You can click on the pictures on this page to get a closer look.
The boards are then graded based on the number of clear, small pieces that can be cut from them. The grade and volume of each board is recorded on tally sheets.
Fourth:
Sorting, drying, and finishing.
Sorting: Boards are then moved to the "green chain" where they are stacked according to grade and length..
The board stacks are stored in air dry sheds and yards where they are left to dry for 2 weeks to 3 months.
Drying: The stacks are loaded in dry kilns where the boards are dried to a moisture level close to what the final moisture level will be; this takes from 7 days to 3 weeks depending on the kind of wood.
When the boards are removed from the dry kilns, they are graded again and trimmed if necessary.
The dry lumber is stacked and sold as dried lumber.
Fifth:
Nothing is wasted in the conversion of logs to lumber! Sawmill residue such as edges, slabs, trimmings, and bark are chipped and sold to other companies that make paper and mulch and sometimes burned to produce heat at the sawmill.
