Scaling

[Peter Drouin]

Having a sawmill is nice. I scale the log then cut it then scale the lumber. To see how well I did on the scale. Or if I take some BF off for rot or whatever. then cut I can tell if I was right on the deduction.

Cutting since 1987, That is a lot of logs and scaled trucks.

[Nealm66]

I haven’t milled or scaled a lot but the little bit that I’ve scribner scaled and then milled was very interesting for me. I really need to start scaling everything and marking the end’s but always short on time 

[SawyerTed]

Scaling and grading are two different things.  Because both often get done by the same person and at the same time, it confuses a lot of people.  Most log yard “scalers/buyers” just naturally integrate both scaling and grading seamlessly when they measure a log.

Scaling is measuring and estimating the volume/board feet in a log.  Deductions are for sweep, crook, rot or other defects that reduce the usable volume of wood depending upon utilization of the log.  

Grading is evaluating a log for the lumber grade it will produce.   Looking for limbs, knots, bumps and other defects that reduce lumber grade.  Log grading tends to be somewhat more subjective, relies on regional practices but there are industry standards for the lumber from the logs.  Again, field decisions impact log values in part because of where certain logs get send (which and what kind of mill).

Use of the log determines price, lumber versus chips for example, pallet stock versus lumber.  Loggers obviously have to make choices in the field to send logs for certain uses to the “right” place for the best prices. 

People also look at logs and just “sense” what they should be worth.  They don’t necessarily SEE the defects that cause deductions until they are pointed out.  For example how many “highly valuable” walnut logs do we run across?  I don’t know how many conversations I’ve had about what “so and so said is a veneer log.”

The expertise of the man sitting in the knuckleboom in the logger’s yard can make or break an operation.  Same is true for the scaler/grader in the sawmill’s log yard.  

[barbender]

 I used to haul wood to a mill that advertised really high prices for hardwood grade logs. The mill was a long haul and out of the way. After a couple of loads, I realized that what was a 8 or 9 cord load (they were just buying on cords measured on the truck) at that mill, would've measured 11 or 12 at the pallet mill we typically dealt with. Their scale was so short, we decided the juice wasn't worth the squeeze and we just went to the pallet mill from then on. 

 My point in that story is that there are industry standards that everyone has agreed on. If you are consistently  scaling short of what every other mill around you is, people will stop coming to you to sell their logs. On the flip side, if everyone is happy with your scale except for one logger that thinks he should get to decide it, I'd probably let him go somewhere else🤷

[Peter Drouin]

Some loggers think all mills are thieves. I have guys count how many logs are on a truck to see if the count matches the slip. I have some paint on each end of the log pile they deliver, [My logs]  
In 1999 22 scalers got together with the USDA Forest Service and UNH came up with the " Log Scaling Handbook " All mills use this in NH. What I use.
This is the first time I bought logs from him. He sent me a nasty letter.
I wrote a letter back. Telling him to get educated. And I sent a ck for the 500 bf he said I stole. $170.00 Also said I did not agree with him on the bf.
Told him I hoped the ck would appease his greed and don't bring logs here anymore.
Too bad He did cut a nice log.
Have some bring junk in and want top $$ for it.
We have a logger certification in NH. Most don't do it.
I have some cut a log with a notch so big you lose a face on the log. like cut a log 8'6" and the notch face is 7'10".
What would you do with that log?
Some go to Homedepot buy a saw, Now there a logger.
I have a bunch of guys I get logs from. None have a problem with my scale.
Old saying
Liars can figure but, figures don't lie.

[Ron Wenrich]

Some people think that anyone with a scale stick is a thief.  I've seen foresters who underscale so their selling prices are higher.  Others overscale to present more volume than is actually there.  Loggers can sort out which is which and bid accordingly. 

Some think lumber buyers that buy grade lumber will beat you with a grade stick.  In some respects, its true.  Good graders will tell you they'll be lenient on grade when markets are demanding more wood.  When markets are tight, they tighten up on grade.  I've graded lumber and on several loads I graded it before it left the mill.  I could then see how the buyer graded the same lumber.  I had one load I sent to a local mill that I had worked at.  The first load was off $50.  They asked who inspected the lumber.  The next load was off $500.  It was the last load.

The one mill I scaled logs for had their own grading requirements.  Prices varied due to length, diameter and defect.  If a log was perfect, but under sized, it dropped in grade.  The #3 logs were priced to keep them out of the mill stream.

If I was a logger, I would count how many logs are on the load, and look to see how many the mill counted.  Mistakes can be made.  A constant mistake would seem intentional.  I would also scale a load and see how consistent it is.   I think its the only way a logger can judge whether they want to do business with a mill or not. 

[Nealm66]

I’d imagine he’s going to run into the problem that he thinks he has at other mills. With all the different sorts the buyers have around here and the lack of sorting room I usually have, I just camp run everything and it’s really hard to tell sometimes. But.. the checks don’t lie.

[moodnacreek]

Anybody in the wood business is a thief, just ask around. We are the ones that stole 1/2" off every 2x4 in Home depot. We will also short cord you on firewood. Twice I have been told by 'loggers' how to saw fence line logs without hitting metal. Also how to make money on boxing the shake on hemlock.  I should of told them how to change lot lines and knock off car faces .

[Gary Davis]

the mills around here round under

[Peter Drouin]

He called me and must have apologized 10 times after getting my letter.
Wants to sell me logs,  
Told him I'd think about it

[Bruno of NH]

He wants to sell you logs because your scale is better than the big mill 

[SawyerTed]

Might not be the first time the logger has ruined his business relationships.