Do you mean hydrometer (liquid density) or hygrometer (humidity)? I've got a digital hygrometer in my shop that was originally the interior sensor on a wireless weather center that shows temperature and humidity.
Not much use in a woodworking shop for a hydrometer. Last time I used one was almost 40 years ago in my Forest Soils class lab that we used to determine the relative amounts of mineral and organic content of soils.
I monitor humidity in my shop with a fairly good quality gauge that was sitting in a drawer for years. Not that it changes much (seems to stay around 25%) and not that I can do much to control it, but "fun" never the less 8^(
OK, I'm lost (that's no surprise)...but is the question about a hydrometer, or a hygrometer??? I'm just trying to keep up. Years ago I used a hydrometer to check my car batteries, and i still have one (I think) to check anti freeze. My Kestrel has a hygrometer (of sorts).
Sorry about my mistake, meant to type hygrometer.
Seems to be many are reported as inaccurate. I am just not sure one would be of great value considering the reported inaccuracies. I was thinking of getting a dehumidifier and the HYGROMETER may be of some help in the overall scheme of things. So question has anyone found a good one for under a $100?
Jim
OK, my Kestrel 3000 hand weather meter is a little higher than that, but seems to reliably report relative humidity. At least it matches up with what the weather folks report. I bought mine for other purposes, but I have used it from time to time on indoor humidity readings (in the house, not in the shop).
Sorry about my mistake, meant to type hygrometer.
Seems to be many are reported as inaccurate. I am just not sure one would be of great value considering the reported inaccuracies. I was thinking of getting a dehumidifier and the HYGROMETER may be of some help in the overall scheme of things. So question has anyone found a good one for under a $100?
Jim
Guess can depend upon a lot of things I have one in my shop that tells me temp & humidity, but after your question going to replace mine with this digital one. Not sure need an expensive one as long as readings withing couple degrees of what local forecasters say. Have to real close to mine to see the non battery one with scale lines to read it.
If stop and thing both temperature & humidity has effects on wood and machines (rust). Heat and humidity has an affect on wood movement, wood gaining and losing moisture content. Humidity can cause problems to rust, so don't have to wait to see it before doing maintence.
Good news is that I have digital and analog temp and humidity measurement in my shop. The bad news is that I can't really control humidity that well.
I made a large free standing 2 door cabinet for my sister, and there were definitely some humidity related wood movement issues over the month or two I had it in my shop. That actually turned out to be a good thing, since I was able to find and correct any and all door sticking problems.
Many electronic thermostats monitor humidity and for less than $100. Since they operate on battery power, there is no transformer required. If you have a heating system, use it for that. If you have internet available, even better.
I have used this for a couple of decades now to maintain humidity level in the house and attached shop. Dehumidifier goes on at 60 off at 50%. Can't remember what I salvaged it from, but it has remained very accurate. I have always wanted to make up a nice weather station wall plaque for it, still waiting. It was made by "Airguide", don't know if they still exist.
I have a digital one in my shop and ( sometimes ), use it to keep track when finishing. If it gets to high or low finishes dry differently and I like to know what to expect ahead of time. Mel
One can use two thermometers and a psychometric chart.
One thermometer bulb must be sensing the temperature drop due to water evaporation (wet bulb temperature).
It must be wrapped in some cloth which sucks water by capillarity from a little reservoir but the bulb itself must not be in the reservoir. The water must be at room temperature.
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