Wood Moisture Content
The moisture content of wood is a crucial factor that significantly impacts its properties and performance. It is expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of the wood. As wood absorbs moisture from its surroundings, its moisture content increases.
How Dry Should Wood Be Before Turning?
When preparing wood for turning, it is essential to ensure that the wood has the appropriate moisture content. This is because:
- Excessive moisture can cause the wood to warp and crack during turning.
- Insufficient moisture can make the wood brittle and prone to breaking.
The ideal moisture content for turning varies depending on the wood species and the desired finished product. In general, most hardwoods should have a moisture content between 6% and 8%, while softwoods should be around 8% to 10%.
Measuring Wood Moisture Content
Before turning, it is advisable to measure the wood’s moisture content to ensure it is within the desired range. Several methods can be used for this purpose, including:
- Moisture meter: This device measures the electrical conductivity of the wood, which is affected by its moisture content.
- Pin-type moisture meter: This instrument inserts small pins into the wood to measure its moisture content.
- Weight and dry weight comparison: The wood is weighed, then dried in an oven and weighed again. The difference between the two weights represents the moisture content.
Drying Wood
If the wood is too moist for turning, it can be dried using various methods, such as:
- Air drying: This involves stacking the wood in a dry, well-ventilated area and allowing it to dry naturally.
- Kiln drying: This method uses a controlled environment to accelerate the drying process.
- Microwave drying: This technique utilizes microwaves to rapidly evaporate moisture from the wood.
By carefully monitoring and controlling the moisture content of wood, turners can achieve optimal results and create beautiful and durable turned items.