1. A system for detecting features on a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) billet, the LVL billet having a first planar surface and a second planar surface, the system comprising: a scanning assembly comprising: an x-ray generator positioned above the first planar surface, the x-ray generator being configured to project a beam of x-ray radiation onto the first planar surface; and an x-ray detector positioned below the second planar surface, the x-ray detector being configured to measure intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet; and an image processor configured to generate an image from the measured intensity; wherein the measured intensity is inversely proportionate to density of the LVL billet.