Attention to detail and careful milling make superior log
Graded and Stamped to Ensure Structural Integrity…| |  |
Every one of our traditional logs is graded and bears a Timber Products Inspection Stamp. On average, more than 80% of our logs exceed the grade claimed.
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Cants used in the production of our logs are checked for moisture content. The grade spec calls for 19% moisture content. We average 15% or less.
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Our local TPI Inspector examines our logs for grade compliance during one of his unannounced monthly inspections.
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Every one of our Traditional Milled Logs bears a TPI (Timber Products Inspection) Stamp. TPI has it’s own widely recognized system for grading house logs, and is vested with the authority to inspect wood products for compliance with nationally recognized standards. We’ve chosen “Dry Wall Log 40” because it’s a widely accepted, excellent grade for house logs. Limits on knot size, slope of grain, rot, spiral checks, bug holes, and other defects that could effect the structural integrity of house logs are controlled by this grade. The grade is also your assurance that the moisture content is 19%, or less.
Each month we are subjected to an unscheduled and unannounced inspection by a local TPI representative, who randomly selects bundles of recently milled logs to see how they stack up against grade requirements. He regrades the logs, issues a report to management, and reviews any discrepancies directly with the person who graded the logs. Of all the logs graded this way, between 80% and 90% exceed the grade claimed and 70% typically exceed Select or Better Specs. Meanwhile moisture content averages 15%, or less.
A Cut Above The Rest…
There’s nothing wrong with preferring a more rustic log that costs somewhat less than our laminated logs. However, that doesn’t mean that we make those logs with any less care. In fact, the same people who monitor the impeccable quality of our laminated logs oversee the production of our traditional milled logs. We can’t make these logs as perfect as our laminated logs, but our fundamental concern for quality dictates that we make them the very best they can be. Management is so committed to quality that it encourages all plant employees to become TPI certified graders. Upon succesful completion of training and a hands on final exam, employees are granted an automatic raise in pay.
It All Starts With The Wood…
Western White Woods
Our “Pine” logs are milled from a mix of Lodgepole Pine and Engelman Spruce. Rather than using green logs, or logs that have been surface dried, we’ve chosen to use standing dead timber. Why? Standing dead timber is typically more stable, more thoroughly dry, less likely to shrink, and has already exposed the seasoning checks that are inevitable in traditional milled logs.
Western Red Cedar
We’re especially proud of our Western Red Cedar Logs. They are typically milled from Coastal Canadian Stock that has had “no prior selection”. On average 80% of our cedar logs grade out to Premium. That means there’s lots of select tight knot and clear wood available. We air dry this stock ourselves making sure to stack each piece so that all sides are exposed to our dry and windy Montana weather. Because there’s no way to rush the drying process, please allow two to three months delivery for cedar logs.
It’s The Little Things that Make the DifferenceHand Feeding
All cants used in the production of our traditional milled logs are hand fed into the planer by professionals who are committed to making the finished product look and perfom as well as possible. When possible they position seasoning checks so they won’t be visible, and turn the most aesthetically appealing surfaces of logs toward the inside of your home. Care is also taken to position exterior checks so they face down.
Milling Expertise
We only use carbide-tipped cutters and have custom designed our milling equipment so the operator can infinitely vary the feed rate, based on how logs are running. We’re not afraid to shut down the planer to resharpen knives and even keep spare sets of cutters available for all major log profiles. Our reputation for fine milling is well known and we’re frequently asked to do contract milling for other log providers.
Test Cuts
Random cuts are taken from each run to assure that logs stack straight and square. The cuts are stacked against a precision square and evaluated for accuracy. The test stack is then photographed and a print is kept with the records for that particular planing run.
Grading for Aesthetics
Most structural grades, including TPI’s Wall Log 40 Grade, are geared towards structural integrity. However, within any structural grade there can be a great deal of difference in appearance. At Glu-Lam-Log we grade with an eye towards aesthetics. We even keep a belt sander handy to touch up surfaces that don’t mill perfectly. We’re ruthless trimmers and remove material we would not want in our own homes. Perhaps that’s why 80% of our logs exceed the grade we claim. We have a saying at Glu-Lam-Log, “The bone pile stays here!”
Fresh Material
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the 20 years we’ve been in business it’s that traditional logs are cleanest, straightest, and easiest to stack right after they are milled. That’s why we typically mill to order and schedule milling to be completed just prior to the scheduled delivery date. It’s not the easiest or most productive way to manage manufacturing, but it does produce the best possible product.
Wrapping and Delivery
We keep bundles of logs small, sticker between rows of logs, and then wrap logs in high quality, UV resistant, plastic wrap. We transport logs using only bonded and insured carriers and no load leaves our yard without being tarped. We photograph and keep a picture of each load with our copy of the shipping papers.
Careful records are kept of each milling run to assure the footage in bundles match the footage produced. A high speed carbide swing saw is used to trim away defective material and provide two perfectly square log ends.
Logs are stacked in small bundles and stickers are placed between rows of logs to keep them from rubbing against each other. Each bundle of logs is wrapped and tightly banded in high quality, UV-Resistant Plastic wrap. Special corner protectors keep bands from marking the logs.