Programme
What was SawTECH 2011?
The SawTECH 2011 technology series ran in Australia and New Zealand for local sawmiller’s in mid June 2011. Over 200 delegates from all major sawmills from both countries participated in this event.
The SawTECH 2011 series had a much greater emphasis this time on the practical issues of selecting and running saws, low cost improvement tools and on smaller to medium sized operations which are such an integral part of the Australasian sawmilling industry. The common theme for the SawTECH 2011 series was on how sawmills could get the best out of the resource and operation rather than major capital investment in new plant. A better understanding of how saws within the mill are being selected, maintained and operated and how sawmiller’s could get the most out of each saw centre was a major focus for this latest sawing series.
With this practical focus, SawTECH 2011 used a number of practical “hands on” sessions with recognised independent sawmilling experts. Three international “sawmilling guru’s” from North America were involved in the Australasian series; Gary Schajer from the University of British Columbia, Warren Bird from California Saw & Knife Works and Joe Shields from USNR. They worked working closely with local sawmiller’s to outline an array of methods for assessing, maintaining and troubleshooting circular and band saws to achieve optimum performance in the mill.
In addition, new technologies in primary log breakdown, secondary processing, saw machine centre improvement and lumber trimming, sorting and stacking systems were profiled by some of the major technology providers from Canada, the US, Germany, Austria, Finland, New Zealand and Australia. Local companies that worked with the technologies also outlined how the equipment was selected, installed and used and what it’s meant operationally and financially to their own company. A series of in-mill research and trials from local sawmills also showcased.
Who participated?
A wide range of employees drawn from local sawmills including site managers, greenmill & production managers, supervisors, saw-doctors, engineering, maintenance and operational staff attended the SawTECH 2011 series. All major equipment, product and service suppliers to the sawmilling industry also participated. SawTECH 2011 was the largest gathering of Australasian sawmiller’s seen in this part of the world for many years.
Comments from the SawTECH 2011 series
“Once again a well organised event. Excellent opportunity to network with others in the industry”
“Good event & gathering ground for similar people in the industry, finding solutions and alternatives”
“Eye opener to see how the rest of the industry runs”
“Fantastic guest speakers, very informative and useful info”
“Well run, great speakers & content especially for such a specific area - the sawmilling industry”
“Excellent opportunities for networking with like-minded people in the industry”
“Would recommend to ALL sawmilling people”
“It’s informative and an opportunity to meet counterparts as well as suppliers”
“Not too many events now days that give an opportunity to get such a group of people together”
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