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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 07-30-2025 Origin: Site
A horizontal sawmill is a type of sawmill used to cut logs into lumber using a horizontally-mounted band saw or circular saw. Unlike traditional vertical sawmills, the blade in a horizontal sawmill runs parallel to the ground, and either the log moves through the blade or the saw head moves across the log.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the horizontal sawmill process:
Debarking: Logs may be stripped of bark to reduce wear on the saw blade.
Measuring and marking: Operators assess the log and decide how to maximize lumber yield.
Loading: Logs are placed on the mill bed, either manually or with mechanical log lifters or a loader.
The log is secured in place using clamps, dogs, or log turners.
It may be rotated to orient it in a way that minimizes waste or cuts around defects (e.g., knots, cracks).
Leveling: Ensuring the log lies flat for consistent board thickness.
In a horizontal sawmill, the saw head moves horizontally across the stationary log, or the log carriage moves the log through the stationary blade.
The blade is lowered incrementally for each pass to make successive cuts.
Depending on the mill design:
Band sawmills use a narrow band blade for minimal kerf (material loss).
Circular sawmills use large round blades and can handle heavier logs.
The first few cuts remove the rounded outer edges of the log (called “slabs”).
Once flat surfaces are created, the log is cut into a cant (a squared-off log).
The cant is then sliced into boards of the desired thickness.
Cut lumber is measured and sorted by size, grade, and type.
Boards are stacked with spacers (stickers) to allow airflow and prepare for drying.
Slabs and offcuts may be chipped for mulch or burned for energy.
Boards may be passed through an edger to square up the sides or through a resaw to make thinner planks.
