PSA: That one week I screwed up a $400 slab of walnut and learned why you always check moisture content

Had a client order for a live edge table in Portland and the whole thing warped bad after I finished it because I skipped the moisture meter reading. Has anyone else had a project go sideways from skipping the basic checks?

3 comments

3 Comments

charles_mitchell1mo agoMost Upvoted

I mean I once had a whole batch of clear coat go cloudy because I didn't stir it long enough, pretty sure every project has a skipped step you regret.

robin5911mo ago

Used to think moisture meters were just for the real anal types, you know, the guys who wear respirators just to sand. I'd see my granddad just eyeball wood and slap finish on it, and he never had issues, so I figured I was fine. Then I brought home a beautiful slab from a guy who swore it was kiln dried, probably wasn't lying but it sat in his damp shed for a week. Took a solid month for the warp to show up, and I spent three weekends trying to flatten it again with a router sled. Changed my whole tune real quick, now I meter everything even if it looks perfect.

the_anthony1mo ago

Bought a cheap pinless meter off Amazon for like 30 bucks and honestly it paid for itself after the first board I caught at 14% moisture. Now I just poke every piece before it gets anywhere near my jointer, saves me from having to redo half my work. Never trusted a seller's word again after that first bad slab taught me the hard way.