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Humidity stick? - Printable Version

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RE: Humidity stick? - abernat - 06-07-2020

Sounds like a bimetallic strip - the theory is definitely sound. 

I'd be interested to see if there's a difference between gluing the entire length of the two woods or just gluing the ends to provide maximum independent movement.


RE: Humidity stick? - Tony Z - 06-07-2020

Seen this in the past, in several variations. First time was around 60 years ago, while in elementary school, in a book (IIRC) "Scientific American Boy". Calibration may be problematic.


RE: Humidity stick? - MauleSkinner - 06-07-2020

Here’s another version...the cross grain expansion pushes the needle.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=112v0QJz8EI


RE: Humidity stick? - Pirate - 06-08-2020

Going with Arlin's idea, why bother having a woodshop, when you can just buy items, instead of making them.
No thanks.
I already have store bought hygrometer in the house.


RE: Humidity stick? - Alan S - 06-09-2020

(06-08-2020, 07:47 AM)Pirate Wrote: I already have store bought  hygrometer in the house.

That should help with calibration of the one you make.

I used to have a 3' long crossgrain piece from trimming the end of a panel that I used to measure every now and then. It worked.

Any mechanism that amplifies the motion to make it easier to read would be useful, like a long grain strip attached alongside, possible glued only at the ends to make sure the glue did not interfere.  The longer the better in terms of sensitivity.  Response time is still slow.


RE: Humidity stick? - ianab - 06-10-2020

(06-09-2020, 10:13 PM)Alan S Wrote:   Response time is still slow.

Make sure you keep the end grain unfinished. Then on a small piece of end grain the response will be hours, not weeks.


RE: Humidity stick? - AHill - 06-10-2020

(06-06-2020, 12:41 PM)rectangle618 Wrote: This looks close to your description:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9FPBQzlhbc

OK for a Cub Scout project, but Arlin's suggestions would be more practical.

I'm surprised he still has all his fingers intact.  His table saw technique leaves a bit to be desired - even with the push sticks.


RE: Humidity stick? Update - Pirate - 06-11-2020

Made a stick with long grain mahogany and cross grain oak.
Made in metal shop with no a/c. Est temp 95. Outside est RH 85%
Brought in house to dry in clamps. Temp 76 RH 40%
Next day took clamps off and at end of day it looked like picture.
Left outside (RH est 85% temp 84°} next day and it bent 1/2" more.
Glad it wasn't made as a part if a project.
It was quarter sawn oak.
I'm making another from mahogany and cut up cross grain 2x4 today to see difference.


RE: Humidity stick? - Rick LoDico - 06-11-2020

Just buy one of these magical thingies.
https://www.newenglandtradingpost.com/the-woodsmans-weatherstick/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrIf3BRD1ARIsAMuugNuj5nPXH1NCIJk7uEC9xOAAoD4t54ZSUeWlmLodL77dVDGiR2Mw19YaAiP_EALw_wcB