Influence of the sawing method on yields in fir/spruce log milling

The efficiency of the sawmilling process is reflected in the application of various sawmilling methods. Each of these methods aims at yielding a maximal quantity and quality of sawn lumber. In present situation in which sawmills are supplied with logs of ever decreasing quality, the ingenuity of sawmilling technologists becomes very improtant: the issue is how and by which methods to produce the lumber of sufficient quality so that it can be used in the production of final wood products. This investigation is a contribution to combating the problem of enhancing the quality of sawn fir/spruce lumber. The results show circular sawing parallel to the log generating line to be the most appropriate as it enables the highest value yield. The graphs show that the quantitative yield for all five sawing methods is nearly the same, while the qualitative and the value yields can differ significantly.