Why More Softwood Mills Are Choosing Linear Edgers

As the demand for efficiency and recovery grows in the softwood industry, more mills are moving toward linear edger systems. McDonough has been building edgers for decades, and we’ve seen firsthand how a properly aligned linear edger can simplify operations, boost yield, and reduce downtime.

The Right Fit for Softwood Production

In a linear edger system, the board stays on a fixed path from scan to cut. There’s no grabbing, no lifting, and no repositioning—just one smooth, accurate motion. For high-speed softwood mills where volume and reliability are critical, this simplicity makes a major difference.

Linear edgers eliminate the mechanical complexity of transverse systems and dramatically reduce opportunities for error. Every board is scanned and edged in one continuous motion, allowing for greater speed, cleaner cuts, and consistent results shift after shift.

What Softwood Mills Are Gaining

Mills that install linear edgers can see immediate benefits. The system has fewer moving parts to maintain, yet it delivers higher cutting accuracy because the board is never moved off its scan path. That leads to improved recovery and fewer downstream issues. And because there’s less handling involved, the system performs better at high speeds without introducing variability.

There’s also a growing recognition that linear edgers are easier to maintain than they’re often given credit for. With proper alignment and routine checks, mill staff can keep the system running accurately with minimal intervention. At McDonough, we provide the tools, training, and support to make sure mills get the most out of their investment.

A Proven, Repeatable System

Every linear edger relies on six essential components working in sync:

1. A high-speed sawing unit that follows the optimized cut path
2. Conveyor systems that keep boards aligned with the centerline
3. A scanner and optimizer that generate value-driven solutions
4. A control system that manages timing and saw movement
5. An edging separator that cleanly sorts boards from waste
6. Precise machine alignment to tie the entire process together

When these elements are dialed in, softwood mills benefit from a system that’s accurate, predictable, and built to last.

The Bottom Line

If your mill is looking for better recovery, reduced mechanical headaches, and higher throughput, a linear edger may be the answer. Softwood producers across North America are already making the shift, and McDonough is proud to support them with proven equipment, experienced teams, and long-term service. Linear edging isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a smarter way to run your softwood line.

Let’s talk about what it could mean for your mill.