Timber iQ June - July 2018 // Issue: 38 | Page 6

NEWS A blueprint for efficiency Sawmillers all share the same objective − to produce sawn timber in the most cost effective and efficient way possible to maximise profits. By Wood-Mizer SLP is a profitable way to cut small to medium size logs. T his search for bigger efficiency in sawmilling includes a number of factors. The total volume through the sawmill and the conversion to sawn timber typically called recovery, is an important measure of overall efficiency. When small or medium-sized log diameters or low value logs impact on recovery, it can reduce efficiency. But when a changing forestry environment where small- to medium- sized diameter and low value logs from thinnings 4 JUNE / JULY 2018 // operations or the tops of harvested trees is readily available, it can be an opportunity to boost efficiency if the line is tooled to process this type of log accurately and consistently. Increased mechanisation that can smooth the flow of logs through the line and reduce labour costs bills, reduced energy and maintenance costs and reduce costs to train staff to ensure accurate cutting are additional opportunities to improve efficiency.