Sawmillers CoP Timber grading course

A complimentary Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP) practical hands-on visual strength grading course with Phil O’Leary

Whether you are a complete beginner or already qualified in timber grading this is your chance to learn from an expert with over 30 years’ experience working in the sector in the UK. Following on from the very successful “Timber 101” sessions held at WoodBUILD 2024 this one-day course will be an opportunity for you/your staff to learn more about ‘features’ used to visually strength grade softwoods.

There is no charge for this course for members of our Sawmillers Community of Practice (CoP). In you are not a member, please contact Ceri via the ‘Apply for CoP membership’ button or consider our open course on Friday 18 October.

What to expect: During the day you will do a little bit of theory backed up with lots of opportunity to handle both small and large sections of timber. You will be shown how to measure features such as knots, compression wood, fissures, grain angle in order to visually strength grade softwood timber. You will practice using these skills on specifically selected softwood timber samples to help embed the learning. In addition, there will be lots of opportunities to exchange knowledge and get valuable industry insights from Phil O’Leary who has worked in the sector for years.

Who should attend: This course is for people working in the timber supply chain in Wales. It is particularly targeted at small sawmillers who are, or could be, part of the Woodknowledge Wales Sawmillers CoP (Community of Practice). If you wish to enquire about becoming a member of our Sawmillers CoP please contact Ceri Loxton via the ‘Apply for CoP membership’ button or consider our open course on Friday 18 October.

The course will give you a thorough understanding of features (knots, compression wood, fissures, grain angle etc) used to visually strength grade softwood. You will find it equally valuable if you are selling products to customers, thinking about becoming certified as a grader or if your certification is coming up for renewal.

The day will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from Phil O’Leary, who has taught hundreds of people how to visually strength grade timber, and exchange industry knowledge and experience with other participants.

Learners completing the course will receive a certificate of completion from Woodknowledge Wales. This course is useful for those working in the timber and allied industries.

Cost:

• CoP members: FREE
• Non-members: Please contact Ceri via the ‘Apply for CoP membership’ button or consider our open course on Friday 18 October

What to bring: Bring warm clothing. This event will be taking place primarily in a large unheated barn. Toilets are available on site but there is a walk between buildings. Bring a flask and lunch. There is a café on site where hot drinks and food can be purchased.

About your subject expert: Phil O’Leary

Phil is Director of Filros Timber Consultancy and has over 25 years of experience in the design, specification, structural grading, supply, installation, and performance in service of timber, including 20 years of experience as an expert witness. 

Previously Phil was head of Timber Consultancy at BM TRADA, the technical authority behind TRADA. With over 30 years of post-qualifying experience, Phil has published in local and international journals about wood science.

Phil is one of the UK’s leading authorities for visual strength grading and specialises in:

• Timber quality, performance characteristics, deterioration, and preservation.
• Condition surveys of historic buildings, performance assessments and determining the structural strength of timber in many situations.
• Serving as an expert witness in establishing the causes of timber failures.
• Developing and presenting highly regarded topical and bespoke training courses on a range of timber subjects.

Phil is chairman of BSI’s Wood Preservation Committee and a member of the Wood Protection Association’s Technical Committee.