There are no dumb questions?

moosehunter · January 08, 2007, 04:34:36 PM

Thats what I have always been told.
But this seems like a dumb question.

How do I learn how to use a log rule?
If I buy a new one from Logrite does it come with instructions?
If I find one at a yard sale it won't have instructions.
I did a search and got a gazilion hits, maybe someone remembers a specific thread?

I'm thinking I'm never gonna know if I have a whack-o-logs if I don't know how to measure them!

still learnin'
mh

Jeff · January 08, 2007, 04:51:02 PM

Hang on. I'll take a couple pictures to help explain...

Jeff · January 08, 2007, 05:04:06 PM

The other side of the stick is the same, only different. :D That is the inch sacale is still at the top, but to the left would be additional log lengths to correlate with.

Does this make sense?

ely · January 08, 2007, 05:06:17 PM

the way i learned to read one was the hard way.
selling logs to a buyer and getting taken for a number of years.
it was not until i got an interest in lumber and sawmilling that i learned.

and i am not by any means saying i know anything. but i have a wooden doyle scale that has the numbers on the back if the rule. those numbers are the corresponding bd ft calulations. and from what i have heard they are set up for a circle saw mill. and would be close to 33% more for a bandsaw mill.

farmerdoug · January 08, 2007, 05:32:10 PM

Mooseherder, Here is a link to a sheet with the general idea of scaling with log rules. I hope this helps, PS it is a pdf file I hope you can read it if not I can try to send you a copy.

Scaling logs

Farmerdoug

Ron Wenrich · January 08, 2007, 06:00:25 PM

Doyle log scale doesn't have much to do with any type of mill. Its a simple, mechanical formula - Doyle scale = (Diameter - 4)^2*Length/16.

So, if you were dealing with a 16" x 16' log, then doyle = (16-4)^2*16/16. Broken down it goes 12^2 *1 = 144 bf.

As for overrun, a lot depends on sawing patterns and products produced. Log buyers have been using it for years. It underscales the small logs when compared to other rules, but overscales larger logs. If you deal in small logs, you hate it. If you deal in big logs, there's no problem.

moosehunter · January 08, 2007, 07:52:02 PM

Thanks All 8)
I especially appreciate the pics Jeff!
I understand pictures ;D
I printed the link, will keep it for future reference.

Is this a cool place or what?

mh