Converting Logs To Lumber
Good Woodworking|September 2017

Moving on from his last article, which saw him discussing methods of harvesting, Peter Bishop now makes the natural leap to looking at the processes used for converting logs to lumber.

Peter Bishop
Converting Logs To Lumber

‘Conversion’ is the phrase used when turning roundish logs into usable, flat pieces of timber. Here we’ll take a look at what happens after the tree trunk has been felled, the equipment used and the best cuts.

The yield

The primary objective of timber conversion is to get as much usable timber, planks, boards and scantlings from the log. The amount produced is called the ‘yield’. In high production mills, mainly softwood mills, this can be as high as 80%. In a temperate hardwood mill the yield will probably be no more than 50% at best with tropical timbers dropping somewhere in between. A secondary consideration, especially with hardwoods, is to produce material of the best quality regardless of yield. By this we mean stuff that might be sawn to produce highly decorative boards, such as quartersawn figured oak.

Most softwood is produced with the yield factor in mind, with the possible exception of some top quality North American species. Everything is used. The bark is removed for fibre extraction or simply broken up for garden mulch. Unusable, small pieces of slab wood are chipped and collected along with the sawdust produced to go into particle board manufacture and pulp for paper.

For furniture and cabinet work hardwoods are of more interest, especially temperate species from North America and Europe. Because of this most of what is discussed here will relate to them. However, all conversion techniques are universally the same, whether for hardwoods or softwoods.

The head-rig saw

Esta historia es de la edición September 2017 de Good Woodworking.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición September 2017 de Good Woodworking.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE GOOD WOODWORKINGVer todo
Game Changing Chisels
Good Woodworking

Game Changing Chisels

The Axminster Rider chisel range aims to change the game for affordable quality tools, and if the sets tested here are anything to go by then this is a very exciting prospect indeed

time-read
4 minutos  |
February 2017
Good Woodworking

Bring Your Projects To Life

If you’re looking for a way to transform a mundane substrate into a stunning piece of work, then take a look at these two veneer packs – both offer a great introduction to veneering and are ideal for use on a variety of small projects

time-read
2 minutos  |
February 2017
From Apprentice To Skillbuild Judge
Good Woodworking

From Apprentice To Skillbuild Judge

SkillBuild judge Tibby Singh gives us a glimpse behind the scenes in terms of what this important competition involves, and tells us how his passion for championing young and upcoming talent makes his job all the more worthwhile

time-read
7 minutos  |
February 2017
Techniques For Turning Part 1
Good Woodworking

Techniques For Turning Part 1

In the first of a two-part series focusing on woodturning techniques, Bob Chapman begins by looking at those techniques used for turning bowls, as well as beginning to discuss various finishing and colouring methods.

time-read
10+ minutos  |
March 2017
Rings Of Doom
Good Woodworking

Rings Of Doom

Don’t despair of ringmarks on your furniture, advises Stephen Simmons.

time-read
4 minutos  |
March 2017
Top Tips for Buying Woodworking Machinery
Good Woodworking

Top Tips for Buying Woodworking Machinery

Alex Dalton, managing director of Daltons Wadkin, takes a closer look at some of the top things to consider when making a woodworking machinery purchase.

time-read
4 minutos  |
March 2017
Home sweet home
Good Woodworking

Home sweet home

Jumping to the aid of new home buying family members, Glenn Perry sets about replacing an old, worn out door with a custom-made framed ledge and braced version.

time-read
4 minutos  |
March 2017
Great Expectations
Good Woodworking

Great Expectations

The front door opens at The Old Vic’, the central character in a serialised story of everyday adventures in woodworking (among other things).

time-read
6 minutos  |
May 2017
Dombey & Son
Good Woodworking

Dombey & Son

Dave Roberts finds that keeping up with the times isn’t always the same as making progress.

time-read
6 minutos  |
September 2017
Good Woodworking

Extracting Broken Screws:​​​​​​​what To Do When Things Get Stuck!

As Mike McCrory says, if you’ve ever used small brass screws in hardwood, you’ll have undoubtedly run into issues. Here he offers his advice on dealing with the problem as well as advising how to avoid this happening the first time around.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2017