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The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Eric Gee to serve as Executive Director. Eric succeeds Tami Kessler, who retired after a 44-year career with the association.       

Eric began his wood industry career in Jackson, Mississippi with James M. Vardaman & Company where he worked as a consulting forester. He joined SFPA in 1997, serving in multiple capacities including marketing, government and environmental affairs, and director of SFPA’s Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition. For the past two years, Eric has served the association as Deputy Director.   

Eric graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Forest Resources and continues to contribute to his alma mater as a member of Auburn’s School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Advisory Council. He is a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester, Alabama Registered Forester, and Certified Exposition Manager. Eric resides in Covington, Louisiana with his wife, Lauren and two daughters. 

“Eric brings a comprehensive set of skills set to the management of SFPA operations and the Board congratulates him on this well-deserved promotion,” stated SFPA Chairman Craig Forbes after making the announcement at a recent Board of Directors meeting. “Knowing what he does about our daily operations and the forest products industry, Eric is well prepared to manage the future progress of our association,” he added.  

“Working with SFPA’s staff of dedicated professionals, I am looking forward to continuing to serve all SFPA members and further enhance the value of their membership,” Eric said. He may be reached by phone at 504-443-4464 ext. 3, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Wood-Mizer introduces the CookieMizer Clamping Jig for safely and efficiently sawing wood cookies with a portable sawmill. Built in the USA, the patent pending CookieMizer is the first sawmill attachment of its kind and joins the Wood-Mizer range of other popular sawmill attachments which make it possible to produce wood shingles, siding, posts, beams, and more.

Starting at $495 USD, the CookieMizer attaches directly to a sawmill bed and uses one adjustable and one fixed clamp to secure round logs in an upright position up to 20” in diameter at the base. Once the log is secured, the sawmill head travels as normal with the blade sawing through the log creating wood cookies with each pass at the desired height. The unique clamping system of the CookieMizer allows for final cuts within 1-1/2” of the base in order to produce the most cookies possible out of each log.

The CookieMizer eliminates the need to inefficiently make a temporary sawmill jig each time there is a need to create wood cookies on a sawmill. With wood cookies increasing in popularity for decoration, small tabletops, and more, the CookieMizer is a simple and profitable way to increase the value of short logs by turning them into marketable products. In addition to being compatible with Wood-Mizer brand sawmills, multiple mount options are available for various sawmill makes and models.

CookieMizer Clamping Jig Features

• Starting at $495 USD
• One adjustable and one fixed clamp
• 20” max log diameter
• Multiple mount options available for various sawmill makes and models
• Built in the USA

“Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing the best-in-class products for sawmillers and woodworkers throughout the world,” said John Smith, Wood-Mizer CEO. “With the increased demand for wood cookies in the industry, the CookieMizer makes sawing cookies safe and efficient for portable sawmill owners looking to increase value from their short logs.”

The CookieMizer ships on a single pallet and requires minimal assembly and set-up time. The CookieMizer Clamping Jig is now available to order in North America. For more information, visit www.woodmizer.com or contact your local Wood-Mizer representative.

About Wood-Mizer

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, band resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, woodworking equipment, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world. Visit woodmizer.com for more information.

The 2021 Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Expo (The Loggers Expo) that was scheduled for mid-May in Bangor, Maine has been postponed until September 24^th and 25^th.  The show organizer is tracking a number of factors that still need to flip in favor of a large gathering (Canadian border opening, ME gathering restrictions loosening, out of state travel to ME relaxing), but the region’s forest products community remains hopeful.  

Assuming things improve enough over the next several months, we’re certain to have a great show in September. Please visit the Expo website at www.northernlogger.com or call the show organizer at 315-369-3078 for more information.

On April 12, 2021, attendee registration housing blocks will open for the 36th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – EXPO 2021. This three-day event will be held in person from August 11-13, 2021 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. Advance attendee registration will be available on SFPAexpo.com starting on April 12, and costs just $20 per person. The housing block for EXPO includes 750 rooms at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, which is connected to the Georgia World Congress Center.
Sponsored and conducted by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) every two years since 1950, EXPO includes many of the biggest names in the business displaying everything from commercial and portable sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers. EXPO provides a space for both hardwood and softwood sawmillers to gather, celebrate new technology, network, and learn about the industry’s latest products. Expo 2019 featured over 54,000 square feet of exhibit space and 181 exhibiting companies.
The show for 2021 is shaping up to be a record event. Not only will EXPO be one of the first large events in the industry to take place in person in over a year due to COVID-19, SFPA and Hatton Brown Publishers, Inc. have announced a collaboration on a sawmill conference to be held in conjunction with EXPO. The conference portion of EXPO will take place August 11-12, and will be co-located at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The conference will offer a variety speakers, educational sessions, and seminars as an addition to the EXPO experience.
“It is extremely fortunate that the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline allows us to move forward with planning for an in-person event,” states SFPA exposition director Eric Gee. “EXPO is such an important event for the sawmilling industry, and we are looking forward to seeing everybody in person in August. Planning a show at the tail end of a global pandemic presents certain challenges, but we are prepared to follow all state and local COVID-19 guidelines to provide exhibitors and attendees with a show floor that prioritizes their health and safety.”
As for the show floor, more than 95 companies are set to exhibit the latest sawmilling equipment and services for the forest products industry, across nearly 37,000 square feet of indoor space. Some exhibit space remains. “More than 81% of the floor plan is under contract,” notes Gee. “Many exhibitors returning from the 2019 show have expanded their displays for EXPO 2021, plus we have many first-time exhibitors,” he adds.
Complete registration information, housing details and other show facts are available by visiting sfpaexpo.com. For questions about the show, e-mail Eric at [email protected].

The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) will hold its 56^th Annual Meeting on April 6 -8, 2021 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky.  The association plans to host over 350 company representatives from throughout the region.  There will be a variety of discussions and activities to enjoy during the event.  A number of opportunities will be made available for attendees to gather and discuss current issues, and meet with customers both new and old.  The meeting will get underway with the John C. Smith Memorial golf outing at the University Club of Kentucky Golf Course in Lexington, Kentucky.  

The exhibit area will be open throughout the meeting and the Tree Farm Awards Luncheon will recognize outstanding individuals for their achievements in the forest industry community.  

Topics for discussion will include updates on the current issues related to how we are moving beyond the Covid pandemic, Hardwood Promotion Coalition, and some labor and transportation issues and other topics of importance to the industry.      

For more information on exhibiting or attending the 2021 Annual Meeting or KFIA programs and membership, please call 502/695-3979, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.kfia.org. 

Shiocton, Wisconsin – Go Fast Manufacturing is excited to announce the release of the newest addition to their impressive line of cut-stock equipment: The new Go Fast Unscrambler. This conveying system is designed to be safe, durable, and compact.  It is used to singulate material into your system, one piece at a time. The cut-off saw operator or anyone else you choose has three simple controls at their fingertips. This eliminates the labor of manually loading material onto your saw.

The Go Fast Unscrambler is built super heavy-duty and uses large H78 chain and sprockets throughout the chain decks. The optional sprockets in the center of the package deck break stickered or frozen bundles apart before the material falls into the unscrambler pit. Removable steel catch arms are included on the infeed side of the package deck to help prevent material from falling off. Compact and sturdily constructed, the new unscrambler is a highly capable design. The system features:

•  Low-Profile Design: 24” Package Deck Height (Standard)
•  8,000 lb. Package Deck Capacity
• Heavy H78 Mill Chain and Sprockets
• Friction Reducing Chain Wear Strips
• Removable “Catch Arms” to Prevent Material from Spilling off the Package Deck
•  Available with 2 or 3 Chain Strands
• Optional “Tipper Sprockets” Available for Breaking Apart Frozen or Stickered Bundles
• Self-Contained 5HP Hydraulic System
• Can be Configured to Include: 
  • Powered Take-Away Rollers, Dealer Decks, or Outfeed Conveyor Belts
• Can be Used with Go Fast Equipment: 
  • CS-24 Chopsaw, DET-20 Trimsaw, or MET-20 Trimsaw

Go Fast Manufacturing, LLC – Go Fast is a high quality, innovative, value-added manufacturer, of highspeed sawmill and pallet machinery. Go Fasts primary mission is to provide our customers with a mix of quality machinery, quality service, and a pathway to business success. With a growing selection of over 20 machine categories encompassing hundreds of options and configurations, Go Fast is rapidly becoming one of the premier suppliers to the industry. They manufacture machines that are, “Go Fast Built To Go Fast!"

Dalbeck Sales LLC in Wakefield, Michigan opened its doors in November 2020 to serve logging operations’ Equipment, Parts and Supply needs to keep their operations moving forward!

George Dalbeck (owner), a Certified Master Logger, has spent his career in the logging industry – owning, operating and growing G A Dalbeck Logging LLC since the 90’s and for years to come!  “There’s no replacement for firsthand experience and knowledge to understand customer needs in this industry – we want to be their first and only call, when needed,” says Dalbeck. 

If you’re looking for ready to work, quality equipment, new and used parts, logging supplies or customer focused consignment services call Dalbeck Sales LLC at 906-224-1000 or go to www.DalbeckSales.com.  

The Hakki Pilke 55 Pro was designed for effective professional firewood processing in close cooperation with firewood professionals around the world. The innovative functions of 55 Pro ensures superior performance in all conditions and situations. It demolishes 55 cm (22") logs of hardwood to high quality firewood with 40 tons (44 US tons) splitting power and high-performance hydraulic functions.  

Effortless splitting with HakkiMultiBlade and automatic splitting blade height adjustment system

The Hakki Pilke 55 Pro brings the firewood processing to the modern age with innovative and automatic functions. With the new HakkiMultiBlade™ you can split up to 24 pieces and then easily change to 8 pieces in only seconds. The automatic hydraulic height adjustment of the splitting blade ensures consistent high-quality firewood even when the diameter of the logs varies. The system has an innovative sensor that measures the diameter of each log and adjusts the splitting blade height accordingly to get optimal results.

“The innovative HakkiMultiBlade™ is an idea based on the customer need: the change of the splitting blade in big a firewood processor is slow and heavy. We wanted to make this easier for our customers. Now the change between 24-way and 8-way splitting blade is easy and takes only seconds.  Due to the new blade design, changing from the standard 8-way to 16-way is also fast. The HakkiMultiBlade™ and automatic height adjustment system comes as a standard to every 55 Pro firewood processor,” says Product Development Manager Timo Jussila.

Real-time information on production level and machine controls at hand

The 55 Pro has a modern data monitoring system with easy-to-use monitor screen. The monitoring system is collecting important data from machine’s productivity and processes. You get a real-time information about processed volumetric measurements, hours of operation, splitting method and safety covers. 

“Our customers have been hoping to get information on the productivity level and how much firewood is made. The screen and data monitoring system comes as a standard equipment.  This display shows statistics on the amount of produced firewood such as daily outputs and outputs per hour. You can also control a lot of different functions of the machine, such as the stroke of splitting cylinder and the wood measuring device, by this monitor.” says Export Manager of Hakki Pilke Jari Niskakoski.

User can easily change the wanted length for the firewood from the monitor. The measuring device moves automatically to the correct position based on the selected length. The plate can be driven manually forward or backward from the monitor’s buttons. In the monitor screen, the user can also control the half stroke function and turn the automatic blade height adjustment on manual. 

The Hakki Pilke XL Conveyor is available as optional equipment. You can complete and maximize the efficiency of your firewood factory by adding either the 6 m or 8 m XL Conveyor to the 55 Pro’s outfeed conveyor. The conveyor’s 60 cm (24") wide belt transports easily large amount of firewood and it has a cleaning system that separates the debris from the firewood. The XL Conveyor is also easy to remove from the machine and transport by its own tires for short distances.

Fast and uninterrupted processing with half-stoke splitting and landing plates

The productivity level of 55 Pro is unbeatable with the delay-free HakkiSplit™ splitting system with half-stroke function for making short firewood faster. You can choose the splitting to return after full, half or one-third of the stroke. The log landing plates ensure that even the shortest cut logs land neatly into the splitting groove. 

The 55 Pro has automatic greasing system that pumps at standard intervals, which saves maintenance time. 

It has five active safety covers to ensure the user safety and to ease the maintenance and processing of work. Safety covers are light weight, easy to use and stop all movements inside the machine once opened. 

The 55 pro has many other industry leading Pro Series features like the patented AC 10 automatic chain tensioner and electric automatic chain oil lubrication. The AC 10 system maintains the chain at optimal tension, improving the efficiency of the cutting and providing a significant increase to the life span of the chain and bar. The standard equipment’s also include HakkiCut™ sawing interface, automatically optimized saw lowering speed and hydraulic rolling log clamp.

Customer needs and experience are at the heart of the design process

Hakki Pilke strives continuously to develop products together with the global network of knowledgeable customers and distributors. The development of our firewood processors has always based on the needs and requirements of our customers and their business. 

“The need for bigger diameter and high-quality firewood as a result was at the heart of the design process. The machine was tested around the world in three different locations with different environment where thousands of cubics were made from hardwoods such as beech and blue gum. With comprehensive product testing we ensured that the 55 Pro works perfectly in all conditions. In addition, we got valuable feedback from the machine testers so that we were able to adjust all the functions to work flawlessly,” says Product Development Manager Timo Jussila.

A firewood supplier in South Germany, Dopei’s Brennholzverkauf, was one of the 55 Pro testers. “The 55 Pro with the automatic log measuring device can handle heavy and sturdy logs. Stronger infeed conveyor with two drive rollers moves heavy logs easily to the sawing. The 24-way blade can split effortlessly different types of hardwood like oak and beech. The automatic height adjustment makes the processing smoother when the log size varies which was a needed function for industrial operations,” says the owner of Dopei’s Brennholzverkauf Mr. Dominik Peisl. 

The expertise, product development and innovativeness of the world’s leading firewood processor producer is crystallized in the Hakki Pilke Pro series. The Hakki Pilke Pro series has grown over the years and now the 55 Pro is currently the biggest machine in Hakki Pilke product portfolio. 

“There was a clear need for a bigger machine as exports make up about 80% of the Hakki Pilke sales. Every year thousands of machines are shipped to 6 continents and over 35 countries to process all known firewood species around the world. Big diameter logs are easy to find in many countries with relatively low cost and many times these log are difficult to process and not suitable for sawmills or the pulp and paper industry. The 55 Pro is the perfect solution to this,” says Business Unit Director Anssi Westerlund from Hakki Pilke.

The Hakki Pilke 55 Pro machine is designed for true professionals who need high productivity and uninterrupted material flow with high quality end-result. Together with HakkiFeed 472 and XL Conveyor, you will get the leading firewood factory in the market. Join the Winning Team!

***

TP Silva Ltd produces the world leading Hakki Pilke firewood processors with more than 35 years of expertise. We deliver thousands of processors to our customers on six continents in over 35 countries every year. The international operation and local service network of Hakki Pilke offer the world’s best support and after sales service to processor owners. Hakki Pilke firewood processors are renowned by professional users around the world for the highest productivity and reliability. For more information, visit www.hakkipilke.com

We would like to introduce Danny Gatrell, the newest member to our Tigercat Forestry Sales team. Danny comes to us from John Deere out of the North Central Ohio area. Danny will be working closely with our forestry rep Jeff Beck to help us cover our Indiana market, as well as other areas. So help us welcome Danny into the Ricer Equipment family! You can reach Danny by phone at 740-222-4258 or email him at [email protected]

It is with regret that the Board of Directors announced today that the 2021 Oregon Logging Conference (OLC) at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds will not be taking place in February of next year. 

“After much discussion and based on the current and anticipated COVID-19 related restrictions next year, the Board of Directors has made this decision,” said OLC President Scott Melcher. He said it was a difficult decision to make. “We looked at a number of ways to have the conference as usual in Eugene, but just could not make it work with the restrictions in place,” Melcher said. 

On a positive note, even though the conference in Eugene is cancelled, there will be an 83rd Annual OLC with some of the traditional conference activities. “We will celebrate our conference in February of 2021, but in new ways,” Melcher said. 

Planning is underway for a series of sawdust bowls, which will offer multiple opportunities for OLC supporters to socialize and network. “We hope that members of the OLC, friends, and family will join us at the location most convenient to them,” Melcher said. “We know there are in-person gathering limits, so by having more than one sawdust bowl in more than one location, we can adhere to those guidelines, but still get together,” Melcher added. 

A tentative schedule of the sawdust bowls to be held in February 2021 in Sweet Home, Prineville, Roseburg, Philomath, Coos Bay, and Eugene, OR, and Vancouver BC Canada can be found on the OLC website, www.oregonloggingconference.com.

Several current topic seminars and panel discussions are being scheduled, some may be available for limited in-person attendance, and others will be pre-recorded. A Hands-on-Seminar will explore New Products and Practices for Cable Assist Logging. Other topics include the Oregon Forest Practices Act, Better Ideas/New Technology in Logging, the Three C’s (Communication, Coordination, and Cooperation) around High Voltage Facilities, and Your Voice – Your Vote Counts. 

To kick-off the celebration of the 83rd Annual OLC, a fundraising dinner is planned, with proceeds raised to benefit the OLC Recovery & Repair Fire Relief Fund. This dinner is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Sweet Home Supper Club in Sweet Home. OR. This will be a limited attendance event and will take place in compliance with any restrictions that are in place at that time. “The money raised will benefit Oregon contractors who suffered losses during the wildfires this year,” Melcher said. 

The Oregon Logging Conference is continuing to explore other ways to hold traditional conference activities. “We welcome participation in any or all of the events that we will be holding, but fully respect some who may choose not to participate,” Melcher said. “These are challenging times for all of us,” he added, “and we are planning new ways we can still celebrate OLC and do so in a safe manner.”

Wellman said the cancellation of the Annual Oregon Logging Conference will have a significant financial impact in the area. “The annual conference brings in millions of dollars to the communities of Eugene and Springfield as well as Lane County,” she said. The revenue comes from money spent at hotels, restaurants, and other retail outlets.

The Oregon Logging Conference was established in1938 and operates as a nonprofit organization.

On a separate note, the Oregon Logging Conference Foundation (OLCF) will continue supporting its annual scholarship program.  Since 1968, the OLCF scholarship program has provided over $975,000 in scholarships to college students throughout the northwest who have enrolled in forest related courses.

Reserve the dates for the 84th Annual Oregon Logging Conference, February 24, 25, & 26, 2022.

In the late 1890s, Frank McDonough invented the Travelling Bed Feed, now known as the Linebar Resaw, that revolutionized the sawmill industry. More than 120 years later, McDonough is once again re-imagining what the Resaw can be.

Available as a new installation or as an upgrade to any existing resaw, the McDonough AutoMAXX resaw system combines physical controls with a visual operator interface, high-quality digital imaging and vision optimization to maximize yield of grade and throughput. Using vision optimization to suggest the best face to the operator, the AutoMAXX AI framework will build a database of decision making processes based on operator decisions that will decrease dependency on the operator and allow the machine to run in “auto-mode” without pause, in turn improving operator decisions and reducing responsibility on the operator for productivity.

Allowing the operator to see four faces simultaneously, and identifying white spots, blond knots, low contrast color variation, etc., system overrides will be rare. As the AI framework processes and store information over time, the AutoMAXX will begin to utilize max available grade estimates to influence cutting solutions several cuts ahead.

Providing a significant increase in grade/value recovery, as well as reducing operator responsibility, error, injury and fatigue, the AutoMAXX optimizer provides estimated ‘max grade’, SM and value of each face with high accuracy.

Wood-Mizer introduces the entry-level BMS25 bandsaw blade sharpener designed for hobbyists and sawmillers in rural areas. Built in the USA, the BMS25 joins the Wood-Mizer range of sawmill blade maintenance products that includes personal and professional bandsaw blade sharpeners and tooth setters as well as grinding wheels.

Starting at $799 USD, the BMS25 runs on a 12V battery and can sharpen a variety of bandsaw blade profiles at a rate of 30 teeth per minute which is up to 5 times as fast as comparable sharpeners. The index arm automatically advances the sawmill blade as the grinding wheel sharpens the face and gullet of each tooth. The index arm also has a jog feature to advance the blade manually for easy set-up. The blade support arms feature a smooth ride and steady support to ensure consistent sharpening quality throughout the length of the blade.

The BMS25 is built in the USA and comes complete with a 5” grinding wheel, wheel shaping tool, and an durable stand while the battery is sold separately. When sawmill blades need to be sharpened on-site in rural areas, the BMS25 can connect to a 12V DC battery of a sawmill, truck, tractor or other automotive-style batteries that are able to maintain a 10-amp load. In addition, the sturdy stand includes 1-3/16” diameter pipe legs for durability and a wide base for extra-stability.

BMS25 Bandsaw Blade Sharpener Features

• Starting at $799 USD
• Sharpen a variety of sawmill blade profiles at 30 teeth per minute
• Auto feature automatically advances the blade for sharpening
• Jog feature manually advances blade
• Compatible with 1”, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” wide bandsaw blades with 7/8” tooth spacing
• Cam for 10°/30° profile blades standard
• Optional 9°/29° cam with 4°/32°, 7°/39°, 7°/34°, and 7°/47° cam options coming soon
• 5” grinding wheel included with shaping tool
• 12V battery sold separately
• Built in the USA

“Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing the best in class equipment for sawmillers and woodworkers throughout the world,” said John Smith, Wood-Mizer CEO. “The BMS25 is an entry-level blade sharpener for people who want to maintain their own blades affordably with the flexibility to sharpen blades anywhere in the world.”

The BMS25 ships in one compact package and requires minimal assembly with an approximate 20-minute set-up time. The BMS25 bandsaw blade sharpener is now available to order worldwide. For more information, visit www.woodmizer.com or contact your local Wood-Mizer representative.

About Wood-Mizer

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, band resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, woodworking equipment, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world. Visit woodmizer.com for more information.