APPENDIX B 

 THE MEASUREMENT OF PIECE PRODUCTS 



363. Basis of Measurement. Any finished products of uniform or standard dimen- 

 sions, manufactured or cut from trees or logs may be measured by tallying or count- 

 ing the pieces. The size or contents of the standard piece determines its value, 

 either directly or by conversion to cubic or board-foot contents. The relative 

 value of pieces of different sizes is seldom directly proportional to their cubic volume, 

 though for such products as mining timbers this may be true. But for piling and 

 poles, value per cubic foot increases with increased length. The contents of sawed 

 or hewn pieces of rectangular shape is easily computed in board feet. Finished pieces 

 may be classed as round, hewn, or manufactured products. Squares and bolts 

 intended for further manufacture may be sold by count (§9). 



364. Round Products. Round products include poles, piling, posts, mine 

 timber, and certain lesser products such as hop poles and converter poles. Prac- 

 tically all round pieces are intended for uses requiring durability against atmospheric 

 and soil moisture, and strength to support weight or strains. Peeling reduces 

 weight for transportation. 



Durability differs markedly with different species; hence whenever two or more 

 species are available, at least two classes of product are recognized, the first con- 

 taining the more durable or resistant species, the second, those which decay more 

 rapidly or require preservative treatment. 



Round products are classed by length and diameter. Both minimum and maxi- 

 mum specifications are quoted for length. For diameter, the minimum is given 

 for each grade, since an excess adds to strength of piece. Prices are fixed by grades. 



Straightness is a quality necessary to strength, in poles and especially in piling. 

 The degree of crook or sweep permitted in such products is always specified. 



A minimum taper is desired in poles and piles, especially when long, in order to 

 diminish weight in handling. The diameter or circumference at both ends of poles 

 and piling is specified, and both minimum and maximum limits given, corresponding 

 to specified top diameters. Such limitations must coiTespond to the average shape 

 of the material available, both to insure strength and prevent rejection of too large 

 a percentage of pieces. 



Defects which will weaken the piece or decrease its durability serve to reject 

 products of this character. The specifications are remarkably similar whether for 

 poles, piles, mining timbers or cross ties. Such defects are shake, checks, splits, 

 large coarse or rotten knots which weaken the piece, and rot. When the qualities 

 of the piece for the use for which it is intended permit of knots, or of a certain amount 

 of center or pipe rot, these defects may be permitted, especially if their exclusion 

 would cause the rejection of a large percentage of the output. For poles, the presence 

 of center rot requires an increased diameter at the butt, for acceptance of piece. 



Round products as a class give almost complete utilization of the bolt or log, and 

 of the tree. The ends of piling, cross ties, and butts of poles are cut square with a 

 saw, and the only waste is the bark. Where there is a market for posts or small 



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