Last week I took two, 11 foot Ash logs, from the same tree to a sawmill to get cut into 1" boards. I picked the boards up a couple of days later. After getting home I brought them into my basement where I stacked them (with stickers) to dry. I used my cheapo moisture meter to get a few readings. The boards were averaging 30-33%. Now a week later, I checked them again and I'm now getting readings of 18-23%. Of coarse these are outside readings or however far I can jamb the prongs into the wood. I'm sure the boards has some additional moisture on them the first day, mainly from being outside. But what kind of moisture readings should I be looking for before I can plane the lumber. I'm not in a hurry at all. I will be using some of the boards to finish around some basement window casements, and walk out patio door. I initially figured next winter before they would be ready.
The boards are in my basement which isnt finished, but is heated by my wood furnace. Should I be running a fan on this wood to keep air circulating or will they be fine as they are. And is there something I should do to keep warping to a minimum? Or isn't this a concern? Thanks
The boards are in my basement which isnt finished, but is heated by my wood furnace. Should I be running a fan on this wood to keep air circulating or will they be fine as they are. And is there something I should do to keep warping to a minimum? Or isn't this a concern? Thanks
Last edited: