Logs are next routed to the sharp chain and are loaded by the step feeder. This allows logs to be loaded quickly and consistently.
The log is hit with a hydraulic arm that pounds the log onto the chain. The chain consists of links that have a sharp point on the top side. This is where the term "sharp chain" comes from and is what keeps the log in place when it is cut. The log then passes through a laser scanner that determines the size and shape of the log and a computer decides what is the best way to cut the log.
The chain moves the log into the double bandsaw that first makes two flat sides by chipping off some of the wood with a chipper head. The band saws may then cut a side board off of each of the flattened sides. The log now has two flat sides and two rounded sides and is refered to as a cant. The chips and sawdust are dropped onto a conveyor system under the mill. The side boards are conveyed to the edger and the cant moves on to the canter.
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