State:
a) Two methods of testing for moisture content.
b) Two advantages of seasoning timber.
a) Two methods of testing for moisture content.
The quick and easy way to determine the moisture content of timber is by use of a moisture meter.
A more scientific method, used by timber importers and suppliers, who are seasoning timber, is the determination of the moisture content by weight.
A sample of the timber is taken usually about 12mm along the grain. This sample should not be taken from the end of a plank, but at least 1 metre in, to ensure a representative sample.
This sample is weighed as soon as it is cut, and the weight noted, is called the Wet Weight.
The sample is then placed in an oven, to dry all the moisture out, when dry the sample is weighed again and this noted weight called the Dry Weight. The operator knows when the sample is dry, when he weighs the sample and the weight is constant.
Using the two weights:
Wet Weight - Dry Weight X 100 = Moisture Content (%)
(over) Dry Weight
b) Two advantages of seasoning timber.
Timber that is well seasoned is lighter and more stable, this means it is less likely to shrink warp and split in use.