Oak Ridge Hardwoods

On Tuesday, September 24^th, a group of students were taken to Oak Ridge Hardwoods Mill by Adam Taylor, a professor in Forestry here at University of Tennessee.  There we were introduced to Chris Keziah , the 2^nd generation owner of the mill.  He took us around the grounds and explained the process of milling.  That morning we were able to see some freshly cut White Oak pallet cants in stacks.  They were perfectly straight, and a beautiful beige coloring.  We were reminded that they will not stay in that condition for long, soon to start shrinking, warping, and turning color.   Chris explained to us the grading process in which the cants go through and what graders are looking for.  We also learned more about the economy of wood, and found that there is actually a supply and demand for pallet cants.  Many cants that are cut are made into pallets because companies need them.  If the demand happens to be low in some cases, the mill will start cutting railroad ties instead.  This means those involved in the Green Oak Initiative will be competing in these markets trying to show that the heart of the oak can be utilized for much bigger means.  Towards the end of the tour Chris kindly told us we may come back and pick out some White Oak cants to start building and testing, which will start soon.