2019 Scaling for Non-Scalers: Understanding the Scaling Process, Log Rules, Sorts, Grades and Accountability

Agenda
Start Date: April 30, 2019
Location: Wilsonville, OR

9:00Scaling Bureaus: How they operate and their role in log marketsTom St. Laurent

  • How bureaus fit into the log buying and selling process
  • Represent both the log buyers and sellers
  • Apply log scaling rules
  • Provide qualified scalers
  • Serve as independent third parties

9:30What does a log scaler do?Mike Belfry

  • How scalers fit into the log transaction process (only measure volume, not value)
  • What is their relationship to log buyers and sellers
  • Different points in log transport where scaling can occur
  • What is log volume and how is it calculated?
  • What are the specific measurements and data collected on a typical log?
  • Log documentation
  • Understanding gross and net volume
  • Why did my load scale out at a lesser volume? Reasons for volume deductions

10:30   Break

11:00Northwest Log Scaling Rules: Applying uniformity and standardization within the Doug-fir processing areaTom St. Laurent

  • Function and role of the rules
  • What they cover
  • How they are maintained and revised

11:30Special requests: Using procedures in addition to the NW Log Scaling RulesTom St. Laurent

  • Why special requests are made
  • Common examples
  • Documenting special requests

Noon   Lunch

1:00Understanding log grades and sortsMike Belfry

  • What is the difference between grades and sorts?
  • Why do sorts vary from company to company?
  • What is the difference between a good #2 sawlog and a rough #2 sawlog
  • What is the pulp sort?
  • What is a cull?

2:00   Break

2:15Log accountability: Tracking the log load from landing to millMike Belfry

  • How is data collected? Load receipts, weight reports, sample scales, sample expansion, log tags, scale tickets and certificates
  • Understanding the paperwork: Examples will be provided of load receipts, scale tickets and certificates and each form will be reviewed in detail.
  • What are the standard procedures for documentation and changes?
  • How is the data stored, disseminated and then accessed by clients?

3:45Catch-all short topicsMike Belfry and Tom St. Laurent

  • Difference between westside and eastside scaling
  • Understanding cubic measurements
  • Deciphering overrun and underrun
  • Volume conversion factors
  • Using taper factors and actual taper
  • Scaler cost and value

4:15   Adjourn

About the Conference
The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn at 25425 SW 95th Ave, Wilsonville, OR.

About the Speakers:

Mike Belfry
Mike has been a scaler and cruiser for over 35 years in the PNW. Most recently he was operations manager for the Pacific Log Scaling Bureau where he provided trained scalers for customer job sites. Before that position, Mike was National Forest Regional Measurement Specialist with the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. He has also owned his own professional services firm maintaining log inventories, and monitoring log utilization. Prior to owning his firm, Mike served as the Alaska Manager for the Pacific Rim Log Scaling Bureau where he maintained and trained a workforce of up to 50 employees and scalers throughout Alaska. He has a 2 year forestry engineering degree.

Tom St. Laurent
Tom has 40+ years experience in timber measurements. Most recently he was the general manager for Yamhill Log Scaling and Grading Bureau for 21 years. He has also served as the secretary and then chair of the Northwest Log Rules Advisory Group. Tom has developed timber cruise and log volumes software. He has taught at the OSU Extension Tree School for 8 years. Tom has a B.S. in forestry from Humboldt State University.