Course Tutor: 

Gavin Munro

Course Description:

This course will involve a combination of lectures and hands-on sessions to provide participants with an appreciation of timber properties and grading criteria expected by the hardwood trade. Indoor sessions will cover the basics of timber grading and the traditional measurement methods. Outdoors we will evaluate both standing timber in managed woodlands, and learn the basics of the Hoppus measurement system by looking at felled logs. We will also evaluate felled logs and consider some of the features that catch the eye of a timber buyer. The focus for the workshop will be species of high value, mainly hardwoods  and Douglas fir. 

Course Learning Objectives: 

At the conclusion of the course, participants would be able to show their understanding of:

• Shake in hardwoods
• Spiral grain
• Off-centre hearts
• Demonstrate their ability to measure timber using the Hoppus foot system
• Appreciate the need to grade hardwood/softwood timber into the correct visual grades

Brief Synopsis of the Day:

Arrive 10.00am for a 10.30am start

Session 1 - Classroom - 10.30am - 12.00 noon

• How to grade timber
• Methods of sale, risks and pitfalls
• Timing and exploring the market

Lunch - 12.00 noon to 1.00pm

Session 2 - Woodland area - 1.00pm to 2.30pm

• Inspection of stems and species
• Spotting problems in standing trees
• Shake, spiral grain, rot, dead knots
• General forms of stems
• Measuring

Session 3 - Logyard area - 2.30pm to finish

(finish between 3.30pm and 4.00pm depending on number of questions in final session)

• Spotting faults
• Grading of laid logs
• Utilisation
• Sales information
• Hoppus system
• Sawmillers
• Local usage
• Any other questions

All sessions will be led by Gavin Munro but questions will be welcomed at all times throughout the day.