The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Ask The Forester => Topic started by: Dieselrider on October 31, 2009, 10:14:25 AM

Title: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: Dieselrider on October 31, 2009, 10:14:25 AM
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.
Title: Re: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: beenthere on October 31, 2009, 10:21:41 AM
You can use the Forum tool box, use the tree volume estimate that needs the diameter at breast height and your log length estimates. :)

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

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: Dieselrider on October 31, 2009, 11:39:45 AM
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. smiley_whacko
Title: Re: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: LeeB on October 31, 2009, 01:02:15 PM
All those real loggers had to find the other side of the stick too. None of them were born knowing how to use it. ;)
Title: Re: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: Magicman on November 01, 2009, 09:25:11 AM
Quote from: Dieselrider on October 31, 2009, 11:39:45 AM
I hereby announce I am a dope!

Nope,  The only dumb question is an un-asked question...... :)
Title: Re: Calculating board feet in a log.
Post by: WDH on November 01, 2009, 11:01:18 AM
Sometimes I wish that it was as easy as looking on the other side of the stick :).

Good luck with the project!