Efficiency Edge

Efficiency Tips for Sawmill Operations

John Yoder, General Manager / (260) 214-1481

Vertical vs. Horizontal Edgers: Choosing the Right Option for Your Mill

When it comes to increasing efficiency and making the most of your mill setup, choosing between a vertical and a horizontal edger can make a big difference. The decision largely depends on your space, workforce, and the type of lumber you're producing. Here's a breakdown of how the two compare and what might work best for your operation.

Advantages of Vertical Edgers

If you’re producing pallet cants, ties, or crane mats, a vertical edger could be your best option. Here’s why:

Efficiency in Staffing: Vertical edgers allow you to edge directly on the mill, potentially eliminating the need for one worker.

Space-Saving: Since these machines take up less floor space, they’re ideal for setups where space is tight.

Convenient for Pallet Production: Side boards can be ripped to stringer size right on the mill, meaning you only need to cut them to length afterward.

Cost-Effective: A vertical edger is usually more affordable and can potentially be operated with slightly less horse power, making it a solid choice for those starting up or looking to save.

Simplified Operation: While it might require more skill from the sawyer, the benefits of a streamlined operation could outweigh the need for extra personnel.

However, vertical edgers have their limits. Notably, they aren’t the best idea to use in band saws operations, as the kerf width is a lot less than a circle blade, leaving almost no margin for error when determining depth of cut.

Cedar Creek Vertical Edge / Cedar Creek Vertical Edge

Advantages of Horizontal Edgers

On the other hand, if you’re working with higher-grade lumber, a horizontal edger is the way to go. Here’s why:

Perfect for Grade Lumber: Horizontal edgers provide greater accuracy, which is crucial when cutting high-grade lumber.

Handling Scrap: With the addition of a tailing belt, handling scrap becomes much easier.

Blade Flexibility: These machines allow for more options with blades at varying widths, making them more versatile for different types of cuts.

Gang Saw Combination: A popular choice among fence board producers, you can combine a horizontal edger with a gang saw for even greater efficiency. This combo allows you to cut a cant into multiple pieces in a single pass.

While horizontal edgers have more moving parts to maintain and may require additional support equipment, they offer unmatched accuracy and versatility for certain applications.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between vertical and horizontal edgers ultimately comes down to your specific needs—whether you’re focused on grade lumber or pallet production, and whether floor space or cost savings are a priority. Both types offer unique benefits, but no matter which you choose, the yield of lumber will be the same. Sometimes, the deciding factor could even come down to the skill level of your sawyer, as vertical edgers may demand more attention but can streamline operations enough to offset the difference.

Unsure which style of edger is the best fit for your operation? Reach out to a Showcase representative for expert advice and insights to help you make the right choice for your operation.

American Machinery Gang Saw Edger Combo / Accu-Cut Edger

Article Composed/Edited by:

EquipmentEdge Editor

Wayne Nisley (260) 214-4203

wn@brightstarauctions.com