LOG SCALING. 41 



log will be scaled as a 16-foot and an 18-foot top log. The diameter 

 of the short or butt log may be determined by taking the average 

 of the top and butt diameters of the whole length, or by calipering 

 a 36-foot log will be scaled as two 18-foot logs. This does not apply 

 to lengths including butt cuts. The taper for such lengths can be 

 judged by the scaler. Greater lengths than 64 feet will be scaled as 

 three logs, making the divisions as nearly equal as possible and in 

 even feet, and increasing the diameters according to the taper of 

 the log. 



When the logs are scaled as two or more logs, the scale allowed 

 ^ ♦ for the separate lengths will be added and the total sum recorded 

 as one log. 



While no hard-and-fast rules can be given or followed, certain 

 general principles may be laid down. They must, however, be 

 used with judgment by the scaler and varied wherever the condi- 

 tions demand. Among the points which must be considered are 

 the size and shape of the logs, the quality as affected by various 

 kinds of defects, the size and location of defect, and the require- 

 ments and limitations of markets. 



It is assumed that purchasers utilize the maximum amount of 

 material in manufacture. Since the Government can not be held 

 responsible for loss caused by poor equipment or poor management, 

 the scaler will not take them into consideration. 



Loss of this character may be caused by too thick slabbing, 

 cutting material too thick or too wide at the main saw; poorly 

 *'sized" lumber; excessive ^'crowding" by the sawyer; poorly 

 kept saws which ''run;" waste in edging and trimming through 

 ignorance or carelessness; sawing for a certain class of material 

 regardless of the quantity of waste this involves. 



It is important that measurement of lengths be made frequently 

 enough to be sure that logs do not exceed the allowance for trim- 

 ming specified in the contract. 



It usually is sufficient to measure about one log in five or ten 

 for this purpose, but if the scaler finds frequent violations he will 

 measure every log, and all logs overrunning the trimming allow- 

 ance will be scaled as if 2 feet longer, or 1 foot longer where the 

 contract provides for odd lengths. Penalty scaling will be noted 

 ^n the scale book against the number of the log so scaled to avoid 

 possible controversy. 



