How 2x4s Are Made: Sawmill Tour

Summary by Krater

A tour of Douglas County Forest Products sawmill demonstrates how raw logs are debarked, scanned, scaled, sawn into studs and boards, and kiln-dried.

From the video

Answers: How does a sawmill turn logs into dimensional lumber?

• Sawmill operations
• Log scaling and grading
• Kiln drying lumber
• Co-generation electricity production

What it concludes

• Douglas County Forest Products manufactures studs in 2x4 and 2x6 sizes in lengths of 8, 9, and 10 feet, all kiln-dried to 19 percent.
• The mill uses a third-party log scaler to determine the net dollar value of logs based on volume, grade, and defects.
• Sawmill residue such as sawdust and bark is burned to generate electricity and create steam for kiln-drying lumber.
• Different wood species require different drying schedules, which is why logs are sorted by species in the yard.