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

Agenda
Start Date: September 19, 2017
Location: Hotel RL (Red Lion) - Olympia, WA

9:00     Scaling Bureaus: How they operate and their role in log markets – Tom 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

9:30     What 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

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

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

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

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

Noon     Lunch

1:00     Understanding log grades and sorts – Mike 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

2:15     Log accountability: Tracking the log load from landing to mill – Mike 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?

3:45     Catch-all short topics – Mike 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 Field Session
Optional Field Session at Log Yard
September 20, 2017 • $15 • 8AM - noon
Spend the morning in a log yard with the workshop instructors for a first-hand look at how logs are scaled, deductions taken and volume determined on logs rolled out for the class. Logs exhibiting typical defects will also be available (processor breaks, frost cracks, sucker knots, slope of grain, sweep, crook and heart check). Each log will be pre-scaled to demonstrate the volume deducted for typical defects. No equipment will be operating in the yard.

Field session attendees will need to provide their own transportation to and from the log yard. The yard is about 25 miles NW from the workshop hotel and a 30 minute drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring a hard hat, work boots, rain gear and safety vest. Hard hats and safety vests will be provided if needed.