Moisture Content in Wood
Question: I have recently noticed that the wood that I am getting from the local lumber yard seems dry and brittle when I am carving. I did some research and found a source that said the ideal moisture content for carving is between 10% and 12%. Do you know if this is correct? I purchased a Delmhorst Wood Moisture Content Meter, and checked the moisture content of the wood that I am using for carving. It is all between 5.6% and 6.5%. I guess this would explain why it seems so dry and brittle when I am carving, LoL! Is there anything that I can do to change this? I was considering putting the wood in a tupperware container with a damp sponge, but I don’t really know what that will do to it. Do you have any suggestions?
Moisture Content in Wood
Answer: Yes, 10 to 12% is the ideal moisture level for woodcarving. I can’t believe you would have gone to the expense of buying a ’ Delmhorst Wood Moisture Content Meter” . They cost hundreds of dollars! Wow! You are obviously very serious about this! Using your Tupperware and a sponge is the right idea –and it will work nicely. In fact if you place such your simple home-made humidor outdoors in the sunlight it will work like a sauna and do the job quicker.
In the future keep you wood in your garage or shed (assuming you don’t live in Arizona). Failing that, keep it in a closed container away from heat or air conditioning.
Hope that helps, Dennis
