Processes

1. Log Yard Processes

Logs arrive at the yard tagged and graded by our log buyers. Each tag is scanned for receipt and the logs are sorted accordingly. Logs are then selected from inventory according to the grade and length required to maximize recovery, for each order. The logs are then transferred for conditioning.

2. Conditioning

Logs are prepared for the lathe by immersion in large water vats. When conditioning is complete, the logs are transferred to the de-barker.

3. De-Barking

An automatic conveyor system feeds logs into the de-barker. The de-barker’s blades expand or contract with the diameter of the log to allow for the removal of nearly 100% of the bark and minimize the loss of wood fiber. This contributes to Great Lakes’ ability to maximize the recovery from the logs. The conveyor then transports the log to bucking.

4. Bucking

Based on the veneer length for the specific job, a lathe length is specified and a laser measuring system guides the cutting of logs to the proper length. The logs then go to the lathe.

5. Lathes

Based on specified veneer length, the logs move to one of four lathe lines. Each lathe has computer controls for thickness and speed.

Full Rotary (MPEG)
Half-Round (MPEG)
Offset (MPEG)

6. Lathe Line Grading

The clipped veneer is sorted and only those pieces meeting the specified grade are selected, sorted and passed on to drying.

7. Drying
Veneer is dried in one of four steam-heated or one gas fired veneer dryers. The veneer is dried per specie and grade specifications to the specified moisture content. Veneer is inspected for dimensional accuracy and grade, then sent to sizing and/or splicing or directly to shipping.

8. Sizing

Veneer pieces are resized to customer specifications and delivered to splicing/joining.

9. Splicing/Joining
The random veneers are then jointed and edge glued together to establish a full ribbon of veneer. The ribbon is then cut to the customer-specified length and width. The veneer is then sent to shipping.

10. Dying
If dying of the veneer is needed, the properly sized veneer is placed in an autoclave and through the use of a vacuum dye is set into the veneer. Upon removal, the dyed veneer goes through the dryer to achieve proper moisture content. The final product then moves to sanding and or shipping.

11. Packaging/Shipping

Careful inspection ensures accurate weight and piece counts and protective packaging maintains proper moisture content and helps eliminate damage in transit.

Other Process Notes:
Quality Control: Great Lakes Veneer grades and checks the product against detailed spec sheets every time it's handled, from the timber stand through conditioning, cutting, drying, dying, sanding, sizing and packaging.

Redundancy: Two de-barkers, two bucking saws, four lathes, five dryers, three splicers and a backup gas boiler are among the redundant machines that allow Great Lakes Veneer to maintain fast, flexible and timely operation, even during routine maintenance.

Humidity Control: Our facility employs a humidity control system to ensure a 6 - 8% equilibrium moisture content of our veneer.