Adrian (Ad) Landers, owner of Adco Engineering Inc., and the man who designed the first small log high speed sharp chain, died January 24 in Atlanta, Ga. He was 84. Landers was laid to rest in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. He is survived by his wife, Edna; 7 children, 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Landers was well respected for his integrity and character, and was a true gentleman.

Fifty-one percent of U.S. softwood lumber producers responding to a Timber Processing survey believe their “lumber market situation” will be “good” during 2012-2015, and another 7% expect it to be “excellent.” Thirty-seven percent say it will be “fair,” while only 4% predict it will be “poor.” These numbers reflect growing optimism compared to the producers’ outlook for 2011, with 28% expecting a “good” year this year, 4% counting on an “excellent” year, 43% saying “fair” and 22% pointing to a “poor” 2011.

They may not be considering as much capital investment as their softwood lumber counterparts, but many U.S. hardwood lumber producers plan to open their wallets during 2012-2015. Eleven percent of those responding to Timber Processing’s Sawmill Capital Expenditure Survey said they are considering a capital investment in machinery and systems at their respective mills of more than $1 million in the near future, mostly in the $1 million to $3 million range.

Short-term return on investment results from five previous scanner installations influenced Sierra Pacific Industries to purchase four more Lucidyne scanning systems for summer and fall installations. Two are GradeScan systems and will be grading shop, commons, dimensions, decking and timbers, with sizes ranging from 3-24 in. wide and up to 6 in. thick of a variety of species.

The Kähny Automatic Saw Tipping Brazing machine provides mills with the ability to tip up to 100 saws per day. The Kahny brazes carbide and APF tips onto the saw blades with squaring and centering so precise the tips need only be 0.005" over the final kerf. Other key features include balanced side clearance critical for accurate side grinding, and pyrometric temperature control to regulate the induction brazing process ensuring just enough heat for solder flow and inter-molecular bond.