To measure log size, you typically determine the diameter at the small end, inside the bark, and measure to the nearest inch.
Measuring log size is a fundamental step in forestry, timber sales, and wood processing. It helps estimate the volume of usable wood in a log. The standard method focuses on the least dimension to ensure a conservative estimate of timber yield.
Key Steps for Measuring Log Diameter
The primary measurement for log size, often referred to as scaling, involves determining the diameter. Here's a breakdown of the process based on common practices and the provided reference:
1. Location of Measurement
- Small End: Always measure the diameter at the smaller end of the log. This is because log diameter decreases from butt (large end) to top (small end), and the small end represents the minimum potential yield along the log's length.
- Inside the Bark: The measurement should be taken inside the bark. This is crucial because the bark adds to the log's overall diameter but is removed during processing and doesn't contribute to the usable wood volume.
2. Taking the Measurement
- Nearest Inch: The diameter measurement is typically rounded to the nearest inch.
3. Handling Non-Round Logs
Logs are rarely perfectly round. For logs that are not round, you need to take average diameters.
- Method: Measure the diameter in at least two directions that are roughly perpendicular to each other across the small end.
- Averaging: Calculate the average of these measurements.
- Rounding: Round the average diameter to the nearest inch to determine the scaled size.
Example (from reference):
If a log's small end measures 10.0 inches in one direction and 11.2 inches in another direction:
- Average Diameter: (10.0 inches + 11.2 inches) / 2 = 21.2 inches / 2 = 10.6 inches
- Scaled Size: 10.6 inches is rounded to the nearest inch, which is 11 inches.
This average is then used in conjunction with the log's length (measured separately) to calculate its volume using various log scaling rules (e.g., Doyle, Scribner, International).
Measurement Summary Table
| Measurement Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Small end of the log |
| Condition | Inside the bark |
| Precision | To the nearest inch |
| Non-Round Logs | Average multiple diameter measurements |
| Rounding (Avg.) | Round the average to the nearest inch |
Understanding these steps ensures consistent and accurate measurement of log size for inventory, valuation, and processing purposes.
