Maximizing output

Efficiency is also known to be а determining factor in the success or failure of а mill. To help members cope with the increasing competition of the industry, а panel discussion on improving efficiency was held on Friday.

Moderator Fred Burrows said mills have to maximize lumber output per metre of roundwood input because lumber prices haven't risen to compensate for increased taxes and lost exchange revenue, Improved drying, thin-kеrf sawing, curve sawing and computer optimized grading were all explored as means of improving efficiency.

There is potential for increased wood recovery with thinner saw blades, but the benefit of thinness is lost if the blade deviates. Because of this, Ken Hall, Mainland Manufacturing, explained, thin-kеrf sawing requires "а total company commitment. No single department of your mill is responsible for thin-kerf sawing - it takes maintenance, production, filing and management working in cooperation to achieve success."

Aside from commitment, other features are necessary for this sawing method. Hall recommends а heavy, solid frame which absorbs vibration. The infeed and outfeed systems must be considered an integral part of the process. The lubrication system becomes more important because thinner saw plates are more sensitive to temperature changes.

Hall stressed that precision and accuracy are crucial. "When purchasing saws, ensure that your manufacturer will hold а consistent thickness tolerance of plus 0, minus 0.001 inches." And remember, he added, "You get what you pay for - pure and simple." He estimated that an edger for thin-kerf sawing would cost $250,000 to $300,000,

Curve sawing is another possibility for increasing fibre recovery. Since logs with sweep can’t be prevented from entering a sawmill, Arthur Selin of Denis Sawmill suggest working with the sweep to get the most out of a log. The system proposed by Selin is relatively simple. It requires a positive centering infeed, electronic scanners and a log turner. The centering infeed can be conical rolls, side tires or two belts; the key is to have it as close as possible to the saws.

The Canadian softwood lumber industry is losing about $130 million annually due to downgrading of kiln-dried, according to Forintek’s Peter Garrahan. He emphasized that the drying process can and must be improved because of the increasing demand for kiln-dried and higher value products.

To ensure that all boards entering the dryer have the same moisture content and the same driving rate, Garrahan suggested sorting wood according to species and moisture content before it is dried. Forintek has a remote sensor that measures moisture content and is suitable for this application.

The moisture sensor could also be used after drying to determine if the

wood is dry enough. This would serve as an on-line measure of the effectiveness of the dryer and ensure that wood of a consistent moisture content goes to customers. He suggested the moisture content of each board be stamped on it.

To maximize return from every piece of lumber, VisionSmart Inc. has developed a computer-aided lumber grading system. Company President Jim Empey said the system can increase yield by three to seven per cent. The computerized system scans each board and then chooses the solution that gives the highest dollar value. The software considers the current market value for each dimension, length and grade.

Minimal changes for maximum productivity was a central issue at the CLA meeting, and is not one that can be overlooked. It is likely to come up often in the next few years as producers cope with harsh economic conditions and global competition.

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