Moisture Content - how low should I go?

[Dan Gill]

I am looking at buying some air-dried quartersawn red oak. The moisture content is at 11 - 12 percent. Is that low enough to begin working the wood? I'm afraid that it won't get much lower in my unheated garage/shop. And I don't have room to bring it into the house.

[Scott Banbury]

I'd go ahead but plan for shrinkage. To figure how much, use the shrinkage calculator at woodweb.com.

[Kirk (KC) Constable]

If you were down here in the San Antonio area, I don't think you could get any lower than that air drying if you left it alone for YEARS.

[Bob Smalser]

I think you'll be fine in that part of the country.

It'll stabilize in the house at 9% or so and the difference is small.

Make sure your measurements are good though, and in the center of your thickest stock.