Green Lumber Production

The "Green" in Green Lumber is strongly emphasized at Batey, Ltd.  They employ a McDonough head-rig band-saw and band re-saw to maximize log yield and reduce sawdust production.  Total tree utilization has always been a corporate goal, and Batey, Ltd. continually seeks avenues to improve their yield and reduce timber-stand waste.

To accommodate lumber markets, Batey, Ltd. grade sorts all of their green mill production, which allows the consumer to purchase only the grade and thickness they desire.  All thicknesses, 4/4 through 20/4, can be scheduled for production as orders dictate.

All production is Stain treated on the green chain by a customized process which sprays every board layer.  By avoiding the "dip tank" process, lumber still receives anti-stain preservation without the threat of specie contamination from the tank.

After the green lumber is packaged, it receives an end-coat treatment to further protect from end-checking and other damage which results when board ends are left exposed to the elements.

Custom Log Recovery System

This unique mill system allows the option to live saw or straight saw logs.  This mill's size promotes specialized specie cuttings and results in a maximum yield.

Steamer

Batey, Ltd. has a stainless steel steamer in operation, with an in-direct heat transfer system to ensure 100% steam saturation without lumber stress.  Steamer charges are monitored to allow for climate changes and steam time allowances are made to maintain high quality standards.  All lumber is banded with plastic banding to eliminate metal oxidization which leaves a residual stain on the lumber.

Custom steaming is available.

Lumber Sticking

We have an automated system to ensure uniform stick spacing, promoting flatter lumber in the finished product.  Consistency in stick spacing allows an even distribution of air flow, resulting in a more calculated drying process.  In addition, we use fluted sticks on all white woods to prevent sticker shadows.

Dry Kilns

There are two dry kilns in operation, with a 105,000 foot maximum capacity per rotation.  Our kiln operators are certified lumber inspectors who monitor each kiln loading process to ensure the lumber is correctly blocked, end-coated, and baffled, to better control air flow and lumber outcome.  We use advanced equalizing and conditioning techniques to correct the transverse and longitudinal stresses which naturally occur in the wood during the drying process.  In addition, our smaller, conventional steam heated kilns means moisture variables will be minimized, and the target moisture content goal is more uniform, which reduces machining and gluing problems greatly.

Our kiln size allows us to respond to custom order requests in a timely manner.

Kiln Dried Lumber

Batey, Ltd. specializes in Soft Maple and Walnut in their dry kilns, with a smaller emphasis on Red Oak and White Oak:
  4/4--20/4 Soft Maple
  4/4--8/4 Walnut
  4/4 Red Oak
  4/4 White Oak
We do not carry a large in-stock inventory volume, rather we respond to custom orders as they are dictated.  Program drying fits well into our operation because of our kiln size.

All kiln-dried lumber is given a 1-foot length sort, and 1 1/4" banding/export prep unless otherwise specified by the customer.  An export package tally, which includes piece count, width, and average width, is provided for each load.