A method enabling the reconstruction of internal features of logs from sawn lumber: The log end template

摘要

Knowledge of the internal characteristics of logs enables the optimization of sawn recoveries. This has led to the development of various nondestructive and destructive methods for characterizing interior log features. The objective of this study was to develop a method for tracking the origin of individual lumber boards through a commercial sawmill, allowing the reconstruction of logs from data gathered from the sawn lumber. Log end templates were designed that are glued to each log end. After sawing, a portion of the template remains glued to each end of every piece of lumber, from which polar coordinates and a unique log identifier can be read. This can then be incorporated into a database with grade data such as knot and feature locations, together with tree and stand data. The method provides an efficient, accurate, robust, and reliable way of tracking boards through a sawmill while the mill operates normally.