=e 5a

is, those which produce the best lumber at the lowest cost. Nevertheless
it would be misleading to evaluate mill efficiency on the basis of size.
At some of the smaller operations power is nicely balanced against equip-
ment and log size; there is adequate but no surplus labour; and the mill
is built solidly to ensure uniform lumber. Lumber can sometimes be
manufactured more cheaply at a good small mill than at a good large mill,
but, other factors being equal, better lumber can almost invariably be
produced at the latter because of its additional and more flexible
equipment.

The rapid expansion in the industry in the past few years and
the demand for labour on construction work in the north have created a
shortage of skilled sawmill workers. As a result many mills are forced
to operate with inexperienced men. Some of the smaller mills are under-
financed and as a result forced to operate with poor equipment. The
combined effect of these factors results in waste in the form of poor
lumber sizes, heavy slabs, poor edging or excessive trimming, or 4 com-
bination of any or all of these items.

Circular type headsaws are commonly used but a few band and
gangsaw types are in operation. In this area, headsaws are used
primarily to break the logs down into 2-inch material, l-inch boards
being cut from the outside of the log. The capacity of the mill is
governed by the headsaw as in sawmills in other regions.

In the larger mills, the slabs and edgings produced by the
headsaw and edger, respectively, are gut into 4-foot lengths by slasher
saws. In the sm ller mills they are usually sent full length to the
burner or the slab pile.

Saw kerf thicknesses vary as follows:

Headsaw: Band | - 11/64 to 20/64 in.
Circular - 20/64 to 22/64 in.
Gang - 8/64 to 12/64 in.
Edgers: 18/64 to 20/64 in.

Trim saws: 10/64 to 14/64 in.

Of the lumber shipped, 50 to 60 per cent is l-inch boards, and
about 30 per cent is 2-inch mterial,. Most of the l-inch is resawn from
2-inch material at planing mills, numerous throughout the region. Only
the larger mills are equipped with planers. The smaller mills ship
rough green lumber to central planing mills, usually located at a rail-
road siding. A remarkable growth in planing mill facilities is character-
istic of this area.

The larger mills usually sre located in small communities where
some of the sawmill residue is used for domestic fuel. However, this
amounts to only a small percentage of the output. The steam operated
mills usually require about half the residue for power and the rest is
destroyed in refuse burners.