logs to lumber question

It also depends on which log scale is used, how good the sawyer is, what the saw kerf is, what the actual dimensions are vs nominal (such as do you saw 1 3/4 x 8 or full 2 x 8 ) , and whether you saw for full recovery or have a cut list that doesn’t include a lot of 1×4’s.

With the International scale we got from 5 to 20% overage sawing for full recovery on a Lane #1 circular saw with a 3/8 kerf and an experienced sawyer.

I usually figure adding 20% to the log foot scale (international) to get my desired board footage on a thin kerf bandsaw mill. I would add or subtract from that percentage depending on the quality of the logs. I would rather have a little extra lumber at the end compared with running short.

George

At least around here, Larch and Tamarack are considered the same tree.

George

I will second what others have said.

The only caveat I will add is that the dimension of the desired product will also affect your needed scale. For example if you are cutting 8×8’s you will need to have logs 11″ top end or larger. Those logs will scale far more than the stack of 8×8’s because of the side boards.

This winter I cut 25 Mbf of logs to get 17mbf of 8×8 lumber. Of course there is a lot of extra lumber that is useful, just don’t think it is a straight figure. If you get a bunch of logs 8″ top end, and you are looking for 2×6’s, you won’t get many.

You really should custom order your logs from the stump to match your lumber list….. unless it is just a simple stack of 2×4’s you’re looking for.

If you want to share your lumber list with me I could give you a closer figure.

In fact share it here if that suits you.

Carl

So a few more thoughts. One thing to remember is that the stick scale on a log, regardless of the Rule used (International 1/4″, Doyle, Scribner, or Vermont), will ALWAYS be 15%-20% under actual board tally. These Rules were developed to provide consistency in commerce, but are still used by buyers who will not benefit from under-scale, or even exact scale. The sawmiller must have a guaranteed overrun to deal with inconsistencies, defects, and production inefficiencies.

I have gotten as high as 30% over-run with my Woodmizer without trying very hard. Either way, that will not make an 8″ board come out of an 8″ tree…..

If you are looking for 2×6’s and 2×8’s, the most efficient logs to buy will make a cant that can be sawed into three 2×6’s, or 4 2×8’s or more. So the minimum TED, inside the slab, for 2×6’s would be the diagonal measurement across that cant, including kerf. 6 1/4″x 6″ = 9″ or 8 3/8″ x 8″= 11.5″ …..

It is time consuming for a logger to custom cut logs, but the truth is that if you don’t get what you need it will cost you more in the long run. If you tell him you will take woods run of everything it takes to make your minimum it will be much more acceptable to him I’m sure, especially with Larch. This is where the extra volume came from during my winter job. We had to cut a certain number of trees to get the 8×8’s, and there were a lot of extra logs that had to be harvested to make that work.

It will be well worth the effort to figure out in advance what he needs from you to get what you need from him…… your sawyer will be much happier too.

Of course this is what I do, so I get really detailed as I want to be as proficient as possible. You may be able to work with a more relaxed methodology.

Carl

Is it $0.85 per BF sawn?

Hi Donn, I couldn’t resist a little time spent on this…

I came up with;
Tamarack/Larch
5- 22′ logs @ 12″min dia.(135bf/) = 675bf
3- 20′ logs @ 12″min dia (125bf/) = 375
8- 18′ @ 9″ (60bf/) = 480
24-16′ @14″ (135bf/) =3240
12-16′ @12″ ( 95bf/) =1140
48-16′ @9″ ( 50bf/) =2400
2- 14′ @12″ ( 85bf/) = 170
24-14′ @9″ ( 45bf/) =1080
37-12′ @12″ ( 70bf/) =2590
Total =12150

Owners Logs
16-16′ @14″ (135bf/) 10x10x15 =2160
17-16′ @14″ (135bf/) 1x10x16 =2295
Total =4455

I would suggest that you give this list to the logger…… or one like it. It is the way I would see it from the logging end…. number of logs, dia., and length.

I wasn’t sure about the 12.6′ long lumber for your floor joists, but if you need those cut 13′ long for extra trim then that scale may need to change, but the number of logs should stay the same.

I also converted your 15’ers into 16’ers so that they could be interchangeable in the log count…. carpenter can shorten at the site. If the logger is cool with cutting 15’ers, the 12″ logs scale 90bf and the 9″ logs scale basically scale the same. I personally would keep it simple for the logger.

You should ask for the logs to have 6″overlength… which does not add to scale. it is a common convention.

There will no doubt be 8″logs and 16″ logs, so the numbers could change, but using minimum dia gives the logger a basis to work from…… you will no doubt also get all of the other logs that do not meet your order, so the total scale will probably be greater still….. hard to tell without knowing the size of trees to be cut. However there are a lot of 9″, and a lot of 12″ logs, which will probably easily come out of the same tree, so it may be pretty efficient.

Have fun, Carl