With high stumpage prices, each year sawmills are processing more and more smaller diameter hardwood logs. Most of the mills do not know the lumber yield, lumber grade, or cost of processing these logs. This project investigates the processing of small diameter (11" and lower) black cherry (Prunus serotina), sugar maple (Acer saccharinum), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) logs. The location of each board will be mapped in relation to the logs profile. After being sawn every board will be examined for end checks, surface checks, shake, twist, bow, cup, crook and pre-drying grade. Drying will be conducted through the use of a conventional kiln drying schedule and two modified kiln schedules. The first modified kiln schedule lowers the initial dry bulb setting, while the second will decrease the final dry bulb setting. After drying each board will be examined for end checks, surface checks, shake, twist, bow, cup, crook, and post-drying grade. Other characteristics that are being recorded include slope of grain and the presence or absence of pith. By mapping the boards, as they were sawn and testing the modified kiln schedules an optimum sawing pattern and kiln-drying schedule will be determined. Lastly, the strength and dimensional stability of the lumber will be investigated. One goal of the project is to determine the performance of the lumber when exposed to in service conditions. In specific conditions pertaining to static bending and varying moisture contents. The goal is not only to saw and dry clear-faced lumber but to also to predict the performance in service. This study will provide the wood products industry with a better understanding of processing small diameter hardwood logs.

Small diameter sugar maple logs were obtained from several locations in the Stone Valley Forest. A primary source of material was an area of substantial blowdown attributed to tropical storms.