To fill custom orders some stock was recut to specific sizes
on the resaw band saw. Note the thick planks as they are cut into thinner
boards. Boards with rough edges were sorted and passed through the edger
to get the maximum width out of each. To prevent wastage the slasher was
used to cut edgings and slabs.
The edgings were used to fire the boiler and the slabs where
used for lath and pickets. The slabs went down to the semi-dimension mill
on the lower level, where they were cut into blanks for the furniture industry.
(voice over from Donat Huneault seen in this shot)
All sawdust, bark and chips are directed to the fire box
of the boiler as fuel. The stationary engineer oils the 14 foot steam driven
flywheel, which drove the mills equipment.
The trimmer men cut the rough ends off each board and cut
them to standard lengths. In the Sorting shed, graders marked the lumber
according to quality. Sorters placed the lumber on trams according to grade,
dimension and type.
