ABSTRACT
The physical properties and growth characteristics of wood … would seem to impose certain limitations on the productivity gains that can be achieved. Wood does not come in uniform and standardized pieces and therefore does not lend itself readily to automatic handling as homogeneous materials do. Trees are scattered over wide areas which makes the assembly of large quantities for highly mechanized handling difficult, if not impossible…. In the mill each log is studied separately to determine the method of log breakdown that will yield the most quality lumber. 1
