Orion 930 Moisture Meter – Review
As a joinery company, knowing the moisture content of the wood we use is essential. We produce both internal and external joinery, so it’s critical to ensure the wood’s moisture content is appropriate for its intended use. For internal projects, we aim for a moisture content between 8% and 12%, while for external projects, we target 13% to 19%. These ranges work well for our products and the environments they’re used in. Please note that these figures are specific to our needs, and everyone should assess their own requirements.
Wagner Meters recently approached us to review their Orion 930 moisture meter. For transparency, they provided us with the meter for this review. Although we already had a moisture meter, we saw this as a valuable opportunity to verify our processes.
The Orion 930 comes with an impressive 7-year warranty, a sturdy case, and clear, easy-to-follow instructions. It’s a pinless gauge, which means it doesn’t damage the timber being tested since no probes need to be inserted. You can select from two depths of moisture measurement: 6mm or 18mm (displayed in imperial as 1/4" or 3/4"). The included species settings booklet covers a wide range of commonly used timbers, though it seems more tailored to the U.S. market. That said, I was able to find most of the species we use. For any species not listed, I found it easy to locate specific settings on Wagner’s website. The meter also accommodates common panel products.
In use, the Orion 930 is as simple as a basic Casio watch. It took me about five minutes to read through the prompts, and after that, I was good to go. One nice touch is that it comes with a battery—an industrial-grade Energizer, no less!
The construction feels robust, with all edges protected by a rubberised surround, reducing the likelihood of damage if dropped. The solid design and strong carry case make me want to treat it like a precision tool, something I’d store with my other high-accuracy instruments like callipers and squares.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality moisture meter for a joinery workshop, the Orion 930 is well worth considering. With a 7-year warranty, the initial purchase price essentially works out to just over £1 per week—quite a good investment in my book!"
