What is a Scaler, and What Do They Do?
Timber is scaled to determine its quality and volume. The scaler measures timber for length, as well as top and butt diameters. Using Ministry prescribed methods, they also make deductions for loss of firmwood due to rot or breakage. Alphabetic grades are assigned to the logs which indicate the quality of lumber or shingles which can be produced. The highest grade that can be assigned is a D in all species. The lowest grade is a Z, which is of no value and considered to be a cull.
Coastal Scaling requires an in depth knowledge of the Coastal Log Grades. Coastal Log Grades reflect the quality of timber, based on species, size, knot size, volume available for lumber, and the quality of that lumber. For more details on Log Grades, go to the Scaling Manual link below. Generally, to become a Coastal Scaler, there is a comprehensive course which familiarizes the students with species identification, common defects, deduction calculations, and the Grade Rules, as well as legislation around scaling.
The most common species scaled on the Coast include cedar, fir, balsam, lodge pole pine, white pine, cypress (or yellow cedar) hemlock, and alder. There are several other deciduous species, some of which include maple, cottonwood, and yew.
Most Coastal scalers use a 2 metre long scale stick. They measure the length, top and butt diameter of the timber. At the same time, the scaler is assessing the timber for knot sizes and frequency, as well as slope of grain (twist) and defects such as rot, cat face, shatter, crook and sap rot. The scaler starts with the best possible grade timber can be, and then determines whether or not the timber meets the criteria of the grade. It generally takes a scaler three to five years of scaling a variety of timber types to become proficient at using field methods and having the experience to production scale. Scalers are expected to scale accurately for both grade and volume to MOFR standards. MOFR requires that scalers’ volume and value be within 3% + or - of the MOFR checkscalers. On occasion, in a difficult load, the checkscaler may allow slightly higher differences. A missed log is an automatic cancellation. If an industry scaler does not pass his checkscale, his scale is labeled Not to be Issued in HBS (Harvest Billing Systems) and is replaced by the checkscaler’s scale. The original scaler has the right to request a second checkscale. If the second checkscale also results in a cancellation, the original scaler may be billed for the second checkscaler’s time. If a scaler consistently fails his checkscales, his license may be suspended or cancelled.
Scalers are like the tree accountants of forestry. Their work is what tells MOFR the volume of wood being processed on a daily basis, as well as the value and species of that wood. |
