Moisture mapping plays a vital role in woodworking, ensuring proper wood moisture content for successful and precise turning.
Wood moisture content is a crucial factor that directly influences a wood’s workability, stability, and longevity. Wood can be categorized into three moisture content ranges:
* Green: Above 19% moisture content
* Air-dried: Between 6% and 19% moisture content
* Kiln-dried: Below 6% moisture content
The ideal moisture level for wood before turning largely depends on the type of wood and the specific project’s requirements. However, general guidelines recommend:
* Softwoods: 6-12% moisture content
* Hardwoods: 8-12% moisture content
* Intricate Projects: Lower moisture content (6-9%)
By adhering to these recommendations, crafters can minimize the risk of cracking, warping, and other issues that can arise from turning wood with excessive moisture content.