Scragg Mills
A scragg mill takes a round log and squares it off, cutting it down into a square or rectangular cant ready for further processing. It's the machine behind small log processing: taking scragg logs, the lower-quality or undersized logs that don't meet the grade for a full sawmill, and turning them into usable material.
Some large sawmills run a scragg mill alongside their main line, as a place to send logs that don't qualify for grade lumber. Other operations, particularly pallet producers, run a scragg mill on its own, with no sawmill on site, just to process pallet cants. Either way, log diameter is what determines which scragg mill fits, not the length of the log or the type of wood.
Pendu builds two types of scragg mills, sized to the diameter you're running.
The length of the log you're running determines the machine.
Sawmill-Length Logs: Two vertical blades cut slabs off the sides on the first pass. The log comes back through and the remaining sides are cut on the return.
Pallet-Length Logs: Cut in both directions. The log goes through, two sides are cut, the blades shift, and the remaining sides are cut on the way back.
Diameter: Within either type, the machine is sized to the diameter of the logs you're running.
Material: Hardwood or softwood doesn't change which scragg mill fits. Length and diameter are what determine the machine.
A place to send logs that don't grade out: A sawmill doesn't use every log that comes in. Logs too small or too low quality for grade lumber get routed to a scragg mill instead of the head rig.
Processing pallet cants without a sawmill on site: Some pallet producers run a scragg mill on its own, with no sawmill in the operation, just to turn scragg logs into pallet cants.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the type of wood change the machine?
No. Diameter determines which scragg mill fits. Hardwood or softwood doesn't change the configuration.
What's the difference between the pallet-industry version and the sawmill version?
The cut cycle. Longer, sawmill-length logs are cut on the way through and again on the way back. Shorter, pallet-length logs are cut in both directions, with the blades shifting between passes.
What happens to the cant after it comes out of a scragg mill?
It moves on to a resaw or gang saw for the next cut. A round log can't run through a gang saw directly. It has to be squared off first.
What kind of support can I expect after installation?
Pendu is based in New Holland, PA. Whether it's the cut cycle, the blade setup, or general troubleshooting, you're calling people who know the machine. See our After-Purchase Support page for more information.
Your Application Comes First. The Solution Comes Second.
Tell us the length and diameter of the logs you're running. Pendu builds scragg mills to fit either, and if what you're running falls outside what's described here, that's a conversation to have with us directly.
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