Comparing two internal check measurement methods for wood drying quality assessment

Internal checks that are created in the interior of lumber during or after timber drying seriously affect the quality and value of timber used for the production of high value wood products. This study compared two different methods of assessing wood drying quality, by using either an image analysis ImageJ or Digital Calliper technique, to determine the percentage loss of cross section due to internal checking. The study revealed that there was a significant difference in the total area of internal checks, but the overall timber quality classes determined from both techniques were identical based on the Australian and New Zealand standard for timber quality assessment.