NATURAL SHRINKAGE

The usual shrinking of European softwoods is approximately 1 mm per inch, +/-1mm over all.

This percentage represents the difference between entirely fresh wood and absolutely dry wood. This difference depends on:

• the growth area of trees (higher areas mean less shrinking),
• the age of trees at the time of harvest,
• the season when logs are harvested and driven through the cutting process
• the storage of logs and timber.

CUTTING TOLERANCE

The cutting tolerance amounts approximately +/-1mm depending on which cutting technology is used. When producing on a circular saw, the tolerance is lower than producing on a band- or rift saw. During the winter season the cutting tolerance can be even a bit higher. Furthermore a higher cutting tolerance became common in some countries to lower the price.