These illustrations represent
the definitions you are most likely to be discussing when dealing with
a
mill, wholesaler, or distribution
yard.
A CLEAR-FACE CUTTING IS
A cutting having one clear face and the reverse side sound.
A SOUND CUTTING is
a cutting free from decay, pith, shake and wane. Texture is not considered.
It will admit sound knots,
bird pecks, staining, streaks or their - equivalent, season checks not
materially impairing the strength of a cutting, pin, shot and spot worm
holes. Other holes ¼ in. or larger are admitted but shall
be limited as follows: one ¼ in in average diameter in each
cutting of less than 12 units: two ¼ in. or one ½ in. to
each 12 units and on one side only of a cutting.
PIN KNOTS are no defect
if they do not exceed ¼ in. in their greatest dimension nor contain
unsound centers over 1/8
in in diameter.
PITH is the small
soft core occurring in the structural center of the log.
SHAKE is a separation
along the grain, the greater part of which occurs between the rings of
annual growth.
SPLIT is a lengthwise
separation of the wood due to the tearing apart of the wood cells.
WANE is the presence
of bark or lack of wood from any cause.
DECAY is the decomposition
of the wood substance by fungi. |
Manufacture
& Grading
Western Alder is graded
accord- ing to the published rules issued by the National Hardwood
Lumber
Association. Grading
of Western Alder is similar to those grading rules for any hardwood board
in
that the grade is based
on its utilizable content. However, there are important differences
in Alder lumber which should be mentioned here and on the following pages. |
Western Alder is always
graded from the best face after kiln-drying and surfacing on two sides
to 1/16
in. scant of nominal, hit
or miss. Unlike Eastern species, all kiln and planer defects
are graded out. It
is often possible to substitute
4/4 lumber for 5/4 Eastern lumber because of the uniform surfacing
to 15/16 in. H/M.
Kiln-dried Western
Alder is quoted, invoiced, and delivered on the basis of net board footage
tallied after kiln-drying with no addition of footage for kiln- drying
shrinkage. |
 |
Identification
As each board is individually
graded, an identification mark is placed on the board. There are
five basic grades: Selects and Better, No. 1 Shop , No. 2 Shop, No.
3 Shop, and Frame.
The most common
identification mark is the grade stamp. This shows that the board
has been certified to be
on grade in accordance with the Western Hardwood Association and National
Hardwood Lumber Association standards. It also identifies the mill
and the grader by an assigned number. |
 |
THE WESTERN
HARDWOOD ASSOCIATION is the only organization dedicated exclusively to
the procurement, organization, and the promotion of Western Alder.
For additional information, a Buyer's Guide, or any other assistance concerned
with Western Alder, please contact the Western Hardwood Association. |
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