Have you been thinking about looking for a new job? If so, there’s never been a better time to make a change.
After all, the economy is getting back on track and employers everywhere need motivated people to fill positions across a wide variety of industries.
If you’ve never thought about working at a sawmill, you’ve come to the right place for insight into this fascinating work environment. This article takes a look at what happens in the lumber industry and how you might be the perfect fit for this unique profession.
The Logging Process
Working in the logging industry is an interesting experience and involves a process that begins in the forest and ends with lumber that is ready to be shipped.
The first step in the logging process, where the trees are cut down, branches removed, and then the logs are loaded onto trucks for transport
The Logs Arrive at the Sawmill
Next, the logs arrive at the mill, and heavy machinery is used to place the logs on a belt. This belt will move each log through the building through each step of the milling process.
The Metal Detector
It’s important to remove any bits of metal from the logs before they come into contact with saw blades during the milling process. Thus a large metal detector is to us find any metal materials such as nails or wire from a fence that might have become embedded in the wood.
Keep in mind that if the metal isn’t detected and removed, it can tear up the sawmill blades, which can be costly and interrupt the milling operation.
Be sure to use an agency to find sawmill insurance.
Head Rig Sawing
When a log enters the head rig, it will get clamped over the conveyor belt. The purpose of the clamp is to stabilize the log while the head rig blades move down the full length of the log.
Canting the Logs Inside the Sawmill
What is meant by the term “canting”? This is the process of cutting the log into cants, or logs that are flat on at least one side, which can be sold after being milled on only one side.
Keep in mind that these logs are the exception rather than the rule, and this type of wood is typically used for products such as wooden shipping pallets.
Edging, Trimming, and Grading the Lumber
During the edging process, the sides are cut, thus creating a square log. It’s then cut to length based on the desired sizes of lumber needed, and then each piece of lumber is graded.
Drying the Lumber
The final step in the process is when the lumber is dried. Some sawmills use a kiln to speed up the drying process, while others simply allow the lumber to air dry.
A Job Hunter’s Guide to Working at a Sawmill
It’s no secret that wood products play an important role in modern life. From paper to home building materials, it’s hard to imagine how you’d live without it. That’s what makes working in a sawmill such a useful and interesting occupation.
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