Appendix 1- A Guide to hardwood log grading USDA 1973

Appendix 2- Teak log and squares- Myanmar Grading Rules

Appendix 3- Timber grading in Sri Lanka 2013

Appendix 4- Hardwood Log Classification Guidelines Qld

 Lao log grading Parts 1 and 2_MASTER

This user manual has been prepared using research into appropriate criteria for grading
and segregating logs for optimum value recovery and efficiency when processing plantation
teak logs in Lao PDR.
The research was undertaken as Activity 2.2 (Improve or implement log grading/
segregation activities at the mill prior to processing) of Objective 2 (to increase returns to
processors and smallholders through improved efficiencies of the primary processing
sector) in the ACIAR co-funded aid project FST/2010/012 Enhancing key elements of the
value chains for plantation-grown wood in Lao PDR.
Part 1a summaries a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to grading systems
for small logs, with an emphasis on plantation teak. Part 1b discusses the field trials carried
out within the network of sawmilling companies involved in the project, which assessed
current grading systems and typical log quality. The objective of these activities was to
develop an appropriate log grading system using a combination of simple visual
assessment and external log measurements, such as diameter, log length, taper,
eccentricity, branch insertion, decay and discoloration. This grading system is discussed in
Part 2. This will be used to develop operational practices for matching logs with particular a
quality to products, while meeting demand expectations and taking the current sawmilling
infrastructure into account. Part 2 is also available in Lao language.

Lao_log_grading_MASTER_SMH and ALR combined

This user manual has been prepared using research into appropriate criteria for grading
and segregating logs for optimum value recovery and efficiency when processing plantation
teak logs in Lao PDR.
The research was undertaken as Activity 2.2 (Improve or implement log grading/
segregation activities at the mill prior to processing) of Objective 2 (to increase returns to
processors and smallholders through improved efficiencies of the primary processing
sector) in the ACIAR co-funded aid project FST/2010/012 Enhancing key elements of the
value chains for plantation-grown wood in Lao PDR.
Part 1a summaries a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to grading systems
for small logs, with an emphasis on plantation teak. Part 1b discusses the field trials carried
out within the network of sawmilling companies involved in the project, which assessed
current grading systems and typical log quality. The objective of these activities was to
develop an appropriate log grading system using a combination of simple visual
assessment and external log measurements, such as diameter, log length, taper,
eccentricity, branch insertion, decay and discoloration. This grading system is discussed in
Part 2. This will be used to develop operational practices for matching logs with particular a
quality to products, while meeting demand expectations and taking the current sawmilling
infrastructure into account. Part 2 is also available in Lao language.

Lao_log_grading_Part 2_rules_EN_MASTER

Part 2: A log grading system for Lao PDR
Introduction
The following log grading system has been developed as an activity within the ACIAR
Project FST/2010/012 Enhancing key elements of the value chains for plantation-grown
wood in Lao PDR. Within this project, Activity 2.2 is ‘Improve or implement log
grading/segregation activities at the mill prior to processing’ with the required output being
a user-friendly manual for log grading and segregation rules for SME sawmills in Lao PDR.
This document is provided as that output.
The aims of this Manual are to provide a benchmarking system for log quality, to help
growers achieve a fair value for their trees, and to enable sawmillers to specify and pay for
logs of a known quality, ensuring that the wood and products will meet the requirements of
their customers.
The guidelines are issued as a first edition and may be superseded or refined in the future
if the needs of the stakeholders change, the nature of the resource changes (for example
through improved silvicultural management resulting in higher quality logs), or if new
products and markets are developed that require a different suite of grade descriptors than
those provided here.
These guidelines were developed after a review of the literature and assessment of current
practices and log qualities during factory visits in Lao PDR. The rules build on the current
system, which is based on dimension only, by adding quality parameters relevant to the
target end products (furniture, door and window joinery, flooring and decking).