Method of evaluating logs to predict warp propensity of lumber sawn from the logs

A method of estimating warp potential of lumber sawn from a log which comprises:

• sampling a representative group of logs of a common species and establishing a multivariate regression equation by correlating stress wave velocity and at least one geometric measurement of the logs with observed warp of lumber milled from the representative group of logs, the geometric measurement or measurements indicating deviations from a true cylindrical log form;
• creating a stress wave in an individual log chosen from outside the representative group and measuring velocity of the stress wave;
• measuring geometric configuration of the individual log to determine any deviations from cylindrical form;
• and
• entering the stress wave velocity and at least one geometric measurement into the regression equation to predict warp propensity of lumber that might be sawn from the individual log, the geometric measurement or measurements being selected from those indicating any departure from axial linearity and those indicating any departure from circularity of cross section.