Hugh said:
Odie,
I use a kitchen scale - eletronic type. Reads in both grams and pounds/ounces. I "borrowed" mine from my wife's kitchen. It is now stored in my shop. My wife comes out to weigh stuff once in a while. Purchased at a kitchen store - about $40 - $50. Weighs up to 11 pounds. If you weigh a rough turned bowl for a few days and it is the same weight each time - it is ready to put back on the lathe and return, finish. When I rough out a bowl, I weigh it and write the weight right on to bowl.
Hugh
Hey, thanks for all the replies gentlemen......
This is great! I should have found this forum a long time ago! I can see this is the place to get some advice, tips, new techniques and whatever.
I believe I'll look around for a scale. I've always used the Lignomat moisture meter, but I'm game to experience a few new methods. Have any idea where I might find the appropriate scale on the internet?
At what rate do you see differences in weights? A few days seems like a pretty short time to determine a stable weight suitable for finishing. For myself, I've been in the habit of leaving roughed bowls out for several months before I finish them. Do you find that stabilizing can occur within a few days after roughing them?
I've used some kiln dried woods. On those, I can usually go from the block to finished in one sitting....but, they're all 3" thick, or less. Air dry is something else entirely, though. I've been in the habit of taking my time with those.
I have a piece of Koa on the lathe right now, and it's about 6" thick. This block has been in my shop for a couple of years......and, it looks like the entire block may have a stable moisture content. I'm planning on not waiting for it very long, we'll see. I haven't dug out the interior yet, though. As I do, I'll use the Lignomat at a few depths to confirm.
....odie