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2021 Annual Oregon Logging Conference Cancelled at Lane County Events Center and Fairgrounds

12/03/2020

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.

McDonough AutoMAXX Resaw

11/16/2020

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 Entry-Level Bandsaw Blade Sharpener

11/16/2020

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.

NEW AND IMPROVED NETWORK SAWMILL CAMERA

11/10/2020

Opticom Technologies is pleased to announce the release of its new 3MP CC04 Series IP camera. (CC04-IP3MV) The new version offers both H.264 and H.265 video compression algorithms. H.265 compression reduces bitrates by approximately 50% which significantly cuts bandwidth and storage usage.

The 3MP CC04 delivers real time triple streaming that can be independently controlled in terms of resolution, bitrate and compression. Environmentally the camera is rated IP67 waterproof/dustproof. The built-in infrared (IR) array also ensures reliable video even in total darkness to a range of 65 feet.

Opticom’s CC04 Series industrial IP camera is designed to meet the tough environmental challenges that exist in wood processing mills and many other industrial facilities. The camera features advanced vibration damping design right down to the neoprene equipped mount. The camera installs in minutes in virtually any location and can be integrated with all major video management software (VMS) platforms.

Opticom Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 1973 and continues today as an industrial video camera company specializing in manufacturing application specific cameras for a variety of industries. Our products are designed to solve the formidable challenges found in heavy industrial applications. For more information visit us at www.opticomtech.com or call us at 1-800-578-1853.

Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association is the Perfect Organization to Launch a New Show!

10/20/2020

Indianapolis, IN – For well over 120 years, the IHLA’s Annual Convention in early February has been the premier state level association convention! Year after year, the downtown Marriott in Indianapolis is filled with a huge crowd from all segments of the forest products industry and perennially carries an exhibitor waiting list months in advance – even in the midst of the uncertainties for events due to Covid-19! Buoyed by the success of the annual convention, the IHLA is excited to host a second event next year with the first Hoosier Hardwood Expo, August 27th – 29th, 2021 at the conveniently located Marion County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The EXPO will be a celebration of the region’s logging, forest landowners and manufacturing sectors with business networking opportunities combined with live demonstrations, competitions, entertainment and woodworking. Logging and sawmill equipment will be on display along with a variety of educational sessions for the industry and the public in an enjoyable, laid back atmosphere including crafts, food, live entertainment, beer garden and more. Come experience the unique upbeat “vibe” of an IHLA event! IHLA members are the most passionate, committed and positive body the industry has to offer! For additional information on the Hoosier Hardwood EXPO, contact Liz Mershimer at the IHLA office (317) 288-0008 or by email at [email protected].

Waterproof Connection on Opticom's CC04 Camera

09/24/2020

Opticom Tech the leader in rugged, industrial video products for the sawmill industry is proud to announce that the CC04 IP Networking Vibration Camera now includes a waterproof connector. The CC04-IP2MV camera differentiates itself from other cameras because it is built to withstand vibration, dust and water. This Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera can easily be integrated into an existing camera system because it is built on an open platform that is ONVIF compliant. The camera’s new water-tight connection should make installation simple and quick. “We heard our customers thoughts and ideas about making the connection on this camera waterproof – so we went to work and made it happen for them. Here at Opticom, we strive to meet the needs and requirements of all of our customers.” Heidi Schmidt of Opticom Tech Opticom Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 1973 and continues today as one of the most respected and experienced Industrial CCTV companies. Opticom has served the Video Surveillance Industry for over 45 years. We offer a full line of Industrial and Commercial Video products to meet even the most unique needs of your customers. If you would like more information about this topic or other industrial video products, please contact Opticom Tech at 269-966-2900, email at [email protected] or visit our website at www.opticomtech.com.

New Portable 3/4 Pitch Slasher Chain Sharpener

09/17/2020

Jones Saw Tools introduces its new Model 75SCS Portable Slasher Chain Sharpener to their line of preferred saw sharpening tools. Developed for use in logging, sawmill and firewood processing, this tool is designed to sharpen chains right on the machine and right at the job site. No more running back to the shop when you’re down to your last chain. Eliminates excessive downtime along with wear and tear on machinery from dull chains. The 75SCS Sharpener is a simple, easy to use tool powered by your own cordless or electric drill. Simply chuck your drill to the 3/8” shaft end and you’re ready to go. Sealed ball bearing posts hold the ½” drive shaft that is mounted to a rugged, lightweight aluminum frame. Easy to mount – Easy to use and also sharpens 3/8 and .404 chain. For more information on the new product and all of the quality tools from Jones Saw Tools, call Randy at 812-354-6981.

HDE Launches their New HQSK (High Quality Small Kiln) Line-Up that is the Perfect Fit!

08/19/2020

Portland, OR – Finally a small lumber drying system that is NOT a TOY! The new line of small kilns now available from HDE are perfect for high value custom orders, short runs of special stock, long lengths and the extremely popular and profitable thick stock for mantles and high-end table tops. Available from 2,000 to 12,000 bf, the HQSK comes standard with options and features only found on the industry’s top dry kilns, and never before on a small capacity custom unit. Features like: low maintenance, bolt together, all aluminum construction; a wide range of energy sources including low pressure steam, hot water, dehumidification and indirect gas fired; door designs and loading options to fit YOUR operation and product line including track and forklift loading, wing, lifting or sliding doors and optional hydraulic powered doors; variable speed drives, high efficiency adjustable pitch fans, accurate temperature and humidity control, internet connectivity, plus drying schedules for nearly every species on earth, make the new HQSK a rare breakthrough in kiln drying technology. Plus, when you install a new HQSK from Hildebrand Engineering you get Worldwide Experience and German Engineering that’s BUILT IN AMERICA.

WOODWORKING FAIR MIDWEST EVENT GAINS MOMEN

08/06/2020

The Woodworking Fair Midwest, a secondary woodworking industry event occurring August 26 through August 28 in southern Indiana, has grown in supplier participation to include more than 15 exhibitors. Commitments from local to multi-national companies demonstrate that getting in front of customers is still important to their businesses. Suppliers to the woodworking industry both big and small will be showcasing their products and services at the show. As of early August, the exhibitor list includes, in alphabetical order: • Cefla Finishing • Dekker Vacuum Technologies • Dubois Equipment Company • Honeyville Metal • IVEC Systems • CasadeiBusellatona • Lamello • Northtech Machine • Nova Dry Kiln • PMK Systems • Pyramid Technical Group • Striebig • TigerStop • Timesavers • RUF Briquetting • Vecoplan • Weinig Holz-Her • Woodtech Machinery Exhibitor applications will be accepted until August 19. The registrations to attend the event have doubled since early July. The show is asking all attendees to officially register on the WFM website, woodworkingfairmidwest.com, to streamline the check-in process upon arrival. Show management is heeding every safety precaution necessary to sanitize the facility and administer thorough health screening upon each person’s arrival before entering the show hall. Dedicated staff will be on-site to regularly clean surfaces, while exhibitors are required to have hand sanitizer in their booths and disinfect their space repeatedly. Face masks may be required if state or local regulations mandate them. The Woodworking Fair Midwest is a friendly, casual event designed for the good of the industry that was formed as a result of IWF 2020 being cancelled. A trade-only event, the focus is on the secondary woodworking market including wood finishing, planing, profiling, cutting, grinding, and sanding, among other technologies. The website, woodworkingfairmidwest.com, allows attendees to register free-of-charge and potential exhibitors to express their interest.

Wood-Mizer Introduces Two-In-One MP160 Jointer Planer

08/05/2020

Wood-Mizer introduces the compact and versatile MP160 Jointer Planer as an efficient two-in-one woodworking machine for small workshops. The MP160 joins the Wood-Mizer range of woodworking equipment that includes two-sided planer/moulders, four-sided planer/moulders, and slab flattening machines. Starting at $4,495 USD, the MP160 Jointer Planer efficiently shares one horizontal cutter between two cast iron tables to produce straight-edged boards with the top jointer table and evenly planed boards with the bottom planer table. Switching between jointing and planing is done easily by moving the board from one table to the other without needing to adjust the table or stop the cutter or extractor. When jointing boards on the upper table, an adjustable board fence tilts up to 45° and locks into place for angled boards. When planing boards on the lower table, two power feed rollers move the board under the horizontal cutter at a fixed speed or optional variable speed. MP160 Jointer Planer Features • Starting at $4,495 USD • 2-in-1 jointer and planer combo • Switch between jointing and planing without adjusting the table or stopping the cutter • Jointing capacity: 9" wide • Planing capacity: 16" wide x 9-1/2" high • Adjustable jointer board fence up to 45° • 16 fpm fixed feed or optional 6-39 fpm variable feed for planing • Heavy-duty cast iron tables and sheet steel chassis • 240V 60Hz 1-phase or 3-phase power • Compact 56” x 32” machine footprint “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 MP160 jointer planer is a durable, versatile, and efficient machine that produces the same professional results of a jointer and planer in one compact footprint.” The MP160 Jointer Planer ships on a pallet and requires minimal assembly. Knives and comprehensive sawdust extraction systems are also available from Wood-Mizer. The MP160 Jointer Planer 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.

Barko Hydraulics Welcomes New Dealer: Ozark Machinery Company

07/30/2020

Superior, Wisconsin – Barko Hydraulics (Barko) is proud to announce the addition of Ozark Machinery Company (Ozark Machinery) in West Plains, Missouri as the company’s newest dealer. Ozark Machinery has been an experienced logging and sawmill supplier since 1972, offering a wide range of new and used machinery, parts and technical service. Ozark Machinery will sell and support Barko’s full line of forestry equipment for the state of Missouri, with emphasis on Barko’s line of Utility Loaders. “Ozark Machinery has served customers in the forest products industry for almost 50 years – that’s an impressive legacy that Barko is proud to take part in,” said Joel Larsen, Barko President. “Their longstanding history as a high-quality sales and support provider is a great opportunity for us and an honor for Barko to be a part of.” Ozark Machinery is backed by a strong team who have years of experience in the forestry industry. Their large inventory includes popular built-to-last brands to ensure they offer their customers high-quality solutions to get the job done right. “For almost 50 years, we’ve worked hard to provide our customers with the highest quality products specifically built to meet their needs,” said Jeff Barber, owner and president of Ozark Machinery. “We’re proud to move forward with Barko as they have been a key player in the industry for many years.” About Barko Hydraulics Barko Hydraulics, LLC (Barko) is a trusted developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative heavy equipment solutions for the forestry, site prep and material handling industries. Based in Superior, Wisconsin, Barko is focused, responsive and committed to delivering products designed to help operators become more successful, comfortable and safe. Built tough and built to last since 1963, Barko’s lineup includes knuckleboom loaders, grapples, harvesters, feller bunchers, processors, industrial wheeled tractors and more. For more information, visit www.barko.com. Barko is an affiliate of The Heico Companies, a family owned business and parent holding company for a diverse portfolio of manufacturing, construction and industrial services businesses. About Ozark Machinery Company Ozark Machinery Company (Ozark Machinery) was founded in 1972 and has strived to provide the finest selection of logging and sawmill machinery and supplies available. Centrally located in West Plains, Missouri, Ozark Machinery’s highly experienced team services customers complete needs for new and used machinery, parts and technical support. In addition to offering sales and product support for Barko forestry equipment, they are also a distributor for Cummins, HMC, Mellott Manufacturing, Multitek, and Simonds International. For more information, visit www.ozarkmachinery.net.

The 2020 Paul Bunyan Show has been Cancelled

07/24/2020

After much deliberation, the Paul Bunyan Show Committee and the Ohio Forestry Association Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Paul Bunyan Show. The safety of our exhibitors, attendees, staff and volunteers are our top concern, and we do not feel we can put on a show of this nature and adhere to the COVID-19 safety measures put in place by the state and local health departments. Our goal has always been to put on a successful show for our exhibitors and an entertaining show for our attendees. With the uncertainty about the number of people that might be allowed to attend and what events we would be able to hold, we cannot in good faith ask our exhibitors to take the financial risk that would be involved in attempting to have a show this year. We look forward to returning October 1-3, 2021.