Definition

Noun: A specific measuring tool, typically a ruler or scale, used for calculating or measuring board feet, a unit of volume for lumber.

Usage

The term "board rule" refers specifically to the physical tool or the calculation standard used in the lumber industry. It is a specialized term. - The carpenter used a board rule to quickly estimate the volume of oak planks needed for the project. - Older board rules were made of wood or metal and had complex logarithmic scales.

Advanced Usage

• As a calculation method: The "board rule" can also refer to the formula or rule itself for computing board feet, not just the physical tool.
  • The Doyle board rule is known for underestimating the yield from small logs.

Variants and Related Words

• Board foot (n): The unit of measurement itself, equal to a piece of lumber one foot long, one foot wide, and one inch thick (144 cubic inches).
• Log rule (n): A similar tool or formula for estimating the board-foot yield of a log before it is sawn.

Synonyms

• Lumber scale
• Board measure rule
• Log scale (when used for logs)

Notes

This is a highly specialized, technical term used primarily in forestry, sawmilling, and woodworking. It is not common in everyday language. Different regions or industries may use specific named rules, such as the Doyle rule, Scribner rule, or International 1/4-inch rule.

Noun

1. a measure used in computing board feet