Rules Corner

The National Hardwood Lumber Association Announces Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules Changes for 2023

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

Every four years, the National Hardwood Lumber Association accepts proposals for changing the NHLA Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules. Step one of the process; the NHLA Rules Committee meets to discuss all proposals and decides which proposals to put forward to the membership. Step two; the membership can ask questions and discuss the proposals at the Rules Open Forum held at the NHLA Annual Convention. The final step of the process is the Active membership vote. This year the Active members voted on 7 possible changes to the Measurement & Inspection of Hardwood & Cypress with the deadline for voting being December 1, 2021. “A rules change shall be adopted by the Association upon such change receiving a favorable vote on a two-thirds majority of the votes properly cast by the Active Members of the Association.”

THE VOTES FOR THE RULES CHANGE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN TALLIED AND THE FINAL COUNT REVEALED THE FOLLOWING RESULTS:

Standard Inspection by Species & Standard Grades

Proposal #1: c. Page 24, Basswood: Remove “Note: Dormant twig buds to be considered as burls.” – Did NOT Pass Proposal #2: e. Page 66, Select Car Stock: Change split limitation from - “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 6” in length in any one end or the aggregate equivalent in one or both ends of the piece.” To – “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 12” in length in either end of the piece of Standard or specified length.” – Passed Proposal #3: f. Page 67, Common Dimension: Change Split limitation from – “SPLITS: Shall not exceed 12” in length in any one end or the aggregate equivalent in one or both ends of the piece.” To – “Splits shall not exceed in the aggregate in inches in length twice the surface measure of the piece of Standard or specified length, except when one foot or shorter” – Passed Proposal #4: h. Page 14, FAS, paragraph 53., Change minimum width to 5” – Did NOT Pass

Cypress Rules

Proposal #5: a. Page 48, paragraph 90, Selects & Btr. – •Add “Pith is limited to aggregate in inches, boxed or showing, to the nominal width of the piece.” •Change from “A. Pieces 4” and 5” wide must be clear allowing slight wane on one edge. (Par. 80)” To – “A. Pieces 4” and 5” wide must be clear allowing slight wane on one edge (Par. 84), except those pieces 12’ in length and over allow 1 medium knot (Par. 39).” •Under section B: Change from “• 6” wide – 1 medium knot • 7” – 9” wide – 2 medium knots” To “Pieces 6” to 9” wide will admit 1 medium knot (Par. 39) in pieces 10’ and shorter, pieces 12’ and longer will admit 2 medium knots (Par. 39).” – Did NOT Pass

Proposal #6: b. Page 43, paragraph 15, Warp & Cup – Add “Sidebend shall not exceed to the extent that the piece will not produce the standard finished width in its full length, in all grades.”

– Did NOT Pass

Proposal #7: c. Page 50, paragraphs 98 & 99, No. 1 & No. 2 Peck – Combine paragraph 98 & 99 to create “Peck” as follows – “Each piece must contain peck, with a minimum area of 10% of the Surface Measure, well distributed on one side. Each piece must be suitable for ordinary handling and construction without breakage.”

- Passed

These Rules Changes do not become effective until January 1, 2023. NHLA will be producing a new NHLA Rules Book that will be available and distributed in December 2022.

If you have any questions, please contact Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert at d.spessert@nhla.com.

NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR

BOTTOM LINE Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education.

COVID-19 IMPACT:

At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA headquarters at 901-377-1818 to confirm that these courses are taking place.

MARCH 21-April 1

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

APRIL 25-27

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

JUNE 13-16

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Location: Millersburg, OH Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector

AUGUST 22-Sept. 2

Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

SEPTEMBER 7-9

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

SEPTEMBER 26-Nov. 18

Inspector Training School 199th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

ACCOUNT MANAGER | FERCHE MILLWORK, INC.

Ferche Millwork, Inc. in Rice, MN, a national leader in hardwood mouldings and wood door components manufacturing, is seeking an Account Manager to serve a set of existing customers as their primary contact. Duties include customer service, estimating, order entry, project management, some sales, troubleshooting, etc. Job is on-site at our Rice, MN manufacturing facility.

Skills & Experience Required • A great communicator with good Excel skills will do well in this position. • A go-getter who will dive into understanding the manufacturing side of the business and add value by having a wide product knowledge and understanding of the processes will have a great opportunity to grow and elevate within the company. • Experience with customer service, estimating or manufacturing is a leg up, but not essential.

Salary & Benefits Competitive pay and great benefits (including family insurances) are included in this full time position.

How to Apply Send your resume to: janets@ferche.com

Ferche Millwork Inc 400 Division Street N | Rice, MN 56367 320-393-5700

KILN MANAGER | MISSOURI WALNUT

Missouri Walnut is seeking a Kiln Manager to operate the daily functions of product flow in and out of the steamers and kilns while also managing the day to day kiln schedules.

Skills & Experience Required Previous kiln experience preferred (specifically hardwood drying).

Salary & Benefits Missouri Walnut strives to offer a great benefit package for all of its team members that includes a few the following:

• Great health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. • 401K with company match. • Monthly Profit Sharing. • Growth and advancement opportunities. • Paid Time Off

How to Apply Send your resume to: gmckinnis@missouriwalnutgroup.com

Missouri Walnut 11417 Oak Rd | Neosho, MO 64850 417-658-5477

HEAD SAW-FILER | WAGNER LUMBER

Wagner Lumber is seeking a Head Saw-Filer.

Responsibilities include: • Directing a team of 3-4 direct reports • Sharpen, repair, and maintain band saws • Maintain saw shop equipment and facilities • Keep abreast of the most recent developments in the field and act to continually improve their managerial and saw filing skills • Adherence to all plant safety and environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures. • Strive to carry out his/her responsibilities in a professional manner with the highest level of integrity.

Skills & Experience Required • A minimum of 5 years experience in a wide band saw shop • A demonstrated ability to lead a team

Salary & Benefits Full Time Hourly Position • Hourly wage will be commensurate with experience • Full Plan of Benefits including a 401k with a generous match

How to Apply Send your resume to: lbonebrake@missouriwalnutgroup.com

Wagner Lumber 4060 Gaskill Road | Owego, NY 13827 607-687-5362 | www.wagnerlumber.com

SAW-FILER | NELSON HARDWOOD LUMBER CO., INC.

Nelson Hardwood Lumber Co., Inc., in Prairie du Chien, WI is looking to hire a saw filer. Responsibilities include sharpening, leveling, and benching 38' x 11" bandsaw. All equipment provided.|

Skills & Experience Required Experience preferred.

Salary & Benefits Salary based on experience. Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, vacation, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement plan

How to Apply Send your resume to: nelsonhw@mhtc.net

Nelson Hardwood Lumber Co., Inc. 305 East Frederick Street | Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 608-326-8456 | www.nelsonhardwoods.com