The Forestry Forum

Looking on the outside for internal defects in logs.

Here are two examples of small clues on the outside that indicate major defects on the inside.



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsredoaklog20120506c.jpg)

A little hard to see but in the center of the picture, just in the shadow line, are two bug holes about 3/8 diameter. 



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsredoaklog20120506d.jpg)

Usually the damage is much worse.  Sometimes the whole log is junk.  They may take this for a beam and then again, they may reject it.  If they do,  I'll lose at least the profit from this log. 



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsredoaklog20120506b.jpg) 

There is a large knot on the bottom side of this log. You can see a seam running from the top of the knot down well into the log.  Also, to the right of the right end of the seam is a little blemish in the bark. 



 (https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10034/wsredoaklog20120506a.jpg)

This is what the inside looks like.  It won't make a marketable 16' 6x11.  I went ahead and sawed it to a 6x8 and will cut it back to 10' long.  The 6' end will be firewood.  The 10' 6x8 will not bring nearly as much per board foot and will not have nearly as many board feet.   

Are those bug holes on a branch stub?  Swelled knots are usually rotten, as well.  They often go to a hollow spot in the log. 

Scarlet Oak tends be far worse about internal rot especially after you get past the first log. If you see any "wet spots" in the end of the log the results usually aren't good. Many loggers think any log will make a tie.

Quote from: Ron Wenrich on May 05, 2012, 02:36:50 PM
Are those bug holes on a branch stub? 

These bug holes were just by themselves - not associated with any damage or feature.

I just stored the 6x11 and took a closer look at the bug damage and the holes are to big and deep to pass the "finger" test. That is, bug holes are ok as long as they are too small to stick a finger into. I can stick my finger all the way into this one.

Sawed 5 red oak logs trying to make beams, got 3 good ones.

Good pics of bark indicators and what they can lead to on the inside. Being able to read the bark on a log is important when picking logs for structural material. Grade log surfaces important too when buying logs.  Separates the men from the boys.