Recomended moisture content for indoor furniture pt 2

[minuztarzan]

Hello all,
this is with regards to the other 2 posts I have written.

I have a maple slab which has been cut to dimensions for a coffee table.
I was told it was wet.
I bought a moisture reader and the reading show it is at 8% moisture content on average. Figures range from 7.5 - 9% but mostly around 8%

Is it safe to work on/finish?

 

[Beau]

It is at that moisture content then yes but we aware that reading from the outside of a piece of wood can be misleading. The outside can dry quickly but the middle could still be sopping wet. Best way to tell is to check on a freshly cut face but suspect that is not an option if you are using the slab as one. Maybe push the probes on the meter deep into the end grain if you can and see if it goes up much deeper into the wood.

 

[minuztarzan]

It is at that moisture content then yes but we aware that reading from the outside of a piece of wood can be misleading. The outside can dry quickly but the middle could still be sopping wet. Best way to tell is to check on a freshly cut face but suspect that is not an option if you are using the slab as one. Maybe push the probes on the meter deep into the end grain if you can and see if it goes up much deeper into the wood.

I cut pieces off the slab yesterday, and checked the offcuts, they gave me the same reading on all faces.
To double check I will drill holes into the offcuts to see the reading in the middle.

It should be noted that I just checked the MC of an oak/beech chopping board I made last year, and it is at 8% also.

It seems I have been incredibly lucky!

 

[Beau]

Sounds like all is fine and the board is dry after all

 

[thetyreman]

8% is very good