Using log scale

[Dave Shepard]

And then there is the "Other, Other Operation" (Monty Python  ). I talked to one guy last year about buying 42'+ pine logs. He wanted $1.00/ board foot just for the size of the timber I was going to get out of it, the side lumber was "free".  :D It was actually a fair deal, you just have to be on the same page. I think for most standard size logs, having the scale stick handy works great for measuring length, diameter, and footage. Besides, you don't want to get pine pitch on the I pad.

[Jeff]

Besides, you don't want to get pine pitch on the I pad.

That is an extremely good point!

[brendonv]

So back to thinking.

Do they make a log scale that measures cord wood?

[beenthere]

You can get log volume tables in cu.ft.

[Jemclimber]

Can someone tell me how to deduct for sweep?

[beenthere]

Jemclimber
Not precisely, but the general idea is to project a sawn cant through the sweepy log without wane. Then calculate the volume in bd. ft. of that cant (or the volume in cu. ft. ).
So if one was to square up a cant from the log, the horns and belly outside that squared cant would not add any scale. So in a sense, there isn't a "deduction" per se, but just a basic calculation to get the net scale.

[brendonv]

Im thinking of making my own stick.

My idea is to use aluminum, then etch the numbers in with one of those buzzing tools (name escapes me). I can then do the typical lengths and diameters i cut, underneath have the cubic foot measurement of each log for each length.

Of course i would have to figure out the initial cubic foot for each log.  But i am thinking if you measured each log and added them up to 128 cu ft, that after cut, split, and stacked the customer would end up with more than a cord.

I dont want to cheat my custs, and i am beginning to sell excess trailer loads.

Any opinions on that idea?

[beenthere]

brendonv
A scale of cu ft in each log shouldn't have to add to 128 cu. ft to get a cord of wood. It will end up a very generous cord.

That 128 cu ft to a cord is the volume of the stacked wood (i.e. 4x4x8), which is solid wood plus space.
(if that makes sense).

[brendonv]

I can picture that.  A stacked cord will have more air space than a solid log.  Id like to be able to confidently say, this trailer load will give you two cord plus, for x dollars.

Im over thinking this but i am all about fair, and i dont want to be going back with an extra log or three.

[SwampDonkey]

Brendon with your method, you would be getting cunits. A cunit is 100 ft³ of solid wood, no spaces. A cunit is around 1.3 cord for softwood when 8 foot wood is measured. With hardwood pulp around 1.5 because it doesn't stack as tight unless you have nice straight logs, then I would revert to 1.3 .

When doing these conversions, length is important.

[bill m]

When I deliver a load of log length firewood I tell my customers the load measures 4 cord but depending on the length they cut it to, how small or large they split it and how tight they stack it they should get 3 cord. I do not guarantee the volume.

[SwampDonkey]

Here it has to be what is stated. Weights and measures regulations say so. If I say I'm delivering 400 gallons of oil, and I deliver 350....then what? ;)

[brendonv]

But if you were to measure each log with a ruler i am thinking about making.  Wouldnt no matter how long, short, small or big they split it, they would end up with more wood in the end?  I mean, it will never be as tight as it sits in a cylinder.  What ever they do to it, it will end up with more air.

Am i thinking about this correctly, or totally in outer space.   :D

[bill m]

Here it has to be what is stated. Weights and measures regulations say so. If I say I'm delivering 400 gallons of oil, and I deliver 350....then what? ;)

We're talking two completely different situations.The wood I deliver is in log form. I do not know how and can not control how the customer is going to process it. The volume they get after it is processed will not equal the original 4 cord in log form. I do not claim or sell it as 4 cord.

[bill m]

The problem with measuring each log is that they are not always straight and it would be very difficult to get an accurate measurement of volume. Plus the time involved to measure each piece I'm not sure it would be worth it.

[Ken]

Here it has to be what is stated. Weights and measures regulations say so. If I say I'm delivering 400 gallons of oil, and I deliver 350....then what? ;)

I certainly have this discussion many times with customers buying tree length or random length firewood.  Everybody wants to know how much will it be when cut and split.  The finer you cut and split and the more careful you are when piling the less wood you will have when measured.   I sell my long length firewood by the truckload knowing full well what it would weigh if sold to a mill.  Take it or leave it. 

[jwilly3879]

We sold several triaxle loads recently and were asked how much was on the truck. The trucker said at the mill this load would equal about 7 cords by weight. The buyer asked how much firewood would that be. Weights and measures can get involved here if they receive complaints so we actually sell it by the truckload, not the cord.

[SwampDonkey]

In the case of a load of logs it has to scale out in that form. If it's 10 cords in log form, it's ten cords. I'm pretty sure the regulations applies to piece size delivered, not further processed to another size. But I have dealt with a few tree length deliveries from guys experienced at doing firewood from this length and have not been disappointed. They can judge pretty accurately how much to load. Only one fellow with a straight truck, I scaled by weight because we had scales here at the farm and I didn't really feel he was too trustworthy. ;)

I can tell ya though, that if anyone makes a claim they can very well notify 'Weights and Measures'.

How come a 25 litre jug, marked to a line, I get charged for 28 litre?  It's suppose to be volume corrected to 24 C. :D