Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID # |
1963.001.002 |
Object Name |
Rule, Log |
Title |
Log Rule |
Lexicon category |
4: T&E For Materials |
Date |
19th-century |
Year Range from |
1850 |
Year Range to |
1900 |
Made |
Unknown |
Place of Origin |
Unknown |
Description |
This is a lumberman's flexible wood and brass rectangular-headed log rule. No maker's mark. It is stamped on one side near the brass head with "J.H & S. Co." (John Harrison & Son Company). |
Provenance |
Originally belonged to John Harrison (d. 1902), who had owned and operated a long-lasting sawmill and timber business at Owen Sound. Later belonged to his descendant, Arthur Harrison. Arthur Harrison and his wife Betsy Harrison, had resided at RR#2, Owen Sound. |
Collection |
Woodworking Tools and Equipment |
Material |
Wood/Brass/Ink/Finish |
Dimensions |
W-5 L-112 D-3 cm |
Found |
Owen Sound, Grey County |
People |
Harrison, John Harrison, Arthur |
Subjects |
Sawmills Logging Timber Owen Sound Industry Owen Sound Industries Lumber Lumber industry Lumberyards |
Search Terms |
John Harrison & Sons Limited |
Function |
A log rule was a measuring tool used in the lumber industry to estimate the amount of usable lumber (board feet) that could be sawn from a log. It typically consisted of a long stick or scale marked with measurements and conversion tables. Here’s how it worked: The user measured the diameter of the log (usually at the small end) and sometimes its length. Using the markings or tables on the rule, they could quickly calculate the board-foot volume based on standard formulas. Log rules were essential for: Timber sales – determining the value of logs before cutting. Inventory and scaling – estimating yield for mills and buyers. |