Recognizing interactions among lumber grading rules, gang-ripping technology, and industry needs could increase the use of No.2 Common lumber

Abstract

Recognizing the interactions among lumber grading rules, gang-ripping technology, and the parts needs of the furniture and cabinet industries could increase the use of No. 2 Common lumber as a raw material. The minimum piece size used in establishing the No.2 Common grade is 3 inches by 2 feet. Industry often needs shorter and narrower pieces than this. No.2 Common often contains areas that contribute to total yield but cannot be used to establish the grade. Results from an analysis of the effects of crook on yield when gang-ripping narrow boards show that both No.1 and No.2 Common yield more long lengths and fewer short lengths than are required by industry. A discussion of computer-generated versus human-generated yields is included and a practical illustration of parts yields from gang-ripping No.1 and No.2 Common lumber is presented.

Citation

Gatchell, Charles J. 1989. Recognizing interactions among lumber grading rules, gang-ripping technology, and industry needs could increase the use of No.2 Common lumber. Forest Products Journal. 39(2): 33-37.