Lumber recovery efficiency of some selected sawmills in Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the lumber recovery efficiency among selected sawmills in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The main sawing method used during the log conversion was the live-swing method. Before, during and after the sawing operations, parameter measurements were generated and documented. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage distribution and bar chart. The results generated from the log conversion were used to estimate the percentages of lumber recovered and the wastes produced. The study revealed a lumber recovery efficiency ranging from 50.16% to 58.81%, with 3.31% to 10.02% of the log generated as sawdust and 32.38% to 40.8% of the log generated as wood wastes in form of slabs, shavings and off-cuts. Optimal volume yield and optimal sawing pattern is important for considerable reduction of wood-wastes generated in sawmills cognate experience should be a major determinant in the appointment of head rig operators. Routine maintenance of machines especially the saw blades are essential.