13 minute read
Rules Corner
Close Is Never Good Enough
As NHLA Chief Inspector, I am lucky to have the opportunity to meet and speak with so many people in the hardwood industry. As you can imagine, meeting so many different people allows me to hear many differing opinions and understand various ways of doing things, especially when it comes to hardwood lumber inspection. Something I hear often and something I find troubling is, “if the board is a unit or two short, I put it in there anyway.” This statement may not sound like a bad idea on the surface, but let’s compare it to a paycheck. Your check is “only $20 less than it should be”, or how about buying gasoline at a convenience store, “it’s almost a gallon.” I could give countless examples of how shorting anything in life is a bad idea, but I think these examples have proven my point. The NHLA Rules were put into place to provide a measurement for the volume and quality of each and every piece of hardwood lumber that is produced. The hardwood inspector’s job is not to decide what is acceptable. Their job is to determine if it meets the minimum requirements to be in that grade. Too often, in today’s world, we accept “close enough” or “nobody cares” when in fact, the vast majority of people that I have met in this industry do care, and they expect everyone else to care and do their jobs correctly. So, this brings me to the point of this article, a good Hardwood Lumber Inspector may be enough to get by, be close enough, but a great Hardwood Lumber Inspector will make your company more reputable and, at the end of the day, will make you more money. To be a great Hardwood Lumber Inspector, you need to have the education necessary to achieve greatness. NHLA has the tools necessary to help anyone that needs or wants to move their company to the next level. Since 1948, NHLA Inspector Training School has been teaching the hardwood lumber grading rules; we have a team of National Inspectors in different areas of the US and Canada, whose sole purpose is to be ready and available to assist our industry. NHLA has developed programs to monitor grade accuracy and observe many other areas of the lumber manufacturing process to help your company achieve the best possible products and ROI. Let me ask you, are you taking advantage of all these assets that are sitting at your disposal? If not, why? Contact me today; I would love to hear your challenges and help you find a way to overcome them and have your industry thrive! I can be reached at d.spessert@nhla. com or 901-399-7551.
(Above) Inspector Training School Class 190
(Left) National Inspector Kevin Evilsizer
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NHLA FACILITY GRADE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM!
Cory Christen with NHLA’s Kevin Evilsizer.
Kendrick Forest Products is a member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s (NHLA) Facility Grade Certification Program. This is a voluntary quality assurance ” program where our lumber is re-inspected by the NHLA National Inspector 2-3 times per year to ensure we are representing the lumber properly. It is with a great deal of pride that I can inform you Cory Christen passed his test with flying colors. He was well within what the NHLA allows. Great job, Cory! This certification gives us a competitive advantage when selling in the marketplace as new customers know that we honor the NHLA grades and system. Most mills are not certified. In fact, Kendrick is the only mill in Iowa with this designation and one of only two in the American Walnut Manufacturers Association. Kevin and the NHLA have been a great resource for continuing to build into our team. We look forward to Kevin coming back in the summer.”
— Greg Blomberg, General Manager at Kendrick Forest Products
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.
AUGUST 16-27
Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
AUGUST 30-Sept. 1
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 Memphis, TN Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
JUNE 14-17
JUNE 14-August 6
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. Millersburg, OH
Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector Inspector Training School 195th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN
Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
SEPTEMBER 13-17
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: Wood-Mizer, LLC Indianapolis, IN
Instructor: Kevin Evilsizer, NHLA National Inspector
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER
13-Nov. 5 4-6 4-15 29-Dec. 10
Inspector Training School 196th Class Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN
Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor
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: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Marion, NC
MODULE 1
Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Marion, NC Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector Inspector Training School Online Training Program
MODULE 1
Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters. 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.
HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR QUALITY HARDWOODS
Quality Hardwoods is seeking to hire a Hardwood Lumber Inspector for a high production band sawmill.
Skills & Experience Required Must be a self-motivated graduate of Inspector Training School.
Salary & Benefits Permanent Employment, competitive wage, benefits, vacation time, and a 401k.
How to Apply Send your resume to: info@qualityhardwoodsinc.com
Quality Hardwoods 396 Main St PO Box 38 | Sunfield, MI 48890 517-566-8061 | www.qualityhardwoodsinc.com
HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTORS NEMROC INC.
NEMROC is seeking hardwood lumber inspectors to work at its two locations in Alpena and Hillman, Michigan.
Skills & Experience Required Candidates must be NHLA certified and/or have equivalent experience inspecting both green and KD lumber.
Salary & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid vacation, sick and personal leave, medical insurance, a tax-deferred annuity plan, longevity bonus, and profit-sharing.
How to Apply Send your resume to: joed@nemroc.com
NEMROC INC. 800 Bolton St. | Alpena, MI 49707 989-356-6141 | www.nemroc.com
BAND SAW FILER QUALITY HARDWOODS, INC.
Quality Hardwoods, Inc. is seeking a Band Saw Filer in Sunfield, MI. Duties would include sharpening and repairing band head rig saws, band resaws, carbide-tipped circle saws, chipper knives, and dressing guide blocks.
Skills & Experience Required Experience in sharpening and repairing band head rig saws, band resaws, carbide-tipped circle saws, chipper knives, and dressing guide blocks. Salary & Benefits Benefits include health/dental insurance, 401k with a company match, vacation and holiday time, and a competitive wage. This is a full-time, permanent position.
How to Apply Send your resume to: amanda@qualityhardwoodsinc.com
Quality Hardwoods, Inc 396 Main St. | Sunfield, MI 48890 517-566-8061 | www.qualityhardwoodsinc.com
HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR HARTZELL HARDWOODS
Hartzell Hardwoods in Piqua, OH is seeking a hardwood lumber inspector whose basic function would be to inspect incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA rules at the assigned grading deck. The grading deck sits on the Lumber Handling Machine.
Responsibilities and Duties: • Visually inspects lumber according to species, grade, and dimension.
• Uses NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect lumber while sitting on an automated grading deck.
• This position operates and controls the Lumber Handling
Machine from the grading deck platform.
• Must be able to operate a grade console and board turner.
• May be required to do their own sorting setups before starting another run per sorting specifications. (e.g., vendors, kilns, etc).
• Corrects any skews and situations that stop the lumber line from running. This may require getting off the grading deck and cor recting the problem within their area.
• All inspectors may be required to switch off with another lumber inspector. Lumber inspectors are required to work in another as signed position when they are not grading lumber.
• Grades and tallies lumber at certain workstations to obtain sur face measure and grade of the boards. Single boards are measured and tallied by making a dot on the tally sheet under the correct column.
• Reports tallies to Team Leader or Supervisor who reports to the
Lumber Office.
• Determines total board footage by adding and multiplying tally columns.
• During downtimes, other functions will be required. (e.g. clean-up, maintenance, stacking, etc.)
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.
Skills & Experience Required • Previous experience in grading walnut lumber along with other hardwood species is desired
• NHLA schooling is preferred but not mandatory.
• Long periods of sitting on the grading deck.
• Occasionally turns boards weighing between 5 lbs. to over 60 lbs. using lumber grading rulers.
• Familiar with lumber grading rules, calculator, tally book, pencil, lumber crayon stick, grade console, and board turner is plus
Salary & Benefits • $23-$25 per hour, based on experience • $2,500 relocation bonus • Paid time off • Great healthcare benefits and much more!!
How to Apply Send your resume to: larling@hartzell.com
Hartzell Hardwoods 1025 S. Roosevelt Ave. | Piqua, Ohio 45356 937-615-1924
HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR TURMAN SAWILL
Turman Sawmill is seeking a hardwood lumber inspector to accurately inspect lumber by NHLA rules on a production line.
Skills & Experience Required NHLA certified or equivalent experience|
Salary & Benefits Salary depending on experience. Health/Dental insurance available. Paid vacation and holidays.
How to Apply Send your resume to: jeremya@theturmangroup.com
Turman Sawmill 555 Expansion Dr. | Hillsville, Virginia 24343 276 730-0471 | www.theturmangroup.com
HARDWOOD LUMBER INSPECTOR MIDWEST HARDWOOD CORPORATION
Midwest Hardwood Corp. is seeking a hardwood lumber inspector to inspect dry and/or green hardwood lumber according to NHLA Guidelines.
Responsibilities and Duties: • Marks lumber to indicate grade processing instructions, using a marker. • May determine cuts to be made to obtain the highest market able value from material.
• May scale board footage, using a calibrated scale on lumber ruler, and record results
Skills & Experience Required • NHLA certified or equivalent experience
• Possess the ability to accurately apply NHLA rules
• Minimum of one (1) year experience grading kiln dried domestic lumber - this is not an entry-level position
• Experience and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a focus on safety and quality
Salary & Benefits Salary is based on experience. Benefits include but not limited to, Health insurance, 401K, vacation, and clothing reimbursement.
How to Apply Send your resume to: saraschneider@midwesthardwood.com
Midwest Hardwood Corporation 9540 83rd Ave. | NorthMaple Grove, MN 55369 608-768-4735 | www.midwesthardwood.com
YARD MANAGER/KILN OPERATOR NEW LEAF LUMBER COMPANY, LLC
New Leaf Lumber Company is seeking a Yard Manager/Kiln Operator. Daily tasks include managing a small crew of laborers, pulling custom orders, forklift operation of loading and unloading trucks and kilns, maintaining kilns, and communicating with the office manager.
Skills & Experience Required • Forklift experience required. • Will train for kiln operator position as needed. • Good attitude and punctuality are paramount. • Attention to detail and ability to focus necessary.
Salary & Benefits Salary based upon experience and qualifications. We offer a small, familyowned business with health insurance, vacation time, and a matched 401K program. We are fun, inclusive, and focused on quality over quantity.
How to Apply Send your resume to: meghan@newleaflumber.com
New Leaf Lumber Company, LLC 1104 Old Concord Rd. | Henniker, NH 03242 603-428-3553 | www.newleaflumber.com
DISCOVER ANSWERS
CONNECTION
EXPERTISE
YOU’RE WANTING TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS BETTER. NHLA HAS THE ANSWER.
NEED TO FIND A NEW VENDOR FOR A SERVICE OR PRODUCT?
Connections to industry specific companies through networking events, online membership directory and a virtual exhibit hall.
WANT TO DISCOVER WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE?
Programs and expertise designed to identify areas of change that can lead to more money in your pocket.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT PROCESSES OR BEST PRACTICES? Relevant and industry-specific education and training available in a variety of formats.
NHLA is your connection for ideas, answers and one-on-one professional advice.
Give us a call today and let us help you make your business better!
John Hester, Director of Membership and Business Development at 901-399-7558 or email j.hester@nhla.com.
ACCURATE
End Tally with ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEAfter extensive testing Accurate TallyExpress proves to be within 1% of a perfect tally. The app “learns” as it’s used, which makes it even more accurate over time.
Fast
Start to finish – completed end tally takes 60-90 seconds.
Live in 80+ Locations
– Northwest Hardwoods
How accurate? In the field, the difference between TallyExpress “One day we were backed up and a hand tally by tape with 12 bundles on our line. measure is less than 1%. It also “learns” as it’s used, making it Normally, it would have taken a very stressful 30 minutes to get those tallied and moved. With even more accurate with time. TallyExpress, we did all 12 And the app is so easy to use, bundles in about ten minutes and you get accurate measurements it was a stress-free experience.” fast - no matter who is tallying. – Granite Hardwoods, Inc.
Easy
Not only can TallyExpress be taught in minutes, it is less physically-demanding than having to measure each board.
“In the past, you had to find “The training is almost nothing. the right tally person who was People take pictures with their detailed and patient. With smartphones every day. It’s TallyExpress, we get the same, very familiar technology. accurate results regardless of Basically, you show someone who does the work.” how to use it on one bundle -Brownlee Lumber Co. and they’re ready to go. It really does only take a couple of minutes to train someone.”
– Allegheny Wood Products
