Weyerhaeuser Co. and Georgia-Pacific reported record earnings in building products for the third quarter. Weyerhaeuser Co. reported wood products operating earnings increased 132% to a record $202 million from $87 million during the same period last year. Operating profits in G-P’s building products segment were $333 million compared with $185 million for the same period last year.

Weyerhaeuser Filing Supervisor J.E. Talley certainly has a lot of ground to cover, but that doesn’t stop him and his staff from staying on the sharp edge of saw filing technology. This major timber processing facility, based here since 1910, houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive and experienced saw filing operations. The facility covers 375 acres and is the largest of Weyerhaeuser’s southern pine mills.

During the summer of 1999 a major southern hardwood producer tested the operation of variable pitch saws and some of the tools used to maintain them. The project used real-time monitoring equipment to measure the performance of several types of saws in an objective way and evaluate the costs and benefits of variable pitch technology.

Years ago, saws were filed and set by hand. The first patent for an automated setting machine was issued in 1909 in Germany. It automated the process by having the saw put into the machine and then turning a hand wheel that moved the saw and pushed hammers to set the blade. Now, we would laugh at this being called automated, but the point is automation should be looked at in the perspective of time and working conditions.

Though barely three years old, Pacific Pallets is growing cautiously under the watchful eye of owner Ron Pierzina, who entered the pallet recycling business in 1997. The owner’s knack for networking and offering extra services to his customers have positioned the company well to compete for used and reconditioned pallet sales in western Oregon.

Armstrong Manufacturing Co. introduces the CNC Circle Saw Topper/Facer to grind the tops and faces of triple chip, variable pitch and alternating top or face bevels—all the rip and trim saws normally used in sawmills. Industrial grade Pentium computer and touch screen interface control all functions. Memory can store parameters for up to 14 saws between 6" and 36" diameter.