DETERMINATION OF WOOD MOISTURE
There are several ways to determine the moisture content of wood. In a domestic environment, they use a special device-electric moisture meter. The operation of the device is based on a change in the electrical conductivity of wood depending on its moisture content. The needles of the electric moisture meter with the electric wires connected to them are inserted into the tree and an electric current is passed through them, while the moisture content of the wood is immediately noted on the scale of the device in the place where the needles are inserted.
Many experienced carvers measure wood moisture by eye. Knowing the types of wood, its density and other physical properties, it is possible to determine the moisture content of wood by weight, by the presence of cracks at the end or along the grain of the wood, by warping and other signs. By the color of the bark, its size and the color of the wood, you can recognize ripe or freshly cut wood and the degree of its moisture.
When processing a s / m with a plane, its thin shavings, compressed by hand, are easily wrinkled – this means the material is wet. If the chips break and crumble, this indicates that the material is dry enough. When cross-cutting with sharp chisels, attention is also paid to the chips. If they crumble or the wood itself is chipped off, this means that the material is too dry..
Very damp wood is easy to cut, and a wet trace is noticeable at the cutting site from the chisel. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to get a high-quality thread as a result, since cracking, warping and other deformations cannot be avoided.
DRYING WOOD
Dry wood has high strength, shrinks less, does not rot, sticks easily, finishes better, and is more durable. Any wood of a wide variety of species is very sensitive to changes in environmental humidity. This property is one of the disadvantages of timber. At high humidity, wood easily absorbs water and swells, and in heated rooms it dries up and warps. Indoors, wood moisture is sufficient up to 10%, and in the open air – no more than 18%.
There are many ways to dry wood. The simplest and most affordable – natural type of drying – atmospheric, airy. It is necessary to dry wood in the shade, under a canopy and in a draft. When dried in the sun, the outer surface of the wood heats up quickly, while the inner remains moist. Cracks form due to the difference in stress, the wood quickly warps.
Boards, beams, etc. p / m are stacked on metal, wooden or other supports with a height of at least 50 cm.The boards are laid with the inner layers up to reduce their warpage.
It is believed that the drying of boards placed on the edges is faster, since they are better ventilated and the moisture evaporates more intensively, but they also warp more, especially material with high humidity. It is recommended to compact a pile of p / m, harvested from freshly cut and live trees, from above with a heavy load to reduce warpage.
During natural drying, cracks always form at the ends, to prevent their cracking and preserve the p / m, it is recommended to carefully paint the ends of the boards with oil paint or soak them with hot linseed oil or bitumen to protect the pores of the wood. It is necessary to process the ends immediately after the cross cuts into the cut. If the tree is distinguished by high humidity, then the end is dried with a blowtorch flame, and only then painted over.
The trunks (ridges) must be debarked (cleaned of bark), only at the ends small belts-couplings with a width of 20-25 cm are left to prevent cracking. The bark is cleaned so that the tree dries out faster and is not affected by beetles. The trunk, left in the bark, in relative warmth with high humidity, quickly decays, is affected by fungal diseases.
After atmospheric drying in warm weather, the moisture content of the wood is 12-18%.
There are several other ways to dry wood..
Evaporation method
Or steaming has been used in Russia since ancient times. The workpieces are cut into pieces, taking into account the size of the future product, they are laid in ordinary cast iron, sawdust from the same workpiece is poured, poured with water and placed in a heated and cooling Russian oven for several hours at t = 60-70C. In this case, “leaching” occurs – the evaporation of wood; natural juices come out of the workpiece, the wood is colored, acquiring a warm, thick chocolate color, with a pronounced natural texture pattern. Such a workpiece is easier to process, and after the end of drying it cracks and warps less..
Waxing method
The workpieces are dipped in melted paraffin and placed in an oven at t = 40C for several hours. Then the wood dries out for a few more days and acquires the same properties as after parking: it does not crack, does not warp, the surface becomes tinted with a distinct texture pattern.
Steaming method in linseed oil
Cookware made of wood steamed in linseed oil is very water resistant and will not crack even with daily use. This method is still acceptable today. A blank is placed in a container, poured with linseed oil and steamed over low heat.
Text: Rimex
What are the most accurate and efficient methods to determine moisture content in wood, and what are the optimal drying techniques to ensure the wood reaches its desired moisture level?
What is the most accurate and efficient method for determining moisture content in wood? Additionally, what are the recommended drying techniques for wood, considering factors such as temperature, humidity, and time?
The most accurate and efficient method for determining moisture content in wood is by using a moisture meter specifically designed for wood. These meters use electrical resistance or capacitance to measure the moisture content within the wood.
When it comes to recommended drying techniques for wood, several factors need to be considered. The ideal temperature for drying wood is around 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit, while maintaining a humidity level around 30-50%. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness and species of wood, but generally, it can take several weeks to months.
It’s important to balance the drying process to prevent cracks and warping in the wood. This can be achieved by slowly reducing the moisture content over time, allowing the wood to acclimate to the drying environment. Additionally, stacking and spacing the wood properly can help promote airflow and even drying throughout the wood.
The most accurate and efficient method for determining moisture content in wood is through the use of a moisture meter specifically designed for wood. This tool provides instant and precise readings, allowing for quick and reliable results. Another method is the oven-dry method, where a sample of wood is weighed, dried in an oven, and then re-weighed to calculate moisture content.
When it comes to drying techniques for wood, the ideal conditions include a temperature of around 100-110°F, humidity levels of 60-70%, and proper air circulation. The drying time can vary depending on the species of wood and initial moisture content, but a general rule of thumb is to allow for 1 year of drying time per inch of wood thickness. It is important to monitor and adjust these factors throughout the drying process to prevent cracking, warping, or other defects in the wood.