By: Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief inspector Knowledge is Power. Hardwood Lumber Inspectors have a significant responsibility in grading hardwood lumber. They must not only determine the grade but also ensure that all limitations are not exceeded. This month I would like to point out some areas that can improve the lumber inspector’s accuracy and the […]
– Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector This month, I would like to take the opportunity to discuss an all too recurring subject: SIDE BEND. Side bend is mainly created by poor sawing practices and logs with growth stresses. The drying process aggravates side bend through shrinkage at different rates within the boards. When sawing a […]
The 2023 version of the NHLA Rules Book with the Rules changes that were voted on in November of 2021 will be produced later this year and distributed to our members before the end of 2022. The approved 2023 Rules changes were listed and discussed in last month’s Rules Corner, but this month I want […]
Every four years, NHLA 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 then has the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the proposals at the […]
-by NHLA Chief Inspector, Mr. Dana Spessert Before the formation of the National Hardwood Lumber Association, the wood industry was very unorganized and fractured. The goal and purpose of NHLA were to create and maintain a consistent, meaningful way of trading hardwood lumber by creating a standard grading system. The wood industry has two distinct […]
-by NHLA Chief Inspector, Mr. Dana Spessert Over the years I have witnessed changes in the ways that customers order hardwood lumber. One of the bigger changes has been in the practice of ordering hardwoods and specifying 1/8” heavy for green lumber. There are several reasons why customers order lumber 1/8” over thickness, one is […]
The hardwood industry has undergone significant changes over the past two years, and NHLA is no exception. We have had to make some tough decisions, and through this, we have managed to carry on our mission, which is to “serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by maintaining order, structure, […]
Rules Corner – Rules Change Proposals 2023 Rules Change Proposals Listed below are the Rules change proposals submitted to NHLA for consideration by the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee will discuss these proposals at a meeting to be held at NHLA Headquarters in Memphis, TN, and via Zoom call on the 8th of June beginning […]
May 2021 By Mr. Dana Spessert 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 […]
The Definition of Sound Cutting Explained -By NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert As seasoned hardwood lumber inspectors, sometimes we can forget the complexity of how the NHLA Rules are written. When I have the opportunity to work with the Inspector Training School students and other seasoned inspectors, it brings to light some of the more confusing […]
National Hardwood Lumber Association
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