pitch pockets in cherry

[hackberry jake]

If all my lumber looked like this, I'd be rich!


  

 

[Magicman]

I love to see them. 

Sawed on a circle mill eh??

[beenthere]

I would think they are mineral streaks... that fall into a class of "no defect" or admitted in clear cuttings for grading purposes.

[WDH]

Jake,

I like it, too. 

[YellowHammer]

Pretty cherry.  Even better considering what you paid for it, if I remember an earlier post correctly.

[Ron Wenrich]

They're not mineral streaks.  They're caused by peach borers.  It also looks like sweet cherry, to me.  My understanding is that they sometimes open up when they're dried and machined. 

[hackberry jake]

I love to see them. 

Sawed on a circle mill eh??

I feel like I'm being judged... It's a lot easier on my back when I buy lumber  ;D

[Lumber Grader]

These "streaks" in Cherry are most commonly called gum pockets or gum streaks.  In the NHLA rule book page 25, states that all cherry is graded standard NHLA (National Hardwood Lumber Association) Rules, with the exception in Cherry being, as stated in the NHLA Rulebook: "Small knots not exceeding 1/8" in diameter shall be admitted in the cuttings. Gum streaks and spots are admitted without limit."

I graded lumber for over 10 years and worked as a "National Man" for the NHLA for about 2 years. Professional hardwood lumber inspectors commonly refer to what you see in the photos as streaks and gum pockets and they do not lower the grade of the board if it is cherry by the NHLA rules.

P.S. In most species you are allowed a certain amount of mineral and then it will drop the board one grade if the mineral exceeds that limited amount.

I hope this has been helpful, but after all is said and done, with most small mills what really matters the most is "What The Customer WANTS"!!!

[Magicman]

Sawed on a circle mill eh??

I feel like I'm being judged...

No not judgmental at all.  I sometimes wish that I could put those circle marks on my bandsawed lumber.   ;D

[fishpharmer]

Beautiful Cherry! Good information Ron Wenrich and Lumber Grader.

[Kingmt]

I got my first customer today & it was cutting the first cherry logs I've cut. There purddy. 😉