scaling rule

[donny hochstetler]

we use the doyle scale what is the proper procedure inside bark 2 inside bark or use the little hook on end n hook over bark then measure to other side  lets b honest theres people that use guns to rob then theres those that use the ruler just wondering what other people have to say

[redprospector]

I've always measured inside the bark to inside the bark on the small end of the log. If it measures let's say 15 1/2" or less, I count it as 15". If it measures over 15 1/2", I count it as 16". Some mills I've dealt with won't round up, and won't go to the next inch until the measurement gets to it.

[Autocar]

I agree inside the bark on the small end  ;).

[beenthere]

And take two measurements, a long and a short and average them.

That will give gross scale, and then should deduct for any cull areas that won't make lumber and end up with net scale.

[thenorthman]

And take two measurements, a long and a short and average them.

That will give gross scale, and then should deduct for any cull areas that won't make lumber and end up with net scale.

Yep nailed it,

This is whats supposed to be done, not necessarily what is done.

as far as deductions go it depends on the defect and where it is in the log, chunks missing in the logs can (say from hitting stumps) can get the deduction taken from the diameter, or big ugly rotten knots, same thing, or if its got a rotten core... basically anything that effects the length of the log.

Then they can deduct from length funky bits off the end, like a broken end that wasn't bucked very well or at all, they can and will take 2' feet or more.   Or if its split down the middle they'll measure the split round up to the nearest minimum log length and subtract that from the log.

Its the deductions for cruddy logs that can get people warmed up... I have to tell myself that all the time,  I don't necessarily get to cut the creamiest of timber, so there is lots of defect, mostly form rot or what not (yeah I hit stumps now and then too... hard to miss someone else's stumps that are hiding under blackberries).

[dgdrls]

I was taught and use inside bark to inside bark.
More a regional thing but I use Doyle for Hardwood
INT, for softwood. 

DGDrls

[Birchwood Logging]

I know how it feels I get cheated on your scaling the local mill around hear is bad for giving you the short stick so I changed mills I have to drive 50 miles each way compared to 20 miles each way but it better than giving my wood away I work to hard to get it

[redprospector]

I figure it's probably the same just about everywhere.
One of the mills here (that is no longer in existence) claimed that he would give $140 a thousand for Pine and Fir logs. When you'd get there he'd cull about 1/2 the load, and want you to just leave them there, supposedly for firewood. I made him load what he didn't want back on my trailer, he told me not to come back.  :D
Firewood is the same way. I try to sort out my small stuff and culls before they go to the mill. Local firewood lot say's they'll pay $45 a cord in log length. I can haul about 1500 bd. ft. or 3 cords on my gooseneck. The firewood lot will only pay for 1 1/2 to 2 cords, depending on what mood their in. Consequently, I give most of my firewood away to folks that are struggling. I figure every cord I give away is a cord that they don't sell at retail, and I've helped someone in the process.
There was 1 mill here that my scale always agreed with his scale. Unfortunately he isn't operating much anymore since his 84th birthday.
That's why I'm trying to get my little mill set up. There is no market around here for logs anymore. Hopefully I can maintain my integrity and pay a decent rate, and be fair on the scale. If not, I'll quit.

[RayMO]

When you find a buyer that is fair on the scale and good on the paying end you have truly hit the jackpot as a logger in my book .

I have had several mills over the years that were great on scale but slow on payment and some that were prompt payers but robbed you on the scale .

Most of  those have come and gone but one big mill keeps thriving because they will haul quick and pay quick but also under scale by an average of 20% . They get by with it because no other large mills around any more .

Lately I have been selling to small mills mostly Amish and one other small handset circle mill . Have been quite happy for the most part and they are happy and even excited to see you pull in with a couple thousand ft of nice big slick logs and pay full scale up to 32" dia.

PS I would rather get a couple cents less per foot and get a fair scale than be shorted  scale as I figure if a man will rob you on the scale he will rob folks in other ways if he gets the oportunity, Ray.

[gologit]

I'm not real familiar with how you guys back east do things.  Are the scalers at the mills you haul to employees of the mill?  If so it sounds like they'd be acting in their own best interests and not  yours.

[thecfarm]

My Father always called them cheating sticks.  ;D

[red oaks lumber]

i always scale to the logger benefit, my thinking is i can makeup some footage with over run

[Peter Drouin]

I put the bf on the end of the log and the deduction for all to see.
[Liars can figure but figures don't lie]  ;D

[Nemologger]

sometimes I will scale a load myself just to check the mills, don't tell them I scaled them and then see where their scale is ...It's Usually pretty close one way one time then the other way the next....one mill here I have never out scaled, he always out scales me by 600 ft or more per load.