Lumber Grader Job Description

Certification of Lumber Graders

A lumber grader is used to grade lumber. You inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine their dimensions, grade, and other qualities. You have responsibilities to determine whether logs become lumber or pulp.

Other duties include scanning lumber for defects and labeling them for sale. You have the skills to visually assess minute details in wood grain and to work with all hardwood and softwood lumber species. The American Lumber Standards Committee has a program for certifying lumber graders.

Hardwood does not need a grade for it to be sold in stores, so there is no need for qualifications for grading it. Many mills hire lumber graders to grade hardwood, as a grade can enhance its value. There are multiple online outlets that offer certification for hardwood grading.

Log graders: A tradesman' in the log industry

A log grader is a person who works in the logging industry. The majority of the work involves inspecting and grading logs, estimating the amount of value or marketable content in the logs, and sorting the logs. Thousands of acres of forests are being cut down each year.

The timber they harvest is used in many products. Log graders will identify logs that are of special or substandard grade, which will be returned to the sender, pre-cut, regarded, or even transferred to another place. They will use the metal ends of the scale sticks to jab the logs and inspect them for defects or characteristics like splits, knots, broken ends, twists, rotten spots, water damage, and cures.

Log graders will go to the wharfs, skids, or sawmills to inspect logs. They use signals to communicate with coworkers and weigh log trucks before and after unloading, record the load weights and identities of suppliers, and use signals to direct the movement of logs. The log grader is responsible for moving logs to other locations.

Acquirements of a lumber yard worker

The lumber yard workers are known as lumber handlers and work in a variety of industries. They perform different responsibilities at their work location. They determine the quality, type, size and price of lumbers.

They are responsible for filling orders and giving materials to their clients. They also offer a lot of custom services such as knowing how to operate power tools, drive and operate forklift, and a lot more. High school diplomas and other courses are required for being a lumberjack yard worker.

A bachelor's degree is not really needed. Some workers can get certification from professional associations, while others need to be certified. They need to know how to use redwood lumber, how to maintain it, and how to lift heavy loads up to 90 lbs.

A Grade Stamp for a Small Sawmill

If you have a small sawmill that makes high-quality lumber, you may be able to sell it to customers building homes or structures. Before you can sell your first item, you need to know that the wood will need to be graded and stamped. You may have noticed that the 2x4 you bought from the lumberyard has a black ink stamp on it with letters and numbers.

The wood has been inspected and approved for use in a home or other building, if it has been stamped. You can expect your mill to be visited by someone. They will come by and inspect your lumber to make sure it is graded correctly.

If they find errors, they can hold up truckloads of material. It is important to pay attention to your grading and make sure you are grading correctly. It will cost you more than the average small sawmill owner to join, which is $250-450 per week.

You have to decide if it is worth it to get a grade stamp for your mill. You may decide that it is not worth the headaches. You can still sell lumber for a variety of uses that do not require a grade stamp.