New L622 wagner moisture meter

[Tom Morris]

This question is directed to Timothy D. When purchasing a new meter from Wagner, we were informed that the L612 was no longer being produced, and that the new L622 had new SG standard of .48 vs .50 on the L612. It seems that if research was done to make this change relevant, that bulletins would be sent out to L612 users, so they would all have an opportunity to know why, at least. Our Quality control person here doesn't believe tha the L622 is right, because there was no bulletin sent out from Wagner. We purchase and send for repair 2 to 4 meters a year.
Tom M

[TimothyD]

Hi Tom,

Historically, we have used the s.g. value for Douglas Fir specified for the “Interior West” region of the U.S. as determined by the USDA Center for Wood Anatomy Research.  Over the years new data has come out for other wood species, and in a recent effort to make our meters more up to date with the latest research, we adjusted some s.g. values for some species accordingly. 

During that process, we decided to take into account the specified values of s.g. for Douglas Fir in other regional areas.  They are very close to one another, so instead of injecting confusion by specifying multiple regional values, we averaged the separate regional values together, and that is how the 0.48 value for s.g. is calculated. 

If you view the reference listed below, you will see the separate regional areas listed with their respective s.g. values.  Even so, to be even more accurate, one can always adjust their s.g. setting in their meter to more appropriately reflect their regional and/or log diet actual s.g.

I am also going to pass your post along to manufacturing, so they can take appropriate steps to address your concerns as well.  I hope this helps clarify the situation for you and others, and thank you for your diligence!

Reference:
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/TechSheets/SoftwoodNA/htmlDocs/pseudomenziesii.html

Best Regards,
Tim