What was SawTech 2009?
For sawmillers, there’s no denying the fact. It’s been tough in 2009. Market prices, reduced demand for wood products and rising raw material costs mean sawmillers are demanding more sawn outturn from their logs. There has been though some good news. Because of the “tough times”, plenty of standout technologies have been developed in 2008 and 2009 to assist local wood producers improve their sawing efficiencies.
SawTech programmes for over twelve years have set the benchmark for updating New Zealand and Australian companies on the very latest sawing technologies. SawTech 2009 again showcased the best technologies that have been developed and used commercially in sawmills throughout the world to improve sawing efficiencies; technologies that are suited to both the local industry and to the wood resource being processed. For sawdoctors and sawmill production staff, new developments and low cost tools to enhance the design, selection, maintenance and operation of saws were discussed in detail.
As with previous programmes, SawTech 2009 was divided into a number of distinct days. Day one concentrated on improving sawmilling efficiencies – from log merchandising, primary log breakdown, secondary processing, saw machine centre improvement, lumber trimming to sorting and stacking technologies. Day two concentrated on the selection and operation of saws, both circular and bandsaws.
Who presented?
All major technology providers of sawing and sawshop equipment were involved in SawTech 2009. It is the most comprehensive line-up of sawing expertise ever seen in this part of the world. Full details on the content of the SawTech 2009 series can be found on the SawTech programmes. In addition to expertise from both Australia and New Zealand, leading sawing companies from Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, Austria, France and Germany participated in the September series.
Some comments from the FIEA SawTech 2009 series
“Very informative, world class presenters professionally organised and run. Well done.”
“Excellent selection of world-wise speakers/papers.”
“First timber event I’ve been to. Learnt heaps on technology & saw alignment as well how other mills are being run”
“My first time attending SawTech, I’ll be taking a lot with me. Excellent presentations”
“Thank you very much. Networking is the key or another tool to successful business (communication)”
