A new three-saw Valley Machine optimized edger was added to the mill in mid-September 2005 with hopes of maximization of grade recovery and production flow. Thanks to the efficient work of the employees of Quality Hardwoods, the total downtime for the installation of the edger was only two weeks.

The edger has a maximum feed speed of 400 FPM. The mill’s average throughput is 16 pieces per minute. It is estimated that 60% of this goes through the edger. Therefore, the operator sees about 4,800 pieces per day. With this high level of production, the most immediate benefit was seen on the human side. Previously, the edger operator “had to handle every board” which caused fatigue and increase in human error, noted owner and President Luke Brogger. However, with the automated feeding capability of the new system, the operator can work in a control booth, which has eliminated the “fatigue factor” as well as human error. Additional benefits of the new Valley Machine optimized edger include a smaller footprint than a transverse edger and approximately a 2% increase in grade recovery.

The installation of the edger was the final piece to a 5-year expansion plan designed to double production. Thanks to the talent and ingenuity of the Quality Hardwoods staff, the project was completed almost entirely by in-house staff.