Limitations of lumber-yield nomograms for predicting lumber requirements

Abstract

Lumber yield nomograms developed during the last 30 years have limited use when predicting the volume of rough lumber required to fill a particular cutting bill. Inaccuracies occur when nomogram yields are applied to situations in which processing technologies differ from those used during data collection, and when a variety of lengths and widths are specified in the cutting bill. Inaccuracies can occur when predicting yields for more than two lengths, cutting for a single width, or predicting yields based on the longest length rather than on a specific cutting bill. Most importantly, nomograms respond poorly to changes in processing technologies or to changes in the hardwood resource. The impact of each of these problems associated with predicting lumber requirements is discussed.

Keywords

Rough mill, hardwood, lumber grade mix, lumber cost, simulation

Citation

Hoff, Kristen. 2000. Limitations of lumber-yield nomograms for predicting lumber requirements. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-270. Radnor, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 8 p.