| Abstract: | Abstract A survey was conducted at nine sawmills in Japan to evaluate and compare the sawing of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) logs of 30 cm and more in diameter. The purpose was fourfold: (1) to document sawing patterns appropriate to the large-diameter logs; (2) to examine the composition of wood components (structural, nonstructural, and fixtures) produced from those patterns; (3) to investigate log and product prices; and (4) to ascertain distances to the log supplier and product markets. Impetus for the study arose from a forecasted shift in the diameter distribution of plantation trees in Japan; from small and medium-sized logs to large-diameter logs. With an overabundance of large-diameter domestic logs forecasted within the next decade, the need to understand how to best utilize and effectively process the large-diameter resource is of utmost importance. |
