Wide Selection of Lumber options

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 in turn favorably positions us to maximize the potential of each of our client's logs for maximum return of quality lumber at a lower price. However, the mill does not process the logs into lumber by itself as it requires maintenance, setup & operation. This is where the Logs to Lumber process for excellence in productivity, quality and waste reduction begins.

Our process begins with an aggressive scheduled "preventive" maintenance program which meets and or exceeds the manufacturers’ recommendations and or requirements to maintain/improve optimized productivity, quality and waste reduction capabilities. Additionally, equipment is inspected prior to, during, and after operation of said equipment for deviations from the norm and are corrected as necessary. 

After arrival at the site a follow-up site inspection will be conducted by the sawyer to ensure the site has been properly prepared by the client.  If the site has not been prepared properly the sawyer may elect to reschedule the job to a later date, wait while the client takes corrective action or address the deficiencies him/herself at the clients expense at a rate of $45.00 per hour rounded to the nearest half hour. Note: To keep cost at a minimal for all, it is important to prepare the site properly as agreed. 

Upon setup at the site and prior to operation of equipment for the job, a site preoperation inspection is performed. This inspection includes but is not limited to alignment of equipment, necessary adjustments such as blade tensioning and or changeovers, i.e. replacement of a dull blade and or the correct blade for the job. 

The cut list is then reviewed with the client for any last minute changes and any necessary adjustments will be made. If the client is supplying load/off load helper (s) the load/off load process will be reviewed with those respected individual (s) in order to facilitate optimal productivity, quality, waste reduction & most importantly "safety."

Driven by our clients need, each log is evaluated & positioned on the mill to maximize a quality & volume. For example; if a client will be using lumber for floor joists, knot placement would be of key importance as knots on the bottom edge of the joist has the potential to weaken the structural integrity of said joist due to the downward pressure from the weight it will support. A 1 inch knot will in essence turn a 2 by 10 into a 2 by 9 & so on. This is not to say that the joist would not be sufficient to do the job but, rather our objective is to maximize the quality/volume potential of the log. Other needs may necessitate sawing for color or grain patterns (i.e. quarter sawn) for non supportive roles diminishing the importance of knot placement. That said, again we begin by evaluating each log for potential & the opening face cut.

Typically, the opening face & additional slab cuts are approximately 6" in width in order to minimize waste while allowing for a quality board of useable length & width. However, this is not always possible as conditions of the log such as taper, rot, crooks & or other inconsistencies may deem this approach redundant. Also, our client may require only those boards of a certain length & or width other than those we would normally obtain with our standard approach. For these reasons & more opening face & slab cuts may vary from a standard 6 “width. 

As the log is sawn the operation is monitored closely & corrective action taken immediately as needed to ensure quality cuts. Blade tension, speed, entering/exiting the log too quickly or not slowing for inconsistencies in the log such as knots could cause boards to have fat ends, thin middles & wavy cuts. Additionally, the log is also monitored closely as to how it reacts to each cut due to tension in the wood. Standard protocol dictates turning the cant often followed by thin trim cuts to maintain production of quality lumber. If ignored, lumber will typically have inconsistencies related to width, thickness & or bows. Unfortunately, the nature of some logs is to twist due to their grain patterns. To date it is beyond my knowledge or anyone I know as to how to counter this inconsistency. Fortunately however, these occurrences are rare.