Lumber recovery studies of Alaska sawmills, 1997 to 1999.

Abstract

This report looks at solid wood product recovery based on the results of 23 studies conducted from April 1997 to July 1999 of 22 sawmills in Alaska (during these years, these mills represented over 90 percent of the State’s annual lumber production). Results for all mills studied within the State were reviewed for differences (1) in recovery by regions of the State, (2) in recovery by size of operation, or (3) by type of break-down machinery. Two outstanding areas of opportunity to improve product recovery for nearly every sawmill within the State were reducing target thickness to eliminate over-sizing and reducing sawing variation. There were no significant differences in product recovery when comparing studies by region, production level, or equipment type. Requirements of markets during these years were definite factors in sawmills producing oversized products. There was less thickness variation with bandsaw breakdown equipment than with circular saw breakdown equipment. Followup studies conducted at sawmills where improvements have been made would document the value of the improvements.

Citation

Kilborn, Kenneth A. 2002. Lumber recovery studies of Alaska sawmills, 1997 to 1999. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-544. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 15 p