How many actual 2x8s from a 16" small log end

[Sedgehammer]

I know how to figure board feet and I know each log is different, but what's a good average to figure on actual usable 2x8s from a ERC log that's 16" on the small end 

Thanks 

[stavebuyer]

I know how to figure board feet and I know each log is different, but what's a good average to figure on actual usable 2x8s from a ERC log that's 16" on the small end

Thanks

6 with no wane.

[GAB]

I'm thinking you should be able to get 8.  6 from the center and 1 on each side of the center stack.
Please let us know the results.
GAB

[Old Greenhorn]

If it's anything like the ERC we get, it will be maybe 1 or two. The rest will have ant holes and tunnels. ;D

[Gary Davis]

put a framing square on it and mark it out

[barbender]

Full size, actual 2"x8"?

[Southside]

Around here that would be a very valuable log, and the price would mean there is not likely to be a 2x8 in it someone would want to pay for. 

[Sedgehammer]

Full size, actual 2"x8"?

Surely

[Sedgehammer]

I'm thinking you should be able to get 8.  6 from the center and 1 on each side of the center stack.
Please let us know the results.
GAB

Not with ERC. Depends so much on where the tree was growing. If edge or middle of the pasture it has so many branches, it could be all knotted out

[Sedgehammer]

put a framing square on it and mark it out

I don't have the logs yet. I'm wanting a rough idea on how many I would need

[SawyerTed]

"Usable" isn't universally defined.  But if it means square edged, minimal wane and limited sapwood, I doubt the average could be 8.

With ERC there's not enough meat on the bone to average 6 or more.  The logs would have to be exceptional ERC.   With other species, the average would certainly go up.  

I'm thinking, with ERC, 5 would be average per log for 2x8s in 16" SED logs.  That's taking the center section and centering the pith in the middle 2x8.  There will be 4/4 and 5/4 around the sides.   

The logs would have to be exceptional to average more than 5.  To get 6 in the center, the pith will have to be left in a less than 2" middle board.  

[Lasershark]

My 1st inclination would be to use the Cant Calculator under the "tools" Subforum. I found I could get a 6x14" cant from a 16.1" log. That would give me maximum 7 boards. But as others have noted, a you lose a few to flaws and pith-centering. 

[Cedarman]

ERC does not have pith.