scaling logs

[grich]

I am new to the sawing game, I have used all the pine on my site. Must purchase logs from logger. What is the best way to scale logs as they are delivered to my lot. What measuring device should I buy, and what is the procedure to scale. I am located in New England

[beenthere]

Welcome to the Forum
There are scale sticks that you can buy (see Bailey's to the left column) but you can also just measure the small end diameters inside the bark, and the log length, and use the tool box also to the left column bottom.
There is a choice of Doyle (good if you are buying), Scribner, or International 1/4" (good if you are selling or really want an accurate estimate of what the log has for board footage). Probably Int'l 1/4" if in New England.  Also, could call the local forester to talk about scaling logs if local info/practices are of interest. Know ahead of time what the logger uses to scale.
And there are a lot of threads and posts here on scaling. Go to those posted by Ron Scott or Ron Wrenrich and also the "Ask a Forester" board, and as well use the Search function. Lots of reading that will help you.

Also, just ask. We like to discuss things..... ;D

[Dan_Shade]

Jeff has that info right here on the forestry forum:

https://forestryforum.com/calcs/sawlogbf.htm

[thecfarm]

Welcome to the forum,grich.The international rule is the one you want,or at least that is what is used here when I sell my logs.Try to find someone that will show you the in and outs,someone that you can trust.There are a lot of people in this world that will take advantage of someone that don't know.Good luck.Don't forget you have select logs,#1,#2,#3 and below that I would not want them for saw logs.Big diffeance in select to #3.Select logs are the best and #3 being the worse.

[Ron Wenrich]

Check the sawlog specs on this web page.  http://www.wightmanlumber.com/logprices.htm  This company is in NY and buys by the Doyle rule, but it does give you an idea of grade specs for pine and hardwoods. 

Doyle underscales small logs.  But, small logs are more expensive to mill, so there is some tradeoff.  Just use the same scale as the industry in your area.  No need to be a maverick.   ;)

If you want to see the how prices compare between the scales, we also have calculator for that.