Kerf Width and Lumber Yield

Different kerf width sizes usually give different volumes of lumber at certain cant widths. Kerf widths of 9/32 inch and 12/32 inch were used to saw cants of 4, 6, and 8 inches to determine the volume of lumber each would yield. The diameters (inside bark) ranged from 5.50 inches to 12.00 inches. Logs were 12 feet long and from southern pine species. Of the three cants greater yields were produced from the narrower kerf width. Yield increases were 7.66 percent for the 6 inch cant, 7.34 percent for the 4 inch cant and 6.66 percent for the 8 inch cant with an average yield increase of 7.31 percent. However, at certain diameters the yield in volume of lumber was the same for both kerf widths. The larger diameter logs always have greater yields (above 12 inches in diameter) for the narrow kerf width than with thicker kerf widths. Serious consideration should be given to segregating or marking logs to indicate cant size before they reach the sawyer because a substantial difference between yields of a given log frequently occurs, depending upon the size of cant to which the log is sawn. Diameter segregation also is important when dealing with saws of different kerf widths. This is also important when interchanging blades.

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