Board ft calculator??

I have what looks to be a board foot calculator stick. It is old and the only writing on it is " W Stocking " Anybody know anything about this.

prolly a lumber graders stick. Had a diamond shaped metal head & different scales for different widths & lengths of boards. The metal had tiny hook on it to flip boards over in determining their grade - 1 common, 2 common, first & seconds, etc.

It's called a lumber rule and is something that is still made and used today. A person could use math to figure board feet but the lumber rule is a just easier. Board feet is based on the lumber rough before it is surfaces so a 3/4" board is considered 1". You measure the thickness in inches times the width in inches times the length in inches and divide by 144. For 3/4" lumber it is the same as square feet.

Could be a log scale, standing timber scale, or a combination.

Thanks, That looks like it.

I've got one of those hanging on a nail in my shop. And that's likely where it'll stay. I don't think they could be as easy to use as my construction master calculator...

Ben

It might take some getting used to but it only reads in board feet instead of how wide the board is. It only takes a second or two to get the board feet. It would have to be easier.

There are two types. Log-rules calculate board-foot volume of tapered cylinders (logs) and board-rules do the same for planks. Log-rules come in three variations, none of which are accurate for all logs. The Scribner is usually used for long tapered logs (pine and such), the Doyle for hardwood and the International sort of runs down the middle. Variations in kerf width, log taper and defects prevent any of them from being really accurate. Board-rules can be accurate once defects are accounted for. At a glance, log and board-rules can be told apart since log-rules usually have a swell on the handle end and are flexible. Log-rule's hooks are larger and are usually diamond shaped. Board-rule's hooks are usually oval. Board-rules are straight and stiffer. With a board-rule, the length of the plank must be known and the stick will have columns of numbers relating to planks from 12 to 22 feet long (usually). The rule is hooked across the plank, its width is measured by an inch scale that runs along one edge of the stick. Multiplying the number that appears at the intersection of length/width by the planks thickness in inches gives its volume in board-feet. You must calculate for the final answer with a board-rule. The numbers on a board-rule only apply to planks one inch thick.

If you have to punch buttons on a calculator you will be way behind the guy with the scale stick.