Doyle scale basics

Q.
Does the Doyle scale allow for saw kerf? Does it allow for a certain percentage waste as pith or does it assume "boxed heart" lumber? If I wanted 1000 BF total finished lumber, how much should my overage be, using the Doyle scale (cut 10 % more per the scale)?

Forum Responses
The Doyle scale, like most scales, estimates the lumber you can get from a log. Therefore, saw kerf is considered. However, the Doyle scale has an added feature--for smaller logs it under-estimates the actual volume you will recover. So, it may estimate 100 BF, but you will actually achieve 140 BF. With thinner kerf, you will get slightly more than with a thick kerf--about 4% more, unless you use a really thin kerf. Of course, the excessive opening face size and over-edging will waste even more than a thicker kerf.

Why does Doyle do this? The idea today is that smaller logs cost more to handle, so rather than subtract from the actual footage (Int. 1/4 inch scale), and possibly make the logger upset (or pay less for smaller logs), the Doyle scale automatically covers the extra handling cost.

Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor

Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor

I need to know how to reduce the scale for bogus logs. What should my target sizes be? What should my target 1st face be? On this mill, I have a hard time getting a small dog board (4/4 shim behind, between blocks and cant and about 3/4" bearing on carriage for last (8/4) rip, the log dogs don't seem to come close enough to the blocks).

Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor

Would you like to add information to this article?
Interested in writing or submitting an article?
Have a question about this article?

Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing

KnowledgeBase: Primary Processing: Yield Formulas

KnowledgeBase: Forestry

KnowledgeBase: Forestry: Timber Harvesting

KnowledgeBase: Knowledge Base


Would you like to add information to this article? ... Click Here

If you have a question regarding a Knowledge Base article, your best chance at uncovering an answer is to search the entire Knowledge Base for related articles or to post your question at the appropriate WOODWEB Forum. Before posting your message, be sure to review our Forum Guidelines.

Questions entered in the Knowledge Base Article comment form will not generate responses! A list of WOODWEB Forums can be found at WOODWEB's Site Map.

When you post your question at the Forum, be sure to include references to the Knowledge Base article that inspired your question. The more information you provide with your question, the better your chances are of receiving responses.

Return to beginning of article.

Refer a Friend || Read This Important Information || Site Map || Privacy Policy || Site User Agreement Letters, questions or comments? E-Mail us and let us know what you think. Be sure to review our Frequently Asked Questions page. Contact us to discuss advertising or to report problems with this site. To report a problem, send an e-mail to our Webmaster Copyright © 1996-2017 - WOODWEB ® Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without permission of the Editor. Review WOODWEB's Copyright Policy. The editors, writers, and staff at WOODWEB try to promote safe practices. What is safe for one woodworker under certain conditions may not be safe for others in different circumstances. Readers should undertake the use of materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB, Inc. 335 Bedell Road Montrose, PA 18801 Contact WOODWEB