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A Hatton-Brown Publication
Co-Publisher: David H. Ramsey Co-Publisher: David (DK) Knight Chief Operating Officer: Dianne C. Sullivan Publishing Office Street Address: 225 Hanrick Street Montgomery, AL 36104-3317 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 Telephone: 334.834.1170 FAX: 334.834.4525
Volume 39 • Number 10 • December 2014 Founded in 1976 • Our 409th Consecutive Issue
Renew or subscribe on the web: www.timberprocessing.com
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Executive Editor David (DK) Knight Editor-in-Chief: Rich Donnell Managing Editor: Dan Shell Senior Associate Editor: David Abbott Associate Editor: Jessica Johnson Associate Editor: Jay Donnell Art Director/Prod. Manager: Cindy Segrest Ad Production Coordinator: Patti Campbell Circulation Director: Rhonda Thomas Classified Advertising: Bridget DeVane • 1.800.669.5613
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Advertising Sales Representatives: Southern USA Randy Reagor P.O. Box 2268 Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 904.393.7968 • FAX: 334.834.4525 E-mail: reagor@bellsouth.net
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THE ISSUES
Continuing Aftermath
NEWSFEED
Lakeland Follows Similar Path
FILING ROOM
Stimson Tackles Special Challenges
SAW SERVICE
Family Business Keeps Growing
SAWTECH
Cutting Tools And Technologies
MACHINERY ROW
Red Stag Timber Plans Expansion
PRODUCT SCANNER 10
Carriages, Trimmers, Tires
COVER: Sawing big logs to produce long timbers keeps the filers on their game at Stimson Lumber in Clatskanie, Ore. Story begins on PAGE 12. (Dan Shell photo)
Midwest USA, Eastern Canada John Simmons 32 Foster Cres. Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1R 1W1 905.666.0258 • FAX: 905.666.0778 E-mail: jsimmons@idirect.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.timberprocessing.com Member Verified Audit Circulation
Western USA, Western Canada Tim Shaddick 4056 West 10th Avenue Vancouver BC Canada V6L 1Z1 604.910.1826 • FAX: 604.264.1367 E-mail: tootall1@shaw.ca International Murray Brett Aldea de las Cuevas 66, Buzon 60 03759 Benidoleig (Alicante), Spain Tel: +34 96 640 4165 • FAX: +34 96 640 4022 E-mail: murray.brett@abasol.net
Timber Processing (ISSN 0885-906X, USPS 395-850) is published 10 times annually (January/February and July/August issues are combined) by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc., 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104. Subscription Information—TP is free to qualified owners, operators, managers, purchasing agents, supervisors, foremen and other key personnel at sawmills, pallet plants, chip mills, treating plants, specialty plants, lumber finishing operations, corporate industrial woodlands officials and machinery manufacturers and distributors in the U.S. All non-qualified U.S. Subscriptions are $55 annually: $65 in Canada; $95 (Airmail) in all other countries (U.S. Funds). Single copies, $5 each; special issues, $20 (U.S. funds). Subscription Inquiries— TOLL-FREE: 800-669-5613; Fax 888-611-4525. Go to www.timberprocessing.com and click on the subscribe button to subscribe/renew via the web. All advertisements for Timber Processing magazine are accepted and published by Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will defend, indemnify and hold any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such advertisement. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. neither endorse nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and services advertised in Timber Processing. Hatton-Brown Publishers, Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertisement which it deems inappropriate. Copyright ® 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Ala. and at additional mailing offices. Printed in U.S.A.
Postmaster: Please send address changes to Timber Processing, P.O. Box 2419, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-2419 Publications Mail Agreement No. 41359535 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to PO Box 503 RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6 Other Hatton-Brown publications: Timber Harvesting • Southern Loggin’ Times Wood Bioenergy • Panel World • Power Equipment Trade
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THEISSUES
Rich Donnell Editor-in-Chief
MILL EXPLOSIONS STAY WITH US 12
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he Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Labour in British Columbia can’t seem to get on the same page with regard to the two tragic sawmill explosions that occurred early in 2012. But before you even get into that, you have to wrap your mind around the eerily similar incidents that occurred at the Babine (Hampton Affiliates) sawmill in Burns Lake, BC on January 22, 2012, and the one that happened at the Lakeland Mills sawmill in Prince George, BC on April 23, 2012. The explosion at Babine occurred at about 8 p.m., killed two and injured 20. The one at Lakeland happened at 9:30 p.m., also claimed two lives and injured 22. An investigating body of both accidents pointed to motor gear reducer mechanisms of basement level waste conveyors at both mills as the likely ignition spots, inspired by sawdust and frictional heating. The respective reports do vary with regard to the specifics of the mechanisms involved and the operational sequence of their relationship to the surrounding sawdust that in combination resulted in the explosions. Both reports touched on the fact that both mills were processing some mountain pine beetle diseased logs, and that the related dry sawdust could have contributed to the explosion. The author of the reports was WorkSafeBC, which administers the Workers Compensation Act for the BC Ministry of Labour. They’re back in the news again because Lakeland Mills is appealing $724,000 in fines that WorkSafeBC levied on Lakeland because of alleged worker and safety violations related to the explosion. Lakeland’s action comes a few months after Hampton Affiliates stated it was appealing about a million dollars in fines from WorkSafeBC for similar violations in its explosion. In both cases WorkSafeBC conducted its investigation shortly after the explosions and delivered its reports to Crown Counsel of the Criminal Justice Branch, Ministry of Justice. In both cases Crown Counsel reviewed the reports and stated that WorkSafeBC probably had it right, but Crown Counsel decided not to bring charges against either company because the evidence that could be presented in court by Crown Counsel wasn’t enough to gain a conviction. Crown Counsel said in both cases that the manner in which WorkSafeBC conducted parts of its investigations would likely render some evidence inadmissible in court. And Crown Counsel said that both companies would likely succeed in court anyway with a defense of due diligence. And, after these determinations by Crown Counsel, WorkSafeBC promptly fined both companies, which led to the ongoing appeals by both companies. As confusing as all of this is, perhaps what’s most important is that since the accidents, WorkSafeBC has led efforts to emphasize sawdust control in sawmills, first producing a report, “Wood Dust In Sawmills, Compilation of Industry Best Practices,” and then putting into motion a “Combustible Dust Strategy,” and actually visiting sawmills and auditing their sawdust dynamics and controls. In the end it’s the mirror image of theses two disasters and their follow-up cases that, from a distance, is so intriguing to many of us. For the families inTP volved, it’s a mirror image of personal loss and heartbreak.
Contact Rich Donnell, ph: 334-834-1170; fax 334-834-4525; e-mail: rich@hattonbrown.com TIMBER PROCESSING
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NEWSFEED LAKELAND CONTESTS FINES OVER DEADLY SAWMILL BLAST nce again a sawmill O owner is appealing fines handed down by Work-
SafeBC stemming from a deadly sawmill explosion and fire in British Columbia. Lakeland Mills Ltd. (owned by Sinclar Group Forest Products) is contesting $724,000 in fines for what WorkSafeBC states was a violation of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The blast at the sawmill in Prince George on April 23, 2012 killed two employees and injured 22. The fines include a claims cost levy of $626,663.28 and an administrative penalty of $97,500. On April 23, 2012, at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Mills sawmill, the northeast corner of the sawmill exploded outward; a few seconds later, the mill’s northern bag house erupted in flames. The explosion traveled east to west through the operating level of the mill. The sawmill caught fire as a result of the explosion and was destroyed. In announcing its appeal, Lakeland Mills stated, “To accept a regulatory sanction for this tragedy would leave the wrong impression that Lakeland and its people were not diligent or were reckless. Lakeland believes that the facts do not bear out such a conclusion.” The company noted that the Criminal Justice Branch, Ministry of Justice (Crown Counsel) decided not to prosecute the company for regulatory infractions under the Workers Compensation Act. “The Crown…concluded that a sawdust-related explosion hazard was a ‘previously unrecognized hazard’ to both the BC sawmilling industry and WorkSafe BC,” accord6
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ing to the Lakeland statement. “The Crown even discovered that a WorkSafe BC officer responsible for inspecting the Lakeland mill in the months prior to the incident did not observe a dust violation and in fact stated that he believed Lakeland was a ‘clean mill’ compared to others. In summary, the Crown Counsel... confirmed that the risk of a catastrophic explosion like the one that occurred at the Lakeland mill was not foreseeable to Lakeland, and that the company did take reasonable steps to reduce risks that it did foresee before the accident occurred.” The Lakeland Mills case is eerily similar to one involving Babine Forest Products (Hampton Affiliates) and an explosion and fire at the sawmill near Burns Lake, BC on January 20, 2012, which also killed two and injured 20. Similarly in the Babine case, the Canadian judicial entity did not bring charges, but WorkSafeBC announced more than $1 million in fines against Babine. And in April 2014 Hampton Affilliates appealed the fines, while also emphasizing that the judicial ruling didn’t bring charges. (See Timber Processing, May 2014 issue, page 6) Both explosions encouraged the implementation of sawmill sawdust studies and analyses throughout the Canadian lumber industry, especially in regard to the processing of logs infested by the mountain pine beetle and related possible heightened sawdust concerns. Both the Lakeland and Babine sawmills had been processing a significant amount of mountain pine beetle logs. The Lakeland explosion occurred during a shift food break and killed a supervisor and the large log headrig op-
erator. The lunchroom walls on the operating level of the sawmill collapsed onto the workers assembled there, while workers in the basement-level millwright’s lunchrooms were blown out through the wall. The WorkSafeBC report noted that 10 days before the explosion Lakeland was looking into improving its dust collection capability, and that six days earlier a work order was generated to deal with the high volume of fine wood dust that was returning from the baghouse into the sawmill. The WorkSafeBC report summarized that the most likely ignition source was the gear reducer for a waste conveyor located in the basement level. This conveyor dumped or emptied wood waste and sawdust into the vibrating chipper conveyor. This gear reducer was located in the epicenter of the primary explosion and all blast vectors radiated from this area. More specifically, the report states it is likely that the gear reducer fan jammed into the fiberglass shroud and stopped while the shaft continued to spin at 1750 RPM. The shaft rotated against the collar of the fan, causing friction heating and subsequent distortion and melting of the collar. This friction resulted in an extremely hot gear shaft and the fan collar reaching temperatures of approximately 577° C, well above the ignition temperature of wood dust in a cloud. According to WorkSafeBC, “Since the fan was no longer turning, the fine dust in the air could freely migrate into this immediate area…The wood dust likely ignited as a result of the extreme temperatures generated by the friction contact between the shaft and the fan collar. In turn, a deflagration of the dust occurred, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.” Other nearby conveyors in that area also proba-
bly agitated the fine dust particles, dispersing them into the air throughout the basement level in this area. In the Hampton-Babine case, WorkSafeBC concluded that the mostly likely ignition point was a fire within the space enclosed by the guard covering the drive motor-reducer sheaves and V-belt assembly of a waste conveyor, and that the area immediately behind the assembly contained excessive amounts of sawdust. Smoldering fire led to an explosion of the wood dust in the surrounding air. However, Crown Counsel said the manner in which WorkSafeBC conducted parts of its inspection/investigation in the Babine case would likely render significant evidence that it gathered inadmissible in court, and that evidence that would be admissible would not lead to conviction for any regulatory offenses. WorkSafeBC administers the Workers Compensation Act for the BC Ministry of Labour.
LOGGERS STAGE ‘SILENT’ PROTEST The vast majority of logging and trucking operations that deliver wood to the Boise Paper (Packaging Corp. Of America) mill at International Falls, Minn. staged a “silent protest” and refused to deliver wood October 30-31. The few truck deliveries that were made were probably by suppliers who hadn’t heard of the protest, according to participants. Some suppliers instead directed their trucks to other markets. While the protest specifically targeted the Boise Paper mill because of alleged poor and erratic rates paid by the company, many other mills in the Lake States region are similarly at fault, according to logging spokesmen. They add that a recent shortage of pulpwood in-
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NEWSFEED ventory at some mills is related in part to a decline in logging capacity as more loggers have been less willing to sustain financial hardship, with some going out of business. “The Boise wood delivery shutdown was an absolute success in that it demonstrated that loggers and truckers were willing to stand together,” according to Scott Dane, one of the organizers of the protest and who is executive director of the Associated Contract Loggers & Truckers of Minnesota. “Loggers and truckers decided to just stay away and let their absence speak for them.” The protest came three days after the PCA CEO stated that the company’s third quarter earnings represented the eighth consecutive quarter of record earnings. Dane says ACLT’s particular non-profit status allows it
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to perform collective bargaining, and while it has been reluctant to move in that direction, a meeting will be held to present this option to the membership. Wood deliveries resumed as normal in the week after the protest. Dale Erickson of Erickson Timber Products, Baudette, Minn., was one of those who directed his trucks to other delivery points. “I think the real story here is the pulpwood supply to mills, logger financial health, logger age, some of the agencies’ efforts to supply stumpage and the fact it took the mill yards running out of wood all across the Lake States to bring it to the point where they are willing to discuss things that have become survival issues for loggers,” said Erickson, who is a former Lake States Region Logger of the Year and former president
of the Minnesota Timber Producers Assn. Boise Paper shut down two paper machines at International Falls last October, laying off a third of its work force, about the same time the company was sold to PCA.
TIMBER SALES WILL FUND SAWMILL After selling more than 32,000 acres near Prineville, Ore. to a local ranching operation, Ochoco Lumber plans to use some of the sale’s proceeds to upgrade the company’s Malheur Lumber Co. sawmill and wood fuel pellet and biomass plant in John Day, Ore. Ochoco had acquired the acreage over the years to help feeds its Prineville mill, but the facility closed more than 10 years ago. The Foley Butte Block, lo-
cated in southeastern Jefferson County and Crook County, sold for $18.5 million to a Prineville ranching family. Ochoco Lumber is keeping 15,000 acres in the John Day region. Malheur Lumber and its on-site pellet plant are key wood consumers of timber and biomass produced from a major 10-year Forest Service stewardship contract to improve forest health conditions in the Malheur National Forest. The sawmill needs an upgrade to better handle the large volumes of small logs coming from the stewardship projects.
DR JOHNSON WILL TEST CLT WATERS Oregon BEST announced a new round of commercialization funding that will team southern Oregon-based ➤ 51
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T See Video Coverage of Stimson's Clatskanie Mill Filing Room, visit https:www.timberprocessing .com/stimsonfiling
CLATSKANIE, Ore. argeting a specific product niche—timbers, from premium cut items down through lower utility grades—Stimson Lumber Co.’s mill here northwest of Portland takes an old-school approach in many ways to produce timbers that range up to 24 in. square and 40 ft. long. Long-time head filer Leroy Carlson— with almost 25 years leading the Clatskanie filing room—heads up a small but experienced filing room staff at a mill with machine combinations that reflect an older era, including two double-cut
headrigs and a 32 ft. trimmer. Carlson began his filing career in 1975 at the old Olympic Forest Products mill in nearby Mist, Ore. He spent five years there, then moved south and spent a year and a half each at Cone Lumber in Goshen and Seneca Sawmill in Eugene, Ore. Carlson then moved back to the local area and took a job at Banks Lumber in Banks for another five years or so before taking a job at the Stimson mill in Clatskanie in 1988. He became the head filer at Clatskanie in 1990. In a career that has spanned filing during the “old school” era of black magic fil-
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ing tricks and now well into the digital age, Carlson says of the more than 20 head filers he worked under, “Only two of them actually showed me something,” Carlson says. “Way back then it was considered a secret trade by many in the industry, and a lot of guys were scared someone would take their job. “It’s been an excellent career, and I’m always learning something—even at this mill,” Carlson adds with a smile, noting that due to its timber focus the facility is a destination mill for many large logs in the region and doesn’t have the levels of optimization of some of its sawmill counterparts. Yet the timbers mill does pose some definite filing challenges, as in: How many mills routinely cut sawlines running longer than 30 feet? “We have to run a lot more tension in our bands and keep them good and stiff to keep them from snaking,” Carlson says, noting that trimmer outfeed and trimmer deck operators take L-Size lumber measurements throughout the day to keep up with saw performance.
running at 580 RPM, with a wheel RPM of 497. Standard saw at the large headrig is a 14 ga. Simonds band made of Uddeholm steel that’s 37 ft., 6 in. long and 13 in. wide, with diagonal butt weld. Swage-tooth kerf is .185.168, with 2 ½ in. tooth spacing and 1.125 in. gullet depth. ● The pony headrig is also a Salem 6 ft. double-cut bandmill. It’s fed by a four-knee USNR carriage capable of handling logs from 8-32 ft. The unit’s 150 HP motor runs at 695 RPM, generating a wheel RPM of 517. The pony headrig swage-tooth saw is identical to the large headrig saw in steel, plate,
teeth spacing and gullet depth, except the pony headrig saw runs a .170 kerf. ● A 5 ft. USNR (Klamath) left hand linebar resaw runs a 16 ga. Simonds band (Uddeholm steel) that’s 8 in. wide and 30 ft., 4 in. long. The swagetooth saws feature 2 in. tooth spacing and .130 kerf. ● Another key sawing center is a USNR (Ukiah Machine) 8 in. single arbor gang edger with #3 standard spline. The machine runs five adjustable saws on one end of the arbor and nine fixed saws on the other end. The edger runs 28 in. diameter, .085 plate round saws from California
MILL FLOOR Filing room staff work up saws for all machine centers. The two primary breakdown headrigs and the saws they run are as follows: ● Headrig is a Salem 6 ft. double-cut bandmill fed by 34 ft., five-knee Salem carriage that can handle logs from 846 ft. long. Features 200 HP motor
Leroy Carlson
Filers handle double-cut band saws for two headrigs that cut logs from 8-46 ft.
Recent projects include new edger lube system, replacing headrig saw guide pockets. TIMBER PROCESSING
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The mill's three filers all started in the '70s, with a combined 100+ years of experience.
Saws run with a mix of swage tooth, carbide and Stellite saw tips.
Knife & Saw, hardened to 46-48 Rockwell. Saws include 44 Stellite-tipped teeth with 30° hook angle. ● In addition, the filers handle 17 saws on a vintage belt-driven Albany trimmer (7 ga., 24 in. diameter, 120 teeth), a planer mill hula saw (.165 plate, 22 in. diameter, 120 teeth) and a timber deck saw (6 ga., 48 in. diameter, 150 teeth). The hula and trimmer saws run with carbide tips that are manually applied. The timber deck saw also runs carbide tips, sharpened on an Armstrong post grinder, and is otherwise sent out when it needs reworking. 14
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FILING ROOM Working up double-cut band saws requires lots of grinding, and two key pieces in the filing room are the rightand left-hand #4 Armstrong grinders. Both have received the Armstrong linear slide grinding wheel and revolver feed finger upgrades. The older grinding wheel system had a complicated set of rocker arms and springs that were hard to maintain and keep in tolerance compared to the new linear slide system, Carlson says. “The new one just goes up and down.” He
L-Size program monitors saw performance.
adds that the system provides a more consistent grind through the entire gullet and also ensures more even and longer grinding wheel wear. Carlson notes that the revolver feed finger upgrade has only required one bearing change in three years since it was installed. Most recently, one of the grinders received an Armstrong control tower upgrade in early 2014. The new control tower offers a higher level of control over grinding operations, including band saw feed and grinding wheel speed, plus several safety features: A tooth counter shuts the machine down after a pre-set number is reached, a “resistive braking” system stops the grinding wheel in seconds, and an amp meter gives real-time feedback on how hard the grinding wheel is working. A #6 Armstrong stretcher roll is used to bench the double-cut saws. Band saws on the large and pony headrigs are changed every five hours. “We put them across the bench after every run,” Carlson says, noting most times the saws are in good shape and just need additional grinding. “But you still have to check them out,” he adds. Carlson says the filing room tried Stellite tips on the double-cut band saws and got decent results, but decided against switching band saw tips because “We were going to have to add a lot of equipment.” To maintain edger saws, the filing room operates a #8 Armstrong tipper, #25 Armstrong top and face grinder
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and a Wright side grinder. A Wright top and face grinder is used on the carbide-tipped trimmer saws and hula saw. The Stellite-tipped edger saws run for a full shift “Unless we hit something,” Carlson says, adding that the fixed gang saws “may run up to a week unless we have a problem.” Band saws run with Micarta saw guides from Burton Saw that are milled on an Oregon Select guide machine. Edger saws run with babbitt guides that are milled with a Schurman grinder. In addition to the control tower grinder upgrade, Carlson says the mill recently added a new Industrial Autolube lubrication system for the gang edger that has reduced lubricant consumption. Also, he adds, the mill recently replaced all the guide pockets on the two Salem bandmills on the headrigs.
EXPERIENCE The filing room is staffed by three filers (including Carlson) and a trainee filer. Carlson is quick to compliment the two highly experienced staff mem-
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Guides are Micarta and rabbit.
bers, including Jim Zimmerman, who’s worked at Clatskanie 20 years and is the round saw specialist. “He’s very meticulous and very good at what he does,” Carlson says. There’s also Phillip Galloway, who’s worked at the mill almost two years but started filing in the 1970s. “We were
very lucky to get him,” Carlson says. Carlson handles much of the benching, but with three super-experienced filers all having more than 30 years on the job, “We can all do anything and everything that needs to be done here, and we all make sure everything gets done,” he says. Looking ahead, Carlson says the filing staff is working closely with the maintenance department on preventive maintenance for mill floor machinery. “We want to catch any machine issues before anything happens,” he adds. To stay ahead, the filing staff works with maintenance department personnel at least one weekend a month on a preventive maintenance project in the sawmill or planer mill, Carlson says. Overall, Carlson says, the filing room has a great working relationship with the maintenance department and with General Manager Toby Stanley, who runs a team-oriented mill that keeps all departments and employees informed and involved in capital projects and operational initiatives. “The crews work excellent together, and everyone pitches in to do what it takes to get things done,” Carlson says. TP
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FAMILY
OF FILERS By Mike Pickard
Bolt’s Saw Service makes a significant investment in modern saw filing equipment.
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LOTTSBURG, Va. s a young man. Oscar (Bill) Bolt learned the trade of a saw filer. He began by working on band saw blades for portable bandmills. He worked for mills in Ohio, Maryland and Virginia and even coowned a sawmill in Maryland. Bill moved his family to Warsaw, Va. in the late 1960s to begin a saw filing job with a local lumber mill. He taught the trade of saw filing to his son, Rodney (Dayton) Bolt, when Dayton was 18 years old. Once Dayton was ready to tackle the job on his own, Bill moved on and became the head saw filer at another local mill where he would ultimately retire from. In 1985 Bill and Dayton purchased an 880 square foot mobile home on a rural road in Lottsburg and opened up Bolt’s Saw Service. Dayton worked a long day as the head saw filer at a local mill and in the evenings he and his dad turned their attentions to building Bolt’s Saw Service Inc. Dayton introduced his two sons, Rodney (RD) Bolt and Jermie Bolt, to the family business. At the time RD was 14 years old and Jermie was 13. The two boys worked in the evening after school under the watchful eyes of their grandfather and Dad as the two senior Bolts taught them the art and skill of saw smithing. Their grandfather ran the shop and made deliveries to customers. Their dad worked in the shop and handled all the administrative details. 18
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The Bolt team, left to right, Jermie Bolt, Crissy Bolt, Todd Jarrell, Evan Bolt, Skyler Bolt, Aaron Bolt, RD Bolt (not pictured, Joe Swinson)
RD Bolt sets up RZ-1 benching center.
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TRANSITION PHASE In the beginning Bolt’s Saw Service only serviced band saw blades using an older style Hanchett grinder, a # 2 Armstrong grinder, a couple of hand swagers and shapers and a bench. In 1987 they added carbide saw service. In 1990 the Bolts found it necessary to double their floor space for their growing business. The Bolts would end up expanding their facility six times between 1990 and 2006. Today Bolt’s Saw Service operates in a 6,000 sq ft. facility on the same plot of land where it all began in 1985. In October 2000 RD and Jermie lost their grandfather, and then in November 2001 their dad Dayton learned he had lung cancer. As he began his treatments he instructed his boys to keep working until he returned which Dayton had every intention of doing. But that was not to be. Dayton’s health quickly deteriorated. He gave his two young sons a crash course in business management. It was a very difficult time for the family and the business. RD and Jermie were still coping with the loss of their grandfather and now preparing for the inevitable loss of their father. In February 2002, within four months of learning of his illness, Dayton succumbed to his illness. “We were still coping with the loss of our grandfather and then out of the blue our dad dies unexpectedly,” recall RD and Jermie. “We were inexperienced in running a business but knew we had no choice but to work hard in order to see that the business would survive.” Both were well trained saw doctors due to the skills their grandfather and Dad passed onto them. But when it came to actually running a business they had no experience at all. They didn’t even know how their dad invoiced customers. They had to go through his paperwork account by account just to figure out how to accurately invoice their customers. “We were either going to sink or swim,” they recall. “We decided we wanted to swim. It was a very difficult period for us. But we never gave up. We were going to succeed.” Succeed they did. The Bolt brothers continued to be successful and continued to expand their business. RD focused primarily on the band saw service while Jermie focused on the carbide saw service as well as the administrative duties. In 2005 Jermie’s wife, Christina (Crissy), joined the team and learned the skill of servicing carbide tipped saws and also helping Jermie with administrative tasks. Following in the footsteps of their grandfather and Dad, RD & Jermie de-
cided to bring their sons into the family business on a part time basis while they finished their schooling. All of the sons joined the business full time after graduating, including Jermie’s eldest son, Aaron, another son, Evan, and RD’s son, Skyler.
GROWTH CHAPTER In 2013 RD and Jermie discussed the future of Bolt’s Saw Service and developed a strategic plan that they felt would help secure the family business so it could be passed on to the fourth generation. Their strategy was simple. “We needed to and wanted to grow our busi-
ness,” they comment. “We knew in order to do so we had to have the best service available not only from a quality standpoint but also from a cost standpoint.” The brothers committed to updating their capital equipment with the latest and best equipment they could find on the market. They were aware there was equipment available that was CNC controlled with full flood coolant allowing them to not only grind faster but produce a much higher quality product and sharpness of the cutting edge. Their goal was to eliminate the dirty dry grinding of the past—to have machines that automatically and consistently shaped the wheel during the grinding process and no longer
Aaron Bolt runs the Iseli BC035 grinder.
Iseli STA auto swage and shaper TIMBER PROCESSING
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relied on the limited tooth shapes they could grind because of the old style cam grinders they used in the past. The brothers visited one of their suppliers of band saws, Oleson Saw Technology, a division of York Saw & Knife Co., Inc. in York, Pa. During their visit they saw the latest technology being utilized in band saw manufacturing and repair and were convinced that this was the direction they needed to take their company. “We were extremely impressed with all the equipment Oleson’s was utilizing to make their band saws and even more impressed with the quality of the finished product,” they recall. “The equipment was user friendly, environmentally friendly, versatile, quiet and clean. It showed us there is a much better way to do this work and inspired us to make a change. We can’t thank them enough for all the help they have given us through this transition.” The Bolt brothers settled on buying and installing three Iseli BC-035 CNC grinders. “The new grinders have made a world of difference in our throughput as well as our quality. We have reCrissy Bolt sharpening a gang edger saw ceived tremendous feedback from our
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customers. They tell us they don’t know what we are doing but whatever it is don’t stop,” Jermie says. To further enhance the quality of the product coming off the new Iseli BC-035 CNC grinders the brothers invested in two Iseli STA automatic swagers and shapers. The results have been fantastic. In the past they had had to swage and shape every single tooth by hand-using the conventional hand swage and shaper that required them to go over each tooth two times. Sometimes that meant a grinder would sit and not grind anything until somebody could attend to it. Now they can load saws on the Iseli Automatic STA swager, walk away and attend to the grinders. Nothing sits idle anymore. Jermie comments, “Not only has automatic swaging and shaping increased our productivity, it has also greatly improved the quality of our tooth. Having a consistent dimensionally correct swage on a saw has a significant impact on the overall quality of the cutting edges of the saw tooth coming off the grinder not to mention the cut quality at the mill
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itself. The STA gives us a very uniform swage on every tooth every time.” One of the more demanding tasks in maintaining a band saw is in the leveling and tensioning area. RD, who is the head saw filer at Bolt’s, comments, “The amount of band saws I had to bench every day was getting very demanding. Some days it was impossible to keep up.” Tensioning is a physical job requiring you to manually hammer a saw for flatness and put in a series of rolls over the length of the band saw in order to achieve the proper tension and back in the saw so it will run proper and true on a band mill. Each customer has their own tension and back specifications depending on their bandmill and their past experience on what works best. RD wanted to be able to increase his output per day. In the not too distant past the only way to do that was to add labor. Finding a well trained benchman is very difficult today and will only get tougher in future years because the younger generation doesn’t appear to be interested in learning this physical manual job. The industry is already suffering from a lack of qualified benchmen. Training someone from scratch is very difficult and time consuming and you may not find out
someone can’t do the job until after many months of training. RD set his eyes on the Iseli RZ-1, a completely automated benching center. The RZ-1 precisely measures the flatness, tension and back in a band saw as it performs its function. “I enter the specifications of the saw I need done on the touchscreen computer. I tell the machine the flatness, tension and back I need. From there the machine does the rest from one band saw to the other automatically. It has really improved my productivity in the benching area,” RD says. “Don’t even try taking this machine out of my hands!” Jermie adds, “The boys are really loving the new equipment. They are all smiles. I wish we had this 30 years ago.” In addition to Iseli equipment in their band saw room, the Bolts maintain three Armstrong grinders—#2, #3 and #6, an Armstrong auto swage, Goeckel ELT 50 knife grinder for grinding chipper knives and planer knives, two Armstrong stretcher rolls, four other Iseli band saw levelers, two 492 and two 391 models in addition to the new pieces, a WoodMizer CNC wet grinder and a Cook’s dual tooth setter. In the carbide room they have all
Wright machinery along with an Armstrong stretcher roll, including two Wright heavy duty W150 B model top/face grinders, two W150 A model top/face grinders, one W150 manual top/face grinder, one W350 auto side grinder, W725 strob grinder, and a 25year-old W150 top/face grinder (“She’s a dinosaur, but still wouldn’t trade it for anything!”). Three of the W150s have the door enclosures and the other will be enclosed soon.
MOVING FORWARD The Bolt brothers spent all of 2014 purchasing, installing and learning sophisticated state-of-the-art band saw equipment. Asked if all the time and money they spent on upgrading their equipment was worth it, the Bolt brothers smile and say, “Absolutely. As far as we are concerned this is only the beginning for us. The decisions we made have significantly improved our overall quality and output. This has allowed us to provide our customers with an exceptional product and has helped us grow our customer base.” The Bolts have been able to deliver on their strategic plan of offering their cus-
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Jermie Bolt tensioning a gang edger saw
tomers the best band saw service available while bringing on new customers to grow their business for the next generation. “We could not have done it without our dedicated employees and customers,” they comment. “We also re-
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ceived tremendous support and guidance from Oleson Saw Technology when selecting our equipment. We felt like they were our partner in the process, not just a company selling machines.” Bolt’s Saw Service services about 20
customers weekly and another 10 intermittently. They service both hardwood and softwood mills, with the majority hardwood. They service band saws from 1 ½ in. and up, and service all carbide tipped round saws as well as thin guided saws. Jermie notes that band saws are coming back for service less damaged, more level, with more even tension. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of the new equipment,” he says. “This reduces the repair time involved and leaves us more time to fine-tune. Also, the mills are reporting increased production and less saw changes when running hardwoods like white oak and hickory. We are also getting reports that pine mills are running saws for 10-12 hour shifts.” Bill and Dayton Bolt must be proud as they look down on their sons, grandsons and great grandsons, and the transformation of a small mobile home to a 6,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art saw service facility on that same scenic rural road in eastTP ern Virginia. This article was written and submitted by Mike Pickard, president/CEO of York Saw & Knife Co., in collaboration with the Bolt family.
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SAWTECH EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies submitted the following articles and images. All statements and claims are attributable to the companies.
Alderman’s Caters To Customers Alderman’s Saw Shop, Inc. is a family operated business located in Warsaw, Va. And although Alderman’s Saw Shop has been through many changes since its first days in a little rented shed in Warsaw, its owners, Garry and Ronald AlAlderman’s Saw Shop emphasizes... derman, have continued the legacy started by their father, Maynard Alderman, in 1971 by delivering quality saw repair and guaranteed customer satisfaction, while maintaining competitive rates. Specializing in saw sharpening and repair, the shop sharpens trim saws, board edgers, strobe saws, and thinkerf saws. They also do band saw repair and sharpening on saws from 4-12 in. wide, as well as sharpening planer and ...quality service, good relations. chipper knives. However, Alderman’s does not just sharpen and repair band saws, but they have branched out in recent years with the help of their precision cutting waterjet to produce a competitively priced and custom made band saw cut from Bohler Uddeholm Precision Steel, one of the top steels in the business. As with all of its services and products, Alderman’s Saw Shop, Inc. stands behind its band saws, which have gained popularity for durability and quality. Alderman’s Saw Shop’s motto is “The company that treats you like one of the family,” a principle they strongly believe sets them apart from their competitors. To find out more information, take a virtual tour of the shop, or to read customer testimonials, visit them on the web at aldermanssawshop.com. Or call 804-333-4895.
Cal Saw Saw Design Proves Itself Sawmills are increasing their use of Cal Saw’s patent-pending variable thickness saw design, which was announced to the market a year ago. This design is improving sawing accuracy and recovery in sawmills across the U.S. Its use has moved well beyond its initial trial in an aging 10 in. single arbor edger; it is now employed in high production double arbor and single arbor gangs with horizontal and vertical arbors, sawing lumber from southern yellow pine to Douglas fir. The most common objective of the mills which have successfully put this saw to work is to improve sawing accuracy 24
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and reduce downtime, while maintaining the same kerf and feed rate. To accomplish this, the design increases the thickness of the saw body substantially, with the thicker zone extending beyond the bottom of the gullet. The very first of these were 29 in. in diameter and .100 thick with a .145 in. kerf; the body thickness was increased to .115 in., which produced a 50% increase in lateral stiffness while providing a 15% greater cross section for heat transfer. The mills that have been the early adopters of this saw design closely monitor their lumber sizes, paying special attention to the thickness or mismatch levels that threaten lumber grade or— worse yet—lead to Cal Saw variable thickness loss at the trimmer. Some producers do this with diligent manual measurement; others with sophisticated in-process systems. Their results have demonstrated the close correlation between saw plate lateral stiffness and the cumulative distribution of the measurements most closely tied to potential planer skip; these measurements are the highest value of the measured mismatch (offset) on a board for double arbor machines, and the measured value which is farthest from target size for boards from single arbor machines. If, for instance, using conventional saws, 15% of boards have mismatch greater than .060 in., Cal Saw can model how the mismatch for these worst 15% of boards will change with the new saw design. Cal Saw can also calculate how the most deviant measurement—high or low—in a single arbor gang will be shifted with use of this design. The change in saw plate lateral stiffness is found to predict the change in sawing accuracy when saws of Cal Saw’s new patent-pending design are put into operation. For an assessment of what can be expected in your mill, contact Cal Saw at 415-861-0644; e-mail CalSawSF@calsaw.com.
Custom Is Key At Cut Technologies Cut Technologies is a manufacturer of custom round saws and band saws. The custom tooth design and saw tension ensures outstanding saw performance because each saw is specifically manufactured to meet the sawing needs of species and of the mill’s cutting machinery. “We’ve learned that a saw cutting hemlock in British Columbia requires a different sawing tension and design than a saw cutting pine in the Southern United States,” explains Mike Cloutier, President of the Cut Technologies Group of Companies. He continues, “As a result, at Cut Tech we’re constantly reviewing and revising round saw and band saw specifications with our customers to ensure optimal performance of our product. By fine-tuning the tensioning requirement, tooth space, and gullet fill index, Cut Tech produces a custom saw yielding maximum performance ready for use upon arrival.” Tensioning is often an overlooked component of the saw
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SAWTECH
manufacturing process. This “lost art” is integral in achieving maximum feed speeds and accurate inboard deviation. To achieve maximum performance, saws must be tensioned at different levels to reflect feed speeds and the species being cut. A flat, well-tensioned round saw helps to hold the rim straight through the straight and curve cutting gangs that decreases downtime in the mill. Additionally, chroming the saw body results in a stiffer saw without increasing its Rockwell and helps the saw to hold its tension longer by running cooler with the proper lubrication. Cut Technologies’ patented Thermex round saw treatment secures and locks tension in the saw to ensure maximum performance at the sawmill. The manufacturing employees and plant managers in the band and round saw plants at Cut Technologies have extensive filing room experience with many of them coming to Cut Technologies from the sawmill filing rooms of the most productive sawmills in North America. This allows training programs to be specially geared towards the specific needs of a sawmill. As a result, Cut Tech’s skilled tradesmen understand the meaning of “a 400 body tension with a tight eye and body tension,” and how to accomplish it. It is this extensive understanding of customer needs that distinguishes Cut Technologies in the market. In the band saw plant, technicians on the manufacturing floor match the tooth rubbing to the customer’s specification. All saws are double swaged to achieve maximum side stock with top bar and to eliminate crumbling of the swage. Lastly, to enCut Tech custom products sure for damage free transportation of the band saws from the Cut Tech manufacturing facilities to the sawmill, Cut Tech builds a custom crate for each order and the saws are strawed to stop crate bend. Cut Technologies works with its customers to build a custom product from beginning to end. It is this dialogue and attention to detail that makes Cut Technologies an industry leader in saw manufacturing and an excellent choice for large sawmills looking for a business partner that understands their business needs. Cut Technologies reports it is the largest round saw manufacturer and second largest manufacturer of wide band saws for the primary forest industry in North America. Cut Technologies is the manufacturer of COUGAR brand round saws and band saws for the primary forest industry. It also manufactures Predator series carbide and super alloy saw tips that are engineered and manufactured in-house. Cut Tech is the exclusive Canadian distributer for the European line Vollmer round saw and band saw sharpening systems in Canada, and the North American exclusive dealer for Kahny carbide automated round saw tipping systems. To see all Cut Technologies COUGAR product lines go to its web site cuttech.com.
HOLTEC Focuses On Crosscut Precision
HOLTEC crosscut expertise
During the last 30 years since HOLTEC introduced its precision cutting systems into the North American lumber industry, the HOLTEC system has become an industry standard for any sawmill, reload center, manufacturing plant, or remanufacturing facility that requires precision cut lumber. With more than 1,800 facilities in the U.S. and Canada using HOLTEC systems for their crosscutting needs, HOLTEC is clearly the “go-to” supplier for every lumber processor. Their newest designs, which include an inline package squeeze-aligner for units, has been readily incorporated into virtually every major sawmill facility to alleviate the costs of re-trimming slow moving lengths to prime lengths. With a precision of .040 in., stud producers have found an easy method to offer a complete variety of differing stud lengths without having to continually adjust trim saw configurations. Just put a unit of packaged lumber on a HOLTEC system, squeeze the unit square into alignment on the ends and sides, then cut the PET length or more-marketable prime length in a matter of seconds with a planer finish. HOLTEC’s outstanding on-site installation and service has also earned it accolades throughout the industry and as a result of their outstanding reputation, HOLTEC has successfully installed or delivered more than 8,000 systems worldwide. Visit holtecusa.com.
L-M Advances Crosscut Technology The I-CUT Model 30-HM package crosscut system from leading manufacturer L-M Equipment encompasses the latest technology to achieve consistent accuracy with a cutting tolerance of +- 1/32 in. Working with packaged dimension lumber, L-M latest crosscut technology I-joists, structural components, studs, pallet stock, fencing and more, its flexible design accommodates cutting capacity from 20 to 60 ft. and longer with multiple package loading for increased production. It has a precision linear bearing guide system to ensure longevity and accuracy; 15 HP heavy duty engineered saw drive assembly; a positive package hold down mechanism with TIMBER PROCESSING
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SAWTECH built-in saw guard; industry standard .404 pitch saw chain with 5/16 in. kerf; and cutting capabilities 48 in. high x 52 in. wide and unlimited length; plus maximum guarding and weather protection for operators. Options include laser light; electronic length measuring; FACT cutting technology; auto cut cycle; fully automatic PLC controls; and built-in waste conveyors. Visit lmsaws.com.
Longato Offers Carbide Saw Grinder Longato, which offers a complete range of grinding, brazing and welding machines for band saws, carbide saws and every type of cutting tool, emphasizes its fully automatic carbide saw grinder model AL. Special features include: ● top and face grinding in only one fully automatic working cycle (two grinding wheels) ● full oil working ● for carbide saws 80 mm (3 in.) to 800 mm (32 Longato automatic grinder in.), with option up to 1200 mm (48 in.) ● automatic approach of the grinding wheels onto the teeth ● touch screen panel with possibility to install and recall a large number of programs ● mouse for writing programs with graphics and USB slot ● oil filtration ● exhausting system ● all tooth geometries available ● end cycle lamp Longato offers grinding equipment for machines including grinding wheels, edge honing, magnets, spares, etc. Visit longatogroup.com where you will find videos, catalogues, photos and technical descriptions of each product.
Left to right at the recent TP&EE in Portland, Al Thorlakson, Peter Marshall (Tolko), Warren Myrfield, Dean Myrfield and Trevor Brander (Tolko)
sizes, less planer skip, and less downtime. Tolko Industries confirmed an order for its Lavington, BC mill at the show with a visit from its greatly respected former CEO and pioneer in the sawmill industry, Al Thorlakson. The Tolko installation was scheduled in November. Following the show, Sierra Pacific’s sixth installation went into its Burlington, Wash. mill. The installation went very well and Sierra Pacific is experiencing improved speed and quality on its ELI. “With the success we have had and the interest we are seeing when we show the Saw+ADD, we are expecting a very good year in 2015,” Saw+ADD states. Visit saw-add.com or call 360-459-9163.
Simonds Bench Impresses Filers
Saw+ADD Touts New Technology The Saw+ADD anti-deviation device technology received tremendous interest at the recent Timber Processing & Energy Expo held in Portland, Ore. Many industry veterans immediately recognized the value in the concept with comments like “that’s a simple strong idea,” and “this is the best idea out there,” and even “wow!” Saw+ADD is a band saw lower guide holder with integrated force sensors. It measures side forces on the saw that are potential for deviation. It also measures the saw strain and the additional sawing strain which is a measure of sawing power. The technology is extremely responsive and can be used to slow the feed when necessary to prevent deviation before it starts. The Saw+ADD guide holder has a stress concentration channel to allow the force sensor to measure the maximum force with only one thousandth of an inch deflection. Saw+ADD provides an analog signal compatible with your PLC. The benefits of the technology are increased feed speeds that will be reduced instantly when necessary, decreased target 26
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Simonds automated bench
Simonds International’s Model 090 automated bench is improving filing room productivity and saw consistency in mills across North America. The model 090 automated bench incorporates a touch screen control panel that allows the filer to perform leveling and tensioning tasks faster and more consistently than can be accomplished by hand. The 090 has a unique “Learn” mode feature that allows the filer to load a “Best Practice” saw and when instructed, the machine will scan the saw and record all the measurements in memory. Using the memory function, the filer can recall a
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SAWTECH stored saw and duplicate the specifications from the stored saw on all saws in the future. The machine has the capacity to store up to 999 different saws. The automated benching process frees up time for both experienced and novice filers to focus on the other critical elements of saw performance: fitting, side clearance, guide maintenance, filing room efficiency and safety. The machine performs all scanning via a sensor that has been proven to be more accurate than a tested optical laser measurement device. The measurements made via the sensor are fed into the computer, the machine performs all calculations, adds the appropriate back, tension and tire line to the band. The consistency of tension, back, level and tire lines produced by the 090 has impressed even the most experienced saw filers. The Model 090 has been installed in both hardwood and softwood mills with production rates as low as 24,000 board feet a day up to 600,000 board feet a day. To learn what the Model 090 can do for you, contact Simonds International at 800 426-6226 or visit simondsint.com
U.S. Blades Provides Solutions If you are in search of increasing the return from your cutting tool costs, look to U.S. Blades. As a leading supplier of cutting tools solutions, U.S. Blades not U.S. Blades five locations only provides the best in quality knives and saws to the forest products industry, but also a line of filing room equipment, equipment parts and filing room consumable supplies. U.S. Blades offers a full line of cutting tool solutions to meet these needs. Added to that are U.S. Blades repair services to take care of maintaining your dull knives and saws picked up by U.S. Blades scheduled route truck and returned to your mill reconditioned to run like new again. With five locations to serve, U.S Blades is a full service supplier for your cutting tool and filing room supply needs. If you have a favorite brand, chances are U.S. Blades can supply that identical part for less money. If you are looking to improve on your existing product, you’ve come to the right place in U.S. Blades—its experienced personnel with decades of hands-on, real life solutions will help you fill that void. From the green end to the finishing end, U.S. Blades is your single source supplier for band saws, gang saws, edger saws, trim saws, chipper knives, planer knives, equipment parts as well as filing room consumable supplies, equipment and equipment parts. U.S. Blades will work with you to provide the specific solution that fits your need and fills the void. Call U.S. Blades at 800-862-4544 for all your cutting tool needs and find out why its knives and saws are “Feared By Trees Everywhere.”
Williams & White Launch Scores Big The 2014 Timer Processing & Energy Expo in Portland was a huge success, drawing a 70% increase in attendees over the previous show in 2012. One booth that was particularly active belonged to Williams & White Equipment, which had a 400 square foot display near the center of the expo hall. 28
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Williams & White Equipment in Portland
The British Columbia based manufacturer launched multiple new products for the filing room at the show, including a multifunction saw sharpening center, a robotic Babbitt pouring machine, an automated saw tensioning machine, and a robotic screw fastening machine (for saw guides). As usual, they also had their highly renowned saw guides on display. The RoboSharp Multi-Function Saw Sharpening Center (patent pending) was undoubtedly the most trafficked area of the booth—and perhaps the show—with everyone from saw filers to mill owners stopping to take a look. The machine, which has been in development for two years, is able to top and face, dual side and plunge grind a circular saw blade with one setup. It comes equipped with a robotic loader and an automated tool changing system, perhaps making it the most automated and advanced saw sharpening machine in the industry. Much like the RoboSharp, the Auto Babbitt (robotic Babbitt pouring machine) is the first of its kind in the industry. The concept of the Auto Babbitt is quite simple—to end the days of manually pouring Babbitt in the filing room. “Handling molten metal, regardless of cautions taken and experience of the operator, is an unsafe task,” says Justin Williams, CEO. “Our hope is that with the help of the Auto Babbitt, burns and fume exposure will be things of the past when it comes to filing rooms.” There to complement the Auto Babbitt was the robotic screw fastener, a tabletop machine that Williams & White has developed to decrease repetitive motion injuries caused by fastening Babbitt pads to saw guides in the filing room. “Any repetitive physical motion, no matter how simple, will result in injury if performed enough, and you’d be amazed at how many hours are spent performing this particular task,” explains Matt Williams, President of Williams & White. The 36X2, a semi-automated circular saw tensioning machine, also made its debut at the TP&EE. Williams & White has long been known for its heavy duty, long lasting manual stretcher roll machines. The 36X2—designed for saw blades up to 36 in.—is a semi-automated version of the stretcher roll and brings unprecedented consistency to the tensioning process. The machine on display at the show had been sold to Grasche USA, one of the largest manufacturers of saw plates in North America. Last but not least, are Williams & White saw guides. As one of the largest and most well regarded saw guide manufacturers in North America, Williams & White Equipment is rarely found at a trade show without sporting its corporate color “saw guide tree.” In fact, you’ll often find Justin Williams and sales
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SAWTECH associate Allen Hewitt at the educational workshops presenting on the importance of accurate saw guides. All in all, the show was a huge success for Williams & White Equipment, as it was for many other exhibitors. “We couldn’t have asked for a better show and venue to launch these machines,” says Williams. “We’re looking forward to the 2016 TP&EE already. If the turnout is as good as it was this year, we’ll need a bigger booth.” Visit williamsandwhite.com. Also call 604-293-2268.
Sawmill Installs Five Vollmer Pieces
for face and top machining of carbide-tipped circular saw blades. The installation of a complete line of Vollmer machine tools for this one customer has demonstrated how technology from the German manufacturer can encompass the complete sawmill process while simplifying operation for the saw filer. With more sawmills adopting this single-source approach, Vollmer is delivering improved quality and service life of blades, improving productivity and blade turnaround times for the sawmill, and creating a greater integration between processes that makes the daily job easier for the saw filer. Visit vollmer-group.com. Also call 412-278-0655.
Wood-Mizer Beefs Up Sharpener Sharpen hundreds of blades per week with the Wood-Mizer BMS500 Bandsaw Blade Sharpener. This heavy-duty, industrial-grade, blade sharpener is built for production and performance and is compatible with 1 in. to 3 in. wide bands, giving you the ability to sharpen larger blades compared to the capacity of other narrow band sharpeners.
Vollmer lineup in place
When a manufacturer of fencing and structural lumber recently ended their contract with a service company that had been maintaining their band saws and circular blades, and purchased new machines Vollmer RC100 tensioning from Vollmer, the result was a huge saving on subcontracting costs, improved quality and the service life of blades being doubled. The sawmill was referred to Vollmer and its filing room is now home to five Vollmer machines. The blades are now inspected for defects and then processed on the Vollmer RC110 benching center for fully automatic measuring, leveling, tensioning and straightening in a single setup. This high level of single setup automation is a key benefit to purchasing Vollmer technology. From this point, blades are transferred to a Vollmer CA210 automatic CNC profile grinding machine, where each tooth is reground on the top and face to carefully determine size and angle parameters. This impeccable level of precision, surface finish and geometry available from Vollmer can drastically improve the service life and quality of any blade. After 20 regrinds, tooth size diminishes to a point where re-tipping is necessary. To conduct this, the Vollmer GPA 200 plasma tipper welds new Stellite material on the tip of each tooth. After re-tipping, band saw blades require profile grinding on the Vollmer CA 210 and then side grinding on the Vollmer CAF100. The final machine in the lineup is the Vollmer CHC eco, a sharpening machine with automatic bevel grinding control 30
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Wood-Mizer heavy-duty sharpener
The 8 in. CBN grinding wheels are powered by a 1 HP motor for consistent, accurate full-profile grinds. The 4280 grind wheel RPM provides a higher quality grind at faster speeds, enabling you to increase efficiency without sacrificing quality. All functions of the BMS500 are controlled from the userfriendly operator panel complete with an electronic tooth counter, variable grinding speed, and two modes: Set-Up and Run. The sharpener can be quickly configured to stop after an exact number of teeth have been sharpened and is also easily adjustable for different blade sizes and lengths used in various operations. Main Features: ● 1 HP grinding motor ● 8 in. CBN grinding wheels ● 4280 grind wheel RPM ● 1 in. to 3 in. blade capacity ● Supports a variety of blade profiles ● Variable speed, user-friendly control station ● Elaborate lubrication system Designed by professional blade maintenance experts for quality and production, the Wood-Mizer BMS500 Bandsaw Blade Sharpener is a key component in large commercial lumber operations around the world. For more information, call a Wood-Mizer Blades specialist at 800-522-5760 or visit woodmizer.com.
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Red Stag Timber Teams With USNR
The Red Stag Timber operation at Rotorua, New Zealand is investing in primary and secondary breakdown lines, and is partnering with USNR for the supply. The mill is building a complex to house its new extended length infeed (ELI) line, horizontal shape sawing (HSS) gang line, dual edger lines, and associated lumber
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handling equipment. The operation processes radiata pine logs up to 600 mm (24 in.) diameter, and lengths up to 6 m (20 ft.). Piece rate is targeted at 10-12 logs per minute once the new project is commissioned in 2016. USNR’s supply begins at the log infeed decks through the stepfeeder and log loading conveyor. USNR’s MillTrak 3D sensor system positioned above the stepfeeder will control the flow of logs
onto the conveyor for auto rotation scanning ahead of the reciprocating quad roll log turner. At the log turner, a Precision Geometric Log Rotation (PGLR) system will monitor and correct the turn of the log in real time. The ELI positioning infeed features slew and skew capability, with three sets of scanners to scan and monitor the log’s position as it is processed by the cutting tools. Chip heads will expose the sides of the cant, then a series of vertical feedroll modules (VFM) and sharp chains will securely guide and feed the cant through two quad bandmills, where up to eight sideboards will be dispatched. The resulting cant will proceed on to the HSS gang line. The HSS will be an 8 in. single bottom arbor shape sawing gang system. The configuration of the shifting saws on the arbor will allow for a variable timber pocket to produce a center cant and/or boards that will feed the existing trim line downstream. USNR’s MillTrak system will monitor and direct the flow of sideboards from the bandmills to twin edger lines downstream, and also from the edger unscramblers through the scanners to the Edger Maximizer positioning infeeds. The edgers will be five-saw, top arbor machines with close-coupled picker outfeeds to separate the tailings from edged boards. The optimization system throughout the new mill will be based on the MillExpert platform. At the primary and HSS lines it will utilize Smart TriCam sensor technology. Where vision-based scanning technology is applied it will be combined with the latest BioLuma sensor technology. One unique new feature in this installation will be the BioVision side profile scanning system that will scan the sawn cant faces at the #2 sharp chain outfeed to identify the boundary between sapwood and corewood. The system will utilize BioLuma 2900LVG sensors with integrated, high definition laser profile, color vision and GrainMap technologies. The resulting data will provide the cant optimizer the information to dynamically model the sapwood and corewood boundaries. The system’s Grade Zone feature will allow specific low grade lumber products to be sawn from the low density corewood. The edger optimizers’ transverse scan frames will feature USNR’s BioLuma 2900LV sensors with high density laser profiling and color vision technologies, providing edger grade scanning capability. Edger BioVision will classify knots
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MACHINERYROW by size, location and quality, as well as identify splits, shake and stain.
Uruguay Mill Orders Transverse High Grader Urufor is investing in a USNR Transverse High Grader (THG) for its green trimmer line at its manufacturing plant in Uruguay. The system will provide automated grading of its green mill products
derived from high value, Eucalyptus Grandis prune logs. Urufor is a global producer, with its focus on a wide range of lumber and laminated wood products for its markets in more than 30 countries. The new four-sided, green-grading THG system will allow the mill to maximize its potential for grade and value recovery. Automated grading at the sawmill trimmer allows for better decisions at an early stage in the process prior to initial
trimming. It also allows for selective sorting, drying and processing downstream based on the trimmer grade.
Austria Mills Order Mühlböck Dry Kilns
Mühlböck dry kiln at Theurl in Austria
The Offner and Theurl sawmills in Austria have purchased Mühlböck 606 dry kilns for thicker lumber and Mühlböck 603 dry kilns for faster drying. Both companies already operated the 606 and 603 models, and chose to purchase both models again. Offner’s objectives are the lowest possible moisture dispersion at the shortest possible drying times, as well as the highest possible profitability and energy savings. Mühlböck guarantees with the implementation of Model 603 a very low moisture dispersion in the finished dried product. Drying times of sapwood were cut down by half with Model 603, electricity consumption lowered by 45 to 50%, and thermal consumption has also been brought down, according to the customer. The performance as described by Theurl: “With the new Model 603 kiln, we can do three to four charges per week. With the conventional kilns we could do only one at most.” The Mühlböck Model 606 is for larger thicknesses, while saving energy through patented air intake and exhaust units.
Ziegler Orders New Generation Kiln Ziegler Holzindustrie, Plöessberg, Bavaria, Germany, has invested in a progressive kiln from Valutec. This will be Valutec’s second delivery to the spruce and pine sawmill, with the investment increasing the sawmill’s drying capacity by 51,000 m3 per year. “We are very pleased with how well the progressive kiln we previously purchased from Valutec has worked, so choosing to use the company again was an obvious choice. We have found them to be a good partner and they ensured that 34
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MACHINERYROW they found the best progressive kiln for our needs,” says Kai Matthies, Production Manager at Ziegler Holzindustrie. For Valutec, the deal represents an important stage in its efforts to establish itself more firmly in central Europe. “We are proud that Ziegler has again chosen one of our solutions. This is a sawmill known for its strong focus on quality, and so it makes tough demands of its suppliers,” says Robert Larsson, CEO at Valutec. The progressive kiln is a new generation of progressive kilns from Valutec. The model, which has been patented by the company, is called OTC and is based on the airflow direction being opposite to that of a traditional progressive kiln with two drying zones. The kiln supplied to Ziegler Holzindustrie will be used for side boards in smaller dimensions. “Previously we could deliver side boards freshly sawn, but now many customers are asking for the timber to be delivered dried. The progressive kiln is also the best logistical solution for us and it yields a significantly more even load on our furnace than new batch kilns,” Matthies explains. In addition to the progressive kiln that will be up and running in January, Ziegler also chose to invest in Valutec’s Valmatics control system and Valusim simulator.
Wood-Mizer Recognizes Leading Businesses Wood-Mizer LLC announced the winners of its Business Best contest, which recognizes WoodMizer sawmill owners who have demonstrated exemplary business methods. The contest is open to any WoodMizer sawmill business interested in competing for their share of $12,250 in prize credits awarded to winning operations. First, second and third place winners were named in each of three categories after each entry was judged on business practices, ethics, organization, and overall use of the WoodMizer sawmill. Honey Grove Hardwoods LLC of Honey Grove, Pa. won First Place in the Industrial Sawmill category. Honey Grove Hardwoods is utilizing a WoodMizer WM4000 industrial headrig to produce grade lumber for molding, caskets, veneer, and pallet cants and has improved overall operation efficiency and yield since installing a Wood-Mizer sawmill. Additional Business Best award winners for 2014 include Wood Castle Furniture of Oregon, Westgate Urban Woods of California, Timbergreen Farm of Wisconsin, The J Team of Massachusetts, North Woods of Oregon, Family Investments Inc. of Washington, True South Sawmill and Woodworking of South Carolina, and Verdin Sawing of Louisiana. 36
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ATLARGE
Forest Service Exceeds Restoration Goals The U.S. Forest Service reports it exceeded its forest restoration goals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014. Projects lessened the threat to communities by reducing hazardous fuels on 1.7 million acres in the wildland urban interface, sustained or restored watershed conditions on 2.9 million acres and resulted in 2.8 billion BF of timber volume sold. The agency met its goals in a year where it lost staff time due to the government shutdown and when it continued to confront rising costs of firefighting that drain resources from forest restoration and management activities. The Forest Service was also successful in leveraging partnerships to help meet its ecological restoration goals. Partners, including conservation groups, forest industry, local communities, sportsmen, and others assisted with monitoring of resource conditions and project implementation as a component of adaptive management. The agency’s 2015 budget request to
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Congress included more funding for key programs to allow the Forest Service to increase acres treated and timber harvests to 3.1 billion BF. This adjustment will allow the Forest Service to continue to reduce wildland fire threats to communities while shrinking the agency’s total budget request for 2015. The 2014 Farm Bill also included a provision that allowed governors to recommend, with secretarial approval, the designation of 44 million acres where the Forest Service can use insect and disease authority to more quickly address forest health issues.
Southern Pine, Myrtle Beach, SC; and Immediate Past Chairman Tom Rice of Conner Industries, Fort Worth, Texas. The board also reelected Tami Kessler as Executive Director. “As our industry continues to rebuild, I look forward to working with the excellent staff at SFPA,” Vande Linde says. “Our association is a strong voice in the industry, and I hope to build on that strength as we continue activities through the coming year.”
SFPA Names 2015 Officers
The Earth Partners LP, a land restoration and bioenergy development company, announced it has acquired Deadwood Biofuels LLC, a company based in the Black Hills of South Dakota (Rapid City) that produces wood pellets for heating and industrial markets. “We are excited to execute on our strategy of acquiring and developing a pipeline of bioenergy projects. I am confident with our supportive capital partners and our team’s experience spanning
Southern Forest Products Assn. (SFPA) Board of Directors elected its 2015 slate of officers during its recent annual meeting in Charleston, SC. They include Chairman Scott Vande Linde of West Fraser, Germantown, Tenn.; Vice Chairman William Almond of Almond Brothers Lumber Co., Coushatta, La.; Treasurer Doug Warstler of Canfor
Earth Partners Purchases Deadwood Biofuels
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ATLARGE corporate finance, biomass markets, forestry, and pellet facility operations, we can continue to execute on the pipeline of opportunities we have established over the last four years,” says The Earth Partners CEO David Tepper. Tepper says they are working closely with the Forest Service regional offices to use trees killed by the mountain pine beetle, along with timber residues that are destined to be burned in the forest.
Cool Planet Receives USDA Commitment U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has issued Cool Planet Energy Systems a $91 million conditional commitment for a loan guarantee to support construction of the company’s first commercial manufacturing plant to be located at the Port of Alexandria, Louisiana. The plant is expected to produce renewable fuels by converting wood chips into high octane gasoline and aromatic blendstocks that are chemically identical to fossil fuels, according to Cool Planet.
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Cool Planet states it expects this commercial plant to be the first of hundreds of plants that its company builds across the U.S. Cool Planet broke ground at the Port of Alexandria earlier this year. Site preparation and detailed engineering design work is under way, and the company expects to start construction in early 2016. The technology combines a mechanical front-end that processes the biomass with heat and pressure into gases, with proprietary catalysts that convert those gases directly into Cool Planet’s green fuels, leaving a valuable biochar behind.
Papé Kenworth Adds Service Locations Papé Kenworth, Portland, Ore., will keep its customers moving with two new parts and service locations near U.S. Interstate 5 in Aurora and Roseburg, Ore. Papé Kenworth-Donald is located on nine acres at 11693 Ehlen Road N.E. in Aurora, west of Exit 278 on U.S. Inter-
state 5. The new Papé Kenworth-Roseburg dealership is located on two and a half acres at 7151 Old Highway 99 North near Exit 129 on I-5.
Arlington Enters Biomass Market Arlington Plastics Machinery, a seller of plastic processing equipment, is branching out to sell the Crushmaster line of equipment for the size reduction and processing of biomass. Crushmaster features a German engineered line of granulators, shredders and briquetting presses designed for biomass. “There are quite a few similarities between the equipment for plastics and equipment for biomass,” says Arlington’s Vice President Alan Clarke. “Shredders and granulators are something we sell every day to plastics companies, and now we’re going to take our equipment knowledge and expand to a new customer base.” Visit arlingtonmachinery.com.
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PRODUCTSCANNER10 Log Carriage
USTUNKARLI plans to produce and install a new generation line of 17° inclined log carriages in 2015. Advantages will include: easier and faster log handling; logs fall into “V” for ease of loading and timber slides off smoothly onto the belt or roller conveyor; less force to carriage by log turners; better view of log face; outfeed is better for slabs landing flat side down and timber flitches landing wane side up; greater sawing accuracy because logs move better on the carriage. 6197 Visit ustunkarli.com.
Beltless Trimmer
Springer has developed a new trimmer concept with central drive, electrically actuated saws, beltless and therefore lowmaintenance swinging arms and new dust-shielding case. Thanks to electrical actuation, the swinging crosscut saw arms attain higher efficiency levels. A controlled and accurate actuation curve allows optimum control of the crosscut saws and high precision positioning of the saw blades in the cross-cutting process. Cutting deviations are within a tolerance of +/- 0.05". Moreover, the E-CUT 200 trimmer is uniquely equipped with saw blades that are set in rotation without a belt. This has a tremendously positive effect on maintenance costs as no belt means no parts exposed to wear and tear. Furthermore, the saw blades can be changed rapidly at any time as the linear opening mechanism guaran42
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PRODUCTSCANNER10 tees ease of access to the maintenance walkway. The externally positioned center drive, trouble-free elimination of waste pieces and optimal dust suction with “Chip and Dust Control” prevents up to 99% of contamination inside the unit and enables the customer to achieve highly adaptable and cost-effective lumber production. The system can process all common board thicknesses and lengths and can be employed for all types of softwoods. Visit springer.eu. 6699
Service Truck Tires
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has broadened its line of premium mixed-service truck tires with the addition of a new size for its G741 MSD ex-
treme traction drive tire. Goodyear has added the 11R22.5 size (Load Range H) to the G741 MSD – a tire for oil field, logging, construction and other severe-service fleets. In addition, the G741 MSD is available in size 11R24.5, also Load Range H. Also in response to customer demand, Goodyear has introduced a precure retread product for the G741, the PC G741. Features of the G741 MSD include: a deep 33/32" tread with a wide footprint that helps provide high mileage and traction; an aggressive, self-cleaning tread design to help resist mud build-up for extra off-road traction; an innovative sidewall design that allows chains to be placed above tread blocks for enhanced performance; a cut- and chip-resistant tread compound for long-lasting performance on tough terrain; tread block sipes for enhanced traction in wet, snow and icy conditions, while maintaining optimal dry traction. Visit goodyeartrucktires.com. 6822
Telematics Package
Doosan has upgraded its telematics package for its heavy equipment including excavators, wheel loaders and articulated dump trucks. The new system is called Doosan Telematics, and becomes standard on all Doosan equipment, except for DX63-3 and DX85R-3 compact TIMBER PROCESSING
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PRODUCTSCANNER10 excavators. Doosan Telematics provides a connected machine solution that allows customers and dealers to remotely track and monitor Doosan heavy equipment. Customers can monitor their Doosan equipment remotely from an Internet-enabled device and an upgraded Doosan Telematics website called CoreTMS. Doosan has offered a telematics solution since 2008, and customers who have an active telematics subscription can access the new CoreTMS website for machine details and reports. The new system includes a GPS unit; Q-Pro wireless data modem and wireless service; satellite antenna and service; CoreTMS website. The Doosan Telematics system puts more information in the hands of customers to help them better manage their heavy construction equipment. Owners can monitor operational data and make recommendations to operators to improve machine usage and fuel efficiency. For example, owners can see if the operator lets the machine idle for a long time when the machine should be turned off, saving valuable diesel fuel. Operational data also gives owners insight to monitoring the machine’s fuel efficiency and the selected power mode in different applications. 4990 Visit doosanequipment.com. How To Submit Products Electronic images and copy (please be brief) are required. Images should be scanned as 300 dpi and saved as either tiff or jpg files. E-mail to rich@hattonbrown.com. Ship disks to Rich Donnell, P.O. Box 2268, Montgomery, AL 36102-2268 or to 225 Hanrick St., Montgomery, AL 36104-3317. Ph. 334-834-1170.
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MARCH The Issues Paint Your Wagon And Come Along. Page 5.
2014
EDITORIAL INDEX JANUARY/FEBRUARY The Issues 400 Issues Of TP And Counting. Page 5. Our Maine Man Kevin Hancock is Timber Processing’s 26th Annual Man of the Year (and the second from his family). Page 12. The Biggest Stories Through 400 Issues. Page 18. Suppliers And Their Histories. Page 36.
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Going For Wide Even in a down market, Southern Lumber Company cleared a path to success doing what it does best—processing big logs. Page 12. The Mill Town Built to support sawmills, most of these villages sprang up only to fade away. Page 18. Lumber Market Signs Are Positive But will housing starts continue to escalate in 2014? Page 36. Diacon Formula Includes Customers Feedback, innovations, new technologies drive lumber protection firm. Page 44.
APRIL The Issues Franklin Startup Brings Back Memories Of New Sawmill. Page 5.
Sawmill Comeback The former IP sawmill at Franklin, Va. is up and running with new ownership. Page 14. Life At Work David Seffens’ career leads to a 20th anniversary of his founding of Advanced Sawmill Machinery in 1994. Page 22. Biomass And Brains Forest residue is finding markets in the halls of higher education. Page 30. Taking Care Of Business. Page 40.
MAY The Issues One Last Look At How Bad It Was In 2007-08. Page 5. Back On Track Harrigan Lumber re-establishes its place in the southern pine lumber community. Page 12. ➤ 48
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46 ➤ On The Rise Annual sawmill capital expenditure survey reveals that softwood lumbermen have been (or are) upgrading their mills to catch up to positive markets. Page 21. Wood Pellets Talk Of Town Growing overseas market means more U.S. based production. Page 44. Hammill, Culp Go Way Back Hammill sawed lumber for Culp in the 1920s. Page 46.
JUNE The Issues Arizona Project Encompasses Strange Bedfellows. Page 5. Hardwood Comeback A recent survey puts numbers to the fact that most hardwood lumber operations are experiencing a rebound. Page 12. Ready To Roll Longtime Arkansas company, Anthony Timberlands, Inc., continues to make necessary improvements after the recession. Page 32. More Output Family-owned pallet stock sawmill in France starts up a new HewSaw line coupled with upgraded lumber handling equipment. Page 38.
JULY/AUGUST The Issues We Knew That Canada Liked Us, But Not This Much. Page 5. Changing Landscape It’s a brave new operating world for Southern lumber producers with emphasis on global economics, Canadian ownership and future resource issues. Page 14. 2014 Lumbermen’s Buying Guide. Page 22. Pole Plants Improve Handling Purpose-built material handlers offer customization. Page 62. From Old To New Best Practices The Teal-Jones Group finds winning strategy for recovery improvement. Page 72.
SEPTEMBER The Issues TP&EE: Two Years Running. Page 5. Sawing For The Timbers Market Stimson Lumber’s northwest Oregon sawmill trains its sights on timbers production and grade recovery. Page 8. TP&EE 2014 Is Coming On Strong. Page 19. Lumber Manufacturing Workshop Twenty-five industry experts will address a range of technologies in the sawmill. Page 38. ➤ 53 48
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Call Toll-Free: 1-800-669-5613
LUMBERWORKS ■ LUMBERWORKS GREENWOOD KILN STICKS Importers and Distributors of Tropical Hardwood Kiln Sticks GW Industries www.gwi.us.com
127
“The lowest cost per cycle”
Dennis Krueger 866-771-5040
Jackie Paolo 866-504-9095
d.krueger11@frontier.net
jackie@gwi.us.com
4824
EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES Specializing in confidential career opportunities in the Forest Products industry 2200
Recruiting Services Executive – Managerial – Technical - Sales
Management Recruiters of Houston Northeast
JOHN GANDEE
Gates Copeland 281-359-7940 • fax 866-253-7032
& ASSOCIATES, INC
gcopeland@mrihouston.com • www.mrihouston.com
Depending on Circumstances / Needs
SEARCH NORTH AMERICA, INC. IT'S YOUR MOVE...
“Your Success Is Our Business”
FOREST PRODUCTS RECRUITING SINCE 1978
Serving the Wood Products and Building Materials Industries For more than 21 years.
CONTACT CARL JANSEN AT 541-593-2777 OR Carlj@SearchNA.com
WWW.SEARCHNA.COM
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Fees paid by employer
3220
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8187
Top Wood Jobs Recruiting and Staffing George Meek geo@TopWoodJobs.com www.TopWoodJobs.com (541) 954-8456
VISIT US ONLINE: www.timberprocessing.com
Toll Free 1-800-536-3884 www.johngandee.com Austin, Texas
The Jobs You Want — The People You Need
1615
Contingency or Retainer
Michael Strickland & Associates, LLC Executive Recruiters Wood Products/Building Materials Industries Mike Strickland mike@woodproductjobs.com 601-529-2157 • www.woodproductjobs.com
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Call Toll-Free: 1-800-669-5613
1248
PROFESSIONALSERVICES
9237
WORN OR MISALIGNED CARRIAGE RAILS? A Proven Process
Contact Us Office 541.760.5086 Cell 541.760.7173 Fax 971.216.4994 www.acculine-rails.com george@acculine-rails.com
• Rails straightened & ground in-place at a fraction of the cost of rail replacement • No down time for the mill • Restores carriage rails to optimum sawing efficiency •Precision Laser Alignment • Machining and Grinding • Carriage and Bandmill Alignment 489
VISIT US ONLINE: www.timberprocessing.com
NEWSFEED 8 ➤ DR Johnson Lumber Co. with Oregon State University researchers to determine how a large-scale prefabricated solid engineered wood panel made from lumber that is increasingly popular in Europe might find application in the Northwest. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, which can be up to 10 ft. wide by 60 ft. long and up to 18 in. thick, consist of several layers of kiln-dried lumber stacked in alternating directions, bonded with structural adhesives, and pressed to form a solid, straight, rectangular panel. CLT panels consist of an odd number of layers (usually three to seven) and may be sanded or prefinished before shipping. Finished CLT panels are exceptionally stiff, strong and stable. CLT is proving to be a highly advantageous alternative to conventional materials like concrete, masonry or steel, especially in multi-family and commercial construction. Oregon BEST funded the project in part because of the potential for job creation in
the Pacific Northwest. DR Johnson was founded in 1951 in Riddle, Ore. The funding will enable Riddle Laminators, the glue-laminate operation of DR Johnson, to collaborate with a research team of OSU faculty and students to construct a pilot manufacturing line for CLT at its facility and to test the CLT produced at the plant. “Currently, in the U.S, it’s kind of a chicken-and-egg situation with CLT,” says Valerie Johnson, President of DR Johnson. “There is significant and rapidly growing interest in using CLT, but the cost to import panels from Canada or Europe for construction is not cost competitive.” By working with OSU and the American Plywood Assn., DR Johnson will manufacture and test CLT panels in order to obtain independent certification. DR Johnson is the first company in the country to set up initial production of structural grade CLT panels, Johnson said, but the project is part of a larger statewide ef-
fort involving many groups and nonprofits to open up a broader market for CLT. Johnson said CLT manufacturing is a natural next step in the evolution of DR Johnson/Riddle Laminators. “It’s really just another glulam product but in a different shape, so we feel very confident we can do this,” she says. “It’s now a matter of working with a local machine design and manufacturing firm on the development of a commercial press capable of expanding in length as markets develop. Once the press design is complete and assembled, we will manufacture panels for testing and certification, and the Oregon BEST funding is helping us launch that initial process.” Since establishment in 2007, Oregon BEST has generated more than $118 million in research revenue from federal, industry and foundation sources to Oregon. At its four partner universities (Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, and University of Oregon), Oregon
BEST has established a network of nine Oregon BEST Labs, which are shared-user research facilities.
CHIP MILL, PELLET MILL PLANNED Global Energy Solutions LLC (GES) intends to build a $20 million chip mill, followed by a large pellet plant and a port facility at the Port of Epes in west Alabama (Sumter County) on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Construction on the chip mill, which will have the capacity of producing a million tons per year, will begin in the first quarter of next year, according to GES’ Scot Corbett. GES said the pellet plant could be a $120 million investment (1 million metric ton capacity) that could help in the development of the Epes Intermodal Facility (EIF). Owned by Sumter County, the EIF would be specifically designed for the transportation of the chips and pellets produced at the plant.
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WOOD PRODUCTS marketplace NORTH AMERICA ■ United States
■ Kentucky HAROLD WHITE LUMBER, INC. MANUFACTURER OF FINE APPALACHIAN HARDWOODS
(606) 784-7573 • Fax: (606) 784-2624
■ Florida
Ray White
CRACKER SAWMILL
CYPRESS AND SYP Sawmill, Drying and MillIng facility Custom Cut to Order Lumber, Cants, Specialty Beams to 44’ We will Mill Log Home logs S4S 6”x6” thru 8”x12” T&G Your wood or ours WE DO WHAT OTHERS CANNOT 20253 N.E. 20th Street Williston, Fl 32690 www.Crackersawmill.com Info@Crackersawmill.com
Domestic & Export Sales rwhite@haroldwhitelumber.com
Green & Kiln Dried, On-Site Export Prep & Loading Complete millworks facility, molding, milling & fingerjoint line
■ Minnesota
(352) 529-2070
■ Georgia Beasley Forest Products, Inc.
Buyers & Wholesalers We produce quality 4/4 - 8/4 Appalachian hardwoods • Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar •
Green Lumber: Air Dried, Kiln Dried Timbers & Crossties • Hickory, Sycamore, Beech, Gum & Elm • Custom Cut Timbers: Long lengths and wide widths
Sales/Service: 336-746-5419
336-746-6177 (Fax) • www.kepleyfrank.com
Do you produce or buy lumber? Here's your #1 source for effectively promoting your hardwood or softwood service to your top prospective buyers.
P.O. Box 788 Hazlehurst, GA 31539
beasleyforestproducts.com Manufactures Kiln-Dried 4/4 Red and White Oak, Poplar, Ash and Cypress Contact: Linwood Truitt Phone (912) 253-9000 / Fax: (912) 375-9541 linwood.truitt@beasleyforestproducts.com
Pallet components, X-ties, Timbers and Crane Mats Contact: Ray Turner Phone (912) 253-9001 / Fax: (912) 375-9541 ray.turner@beasleyforestproducts.com
■ Indiana
Next closing: January 5, 2015
■ North Carolina Cook Brothers Lumber Co., Inc.
Manufacturer of Appalachian Hardwood Lumber LEONARD COOK, Sales (828) 524-4857 • cell: (828) 342-0997 residential: (828) 369-7740 P.O. Box 699 • Frankin, NC 28744
WANT TO GET YOUR AD IN OUR NEXT MARKETPLACE? Call or email Melissa McKenzie 334-834-1170 melissa@hattonbrown.com by January 5, 2015
NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER ASSOCIATION
08/14
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wood products marketplace ■ Pennsylvania
■ Tennessee
MERIDIEN HARDWOODS OF PA, INC.
P.O. Box 227 ● Pittsfield, PA 16340 www.meridienpa.com
Export and Yard Quality Hardwood Green, KD, S2S, SLR Custom Walnut Steaming Available
Ph: 800-780-3187 Fax: 800-292-5773 Dan Ferman – meridien@penn.com Brandon Ferman – brandonferman@hotmail.com Rob Allard – 802-380-4694; rallard@hughes.net Mike Songer – 814-486-1711; mjs@zitomedia.net
■ Virginia
STACKING STICKS
Producing Quality Southern Yellow Pine Since 1939
FOR SALE
AIR-O-FLOW profiled & FLAT sticks available Imported & Domestic DHM Company - Troy, TN 38260 731-538-2722 Fax: 707-982-7689 email: kelvin@kilnsticks.com www.KILNSTICKS.com
P.O. BOX 25 • 628 Jeb Stuart Highway Red Oak, VA 23964 Tel: 434-735-8151 • Fax: 434-735-8152 E-mail Sales: john@morganlumber.com Website: www.morganlumber.com
Product Mix: ALL KD, HT STAMPED 1x4 D&BETTER, 1x6 D&BETTER, 1x4 #2, 1x6 #2, 1x4 #3/#4, 1x6 #3/#4, 5/4x4 PREMIUM, 5/4x4 STANDARD, 5/4x4 #2/#3/#4, 5/4x6 PREMIUM, 5/4x6 STANDARD, 5/4x6 #2/#3/#4, 6x6 #2&BETTER, 6x6 #3/#4
Do you produce or buy lumber? Here's your #1 source for effectively promoting your hardwood or softwood service to your top prospective buyers.
WANT TO GET YOUR AD IN OUR NEXT MARKETPLACE? Call or email Melissa McKenzie • 334-834-1170 or email: melissa@hattonbrown.com before January 5, 2015 08/14
48 ➤ TP&EE Showcase. Page 42.
NOVEMBER
Aiming To Grow Major investment drives Lignetics pellet business. Page 80.
The Issues A Hardwood Heads Up. Page 5.
Staying The Course The Flippo family has been manufacturing wood products for more than 100 years. Page 84.
Going Greenfield Battle Lumber brings timbers into the mix at its ever-growing operations in Georgia. Page 14.
OCTOBER
Nice Comeback Northern Hardwoods continues to run strong with the help of a familiar general manager. Page 22.
The Issues Behind The Scenes. Page 5. Yoder’s Triple Play Yoder Lumber’s third generation owners work together to keep its three facilities ahead of the curve and on top of the game. Page 12. Product Knowhow Combining manufacturing and retail gives Pukall Lumber an edge up. Page 22. Real Workhorse The Loggers Dream enhanced skidding, loading and accessibility. Page 30.
Really Good Show A vibrant 2014 Timber Processing & Energy Expo reflected an industry in an upgrade mode. Page 30. Getting Into Optimization Five questions sawmills should ask before purchasing scan heads. Page 40.
DECEMBER The Issues Eerily Similar Tragedies. Page 5.
Lakeland Contests Fines Over Deadly Sawmill Blast. Page 6. Experienced Filers Oregon filing room staff with more than 100 years’ experience takes on long sawline challenge at mill where timbers run up to 40 ft. long. Page 12. Family Of Filers Bolt’s Saw Service makes a significant investment in modern saw filing equipment. Page 18. SawTech Special section on developments in saw filing and cutting tools. Page 24.
COMING IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY: 27th Annual Sawmill Person Of The Year
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MAINEVENTS JANUARY
JULY
12-13—2015 Northwestern Building Products Expo, Rivers Edge Conference Ctr., St. Cloud, Minn. Call 763-544-6822; visit nlassn.org.
22-25—AWFS Fair 2015, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Visit awfsfair.org.
FEBRUARY
SEPTEMBER
25-26—California Forestry Assn. Annual Meeting, Westin Verasa Napa Hotel, Napa, Calif. Call 707-257-1800; visit calforests.org.
18-19—Kentucky Wood Expo, Masterson Station Park, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.
1-3—Western Wood Products Assn. annual meeting, Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland, Ore. Call 503-2243930; visit wwpa.org. 11-13—National Wooden Pallet & Container Assn. Annual Leadership Conference, Loews Ventana Canyon, Tucson, Ariz. Call 703-519-6104; visit palletcentral.com. 25-27—Hardwood Manufacturers Assn. annual meeting, Omni Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. Call 412-244-0440; visit hardwoodinfo.com or hmamembers.org. 25-27—Kentucky Forest Industries Assn. annual meeting, Embassy Suites, Lexington, Ky. Call 502-695-3979; visit kfia.org.
APRIL 12-14—American Wood Protection Assn. annual meeting, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC. Call 205-733-4077; visit awpa.com. 23-24—Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Assn. annual convention, Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, Boston, Mass. Call 207829-6901; visit nelma.org.
MAY 11-15—Ligna: World Fair For The Forestry And Wood Industries, Hannover, Germany. Call +49 511 89-0; fax +49 511 8932626; visit ligna.de. 15-16—Northeastern Loggers Assn. annual meeting, Cross Insurance Ctr., Bangor, Maine. Call 315-369-3078; visit northernlogger.com.
JUNE 10-12—Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Expo, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Ga. Call 504-443-4464; visit sfpaexpo.com.
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25-March 1—Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers annual meeting, Hyatt Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, Fla. Call 336885-8315; visit appalachianwood.org.
Listings are submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with contacts prior to making plans to attend.
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This issue of Timber Processing is brought to you in part by the following companies, which will gladly supply additional information about their products. ADVERTISER
A & M Manufacturing Advanced Sawmill Machinery Andritz Iggesund Tools Baxley Equipment California Saw & Knife Works Capital City Sharpening Cone Omega Cut Technologies DK Spec Dynalyse Esterer WD Gmbh Finscan Gilbert Products Gillingham-Best Heinola Sawmill Machinery Holtec USA Hurdle Machine Works JoeScan Kanefusa Linck Linden Fabricating Longato Grinding Machines Lucidyne Technologies Mebor Metal Detectors Microtec SRL Gmbh Mid-South Engineering James G Murphy Nelson Bros Engineering Oleson Saw Technology Pierce Construction & Maintenance Pipers Saw Shop Premier Bandwheel Rema Sawco Sering Sawmill Machinery Simonds International Soderhamn Eriksson Springer Maschinenfabrik U S Blades USNR Ustunkarli Marangoz Utility Composites VAB Solutions Veneer Services Vollmer Of America Waneshear Technologies Woodtech Measurement Solutions
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