Quality characteristics of Appalachian red oak lumber

• Published in: Forest products journal 1995-03, Vol.45 (3), p.45-50
• Main Authors: Wiedenbeck, J.K, Gatchell, C.J, Walker, E.S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Automation; Comparative analysis; Defective products; Defects; Exact sciences and technology; Forest products industry; log grade; lumber; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Product quality; Properties and testing; quality; Quercus rubra; Wood; wood defects; Wood products; Wood. Paper. Non wovens
• ISSN: 0015-7473; 2376-9637

Red oak lumber defect information derived from a well-constructed board data bank was analyzed. The potential utility of No. 1 Common and No. 2A Common lumber is indicated by the finding that 23 percent of the No. 1 Common boards and 35 percent of the No. 2A Common boards in the data bank contain clear-face cutting percentages that meet the minimum requirement for the next higher grade. The mean surface measure of the FAS, Selects, No. 1 Common, and No. 2A Common lumber was 9.1, 7.5, 6.3, and 6.2, respectively. The mean defect areas for each grade were: FAS -1.2 percent, Selects -2.3 percent, No. 1 Common -6.8 percent, and No. 2A Common -9.8 percent. Approximately 89 percent of the total defect area in these boards consisted of unsound defects. Wane, unsound knots, and bark pockets are the three major defects found in red oak lumber. Between grades, there are significant differences in the occurrence of these defects. Pith is relatively uncommon in Common-grade lumber, occurring in 9 percent of the No. 1 Common boards and 19 percent of the No. 2A Common boards. Twenty-five percent of the No. 1 Common and No. 2A Common boards contained crook of 1/2 inch or more.