A commercial sawmill may include much more than the head saw:Log yard and log storage system.Debarker or bark-removal equipment.Log loader and log deck.Head saw and log carriage.Hydraulic clamps and log turners.Edger and trim saw.Resaw or gang saw.
Sawmill typeHow it worksTypical usePortable horizontal band sawmillA band-saw head travels along a logsecured on a track or bed.Farms, remote sites, custom milling, and smallbusinesses.Fixed horizontal band sawmillA heavier horizontal sawmill is installedat a permanent site.Large logs, hardwood,
1. The mill receives and evaluates the logs.2. The log is moved to the log deck or carriage.3. The log is aligned and clamped.4. The head saw makes the primary breakdown cuts.5. The mill produces slabs, cants, and boards.6. Edgers and trimmers improve board shape.7. Resaws convert cants and slabs into additional lumber.8. The lumber is sorted and graded