Our process, Site preparation & Cut list

Logs to Lumber Process

Additional steps we take to maximize value to you from your logs

Let us begin by stating that our equipment is state of the art in design & technology which facilitates optimal productivity, quality, and waste reduction. This favorable positioning allows us to maximize the potential of each of our client's logs for a maximum return of quality lumber at a lower price. However, the logs to lumber process does not operate independently; it requires maintenance, setup, and operation. This is where our commitment to excellence in productivity, quality, and waste reduction truly begins.

Our process kicks off with an aggressive scheduled 'preventive' maintenance program that meets or exceeds the manufacturers’ recommendations. This initiative helps maintain and improve optimized productivity, quality, and waste reduction capabilities. Additionally, equipment undergoes thorough inspections prior to, during, and after operation, allowing us to correct any deviations from the norm as necessary.

Upon arrival at the site, a follow-up site inspection is conducted by the sawyer to ensure that proper site preparation, as outlined in our site preparation checklist, has been completed by the client. If the site has not been adequately prepared, the sawyer may reschedule the job, wait for corrective actions, or address the deficiencies at the client's expense at a rate of $45.00 per hour, rounded to the nearest half hour. To keep costs minimal for everyone, proper site preparation is essential.

Before any equipment operation, a preoperation site inspection is performed following setup. This includes alignment checks, necessary adjustments such as blade tensioning, and any changeovers required—like replacing a dull blade or selecting the correct blade for the job.

The cut list is then reviewed with the client for any last-minute changes, and necessary adjustments will be made. If the client is providing load/off-load helpers, we will go over the loading and unloading process with those individuals to ensure optimal productivity, quality, waste reduction, and, most importantly, safety.

Driven by our clients' needs, each log is evaluated and positioned on the mill to maximize both quality and volume. For instance, if a client requires lumber for floor joists, knot placement becomes crucial, as knots on the bottom edge may compromise the structural integrity of the joists due to the weight they will need to support. A one-inch knot can effectively reduce a 2 by 10 into a 2 by 9, impacting quality. While the joists may still suffice to perform the job, our goal remains to maximize the quality lumber solutions derived from each log. Alternative sawing needs may dictate considerations for color or grain patterns, such as quarter sawn logs, where the importance of knot placement is reduced. Regardless, we initiate the process by evaluating each log's potential and executing the opening face cut.

Typically, the opening face and any additional slab cuts are approximately 6 inches in width to minimize waste while achieving quality boards of usable length and width. However, conditions such as log taper, rot, crooks, or other inconsistencies may necessitate variations. Additionally, clients may have specific requests for boards of certain lengths or widths that differ from our standard approach. Thus, the dimensions of opening face and slab cuts may adjust accordingly.

As the log is sawn, we monitor the operation closely and take corrective action when necessary to ensure quality cuts. Factors such as blade tension, cutting speed, and the handling of inconsistencies like knots are crucial in preventing boards from having fat ends, thin middles, or wavy cuts. Moreover, we carefully observe how each log reacts to cuts due to internal wood tension. Standard protocol includes regularly turning the cant and making thin trim cuts to maintain quality lumber production. If left unattended, lumber may exhibit inconsistencies in width, thickness, or bows. While some logs naturally twist due to their grain patterns, these occurrences are thankfully rare.