Pallet and component parts from small-diameter red oak bolts

Wood material costs in both the primary and secondary manufacturing industries represent a large percentage of the wholesale cost of finished products. Because the cost and availability of traditional sizes of hardwood lumber and cants can be critical at times, it is prudent to consider other sources. These other sources could include the use of small-diameter trees and tops. This material is regularly used for pallet production but a portion of it can be used to produce clear component parts. Because of the opportunities perceived, a study was initiated to investigate the yield of pallet parts, bark, and sawdust from small, low-grade, red oak logs. In addition, the percent of clear and nearly clear pieces suitable for use in cabinets, furniture, panels or other wood products were evaluated. The study analyzed the production of 3-3/4- and 5-3/4-inch-wide by 40-inch-long (3/4-in. thickness) pallet parts from red oak bolts. The bolts were obtained from three top-log diameter classes ranging from 7.51 to 13.50 inches. The study mill used new, multiple thin-kerf bandsaw technology to produce pallet parts from small-diameter logs purchased on a weight basis. Clear and nearly clear parts were then segregated and dried in a vacuum kiln. From this material, glued-up panels were manufactured and compared for dimensional stability to panels prepared by the industry. On a weight basis, 47 percent of the logs were converted into pallet parts. Bark constituted 15 percent, sawdust 14 percent, and chippable residues such as slabs and edging strips were 14 percent. The balance includes log overlengths and bolt trimmings. Thirteen percent of the total log weight was clear or nearly clear parts. Results from this study show that it is technically and economically possible to salvage the clear parts for the production of glued-up panels.