We suggest that the kiln operator determine the initial average moisture content 

 of a kiln charge by testing 20 to 50 boards, selected at random, with both moisture 

 meter and the ovendry test method. These data can then be used to prepare a graph 

 relating the moisture meter value to the oven test values (fig. 5). Thereafter, only 

 moisture meter readings will be needed to determine the true average moisture content 

 of the charge. 



When a charge of dead lumber is ready to be kiln dried, the kiln operator should 

 measure the moisture content of 50 to 100 boards in the charge with a moisture meter. 

 Using the average of these readings he can determine the true average moisture content 

 from the graph and then select the initial drying conditions by referring to the guides 

 contained in the Dry Kiln Operator's Handbook (Rasmussen 1961) for that particular 

 species, thickness, and grade of lumber. By taking postdrying moisture meter readings 

 and evaluating the quality of the dried, surfaced lumber, the kiln operator can deter- 

 mine if any further changes in the drying schedule are desirable. 



34 r 



32 



30 



o 



E 28 



c 



>- 26 



c 



E 



24 



22 



20 



1- 



16 



/ 

 / 

 / 



✓ 



/ □ 



Lodgepole Pine / 



12 14 16 18 20 22 24 



MOISTURE CONTENT (MOISTURE METER METHOD), PERCENT 



26 



Figure 5. — Rela- 

 tionship between 

 moisture meter 

 readings and true 

 moisture content 

 as determined by 

 ovendru method. 



10 



