) My folks were without power but managed to get the pickup started so drove around town assisting as they could.
I always tell people it gets so cold here in odd numbered year winters because the legislature is in town for 90 days and Mother Nature is trying hard to combat all that hot air!!

Thanks for the idea about checking Ebay. I did and while searching found this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fisher-Scientif ... 2385103549?

Not exactly what you had recommended but got it for <$25 shipping included. The online literature says it has 150 species of trees included, so hope that will be okay. It also says the retail price is over $400. A bit unwieldy compared to the more modern and woodworking specific models but for $25 I am willing to give it a shot.
Thanks again for the ideas!!! I would never have checked without your suggestion.

Be well,
Ben

[charlese]

Hope it works for you, Ben! Don't know a thing about it. Looked at the first 3 pages of the Fisher Scientific pages, but didn't find one. Probably out of style, like the L609.

The Helena freeze was in the late 80s as best I can remember. It had been such a warm Feb. I forgot to add "Heet" to my gasoline. As a result my spark plugs froze with the water in the gas and had to have the car towed to a heated garage and thawed out.