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34 North American Natural Resources: Timber and Forest Products
The rough-cut pieces are then passed through a machine called an
edger
, which
removes the rough edges. Lastly, the pieces are passed through a trimmer, which cuts
the lumber into standard lengths. This whole process of cutting and forming the logs
into boards is called
conversion
.
The final step is the
seasoning
of the lumber. There is still moisture in the wood
at this point, even after all the steps it has gone through. The goal for most lumber is
to get the moisture content to about 15–20 percent. Wood that has not been seasoned
is referred to as
green
. Green lumber is more apt to twist and warp over time than
seasoned wood. Wood may be seasoned naturally, by allowing it to dry at the sawmill.
Usually, however, it is dried in a kiln.
After this process is complete, and the lumber has been properly seasoned, it is
shipped to commercial outlets. Lumberyards, home improvement stores, hardware
stores, carpenters, and the average homeowner now have access to the lumber from
the forest.
The Deadliest Job
According to the
US Bureau of Labor
Statistics, in 2013,
people working in
the logging industry
suffered the highest
rate of fatal work
injuries. Fatal injuries
include accidents with
equipment such as
chainsaws and large
machinery, as well as
those caused by falling
trees and tree limbs. The
rate of fatal injury was
over 91 per 100,000 full-
time equivalent workers.
That is one dangerous
occupation.