Big Red is a machine that cuts logs into pieces of usable wood. However, due to the design of the clamps that hold the logs in place, a small portion of each log cannot be cut. This portion is called the backer board.
As we load the backer boards onto the trailer, Big Red waits patiently for the next log to be clamped into place. The machine is a marvel of engineering, with sharp blades that slice through thick logs with ease. But despite its precision, it is still subject to the limitations of its design.
The backer board may seem like a small thing, but it is actually quite important. For one thing, it represents a waste of resources. The wood that makes up the backer board is still perfectly usable, but because of its shape and size, it cannot be used in the same way as the other pieces of wood that are cut from the log.
This wastefulness is not just an issue of efficiency, but also one of sustainability. Every tree that is cut down to make lumber represents a significant amount of resources, including the energy and materials that were used to grow and harvest the tree. If a portion of that tree is used for nothing more than a backer board, then these resources are effectively wasted.
Of course, the backer board is not the only piece of wood that is left over during the cutting process. There are also scraps of different shapes and sizes that cannot be used in the same way as the other pieces of wood. However, these scraps can often be repurposed or even sold to other industries that make use of smaller pieces of wood.
In contrast, the backer board is a uniform shape and size, which makes it difficult to repurpose. It also lacks the inherent value that comes with smaller pieces of wood, which are often sold to make things like furniture or other crafted items.
Despite its limitations, the backer board is an important part of the lumber industry. It represents both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses that want to be more sustainable and efficient in their use of resources. By finding new ways to repurpose or sell backer boards, they can minimize waste and maximize the value of every log that is harvested.
Some businesses have already started to do this, by using backer boards as fuel for boilers or as a substrate for mushroom cultivation. Others have found creative ways to turn them into decorative items or even furniture. However, these initiatives are still in their early stages, and more work needs to be done to fully utilize the potential of backer boards.
Another potential solution to the problem of backer boards is to design new clamps that allow for a more thorough cut. This would require a significant investment in research and development, but it could ultimately lead to more sustainable and efficient use of resources in the lumber industry.
In the meantime, it is up to individual businesses to find ways to make the most of their backer boards. Whether through innovative new uses or by improving their production processes, they can help to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices in the lumber industry.
Posted by www.joeharmondesign.com on 2007-05-26 22:48:59