Moisture Mapping is a vital aspect of woodworking and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and durability of wood products. Understanding the moisture content of wood is crucial for various woodworking processes, including turning.
Wood moisture content refers to the amount of moisture present in the wood. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the wood’s oven-dry weight. The moisture content of wood affects its strength, dimensional stability, and durability.
The ideal moisture content for wood before turning depends on the type of wood and the intended purpose of the turned object. However, as a general rule:
It is important to note that wood continues to lose moisture once cut from the tree and may require drying or kiln drying before reaching the desired moisture content.