Application of the wood properties of large-diameter Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) logs to sorting logs and sawing patterns

The purposes of this study were to accumulate fundamental data on wood properties within large Sugi logs and to take applicable variations in wood properties into consideration for sorting logs and sawing patterns. The characteristics of basic density, moisture content, growth ring width, and microfibril angle (MFA) were measured and the relationship with log and lumber quality was examined. It was considered reasonable to estimate the lumber moisture content based on the moisture content of heartwood rather than that of whole logs, especially when producing large-sized lumber. The MFA reached a constant value before the 15th ring, and within a distance of 10 cm or less from the pith. Since the E fr of lumber correlated with that of the log affected by MFA, it would be possible to produce lumber with a higher E fr from the outer position of the log, based on selecting a log above the E fr . Since the MFA would also affect the lumber warp, a sawing pattern avoiding the area around the pith or enlarging the rough sawn size when a large warp was expected could be effective in improving the lumber quality. To improve the lumber quality, not only one but also multiple wood properties must be applied to the sawing pattern.