nded for
testing should be selected from boards of fair average quality. If
air-dried, select one about half way up the height of the pile of
lumber. If kiln-dried, two thirds the height of the kiln car. Do not
remove the kiln car from the kiln until after the test. Three of four
test pieces should be cut from near the middle of the cross-wise
section of the board, and 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick. Remove the
superfluous sawdust and splinters. When the test pieces are placed on
the scale pan, be sure their weight is less than two ounces and more
than 1-3/4 ounces. If necessary, use two or more broken pieces. It is
better if the test pieces can be cut off on a fine band saw.

=Weighing.=--Set the base of the scale on a level surface and accurately
balance the scale beam. Put the test pieces on the scale pan and note
their weight on the lower edge of the beam. Set the indicator point on
the horizontal bar at a number corresponding to this weight, which may
be found on the cylinder at the top of the table.

Dry the test pieces on the Electric Heater (Fig. 101) 30 to 40
minutes, or on the engine cylinder two or three hours. Weigh them at
once and note the weight. Then turn the cylinder up and at the left of
it under the small pointer find the number corresponding to this
weight. The percentage of moisture lost is found directly under
pointer on the horizontal bar first mentioned. The lower portion on
the cylinder Table No. II is an extension of the upper portion, and
is manipulated in the same manner except that the bottom line of
figures is used for the first weight, and the right side of cylinder
for second weight. Turn the cylinder down instead of up when using it.

Examples (Test Pieces)

MODEL A. Table No. II, Kiln-dried or Air-dried Lumber:

If first weight is 90-1/2 and the second weight is 87, the
cylinder table will show the board from which the test
pieces were taken had a moisture content of 3.8 per cent.

MODEL B. Tables No. II and III, Air-dried (also Green and
Kiln-dried) Lumber.

If the first weight on lower cylinder is 97 and the second
weight is 76, the table will show 21.6 per cent of moisture.

MODEL C. Table III, Green Lumber:

If the first weight is 94 and the second weight is 51, the
table shows 45.8 per cent of moisture.

Keep Records of the Moisture Content

=Saw Mills.=--Should test and mark ea