Regional Softwood Sawmill Processing Variables as Influenced by Productive Capacity

摘要

The relationship between annual softwood sawmill production and lumber processing variables was examined using data from Sawmill Improvement Program (SIP) studies of 650 softwood mills. The variables were lumber recovery factor (LRF); headrig and resaw kerf width; total sawing variation, rough green size, and oversizing-undersizing for 4/4 and 8/4 lumber; planer allowance; and average log diameter and length. All variables except planer allowance and average log diameter were significantly influenced by annual sawmill production. The conversion efficiency of the mills in terms of most of these variables increased as sawmill size increased but decreased at annual production levels approaching or exceeding 100 million board feet.