Effect of Hardwood Sawmill Edging and Trimming Practices on Furniture Part Production

Abstract

In a recent edging and trimming study at three hardwood sawmills, it was observed that the lumber volume produced was approximately 10 percent less than would be necessary to make the most valuable lumber. Furthermore, the excess portion of wood that was removed from the edging and trimming process contained a large percentage of clear wood. In light of rising costs and increasing environmental concerns, the option of producing furniture parts from unedged and untrimmed boards is explored. This research investigates the potential furniture part yields from unedged and untrimmed boards compared to both optimal and actual edging and trimming practices. The resulting volume of cuttings from unedged and untrimmed boards was found to be 25 percent higher than from the actual edged and trimmed lumber produced at the mills. Also, the volume of long cuttings (84 in.) was found to be 22 percent higher from the unedged and untrimmed boards. In addition to more efficiently utilizing our timber resources, the overall cost of furniture cuttings from unedged and untrimmed boards was found to be 8 percent less even when considering the additional costs of drying, handling, and processing.

Citation

Kline, D. Earl; Regalado, Carmen; Wengert, Eugene M.; Lamb, Fred M.; Araman, Philip A. 1993. Effect of Hardwood Sawmill Edging and Trimming Practices on Furniture Part Production. Forest Products Journal. 43(3): 22-26.