Scaling for Non-Scalers: Understanding the Scaling Process, Log Rules, Sorts, Grades, and Accountability
Location: Wilsonville, OR
9:00 Scaling Bureaus: How they operate and their role in log markets – Tom St. Laurent
o How bureaus fit into the log buying and selling process
o Represent both the log buyers and sellers
o Apply log scaling rules
o Provide qualified scalers
o Serve as independent third parties
9:30 What does a log scaler do? — Mike Belfry
o How scalers fit into the log transaction process (only measure volume, not value)
o What is their relationship to log buyers and sellers
o Different points in log transport where scaling can occur
o What is log volume and how is it calculated?
o What are the specific measurements and data collected on a typical log?
o Log documentation
o Understanding gross and net volume
o Why did my load scale out at a lesser volume? Reasons for volume deductions
10:30 Break
11:00 Northwest Log Scaling Rules: Applying uniformity and standardization within the Doug-fir processing area – Tom St. Laurent
o Function and role of the rules
o What they cover
o How they are maintained and revised
o How to use volume tables
11:30 Special requests: Using procedures in addition to the NW Log Scaling Rules – Tom St. Laurent
o Why special requests are made
o Common examples
o Documenting special requests
Noon Lunch
1:00 Understanding log grades and sorts – Mike Belfry
o What is the difference between grades and sorts?
o Why do sorts vary from company to company?
o What is the difference between a good #2 sawlog and a rough #2 sawlog
o What is the pulp sort?
o What is a cull?
2:00 Break
2:15 Log accountability: Tracking the log load from landing to mill – Mike Belfry
o How is data collected? Load receipts, weight reports, sample scales, sample expansion, log tags, scale tickets and certificates
o Understanding the paperwork: Examples will be provided of load receipts, scale tickets and certificates and each form will be reviewed in detail.
o What are the standard procedures for documentation and changes?
o How is the data stored, disseminated and then accessed by clients?
3:45 Catch-all short topics – Mike Belfry and Tom St. Laurent
o Difference between westside and eastside scaling
o Understanding cubic measurements
o Deciphering overrun and underrun
o Volume conversion factors
o Using taper factors and actual taper
4:15 Adjourn
About the Speakers
Mike Belfry
Mike Belfry 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 41 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.