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Wood-Mizer introduces the WB2000 high-performance industrial sawmill that has been engineered specifically to meet the needs of high-production timber processing markets in North and South America. Successfully installed and operating in six continents since its initial debut, the WB2000 expands the versatility and affordability of a high-performance industrial sawmill in addition to providing world-class service and support from Wood-Mizer’s leading distribution network. 

Capable of sawing with 2” or 3” wide sawmill blades, the WB2000 combines the increased yield of thin-kerf blade technology with the durability and reliability that high-production operations demand. In addition, WB2000 sawmill blades can be sharpened with fast, accurate, and affordable CBN grinding wheel technology rather than relying on the expertise and costly resources of a professional saw doctor. Packed with high-performance features, the WB2000 includes a powerful 50HP electric motor, heavy-duty construction, low maintenance, live feed 2-camera video system, and an efficient operation with precision setworks for sawing large diameter softwood, hardwood, and tropical logs. The WB2000 can be used as a standalone sawmill to fully process a log, or in addition to an existing system to process irregular logs or produce custom orders. 

“Wood-Mizer is committed to providing the best sawmill equipment for high-production operations throughout the world,” said Luke Murray, Wood-Mizer TITAN Product Manager. “The WB2000 gives industrial sawmill businesses a robust, affordable, and proven sawmill with the added benefits of increased yield, production, and versatility.” 

WB2000 High-Performance Industrial Sawmill Features 

• Heavy Duty Twin Rail Head Construction with Quad Post Support 
• Increased Material Drag Back Capability 
• Wideband Performance with 2" or 3" Wide Sawmill Blades 
• 6 Ton Log Capacity 
• Live Feed, 2-Camera Video System 

Electronic setworks and an elevated operator control station allow a single operator to manage all sawing and hydraulic log handling functions while maintaining a clear view of production. The advanced setworks are displayed on a HMI touch-screen which presents board and cant sizes along with current head height, feed position, and blade power. In addition, deluxe joysticks provide the operator with precise control of all sawing and log handling functions and feature proportional hydraulic speed control. Hydraulic log handling functions include a dual-post log clamp, vertical side supports, bi-directional chain log turner, and power rollers for positioning the log and removing cants. The Wood-Mizer WB2000 high-performance industrial sawmill is now available worldwide. Contact your local Wood-Mizer Representative to order. For more information, visit www.woodmizer.com/titan. 

About Wood-Mizer 

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, band resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, woodworking equipment, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world. Visit woodmizer.com for more information.

For the second year in a row, chainsaws are going to remain silent on the Boonville-Oneida County Fairgrounds in August. What would have been the 74th NYS WOODSMEN’S FIELD DAYS, the 2021 August event has once again been cancelled due to the COVID Pandemic.

Officials of the NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days are unable to operate under the current NYS COVID regulations. The field days is a large event with many spectators. It is not safe nor feasible to organize and host the event for the capacity, spacing and participation limits that are currently in place by officials of New York State and the federal government.

Phyllis White, Executive Coordinator of the event states, “The decision to cancel the 2021 NYS WOODSMEN’S FIELD DAYS was not an easy one. Our event is unique in that we are a trade show and sporting event all rolled into one. Our participants come from 11+ states, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. There are many, many issues that affect us with regards to the NYS COVID/Pandemic regulations. Our number one concern is that we keep all of our spectators, volunteer staff, exhibitors, competitors and the Boonville community safe. Our board of directors also wants the quality of the event to be maintained. Our organization remains optimistic that 2022 will be the year the event will operate.”

All advance sale tickets will be honored at the 2022 event. The 75th NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days is tentatively scheduled to be held on August 19, 20 & 21, 2022. RAIN OR SHINE …. We are hopeful that we will see you once again! We are going to “knock your socks off’ with another great show!

For information on the event, you can visit our website: www.WoodsmensFieldDays.com or on our Facebook page.

April 8, 2021 - One family, two of the leading companies in the firewood equipment industry are now one.  Brent Easton, owner of Bells Machining Firewood Processors, has decided to retire and sell Bells Machining to his son, Andrew Easton, who is the founder and owner of an industry leader EastonMade Firewood Splitters.  Andrew was instrumental in the move by Bells Machining to begin manufacturing high production and top-quality firewood processors.  Most of the hydraulic and electronics currently utilized on every Bells processor were originally designed and engineered by Andrew prior to his founding of EastonMade Firewood Splitters.

The timing of the move couldn’t be better for all involved.  EastonMade’s continued growth in the industrial firewood splitter market was being limited by current manufacturing space and Bell’s Machining and Hydraulics location has plenty of room for not only combining the two companies, but accommodate the high growth trajectory of the company.  Andrew stated that he has several immediate upgrades planned for the Bell’s line-up, but mostly will be concentrating on streamlining and simplifying the manufacturing and sales process.  All model numbers will remain consistent and current owners won’t be impacted.  This focus will provide additional time for maintaining both companies’ industry leading customer service and R&D that will focus on improved production, safety and operator comfort across the board for the entire line of Bells Processors.

For more information on high quality firewood splitters, processors, conveyors, cleaners and more visit www.eastonmadewoodsplitters.com, or call 613-812-3213 for splitters or 888-995-1965 for processors.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Forest-products business professionals, students and workers interested in forest-related careers, and vendors of equipment and supplies will gather for commerce, education and networking at the 2021 Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5, at Penn State's Ag Progress Days site at Rock Springs.

Organizers of the event will follow all pertinent state regulations and local ordinances pertaining to COVID-19. Attendees are required to wear facial coverings both indoors and outdoors and must follow physical distancing guidelines for the safety of all participants, according to show manager Jesse Darlington, of Penn State.

"With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic perhaps in sight and the economy poised for a rebound, we're pleased that we will be able to host visitors on-site at the expo — a large portion of which is outdoors — in a safe manner as the industry strives to emerge from the pandemic as strong as ever," he said.

Known as Timber 2021, the biennial trade exposition is aimed primarily at loggers, sawmill operators, value-added processors and forest landowners. The event is hosted by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association. Parking and admission are free.

The leading hardwood-producing state in the nation, Pennsylvania is home to more than 2,100 forest-products companies and 750,000 forest landowners. About 64,000 Pennsylvanians work in the forest-products industry, accounting for about one of every nine manufacturing jobs in the state. The industry generates nearly $12 billion in annual sales and has an approximately $36 billion a year impact on the state's economy.

Timber 2021 is expected to attract dozens of commercial exhibitors and vendors serving the forest-products industry and emerging biomass markets. Owners and employees of forest-products companies can learn about new technology and best practices, Darlington said.

"Visitors can see the latest equipment on display and in action at live demonstrations, including wheeled loaders, horizontal grinders, chippers and other machinery," he said.

Matt Gabler, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association executive director, pointed out that the expo also provides valuable professional development for industry personnel.

"With new technology, ever-changing regulations and shifting markets, companies need every edge they can find, especially after a year like the last one," he said. "The networking and continuing education opportunities available at Timber 2021 can help employees and owners gain the knowledge they need to remain competitive."

Gabler noted that a Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative training course during Timber 2021 will enable loggers to meet their annual PA SFI continuing-education requirements. The course is free to attend, with a nominal administrative fee charged to those who wish to register for continuing-education credit.

New to this year's timber show is the Timber Strong Career and Employment Expo, which will provide a venue for companies to recruit prospective employees and for attendees to discuss jobs and career opportunities with exhibitors.

The Ag Progress Days site - at Penn State's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center - is nine miles southwest of State College on state Route 45.

Primary sponsors for Timber 2021 include Forest Products Credit by AgChoice Farm Credit, Kline's Equipment & Mill Supplies Inc., Foster F. Wineland Inc., Taylor Machine Works Inc. and Cleveland Brothers CAT.

More information about Timber 2021, including details on exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, is available by calling 814-863-2873 or by visiting the show website at https://agsci.psu.edu/timber.

Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #PaTimberShow.

April 8, 2021 – Mellott Manufacturing has a long history of unique and innovative designs that address the challenges of the modern sawmill.  The Model 70E Log Flare Butt Reducer is the latest such design.  As more mid to large hardwood sawmills move to Ring Style Debarkers the issue of butt flare is magnified.  

To address this challenge Mellott designed the standard Model 70E for logs from 8 to 17 feet in length and up to a max flare of 60”, the heavy-duty 14”x28” cutterhead, driven by a direct coupled 100HP motor with your choice of hydraulic or pneumatic overhead hold down wheels. The prototype is being constructed as a remote-controlled stand-alone unit operated remotely by the operator of the log loader, but the system is very flexible and can be installed in new or existing production lines eliminating the space, cost and personnel of running a Rosserhead debarker as a butt reducer.

 Like all of the Mellott line of material handling equipment, the Model 70E Log Flare Butt Reducer can be custom designed to fit your unique requirements.  To schedule a review call 717-369-3125.

Hinton, OK - Dougherty Forestry Mfg. of Hinton OK, today announced the new logo and branding of their line of forestry mulching attachments for skid steers and compact track loaders. The Mastodon Forestry Mulchers come in a 60” cut and DFM has added two more models to the line. The models are the Mastodon M60-F, Mastodon M60-S and Mastodon M60-C.

“A couple of years ago we stepped back from the industry and took a hard look at where the market was headed and developed these products to get ahead of the curve,” said Patrick Dougherty, CEO of Dougherty Forestry Mfg., Ltd. Co. “We made some major investments in new technologies and the Mastodon line of forestry mulchers have some never-before-seen features like ECU controlled shifting, lift assist, hour and temp monitoring and in-field smartphone tuning with Bluetooth. We feel these features future proof our client’s investment and makes certain their operations are competitive now and into the future.”

DFM has new tooling in their Hinton, OK facility to allow for manufacture of these new products. All manufacture, machining and dynamic balancing of major components is in-house to ensure maximum quality control.
Mastodon Forestry Mulchers are in stock and they come with a standard 24-month warranty. Please contact DFM at (405) 542-3520 for more questions or go to www.mastodon.com.

The Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) Board of Directors has appointed Eric Gee to serve as Executive Director. Eric succeeds Tami Kessler, who retired after a 44-year career with the association.       

Eric began his wood industry career in Jackson, Mississippi with James M. Vardaman & Company where he worked as a consulting forester. He joined SFPA in 1997, serving in multiple capacities including marketing, government and environmental affairs, and director of SFPA’s Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition. For the past two years, Eric has served the association as Deputy Director.   

Eric graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Forest Resources and continues to contribute to his alma mater as a member of Auburn’s School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Advisory Council. He is a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester, Alabama Registered Forester, and Certified Exposition Manager. Eric resides in Covington, Louisiana with his wife, Lauren and two daughters. 

“Eric brings a comprehensive set of skills set to the management of SFPA operations and the Board congratulates him on this well-deserved promotion,” stated SFPA Chairman Craig Forbes after making the announcement at a recent Board of Directors meeting. “Knowing what he does about our daily operations and the forest products industry, Eric is well prepared to manage the future progress of our association,” he added.  

“Working with SFPA’s staff of dedicated professionals, I am looking forward to continuing to serve all SFPA members and further enhance the value of their membership,” Eric said. He may be reached by phone at 504-443-4464 ext. 3, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Wood-Mizer introduces the CookieMizer Clamping Jig for safely and efficiently sawing wood cookies with a portable sawmill. Built in the USA, the patent pending CookieMizer is the first sawmill attachment of its kind and joins the Wood-Mizer range of other popular sawmill attachments which make it possible to produce wood shingles, siding, posts, beams, and more.

Starting at $495 USD, the CookieMizer attaches directly to a sawmill bed and uses one adjustable and one fixed clamp to secure round logs in an upright position up to 20” in diameter at the base. Once the log is secured, the sawmill head travels as normal with the blade sawing through the log creating wood cookies with each pass at the desired height. The unique clamping system of the CookieMizer allows for final cuts within 1-1/2” of the base in order to produce the most cookies possible out of each log.

The CookieMizer eliminates the need to inefficiently make a temporary sawmill jig each time there is a need to create wood cookies on a sawmill. With wood cookies increasing in popularity for decoration, small tabletops, and more, the CookieMizer is a simple and profitable way to increase the value of short logs by turning them into marketable products. In addition to being compatible with Wood-Mizer brand sawmills, multiple mount options are available for various sawmill makes and models.

CookieMizer Clamping Jig Features

• Starting at $495 USD
• One adjustable and one fixed clamp
• 20” max log diameter
• Multiple mount options available for various sawmill makes and models
• Built in the USA

“Wood-Mizer is dedicated to providing the best-in-class products for sawmillers and woodworkers throughout the world,” said John Smith, Wood-Mizer CEO. “With the increased demand for wood cookies in the industry, the CookieMizer makes sawing cookies safe and efficient for portable sawmill owners looking to increase value from their short logs.”

The CookieMizer ships on a single pallet and requires minimal assembly and set-up time. The CookieMizer Clamping Jig is now available to order in North America. For more information, visit www.woodmizer.com or contact your local Wood-Mizer representative.

About Wood-Mizer

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a world-leading wood processing equipment manufacturer with a strong legacy from its innovative sawmilling products. From forest to final form, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, wideband sawmilling equipment, band resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, woodworking equipment, firewood processing equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and professionals all over the world. Visit woodmizer.com for more information.

The 2021 Northeastern Forest Products Equipment Expo (The Loggers Expo) that was scheduled for mid-May in Bangor, Maine has been postponed until September 24^th and 25^th.  The show organizer is tracking a number of factors that still need to flip in favor of a large gathering (Canadian border opening, ME gathering restrictions loosening, out of state travel to ME relaxing), but the region’s forest products community remains hopeful.  

Assuming things improve enough over the next several months, we’re certain to have a great show in September. Please visit the Expo website at www.northernlogger.com or call the show organizer at 315-369-3078 for more information.

On April 12, 2021, attendee registration housing blocks will open for the 36th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – EXPO 2021. This three-day event will be held in person from August 11-13, 2021 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. Advance attendee registration will be available on SFPAexpo.com starting on April 12, and costs just $20 per person. The housing block for EXPO includes 750 rooms at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, which is connected to the Georgia World Congress Center.
Sponsored and conducted by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) every two years since 1950, EXPO includes many of the biggest names in the business displaying everything from commercial and portable sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers. EXPO provides a space for both hardwood and softwood sawmillers to gather, celebrate new technology, network, and learn about the industry’s latest products. Expo 2019 featured over 54,000 square feet of exhibit space and 181 exhibiting companies.
The show for 2021 is shaping up to be a record event. Not only will EXPO be one of the first large events in the industry to take place in person in over a year due to COVID-19, SFPA and Hatton Brown Publishers, Inc. have announced a collaboration on a sawmill conference to be held in conjunction with EXPO. The conference portion of EXPO will take place August 11-12, and will be co-located at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The conference will offer a variety speakers, educational sessions, and seminars as an addition to the EXPO experience.
“It is extremely fortunate that the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline allows us to move forward with planning for an in-person event,” states SFPA exposition director Eric Gee. “EXPO is such an important event for the sawmilling industry, and we are looking forward to seeing everybody in person in August. Planning a show at the tail end of a global pandemic presents certain challenges, but we are prepared to follow all state and local COVID-19 guidelines to provide exhibitors and attendees with a show floor that prioritizes their health and safety.”
As for the show floor, more than 95 companies are set to exhibit the latest sawmilling equipment and services for the forest products industry, across nearly 37,000 square feet of indoor space. Some exhibit space remains. “More than 81% of the floor plan is under contract,” notes Gee. “Many exhibitors returning from the 2019 show have expanded their displays for EXPO 2021, plus we have many first-time exhibitors,” he adds.
Complete registration information, housing details and other show facts are available by visiting sfpaexpo.com. For questions about the show, e-mail Eric at [email protected].

The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) will hold its 56^th Annual Meeting on April 6 -8, 2021 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky.  The association plans to host over 350 company representatives from throughout the region.  There will be a variety of discussions and activities to enjoy during the event.  A number of opportunities will be made available for attendees to gather and discuss current issues, and meet with customers both new and old.  The meeting will get underway with the John C. Smith Memorial golf outing at the University Club of Kentucky Golf Course in Lexington, Kentucky.  

The exhibit area will be open throughout the meeting and the Tree Farm Awards Luncheon will recognize outstanding individuals for their achievements in the forest industry community.  

Topics for discussion will include updates on the current issues related to how we are moving beyond the Covid pandemic, Hardwood Promotion Coalition, and some labor and transportation issues and other topics of importance to the industry.      

For more information on exhibiting or attending the 2021 Annual Meeting or KFIA programs and membership, please call 502/695-3979, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.kfia.org. 

Shiocton, Wisconsin – Go Fast Manufacturing is excited to announce the release of the newest addition to their impressive line of cut-stock equipment: The new Go Fast Unscrambler. This conveying system is designed to be safe, durable, and compact.  It is used to singulate material into your system, one piece at a time. The cut-off saw operator or anyone else you choose has three simple controls at their fingertips. This eliminates the labor of manually loading material onto your saw.

The Go Fast Unscrambler is built super heavy-duty and uses large H78 chain and sprockets throughout the chain decks. The optional sprockets in the center of the package deck break stickered or frozen bundles apart before the material falls into the unscrambler pit. Removable steel catch arms are included on the infeed side of the package deck to help prevent material from falling off. Compact and sturdily constructed, the new unscrambler is a highly capable design. The system features:

•  Low-Profile Design: 24” Package Deck Height (Standard)
•  8,000 lb. Package Deck Capacity
• Heavy H78 Mill Chain and Sprockets
• Friction Reducing Chain Wear Strips
• Removable “Catch Arms” to Prevent Material from Spilling off the Package Deck
•  Available with 2 or 3 Chain Strands
• Optional “Tipper Sprockets” Available for Breaking Apart Frozen or Stickered Bundles
• Self-Contained 5HP Hydraulic System
• Can be Configured to Include: 
  • Powered Take-Away Rollers, Dealer Decks, or Outfeed Conveyor Belts
• Can be Used with Go Fast Equipment: 
  • CS-24 Chopsaw, DET-20 Trimsaw, or MET-20 Trimsaw

Go Fast Manufacturing, LLC – Go Fast is a high quality, innovative, value-added manufacturer, of highspeed sawmill and pallet machinery. Go Fasts primary mission is to provide our customers with a mix of quality machinery, quality service, and a pathway to business success. With a growing selection of over 20 machine categories encompassing hundreds of options and configurations, Go Fast is rapidly becoming one of the premier suppliers to the industry. They manufacture machines that are, “Go Fast Built To Go Fast!"