board foot scale is so variable that the board foot log scale becomes a 

 meaningless standard in their industry* There seems to be no answer to 

 the question: How large is a board foot log scale? Then too, the number 

 of log rules in use furnishes further confusion because different rules 

 show different board-foot contents for the same logs* 



The discussion which follows proposes that log volumes should be measured 

 in cubic feet„ Before this standardization can be accomplished, it must 

 have the approval of men who are concerned with log buying and selling* 

 Their consent must be freely given or the plan cannot become effective* 

 The writer hopes they will study in a fair,, impartial manner the viewpoint 

 presented herein,, Needless to say,, this viewpoint is the writer 5 s own and 

 not necessarily that of his associates * 



CONSTRUCTION OF BOARD-FOOT LOG RULES 



Log rules are usually constructed from diagrams or from a mathematical 

 formula 9 In addition, they are occasionally constructed from lumber 

 tallies or by modifying existing rules* 



Diagram Rules 



Rules of this type are based on diagrams drawn to scale, which show the 

 volume of boards that can be obtained from logs of different diameters 

 after allowing for waste* The Scribner is one of these diagram rules* 

 Constructed in 1846c, it is a relic of old-fashioned sawmill practices and, 

 though still in use, is becoming out of date Many improvements have been 

 made in sawmills since 1846, and as might be expected high overruns are now 



Figure l e Diagram method of log-rule construction* 



obtained, particularly from small logs* The Scribner Decimal C rule, a 

 variation and extension of the original Scribner, is used by the United 

 States Forest Service It is not more accurate than the original rule* 



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