Moisture Mapping is a crucial technique for understanding the moisture content of wood and optimizing drying processes for various applications, including woodworking.
Wood Moisture Content
The moisture content of wood refers to the amount of water present within its structure. It is expressed as a percentage of the wood’s oven-dry weight.
- Green wood: Above 30% moisture content
- Air-dried wood: 12-20% moisture content
- Kiln-dried wood: 6-8% moisture content
The moisture content of wood affects its strength, stability, and durability.
How Dry Should Wood Be Before Turning?
The ideal moisture content for wood before turning depends on the specific project and the type of wood used. However, as a general rule, the wood should be sufficiently dry to minimize distortion, warping, and cracking during and after the turning process.
- Hardwoods: 6-8% moisture content
- Softwoods: 8-12% moisture content
Using wood with an appropriate moisture content ensures the stability and durability of the turned object.