Q.
Is there any good literature on lumber grading guidelines, how to grade your lumber roughly as you cut it, dry it, or before you sell it?
I would like to learn what the requirements are for different grades of lumber so as to make better decisions on lumber value while I am cutting it. Are there courses available?
A.
If you are concerned about hardwood lumber, the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) has everything you need. Illustrated booklets, videos, several-day short courses (all over the U.S. and Canada), three-month classes, whatever! Memphis, TN. 901-377-1818.
Gene Wengert, forum moderator
Certification not only costs money but you pay a surcharge to the certifying agency for all the lumber cut off your mill. The better way is to get a general standard and sell lumber based on your best estimate of quality.
Where the grade stamp is required, contact the local agent and pay to have a specific amount graded and stamped. They can do as much as 20,000 board feet a day. (So you may note, they aren't really interested in the small operations.)
