The Concept

The Micromill line of small log processors are the affordable option to efficiently produce merchantable lumber from small logs.

Worldwide environmental and economic pressures have led wood processing industries to recognize the potential of smaller logs. The challenges of handling and processing small logs inspired the development of Micromill’s mobile small log processor. It can deal with small stems and treetops close to the source allowing finished products to leave the harvesting area instead of transporting the waste that comes with round wood.

Designed to process 25,000 to 100,000m³ per year, Micromill processors are suitable for small and medium size operations. They are also viable as a satellite mill for larger companies interested in pre-processing small logs remotely.



Micromill’s modular design makes assembly and breakdown very simple and allows frequent re-location with minimum downtime. The mill is built in to a standard size shipping container ensuring portability and eliminating the need for buildings. It can be equipped to be completely self reliant freeing operation from utilities and infrastructure.




Environmental conditions such as bug kill and forest fire burn areas represent unique opportunities for the robust, self reliant system. Micromill Operators can take advantage of the short term fibre supply while avoiding contamination elsewhere.

The Details

Micromill produces cants and/or dimensional lumber from logs with or without bark in a single pass.

The core of each Micromill is the compact saw box containing the unique chipping head configuration. The two stage system combines a four head chipping process with double arbor rip sawing. The proprietary chipping head design accommodates both a saw ring and finishing knife configuration. This unique ability allows the mill to be easily adapted to different fibre sources.

State of the art hydraulic cylinders, with integrated Temposonics, position the chipping heads through operator input. A central console controls and monitors all critical functions of the system from one location. Programable pre-sets allow the operator to change head settings on the fly with the push of a single button.

Minimizing maintenance cost was an important consideration in the design of the mill. Good accessibility, clean layout of components and user-friendly manuals contribute to efficiency in servicing the machine. Every aspect of Micromill’s manufacturing ensures precision and consistent high quality.




The solid construction of the entire unit maintains accurate performance and reliable operation under harsh conditions.

 The Process

A small crew of 3 or 4 workers can efficiently run the mill under full production.

The mill produces four-sided cants and/or lumber from logs 3-13 inches in diameter and 5-20 feet long. After rolling off the log deck onto the pre-feed table, the sorted logs are transported into the mill. Here the chipping heads form them into four-sided cants before the double arbor saws cuts the cants into boards. At the outfeed lumber flows onto a green chain to be sorted.





The chips produced in the process can be contained and used for a variety of products depending on the chipping knives used and the condition of the logs processed (bark on or debarked).

The Results

The Micromill’s cutting tools produce lumber with high dimensional accuracy and an excellent surface finish.

A large number of lumber sizes and cutting patterns can be achieved with the basic configuration.

The Micromill saw box is engineered to accommodate quick saw and knife changes making it easy to maintain the high quality of the finished lumber. The unique chipping head design virtually eliminates knot tear-out and produces a valuable, high quality, wood surface well suited for remanufacturing.

The Possibilities

Every component of the Micromill systems can be configured to meet the specific requirement of
each application.

The Log infeed can be enhanced with a heavy duty sharp chain pre-feed table. Optional blowers and conveyor systems are available to propel chips to any location for disposal, storage or shipping to be further processed.
Diesel or electric power configurations give operators a choice for stationary or mobile application. Engine horsepower can be matched to processing requirements.

On the outfeed side an optional landing table with sweep arms is available for quick and smooth transfer of lumber onto the green chain. Other Outfeed options and custom conveyor systems as well as stacking bins and carts can be utilized to bring a Micromill operation to the optimal level of efficiency.

Aside from different flow layouts and optional components additional machinery is available that can turn the basic small log processor into a full scale sawmill. The Micromill design principles and focus on mobility and reliability are applied to all additional machinery modules.

The Micromill team is a group of dedicated, enthusiastic and skilful workers committed to serving their customers with nothing less than the best.

Based in the small British Columbia town of Summerland Micromill is serving customers throughout the world. The innovative concepts of Micromill’s products find applications on plantations in Australia as well as in theremote forests of Siberia. Experience gained in such varied installations greatly benefit the continuous product development.

Supporting customers over long distances has helped to refine Micromill’s training and service programs into relevant and practical tools enabling operators to maintain their systems through the challenges of every day production.