question about flame box elder

[The Penguin]

I've got a couple spindle blanks I got from TimeBandit that I want to turn down for tool handles.

I also have a "Lignomat E/D" moisture meter - the moisture meter has 2 different wood groups, and box elder is not listed in either group:

http://lignomatusa.com/MoistureMeter/WoodGroupChartsMiniED.pdf

I think box elder should fall into Group 3 based on some other searching I've done and found that box elder's kiln drying time & settings are similar to other woods listed in Group 3.

What moisture content should I be looking for before I turn the blanks?

thanks

 

[toyotaman]

I work with quite a bit of Box Elder and usually 8% or less is great.

 

[hunter-27]

I work with quite a bit of Box Elder and usually 8% or less is great.

Box elder is part of the maple family for what that is worth

 

[TellicoTurning]

You might also find that Box Elder isn't a really strong wood... I don't know what stresses you might put on the handles or what the handles are for, but it might be prudent to keep that in mind...

 

[The Penguin]

really? darn.

I was going to use them for handles for the carbide turning tools I got for Christmas.

since I want to use the tools (soon) and the wood is still really wet - I guess I'll snag the walnut blank I have on the shelf.

 

[chrisk]

Ash handles are better for this purpose IMHO but walnut should be fine if your BEB is wet.