NEW KILN COMBINATION Morgan Lumber’S Counter-Flow Kiln, Green Burner, Kiln Boss Controls

Millwide

INSIDERTHE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 3 - 2011

NEW KILN COMBINATION Morgan Lumber’s Counter-Flow Kiln, Green Burner, Kiln Boss controls

PERFORMANCE AND FLEXIBILITY DiPrizio Pine Sales’ MillExpert/LASAR carriage combination

USNR’S LUMBER-HANDLING EXPERTISE Best built solutions for industry’s toughest challenges Millwide INSIDER iSSUE 3 - 2011

Subscriptions Tel.: 250.833.3028 [email protected]

Editor Colleen Schonheiter [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sonia Perrine [email protected]

USNR Parts & Service 7/24 Service: 800.BUY.USNR Tel.: 360.225.8267 USNR participates at SFPA Expo Fax: 360.225.7146 Mon. - Fri. 5:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT USNR has maintained a strong presence at tradeshows and regional www.usnr.com meetings, even through difficult economic times. I guess what it USNR Locations comes down to is, we have lots to talk about. We’ve always had successful projects that we want to discuss, as well as several new Woodland, WA ideas in the works that we want to share. And industry events like Headquarters shows and regional gatherings offer a venue for meeting with a large 360.225.8267 number of customers in a short period of time. USNR has always been a strong supporter and proponent of the Parksville, BC Eugene, OR 250.954.1566 541.485.7127 SFPA Expo that is coming to Atlanta, Georgia in August 2011. Its

locale is the hub of southeast US wood fiber manufacturing activity. Plessisville, QC Jacksonville, FL This year, USNR’s booth #424 will feature equipment designed for 819.362.8768 904.354.2301 the back end of the sawmill and planer mill, including a new Model 11 Trimmer design, our much-in-demand Multi-Track Fence, and our team Salmon Arm, BC Painesville, OH 250.832.7116 440.352.9381 of planer mill automated grading machines: Lineal and Transverse High Graders. (See page 17 for more information.) As a vendor, we recognize the value that tradeshows and meetings offer for facilitating strong business relationships. We appreciate © 2011, U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. the time you take out of the day-to-day demands of your busy All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to operations to attend these events. We’re planning several in-booth 1981 Schurman Way, demonstrations to share our latest successes, and hope it helps Woodland, WA 98674. make your visit to SFPA Expo a worthwhile journey of discovery. Canada Post: Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: USNR Sincerely, c/o Colleen Schonheiter, Colleen Schonheiter 3550 - 45th Street Southeast, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2 Editor Morgan Lumber turns up the heat! IMPROVED QUALITY, EFFICIENCY WITH COUNTER-FLOW KILN

Progress is a good thing, but it can also become an concerned about going from steam to direct- “I’m extremely satisfied with effort that is cyclical. As Morgan Lumber discovered fired, because a lot of the lumber coming out of after doubling its sawmill capacity over the last direct-fired kilns I’ve seen over the years had a the system’s performance. couple of years, once one area is improved it often lot of ash on it. We have a shavings business. We uncovers weaknesses in other areas. In response to bag shavings for the equestrian market and I knew We’re using 40% less sawdust a discovered bottleneck at its dry kilns, the company it would be a real problem if we had ash in those recently invested in USNR’s Counter-Flow Dry Kiln, shavings. When we went to the direct-fired kiln I per 1,000 board feet to dry Green Fuel Burner and Kiln Boss controls. really spent a lot of time researching it, finding out Morgan Lumber is located at Red Oak, Virginia and what was available, and what we could do to reduce our lumber. We’re using 14% manufactures southern yellow pine lumber through the amount of ash on the lumber.” its sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill. In 2009 the less electricity. We get a better company completed a major addition to the sawmill Ultra-clean burn with a USNR extended length infeed (ELI), quad To make sure ash would never be an issue, USNR grade yield, and it’s produced bandmill, and melded new with used components engineers recommended some changes to the purchased at a sale under USNR’s direction. Don system’s design that are proving positive to produce noticeably less drying defect.” Bright, manager, said, “I worked with USNR to an ultra-clean burn. Don explains, “USNR nailed it. develop the line that we have now.” Morgan Lumber We made some changes in the burner and we have Don Bright, Morgan Lumber also has USNR equipment throughout much of its zero ash problem. We over-sized the burner a little planer mill, and is currently bringing on the DynaStar bit from what was required so we didn’t have to pull maintenance management system. The new Counter- so hard on the burner box. We also lengthened the Flow kiln system adds much needed capacity to the pipe in the combustion area above the burner, and mill’s existing (1994) Irvington Moore traditional we made the after-choke pipe a little longer to give steam-powered batch kiln. the fuel more time to burn. It was a home run!” Don Bright explained the thought process The kiln has a 70’ main chamber, with two 48’ behind the selection of the new direct-fired kiln. end chambers and a size 5 grate burner. The supply “The continuous process seemed like the most also included Kiln Boss computerized controls, cost-effective way to get the increase in production a control room and pusher trams. To ensure the we required. It’s a noticeable improvement in the cleanest possible outcome from the drying system, quality of drying, and it’s a significant increase in the burner was oversized to a size 5 grate rather the efficiency of drying.” than the standard size 4 grate, and an extended Don did have some trepidation when it came after-choke section was added. The system features to the Green Fuel Burner, however. “I was really a large blower that pulls some air from the kiln and

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 3 mixes it with air from the burner before blowing it determine the issues, and make adjustments for the Lumber believes in taking calculated risks with back into the kiln. The more air that is pulled from next kiln charge. Meanwhile it’s affected a LOT of proven vendors to increase its efficiency and the the burner the more ash is sucked in, so the larger lumber. With the continuous kiln we can make small quality of its products. grate design achieves optimum air flow with less adjustments as we go, so it is easier to fine-tune the The mill’s next improvement will be a new USNR ash. The percentage of the mix can also be fine- drying process.” Multi-Track Fence in the sawmill, and an upgrade tuned to the exact recipe desired for the cleanest, With the new system, fine adjustments can be to its trimmer system to incorporate MillExpert most cost-effective burn. made to the tram speed, kiln temperature, and optimization with its existing M6 scanning system. after only a few hours the lumber can be checked Easy, effective operation and further adjustments can be made to attain the Moving on Don appreciates the ease and effectiveness optimal balance of quality and efficiency. Don also Morgan Lumber is owned by Ken Morgan, recently of operating the continuous kiln design. “The noted that with the Kiln Boss control system it is retired, with son John Morgan currently at the helm continuous process allows us to make small changes easy to change the drying recipe, even from home. as president. Now that Ken is retired he has more that have a quicker effect on drying the lumber. time to devote to his other passion, auto racing. In the old kilns we would shut the doors and dry Better grade yield; fewer drying defects John Morgan and Don Bright are also keen racing the lumber for 20 hours, then open the kiln up, From USNR’s perspective, customer satisfaction is enthusiasts. Don, who spots for Ken, commented, the ultimate goal. Don said, “I’m extremely satisfied “We’re a team on and off the track. Ken has been a with the system’s performance. We’re using 40% very successful road racer in NASA (National Auto less sawdust per 1,000 board feet to dry our lumber. Sport Association). This year he’s made his debut We’re using 14% less electricity. And speaking of at our local circle track, NASCAR’S South Boston quality, our standard deviation with the old batch kiln Speedway.” was 3.2 average per year, this year we’re averaging Just as Ken Morgan is moving on to a new phase, right at 2. That is huge. We get a better grade yield, Don Bright has purchased a hardwood mill just and it’s produced noticeably less drying defect.” down the road from Morgan Lumber, and has left to Mill management appreciates the ongoing pursue his new venture. As is typical in this close- support it has received from USNR over the years. knit sawmilling community, he says he will still be Don commented, “USNR has stood by us to make working closely with the folks at Morgan Lumber. sure that the system performs the way they said And there’s no doubt that will also extend to the it would perform. They genuinely have taken an racing circuit. interest in assisting us to integrate machinery in the operation that helps our bottom line.” In addition to Don Bright, kiln manager Terry Hylton was also involved in the project. The new kiln system operates with only one main operator, with forklift drivers assisting to load and unload the kiln.

A calculated risk Morgan Lumber’s philosophy reflects its emphasis first on its people and safety, then on quality and production. Don said, “We’re only as good as our people. While we can replace equipment, it’s hard to find good people.” He also commented that Morgan

Robert Wagner (USNR account manager), left, with Ken Morgan and his race car.

4 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 Kiln Boss control system eXPERT CONTROL for YOUR LUMBER DRYING process

When it comes to quality drying, you have to be able to depend on your kiln to work properly. For over 100 years USNR has worked with companies just like yours to help you get the most out of your investment. The Kiln Boss computer control system is one way you can easily improve the efficiency and production of your lumber drying process. Kiln Boss systems offer you the capabilities and functions of a much larger and more complex control system, but at a fraction of the cost. Most mills achieve payback in less than one year. Kiln Boss tracks your custom drying schedules, alerts you to trouble or system changes, and reports batch and historical statistics for your review. The Kiln Boss system is proven to reduce energy usage by more precisely controlling the process and drying schedule time. It accepts any drying schedule and works equally well with any kiln configuration. You can choose to run on full automatic mode to let Kiln Boss optimize the fan control, or set it to manual mode. You or your operator can examine and change the parameters for each kiln that is controlled by Kiln Boss, with the click of a mouse. The system is menu-driven, so no special computer skills are required. The Kiln Boss monitor provides a simple, graphical view of kiln operation so you can see at a glance what’s going on in your kiln. Call us at 1.800.BUY.USNR to discuss your kiln control needs. Let us provide you with an evaluation of how Kiln Boss can improve the performance of your lumber drying process. Track in-kiln conditions over time to optimize your drying schedules.

Softwood application. Hardwood application.

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 5 PLANER GRADING Transverse or Lineal. The most advanced grading systems, in any direction.

THG’s flat transport easily installs in your mill LHG is the most accurate grading system available  Laser profile, color vision, GrainMap™, DataFusion™  Laser profile, vision, X-Ray, GrainMap™, DataFusion™  Single sensor design  The only system with MSR/MEL grading capability  Unique angled four-sided scanning  Works with any planer at any speed  No elevation changes or hills to climb  Easily installs behind existing planer  Graderless operation  Graderless operation

800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com [email protected]

LHG platform in transverse package Industry’s most accurate grading system Everything you need in a single sensor Best defect detection with DataFusion™

Millwide. Worldwide. New carriage scanning package at DiPrizio Pine Sales millexpert/lasar combination: performance and flexibility

By today’s standards, vintage 1970 sawmill log Besides the sawmill, the Middleton site has a “The stability of the USNR breakdown equipment is likely at the point of no biomass wood-fired boiler and turbine that services return. So decided the team at DiPrizio Pine Sales 600,000 board feet of dry kilns (four are from USNR, company, its knowledgeable when they recently installed two sawmill carriage with Kiln Boss controls), a scaling station, and systems, and chose the combination of MillExpert™ planer mill. The Middleton team invested in a used support team and the forward optimization with LASAR™ scanning as the nerve 4-knee, 42” Cleereman carriage with servo hydraulic center for the process. cylinders for the bandmill side, and a new HMC vision of its technology all DiPrizio Pine Sales, located at Middleton, New carriage for the circle saw side with a state-of-the- Hampshire, processes Eastern White Pine products art servo electric positioning system. The largest factored into our decision.” following NELMA (Northeast Lumber Manufacturers logs (approximately 85%) are cut on the bandmill Association) grading specifications. The company side, and smaller ones are cut on the circle saw Marcie Perry, DiPrizio Pine Sales serves customers throughout the US and Canada, side. Once the initial optimized cuts are made, the and custom-cuts a wide variety of high quality pine boards go to the edger while cants go to a 5-head products from timbers, common and structural Stenner horizontal resaw. Further downstream are grades and thickness, through MSR, finger-joint, grading stations, trim saw, and automatic bin sorter. moulding, paneling, flooring, furniture grade lumber, Stick placing at the stacker is a manual process for and more. The company’s products are retailed now, with plans to move to an automated stick placer through both Middleton Building Supply and LaValley in the near future. Once the stacks exit the green Building Supply outlets in New Hampshire and mill, they may be dipped during warmer weather Vermont. DiPrizio Pine finished products are also to prevent staining before they are transported to used in LaValley Building Supply’s truss and panel the kiln staging area. Once finished, the products shop, and its door and window shop. are housed in a drive-through warehouse, ready

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 7 for shipment or staged for customer orders where DiPrizio’s promise to customers is ‘just-in-time, accurate and complete customer satisfaction’.

Choosing a vendor The old carriage equipment was becoming a major factor for downtime, and the Silvatech Universal Set Controller that the operator used to make the sets was obsolete and no longer supported. The time was LASAR scanner: The size of the scan zone can vary ripe to update the front end of the mill. Middleton according to log size, as well as pre-scanning the team members involved in the planning, construction stop-n-loader to preset the carriage for the next log and installation consisted of President Larry Huot, to be loaded (backside scanning option only). General Manager Marcie Perry, Foreman David Mansfield and Assistant Charlie Hooper, Sawyers Mike Labrecque and Dwight Feyler. Also contributing was the maintenance team of Millwright Jim Damon, Welder D.J. Mill, and Electrician Chris Johnson. When considering vendors for the optimization and controls package, the team looked at other systems that Eastern White Pine mills in that region were using, and decided to consider the USNR system. Marcie Perry commented, “We have a very good relationship with USNR for our kilns, and the service over the years has been stellar. After listening to presentations on all systems we felt that we would continue to get the same excellent service that we were accustomed to, with a system that offered vast flexibility, and reporting features that we set as a requirement for consideration. The stability of the USNR company, its knowledgeable support team and the forward vision of its technology all factored into our decision.”

Ultimate control over the process Once the project was let, the engineers at USNR began their task to design the specific optimization and controls features that would meld Above and below: 85% of the larger logs are processed on the Cleereman carriage. communication between the two carriages, and meet all the mill’s requirements for product entry. Dale Bradicich, USNR Account Manager, was intimately involved in the project far beyond the contractual aspect. He commented, “The specific challenges were to provide a system that could manage all the products that the mill makes, and have both carriage optimization systems communicate with each other to balance order entries for that multitude of products.” MillWide™ order entry allows the mill to update production orders/schedules ‘on the fly’. The system must be able to set and update production priorities to ensure the right products are made at the right time. This flexibility is one of the features the company set out as a ‘must have’ in their requirements. The MillExpert carriage optimization software was designed with commonality and mill wide continuity. Three powerful sawing modes, MOF+, Whole Log Breakdown, and Optimized Grade Sawing, control the process to maximize the value from every log. The LASAR 3D scanning systems were chosen to work with the MillExpert platform to gather the

8 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 scan data for the optimizer. Since the LASAR sensor has multiple scan zones, the log is scanned both at the stop-n-loader and the carriage (available with backside scanning only). The pre-scan allows the system to set the carriage knees for the next log to be loaded. These rugged, reliable sensors are totally immune even to bright light levels, and provide dense, accurate 3D scan data on the entire visible surface of the log. MillWideWeb™ is also provided as part of the package. This system expands MillExpert’s capability to the entire facility and across the organization. Data can be collected from all optimizers, PLCs, sorter systems, and other databases into a common database. Reports can be created that provide a global view of the operation, or a detailed view that can drill down into the finer details, and utilize MillWide Analyzer™ to manage the future manufacturing process. USNR also provided a separate PLC control system that takes instruction from both carriage optimization systems while managing the downstream routing. This system routes cuttings to the chipper, edger, resaw or trimmer, by raising and Above: MillExpert’s interface shows the log breakdown solution for one of the logs on the HMC carriage. lowering belts while monitoring over-thick material.

Easy changes left the site, regular phone calls the first few weeks Results are the true test of any investment. Start-up ensured the mill staff were comfortable with how the took place in August 2010, and Marcie noted that equipment was running. daily production volume has increased from 60,000 She said that USNR personnel have been back four to more than 90,000bf. Fiber gain has improved times for follow-up training sessions to gradually and grade recovery is improving. While much of familiarize mill staff with the more advanced the improved performance can be attributed to the features of the system. “USNR has a large technical mechanical equipment, the ease and consistency of support network and knowledgeable staff. From the the decision process for the sawyer is a significant planning stage to the installation and then to the factor. She especially pointed out, “having the implementation, this was a success story.” ability and ease to make quick changes in the “USNR has continued to live up to program such as percentage of sizes and grades expectations in its commitment and follow- to take advantage of changes in market pricing, through, and we couldn’t be more pleased,” and having control over what is in our inventory says owner, Larry Huot. and what needs to be replenished is a huge Producing the very best quality product and advantage today.” service available in the market is one of DiPrizio Pine Sales’ abiding philosophies, along with a Training and follow up strong adherence to respect for individuals and the For an operation like DePrizio Sales where company’s goals. The company plans to spend some mill personnel are not familiar with a specific time maximizing its investments that have been made optimization platform, and where the machine center over the past few years. At the same time the team has not been optimized prior to the new investment, has already begun to develop its 5-year plan for the training is an essential component for maximizing next phase of improvements. the performance of the system. Marcie commented on USNR’s handling of the training aspect of the project. “As always, we have been able to count on being just a phone call away on a daily basis. The initial training was considerable and demanding for our people because we have many new pieces of equipment to learn, and a totally new and unfamiliar technology. USNR personnel were dedicated to being here with us until we felt comfortable with making changes on our own.” She also noted that after initial training was performed and USNR technicians had

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 9 Experts in Lumber-handling BEST BUILT for YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGES

USNR has a wealth of history developing handling systems that transport, turn, unscramble, sort, singulate, stack, unstack and keep a tally on a wide array of timber products, both green and dry. From rugged, long-lasting mechanical designs to precision automation controls, our sophisticated systems offer quick and efficient, yet gentle transport and handling of your valuable commodities. Our experience includes hundreds of installations worldwide. Here is a sampling of both recent and time-tested solutions.

Continuous Tilt Hoist USNR’s Continuous Tilt Hoist provides the highest possible feed rates. The main high speed beam hoist is capable of working alone, and the addition of a secondary hoist can virtually eliminate gap time between packages. High speed hydraulic circuits move the main hoist at maximum rates. Linear positioners control the position of the hoist throughout the cycle and maximize index speeds. The main hoist can spill at 22 tiers per minute, with less than a 30 second gap between packs. The addition of a secondary hoist can reduce the gap to 5 seconds between packages.

Features ►►Continuous lumber flow – 5 second gap ►►Linear positioning control throughout cycle and for indexing main and secondary hoists ►►Adjustable leveling control of main hoist ►►Accommodates single packs or stacked packs with dunnage ►►Integrated spill tables or lugged let-down chains provide smoothest dischage ►►Integrated stick/dunnage collection systems ►►Optional overhead thumper to de-shingle frozen or sticky packages

10 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 Quad Cam Board Feeder The high speed Quad Cam Board Feeder is just plain fast. It tests at 200+ lugs per minute, with a guaranteed 98% lug fill. If you’re looking for a way to really boost production, the patented Quad Cam deserves a spot at the top of your list. The Quad Cam reliably feeds random width, thickness and length material, and is virtually jam- free leaving little need for an operator. The Quad Cam mechanism smoothly and gently feeds boards into lugs – low impact handling means less damage to the lumber and less wear and tear on machinery. That means less maintenance and higher profits! View an animation of the quad cam at: www.usnr.com/prod/model.asp?model_id=641.

Features ►►Fiber optic sensing ►►Chan-Ex runners ►►AC / VF drive optional ►►Split cam wheel design ►►Anti-skew pawls ►►Single / dual cylinder

Revolver Lug Loader Revolver is engineered to accommodate a wide range of products for sawmills, planer mills and reman plants. Revolver uses no hydraulics. The design is disc style, requiring pneumatic cylinder actuation only to engage or disengage board feeding, thus reducing wear components. Overhead infeed belts are easily adjusted for wood thickness and easily lifted for access. An optional variable thickness attachment positively accelerates thin boards when the Revolver is set for 4” material. It can be easily disengaged when not required. Electronics are very simple. A dedicated micro- controller based system operates the lug loader, table and backlog table, and up to two additional storage tables. An encoder on the Revolver provides the trimmer/ sorter speed reference sued to dynamically control and scale the speeds of the infeed transfers to maximize material throughput. The many successful installations and satisfied customers attest to the Revolver’s performance. Features ►►Deal/stop ducker system for reliable singulation to The Revolver’s simplicity ensures low impact ►►Speeds of 200+ LPM suit your application installation, start-up, ease of operator training and ►►Accommodates sawmill products from 1x3” to keeps maintenance requirements lower than any 4x12”, and any planer mill product mix View the video of random thickness board feeding: other lug loader on the market. ►►Available in 10’, 16’ and 20’ models www.usnr.com/prod/model.asp?model_id=872. ►►Optional overhead feeding assist for dealing 1” and 4” thick products in a random mix

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 11 MULTI-TRACK FENCE

High-speed precision fencing. 24 systems sold!

Flexible features, proven performance  Push or pull back configurations, 12” (30.5cm) and 24” (61cm) setbacks  Bumper accuracy +/- 0.1” (0.25cm)  Speeds to 250 LPM (even in dimension applications)  Non-critical timing; no air cylinder cushions to tune  Simple PLC control  Electric design reduces operating costs  No fussy brakes internal to moving board bumpers  Easy access to all components for maintenance  Retrofit existing 3-stage fence locations (9’-0” / 2.74m min. roll)

800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com [email protected]

Electric design reduces operating costs Push or pull back bumper configurations Tracks guide bumpers to designated locations Retrofits existing 3-stage fence locations

Millwide. Worldwide.

12 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 MULTI-TRACK FENCE Model 11 Trimmer

High-speed precision fencing. NEW DESIGN Floors pivot open for operation, or closed for 24 systems sold! maintenance.

Multi-Track Fence is the industry’s top solution USNR’s Multi-Track Fence allows for wider lug spacing at higher speeds, with less critical timing than other rotary fence models. And because it operates with all electric actuation (using no air or hydraulics) the system is incredibly easy to maintain. It is designed for retrofit into existing 3-stage fence locations. Extended holddown shoes for processing thick or Flexible features, proven performance curved boards.  Push or pull back configurations, 12” (30.5cm) and 24” (61cm) setbacks HIGH SPEED, ACCURATE PERFORMANCE WITH IMPROVED ACCESS  Bumper accuracy +/- 0.1” (0.25cm)  Speeds to 250 LPM (even in dimension applications) USNR’s new Model 11 Trimmer builds on the floors create a continuous surface with no openings Options  Non-critical timing; no air cylinder cushions to tune success of our standard Lineshaft Trimmer design for tools to fall through. The entire machine can be ►►Side-shifting precision end trim saw (zero saw) for that has over 300 installations. The latest design locked out from the operator/lumberline side. infinite trim lengths  Simple PLC control features a top that opens clamshell-style enhancing ►►Length sensing photo-eyes mounted overhead in  Electric design reduces operating costs the time-tested high speed, accurate and reliable Features protective enclosure  No fussy brakes internal to moving board bumpers performance of our standard model. ►►Infinitely adjustable saw positioning (12”/300mm ►►Extended holddown shoes for processing thick The new Model 11 Trimmer uses the same saw spacing) maximizes trim accuracy, flexibility or curved boards  Easy access to all components for maintenance standard components as the Lineshaft Trimmer, and ►►Saw spacing also allows shorter transfers and  Retrofit existing 3-stage fence locations (9’-0” / 2.74m the universal design allows it to easily be installed reduced floor space min. roll) into existing lines. ►►Operates at up to 240 lugs per minute ►►Trims products up to 6” thick Improved maintenance access ►►Accuracy: -0, +½ mm Model 11 Trimmer’s full length hinged top ►►Single high speed cylinders (dual available) provides exceptional access for saw changes and ►►Dual banded 5V belts (triple available) 800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com [email protected] maintenance. The ergonomic design of this trimmer ►►Quick belt changes with quick-change couplings ensures all maintenance can be accomplished from and pre-mounted spare belts the floor level and up. The clamshell lift cylinders ►►Easily adjusts to allow changes in saw diameter on each end of the trimmer do not protrude below ►►Saw arbor assembly is designed for quick floor level. One spare belt mounted per lineshaft replacement segment, and quick change couplers facilitate ►►Valves are visible and easy to access speedy belt changes. ►►Low noise/dust enclosure improves working Unique pivoting floors are made of grip strut conditions safety grating and provide a stable, safe platform Electric design reduces operating costs Push or pull back bumper configurations Tracks guide bumpers to designated locations Retrofits existing 3-stage fence locations to perform maintenance and saw changes. When Model 11 Trimmer only the trimmer is operating and the floors are open, ►►Full length hinged top for exceptional access sheeting prevents trim blocks from hanging up. ►►Pivoting floors provide a stable, safe platform for During maintenance, locking rods allow the pivoting maintenance floors to be locked out with no hydraulics required to ►►Entire machine can be locked out from operator/ remain securely closed. When closed, the pivoting lumberline side Millwide. Worldwide.

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 13 Customized Controls Innovations USNR delivers some of the most unique, customized solutions to our customers. With our integrated human-machine interface (HMI) and PLC, a central server allows each client computer to seamlessly switch between any of the machine centers on the floor. This allows easy software changes, and viewing production from any mill floor computer or the mill manager’s office. This powerful networking configuration works with systems of all sizes, and puts decision-making back in the hands of mill management. With smart consoles, the panelview panel display shows the status of all the drives that are controlled from that console. If a drive is in an alarm state the display shows the cause of the problem, making it easier to correct. Auto bin dumping (above right) frees up the stacker operator to queue up specific bins to dump in a specific order, or set up full automatic mode whereby bins are dumped automatically as they fill. This eliminates the need for a bin chaser. A package tracking screen (shown at right) allows packaging operators to view details about each package and see where it is in the flow. When the operator clicks on a package, the system displays the load number, package description, number of pieces and their length.

WinTally WinTally is USNR’s solution for sorter management, with a user-friendly interface for setting up sorts and managing bins, configuring alarms and messages. WinTally is an advanced sorter management system that captures real-time production information as boards enter the sorter, and data is arranged into an organized and logical database. All sorting is done in the tally instead of the PLC. This maximizes sort flexibility while reducing system complexity. Information can be viewed in real-time on the WinTally computer or from a remote location. Setting up sorts and managing bins, alarms and messages is easy with its user-friendly interface.

Key features in version 7.0: ►►WinTally offers full integration with the Lineal High Grader (LHG); products can be set up in the LHG and sent to the WinTally. Products can also be manipulated in the LHG to meet WinTally grade mixing rules. ►►Improved support with more standardization ►►Ethernet IP is standard Graphical interface screen makes it easy to understand your sorter status at a glance. ►►Now with Wireless Bin Attendant you can manage your sorting process from anywhere!

14 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 Lunden Stacker The USNR Lunden stacker (shown above) delivers ►►Faster cycle times while operating the sticker packages of great uniformity with near perfect sticker system at a slower speed alignment, with just one operator. It is capable of ►►Forgiving loading and timing requirements make achieving speeds of up to 18 cycles per minute, the system immune to chain stretch and wear- depending on package width, and offers a host of related issues other capabilities and options, including course- ►►Accurate placement of stickers, every time gapping, random-width pullback, sticker unloading ►►Ability to unload sticks from trays in the event of a (in case of a bowed sticker), and more. bent, broken, bowed, or misplaced stick

High-Speed Stacker USNR’s High-Speed Stacker has earned its reputation for durability and reliability based on performance in hundreds of installations. It pre-stages the lumber tiers, separating the tier dividing action from the stacking fork movement and allowing smooth operation at high speeds. The High-Speed Stacker can be installed into most existing production lines and is fully compatible with a variety of sticker and lath placer designs.

►►Power assisted tier width adjustment for a variety of products ►►Electronic control of infeed backlog and package outfeed for continuous, efficient material flow ►►Low profile design can be supported on common sub-structure with infeed transfer ►►Options include secondary hoist for continuous stacking, boxing mechanisms eliminate need for endpress, tier skewing when no stickers or lath are used, cherry pack feature to improve package The low profile design of USNR’s High-Speed Stacker allows it to be supported on a common sub-structure appearance, and more. with the infeed transfer.

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 15 Slant Hopper Stick Placer The Slant Hopper Stick Placer is a fully automated stick placing mechanism that eliminates many health and safety issues associated with manual stick placing, while reducing the cross-up issues associated with traditional automated stick placers. The system includes stick bunks, stick unscrambler, infeed section, stick allocator, and hopper filler. Positive placement of sticks ensures well aligned, stable kiln loads. A control system creates gaps for unused sticks to be recirculated ensuring constant stick delivery to the hoppers at very high speeds. All components are tuned for consistently high performance. The innovative, open design of this stick placer gives operators and maintenance personnel unprecedented access to the vital areas of the machine. The entire system can be built to operate with no hydraulic components.

►►Improved speed and throughput ►►Replaces manually fed systems, reduces potential for worker injuries ►►Open hopper design simplifies maintenance ►►Simple stick placement prevents sticks standing on edge and reduces potential product damage ►►Eliminates bad sticks, increasing uptime ►►Accurately places 1½” sticks on 2’-0” centers allowing higher kiln recovery, less deformation, less staining, less stick breakage ►►Utilizes small, energy efficient air components; no hydraulics required

IMPROVE YOUR mill’s performance THROUGH TRAINING

In July USNR was pleased to welcome personnel from the Grand Forks mill that took the training. personnel do not know how to adequately operate, from the Interfor, Grand Forks, BC mill, for training Ongoing training is one way mills can take tune and maintain your equipment assets, it’s likely on the Lineal High Grader (LHG) automated planer advantage of all the ‘bells and whistles’ their you are not getting the return on your investment you mill grading system. This was one of two groups advanced technology equipment has to offer. If your need to be competitive. When you make the investment to upgrade your systems, make sure you also invest in your people. You’ll both be glad you did. Call 800.BUY.USNR for information about our many training courses available either on site, or at one of our training facilities in the US or Canada.

Pictured from left to right: Aaron McFarland, “Junior” Eugene Da Silva, Allan Jmayoff, Vern Todoruk, Bill Zarubin, Paul Kazakoff (all from Interfor), and Mark Allert, USNR trainer.

16 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 USNR AT SFPA EXPO Where the action is!

Lineal High Grader fits in line directly behind the planer.

The last time the SFPA show was in Atlanta (2007), USNR built a deck made of premium Southern Yellow Pine. And it made quite a splash, allowing for a bird’s eye view of our primary breakdown equipment. This year the action will be at the back end of the mill and the planer mill, specifically trimming, fencing and planing. USNR is exhibiting its new Model 11 Trimmer, the popular Multi-Track Fence, and our team of planer mill graders: our proven Lineal High Grader, and our new Transverse High Grader featuring advanced BioLuma sensors. Visit booth #424 to investigate these innovations up close, see them operate, and learn how they can improve your yield and grade out.

With the most extensive line of wood processing Flat transport design of the equipment of any supplier, USNR provides fully Transverse High Grader easily fits integrated systems to manufacture dimensional into the traditional lumber flow. lumber, plywood, panels, finger-jointed components and engineered wood products – all from a single supplier with a long history of serving this industry. Committed to superior customer service, USNR offers 24/7 support and training across all time zones around the globe. From design and manufacture, through final installation and start-up, USNR works closely with you to keep your project on budget and on time. Visit both #424 at the SFPA show in Atlanta, GA Aug. 11–12, or contact us today at 800.BUY.USNR, +1.360.225.8267, or [email protected].

Equipment on display ►►Model 11 Trimmer – delivers high-speed, ►►Transverse High Grader – brings all the accurate and reliable performance, and a hinged advancements and years of experience from our top design features exceptional access for saw renowned Linear High Grader into a transverse changes and maintenance. package. THG uses the new BioLuma sensors for ►►Multi-Track Fence – a cost effective solution for even greater accuracy and efficiency. mills that require high-speed precision fencing in ►►Lineal High Grader - the proven solution for demanding applications. The system allows for automated grading in the planer mill, offering wider lug spacing at higher speeds, with less critical continuous advancements in the quest for higher timing than other models. All electric actuation value, higher recovery and consistent adherence reduces operating costs and simplifies maintenance. to grade.

ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 17 New Projects

Ball Lumber - Edger optimization upgrade The mill at Millers Tavern, Virginia is upgrading its Geo 2 edger optimization system to the MillExpert platform. The existing GeoII scanners will be maintained, and paired with the latest MillExpert hardware and software.

Battle Lumber - Trimmer optimization upgrade Battle Lumber of Wadley, Georgia has ordered Smart TriCam sensors to replace its existing V6 scanning system for its trimmer optimizer.

Boise Cascade - M6 edger system upgrade to MillExpert, with ControlLogix The Boise Cascade Kinzua Lumber mill at Pilot Rock, Oregon will update its edger optimization Coe lathe system with existing M6 scanning system to the latest MillExpert platform. This upgrade includes Freres Lumber - Coe M-1380-48 core drive Humboldt Redwood - Lineal Edger Optimizer replacement of all hardware except the transverse Freres Lumber at Lyons, Oregon is installing a new This mill in Scotia, California has ordered a lineal scan frame, sensors and cabling. As well, the mill core drive on its existing Coe lathe. The model edger optimizer system comprising a lineal scanner will upgrade its PLC5 controls system on the edger 1380-48 core drive will minimize deflection of the outfitted with Newnes LPL sensors in combination line to the ControlLogix platform, and reuse its block in the lathe as the block is peeled to very with the MillExpert optimization platform. The new existing consoles and field devices. small diameters. By peeling to a smaller diameter system will improve the resolution and accuracy over more usable veneer is produced, thus improving the existing lineal optimization solution. Boise Cascade - Coe M-72 dryer retrofit recovery from each block. The hydraulically powered The Boise Cascade plant at Oakdale, Louisiana is core drive imparts a turning force to the block that Idaho Forest Group - LHG computer and retrofitting its Coe M-72 veneer dryer with new substantially reduces spin-outs at the chucks due to WinTally upgrades controls and features that will improve efficiency. splits or soft ends in the veneer block. The Athol, Idaho planer mill is upgrading its Lineal The 16-section dryer will receive a complete new High Grader (LHG) system to version 6.0 software ControlLogix control system. The wet end seal Hood Industries - Small Log log rotation and log and new computer hardware. The upgrade utilizes system will see modifications to its ADEC system, optimization system the existing laser profile, X-ray and vision scanning including new full size duct for better access/ Hood Industries at Metcalfe, Georgia is installing a technologies that enable the LHG to fully grade maintenance, new stainless backwardly inclined new small log processor that will be outfitted with lumber for the following defects: centrifugal wet end seal fan and eclipse burner MillExpert log rotation and log optimization software. ►►wane, shallow face / edge wane assembly. The existing ADEC system fan and motor The log rotation scanner features SmartTriCam ►►face and edge skip located adjacent to the wet end seal section will be sensors in a single scan zone. Once turned, the ►►hole measurement – face and edge reused. Cooler pressure balance control and veneer dual scan zone log optimization system (also with ►►slough knots and tear outs temperature compensation are part of the package SmartTriCam sensors) takes over and the log is ►►planed bark and cambium – graded as wane of supply. rescanned after rotation and prior to entering the ►►warp - crook and twist machine centers. ►►splits and shakes: 1, 2 & 3 face shakes and end splits Coe dryer ►►sap stain (i.e. blue stain in bug kill) ►►heart stain ►►knots: sound/unsound, bark encased, decayed, slough, holes ►►grain distortion ►►slope of grain: average (i.e. 1 in 8) ►►full on rot and white speck, and ►►pitch pockets.

At the same time the mill will upgrade its WinTally sorter management system to version 7.0 software.

18 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011 Lakeland Mills - Gang & Edger top reman heads Tolko Industries - transverse edger and trimmer Lakeland Mills at Prince George, British Columbia optimizer upgrades has ordered top chip head assemblies to retrofit its Tolko’s mill at Lavington, British Columbia will Schurman McGehee gang and Newnes board edger. upgrade both its edger and trimmer optimizers with the latest (V7.1) Newnes optimization. The upgrades Scierie West-Brome - Carriage optimizer will include new computer hardware, and new GenII The mill at Ville-du-Lac-Brome, Quebec has ordered sensors will replace the GenI planview sensors. a carriage optimizer equipped with 3-D LASAR scanning system and MillExpert optimization. The Tolleson Lumber - Carriage and edger optimizer upgrade will also include improvements to the upgrades to MillExpert platform control system. The Tolleson Lumber mill at Preston, Georgia is upgrading its YMSS carriage optimization system Sierra Pacific - Revolver lug loader to the MillExpert platform to improve its whole-log The mill at Anderson, California has ordered a new breakdown. This project incorporates an entirely Revolver lug loader and backlog table for its sawmill. new optimization and control system that reuses the existing scanners and operator’s control console. Spanish Trail - planer mill improvements The mill is also upgrading its GeoII transverse The Spanish Trail Lumber mill at Cypress, Florida edger optimizer to the MillExpert platform. The will receive a new Revolver Lug Loader as well as TimberGrafx platform and VAX computer hardware other lumber handling improvements. will be replaced with the latest MillExpert hardware and software. The new computers offer a full Stimson Lumber - Primary breakdown line 3-year warranty and are based on dual, quad-core Stimson Lumber’s Tillamook, Oregon mill is Xeon processors yielding a dramatic increase in installing a new primary breakdown line to process processing power. The existing GeoII sensor heads maximum 26” diameter x 10’ long logs. The supply will be retained. will feature a reciprocating quad roll log turner and centering sharp chain system. Optimization will include SmartTriCam scanning system and the MillExpert operating platform. 

Name

GOOD ROTATIONS

Title New primary lines at Carrier LumberOUTSIDE yield better THE rotation, CYLINDER recovery

BlockPLUS enhances performance at Rainier Veneer

Company Ramping up for a market turnaround WEST FRASER MOVES TO VISION ON LHG

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ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 19 PO Box 310 Woodland, WA 98674

Millwide INSIDER is printed on recycled paper.

Bob Pope is an Account manufacturing, and at the same hardwoods and SPF dimension. Manager for USNR in the time continued his studies to He says, “Each project is Northeast region of the US. receive a Master of Business important, whether it is for a Administration degree. single kiln or a complete sawmill He accepted the role as line. I enjoy helping mills achieve From his roots grading hardwood Account Manager when he their best and improve their lumber, Bob Pope has had a moved to his current location bottom line.” long career in this industry. He at Montpelier, Vermont. From Bob and wife, Karen, raised received a BS in Wood Science his home base he services three daughters and have been and Technology before joining customers in the US Northeast blessed with a grandson. The the Irvington-Moore division in region. couple is actively involved in Jacksonville, Florida in 1979. During his tenure, Bob says their church and enjoy volunteer For a time he worked in he has worked with customers work there. Bob also enjoys sales, then engineering and processing Eastern White Pine, woodworking as a hobby. PROFILE

AUG. 11-12 SEPT. 9-10 SEPT. 21-24 UPCOMING SFPA Expo Wood Week NHLA Atlanta, Georgia Quebec, Canada Nashville, Tennessee

SEPT. 5-7 SEPT. 15-16 OCT. 22-24 EVENTS NZ Forest Industries Expo COFI EWTA Info Fair Rotorua, New Zealand Prince George, BC, Canada New Orleans, Louisiana