Rethinking the design of the furniture rough mill

Abstract

This paper discusses the crosscut-first rough mill with emphasis on the effects of lumber quality, cutting bills, and operator efficiency on yields. Adding a gang-rip-first option is recommended, which will use more of the lower grades of lumber while meeting the needs of the furniture and cabinet industries. Current research that indicates why gang ripping to glueline-quality edges should be effective is also discussed. A rough mill that uses log-run lumber (No.2 Common and Better) and allows a gang-rip-first or crosscut-first option is described.

Citation

Gatchell, Charles J. 1987. Rethinking the design of the furniture rough mill. Forest Products Journal. 37(3): 8-14.