I need to buy a load of maple logs, I know that some have stain and other imperfections. Does anyone have a few pointers for me to add the proper deductions?
Thanks,
David
what is your intentsion for the lumber? general lumber, or flooring? are you after white lumber or do you mind half your boards colored? we 'll need more info
I'd think scaling a log is done for a volume figure, thus deductions are for wood that will not make solid lumber. Include rot, holes, sweep, crook. Some times forked stems, pistol butts, and other things that reduce the volume of wood that can be sawn from the log (often a result of poor bucking practice).
Again, it is what the intent of scaling would be. Seems if you want to grade the log for the quality of product, then it is in addition to the log scale. I believe the two, scale and grade, are separate.
6' wall paneling and needs to be white.
Beenthere idicates that I need to scale the log and then grade it. The grade would determine the price per bf.
Is this correct?
Yes it would . Another thing you need to find out is , if they where ever tapped , or if he has knowledge of them being tapped at any time . I sawed some maple that had been tapped a long time ago , sure took a beating on the grade... :-\ And sawed my first tap there too ::)
These are western soft maple so I'm sure they haven't been tapped. But thanks for the heads up.
I'm probably buying the load tomorrow so any information would be great information. The less of a bath I take on this one is a better bath than I've set up for myself so far.
Thanks in advance for any information.
So, what species is western soft maple? We have soft maples in the east, and it is predominantly red maple Acer rubrum as well as silver maple Acer saccharinum. Is this the same stuff?
Our soft maple has a tendency to get large streaks when infected by the Ambrosia beetle. This isn't necessarily unattractive, but it is considered a defect in commercial markets.
Grade will be dependent on the amount of defect. The fewer knots, the better the grade. Also, the longer runs of clear wood, the better the grade.
Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum I suspect. And rarely Douglas maple Acer glabrum of significant size.
Gilman
Get a scale book from one of the scaling bureaus such as Columbia River Log Scaling Bureau or Puget Sound, Grays Harbor, Southern Oregon, Yamhill... whichever. They all use the same book. Also get a book called Log Scaling and Timber Cruising, by Bell and Dilworth, Same information on grades and defect with a how to.
Big Leaf Maple is graded the same as Red Alder. You are probably buying Big Leaf Maple.
Mills usually have their own grades and defect rules for hardwood. The two biggest buyers in the NW use their own. Since you are the mill you can make up your own. The bureau books can give you a start.
It's big leaf
Thanks for the advice
I ordered a used book off of amazon for $22.75 with shipping. Thanks again