Effect of Sawing Variation on Hardwood Lumber Recovery—Part I: Volume

Abstract Sawing variation (SV), the degree of deviation from a specified target lumber size, is an unavoidable component sawing process. SV influenced by several factors such as machine, material, set works, feed and cutting parameters. To account for these resulting in deviations desired thickness cut must be increased that only minimal number boards less than thickness. Thus, greater amount SV, larger quantity undersized produced. Hence, with amounts come waste decreased opportunities optimizing recovery. However, decrease material loss due to reduction may not necessarily translate into statistically significant increase product recovery volume. This study explored effect varying degrees on volume range hardwood log diameters using US Forest Service's LOg ReCovery Analysis Tool sawmill simulation software. A average improvement 3 percent reduced was observed across all kerf thicknesses, equating production value $336,000 8 million board feet mill. Results indicate gains realized depend upon sawn, thickness, change (reduction) SV.