I'm about to get my hands on some wood that's said to have a moisture content (MC) of 15%. That feels a bit high to me, but the seller insists it's workable. I can get it kiln dried as needed, so I'm not concerned about reducing the moisture further. I've always thought that less than 10% is the ideal for working with wood. What do you folks think?
3 Answers
It really depends on what you plan to do with the wood. If you’re doing some general woodworking, 15% might be okay, just sticker it inside and let a fan run on it for a week to help it dry out a bit more. But for a more precise project, like furniture where you need tight joinery, that moisture level could be problematic. Just keep an eye on it!
Moisture content can vary significantly based on your area’s humidity. For example, wood from Arizona is generally drier than wood from Washington during the rainy season. If you’re in a humid area, 15% might actually be high, but if you’re getting a good deal, it could be worth it. Just remember to acclimate the wood to your shop environment for a few days after kiln drying to avoid issues.
I had some problems with wood at that moisture level previously, particularly with cupping. So if it’s for a personal project, you might be fine, but for client work, I’d recommend sticking to kiln-dried wood to avoid headaches.