Calculating board feet in a log.

[Dieselrider]

I am cutting some pine out of my wood lot to build a pig pen and a couple other projects. I have walked around using a Tree stick scale to estimate the total number of board feet in the trees so I know how many to cut. The tree stick is calculating the number of 16 foot logs per tree and gives some estimates as to the total bd/ ft per tree.  I have my list of lumber needed and the lengths needed but, how can I tell how many bd ft of lumber is in a certain log say at eight feet long or at twelve feet long so I can know when I have enough 12 footers and enough 8 footers cut? I am not a logger or a forester but, I have cut locusts for poles and pulpwood etc,but this is the first time I have needed to calculate just what is needed for each length. Is there a standard to use. Thanks.

[beenthere]

You can use the Forum tool box, use the tree volume estimate that needs the diameter at breast height and your log length estimates.

http://www.forestryforum.com/calcs/Board%20foot%20calculator.htm

Hope that helps.

[Dieselrider]

I hereby announce I am a dope! All I had to do was turm the tree stick scale over and there is the exact information I needed. Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees!!! Ok, now I am going to hide my head before any of the real loggers and foresters show up.

[LeeB]

All those real loggers had to find the other side of the stick too. None of them were born knowing how to use it.

[Magicman]

I hereby announce I am a dope!

Nope,  The only dumb question is an un-asked question......

[WDH]

Sometimes I wish that it was as easy as looking on the other side of the stick .

Good luck with the project!