Handling and Gradesawing Plantation Grown Eucalypts

Because eucalypts and other hardwoods can contain considerable growth stresses, they require specialised sawing techniques. Incorrect handling of hardwoods can cause end-splitting of logs and distortion of sawn timber, and low sawn timber recoveries. Factors to be considered when developing sawing strategies for young eucalypts are discussed in this bulletin, and general sawing strategies are given with the understanding that these should be adapted to suit the individual sawmiller"s situation. A description of the equipment currently used in eucalypt sawmills in Australia is also included.