The Forestry Forum

Where can I get a copy of these NHLA rules you all are talking so much about? I guess I have missed something over the years. I always sell by what I would pay if I were the buyer. If it looks like junk then I sell it that way. If it looks good with nice grain and solid I sell it that way. ( I'm not rich yet)
I don't feel that the customer should pay for my miss cuts or bad judgement . Of course I have seen a few people I would like to charge just for stopping by.

Try this link woodhaven

http://www.natlhardwood.org/viewitem.asp?action=view&item=RULEBK&catalog=full&pn=1&oid=9070

Here is a link to the NHLA online catalog:  http://www.natlhardwood.org/createorder.asp?action=start  Rule books are $7

Another good site is the American Hardwood Export Council.  They have an illustrated grading guide.  This may be all you need.  It covers the grades, defects, and the species.  http://www.ahec.org/hardwoods/grading.html

The NHLA rules are developed for the people in the industry.  It has little relevance to consumers at the retail level.  I've never seen a board represented by any grade in a retail store.  

Some of the boards that you pull for your customers might be worth less to large scale lumber users.  Character woods often have defect in it - that's what gives it character.  Industry is only interested in the yield of clear stock in a board and of what dimension.