SAWLEX 2009 Seminar Series

Produced by the editors of Independent Sawmill & Woodlot Management magazine for forest industry professionals looking for new ideas and best business practices.

Seminars may be purchased individually or as a package of six (which includes admission to the show). We will soon be opening online registration; please check back later tonight.

Schedule and Descriptions

Seminar 101
Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12 Noon

Solar Drying of Lumber

Drying lumber can be very profitable. For a small operation requiring less than 10,000 BF of dried lumber per year, solar drying can be a reasonable option. Learn about the Virginia Tech design, construction and operating techniques from solar drying experts.
Speakers: Gene Wengert, President, The Wood Doctor's Rx, LLC; Brian Bond, Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech

Seminar 201
Friday, 12 Noon–1:30 p.m.

Drying for the Small Operation

Explore the basics of the drying process and learn how to select the kiln that's right for your operation. This discussion will include dehumidification lumber kilns as well as conventional steam, hot water, direct-fired, and vacuum systems.
Speaker: Don Lewis, President, Nyle Corporation

Seminar 202
Friday, 12 Noon–1:30 p.m.

Pallets 101—Pallet Industry Opportunities

Where is the pallet industry headed? Can you diversify by breaking into the pallet business? This session will have a dual focus: surviving (and even thriving) during a recession for pallet manufacturers and users, and pallet industry essentials for loggers and mill operators who are thinking of entering the industry.
Speaker: Edward C. Brindley Jr., Publisher of Pallet Enterprise and Timberline magazines, and the Pallet Profile Weekly and Recycle Record.

Seminar 301
Friday, 2:30–5:00 p.m.

Grading Hardwood Lumber

Grading of lumber determines its value. The basics of grading will be presented in this session. Twenty-five pieces will be available for discussion/practice. Bring a lumber scaling stick if you have one. (Note: This is an extended, 2.5 hour session.)
Speaker: Gene Wengert, President, The Wood Doctor's Rx, LLC

Seminar 103
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–12 Noon

How to Saw a Log for Maximum Profit

Depending on technique, sawing can end up a non-profit operation, or it can be profitable or highly profitable. Learn to identify the most advantageous opening face location and size, when to move to another face, how to select the face, how to saw different quality logs and more.
Speaker: Gene Wengert, President, The Wood Doctor's Rx, LLC

Seminar 203
Saturday, 12 Noon–1:30 p.m.

Forestry and Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are gourmet mushrooms that are both tasty and healthy. In this workshop, participants will find out the link between forestry and mushrooms and will learn how to inoculate and cultivate their own shiitake logs. Participants will each take home their own inoculated log.
Speaker: Dave McGill, Professor, Forest Resources Extension Specialist, West Virginia University

Seminar 303
Saturday, 2:30 –4:00 p.m.

Chainsaw Maintenance

With a basic knowledge of proper chainsaw maintenance (sharpening the chain, cleaning, carb adjustments, etc.), you can not only extend the life of the bar, chain, and internal components, but you can also prevent unnecessary trips to the saw shop for repairs.
Speaker: David S. Hardesty, LSCA Program Specialist, Logging Sediment Control, Gassaway, WV