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A recent surge in exhibit space sales has filled 90% of the original floor plan for the 34th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – Expo 2017 – sponsored by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). The floor plan is now larger by another 8,000 square feet for this event, set for June 14-16 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The expansion grows the show to a total of just over 54,000 square feet. More than 100 companies have contracted space to exhibit at Expo 2017. “We had only about 2,200 square feet of exhibit space remaining so we’ve opened up additional exhibit areas,” noted exposition director Eric Gee. “Our recent trade advertising and direct mail campaigns have generated plenty of interest in the show, supporting plans to expand the floor plan,” he added. Sponsored and conducted by SFPA every two years since 1950, this event has traditionally included many of the biggest names in the business displaying everything from sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers. Complete details about Expo 2017, including the exhibit space application, the floor plan and a list of companies already signed up, are available at SFPAexpo.com. For questions about EXPO 2017, contact Eric at 504/443-4464 (option 3), or e-mail him at egee@sfpa.org.

Fecon, Inc. introduces the new SH280 Stump Hog stump grinder for the company’s versatile FTX128 track carrier. The SH280 Stump Hog brings big performance and robust construction to the job when powered by the 60-GPM/4,600-PSI high flow of the FTX128. The SH280 delivers impressive torque and wheel speed of 1,000 rpm through a large displacement direct drive 227cc hydraulic motor. The large 28.75” diameter wheel is swept from side to side with the ergonomic control of the FTX128 joystick. The dedicated auxiliary low flow of the tractor powers the sweep function so no performance is taken from the high flow power to the wheel. This powerful combination enables operators to be more productive, moving quickly from stump to stump in the quiet and comfortable enclosed FTX128 cab. Working from the enclosed cab also means working comfortably in the ambient heat or cold, or when rain might otherwise stop work entirely. The SH280 Stump Hog is a complimentary extension to the growing number of approved attachments that make FTX128 owners more versatile. The SH280 is their high performance solution for stumps after mulching with Fecon’s BH85SD-4 mulching attachment or felling trees with the company’s FBSD1500 bunching shear. About Fecon - Fecon, Inc. was established in 1992 near Cincinnati, Ohio. Fecon’s Bull Hog is currently the #1 selling forestry mulcher. Fecon also provides track carriers and other equipment for vegetation management, geothermal, seismic, and wood to energy biomass industries. If you would like more information about Fecon please call Courtney Haag at 513-696-4430 or e-mail at chaag@fecon.com.

Hurdle Machine Works Inc., located in Moscow TN, has manufactured its 500th complete sawmill which will be delivered to Hoosier Pallets in Milroy, Indiana. Hurdle has sold complete mills in the U.S. since 1969, and has continuously improved the mill design. From Oregon to Maine to Texas – Hurdle mills are producing big-time ties, timbers, and lumber all over the country. The simplicity of the mill, along with its pure toughness and production capability have made this the go-to machine to handle all types of logs. Over the past several years, mills have been sold to some of the largest wood manufacturers in the US. “We never thought that we would be doing business with companies the size of Anderson-Tully”, says Jeff Hurdle, VP. “When they came to Moscow to order their mill, they brought 10 people with them to help make the decision. Since then, they have installed the mill and have been sawing successfully producing lumber that adds to their operation. They love the mill”. John Hurdle, VP says “We have a great crew helping us manufacture these mills. Dad is here every day which is a blessing. Between Jeff and I, we have 5 kids. Hopefully at least some of them can take over the business one day to keep it going”. E.J. Hurdle, founder and President, says, “At first, nobody else would take a chance on me. After seeing the first mill work, orders started coming in. We've been perfecting these mills ever since” Hurdle Machine Works designed and implemented its website which can be found at www.hurdlemachineworks.com. Videos have been added to www.youtube.com/hurdlemachineworks. Each mill that goes out is shown on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hurdlemachineworks.

Dear NHLA Members and Industry Friends: The Hardwood Federation is working with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC) to deliver a joint sign-on letter (below) to Dept. of Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urging the withdrawal of new estate tax regulations recently released by Treasury. These proposed regulations would severely limit the ability of many business owners to pass their companies down from one generation to the next by restricting the use of minority valuation discounts for estate tax purposes. The Hardwood Federation fact sheet on this issue is attached HERE. This letter is open to all family-owned businesses and corporations, businesses, industry and trade associations, state and local chambers and allied organizations. If you are interested in signing your family owned company onto the letter, please do so at the following link: http://namissvr.nam.org/minisites/securesignup/letter.aspx?ID=113 <- COPY THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER Please also feel free to share this opportunity with your peers that have family owned business as well as other wood products associations you may be involved with. The Hardwood Federation is unable to sign on other organization and business so be aware that those interested must sign on themselves through the link above. The deadline to sign on to the letter is Monday, September 26, 2016 by 5:00 EST. This was a key issue for the 2016 Hardwood Federation Fly-In which concluded Thursday morning. The discussions were timely given that many members of Congress are unaware of these proposed regulations and the tremendously detrimental impact they will have on family owned businesses. The Federation hopes to have a tremendous representation from the wood products industry on this letter. Thank you for your assistance on this very important issue. Questions on the issue, should be directed to Dana Cole at dana.cole@hardwoodfederation.com.

Introducing "The Cub" 9" Benchtop Bandsaw, Grizzly's first addition to our benchtop series of portable home shop machines. We designed this machine with many of our industrial elements from our bestselling 14" models, and added some industry-first features for a benchtop bandsaw like the stout carrying handle, upper and lower ball bearing blade guides, and LED light. Metal doors and a 4" dust port with a 2-1/4" reducer for shop vacuums add to the list of impressive features this little bear offers. The all-aluminum fence and built-in table scale make this a great addition to any shop - small or large. MACHINE HIGHLIGHTS (see Machine Data Sheet for full specifications) • 1/3 HP, 120V, single-phase induction motor. • Features rack-and-pinion table tilt from 0°–45°, an extruded aluminum fence with camlock handle, and LED light. • Quick-release blade tension and ball-bearing blade guides. • Accepts 62" long blades 1/8" to 3/8" wide and is capable of 35/8" maximum cutting height. • Made in an ISO 9001 Factory • Weighs approximately 42 lbs. The Model G0803 is available at an introductory price of $189.95 (valid through 12/31/16); regular price is $230.00. It is covered by a one-year warranty. For more information call 1-800-523-4777 or visit www.grizzly.com.

PRS Group Inc. is proud to announce their newest product, NAIL IT Pallet Assembly Jigs. These economical, simple and productive nailing fixtures add flexibility and ergonomics to hand nailing pallets. NAIL IT Pallet Assembly Jigs produce pallets from 24” x 24” up to 52” x 52” with quick and easy changeover. These fixtures are built to handle 2, 3 and 4 stringer pallets, plus wing types. Standard with 8 board stops and 6 stringer stops. Constructed from structural steel, Pallet Assembly Jigs will work with both new and recycled lumber. For more information on NAIL IT Jigs call PRS today at (217) 291-0009.

Jones Saw Tools has introduced it's new Stainless Steel Tooth Stop and Stainless Steel Tooth Rest for the Jones Longhorn Saw Grinder. These will also fit the Hanchett Jockey Grinder, and proper mounting bolts and screws are provided with each part. The Stainless Steel Tooth Stop and Tooth Rest are just two of several innovations that make the new, full size Longhorn Saw Grinder the preferred choice for sharpening your head saw. Stainless Steel is much tougher and more wear resistant than conventional steels now used on these two items. The Jones Tooth Stop will last about two times longer than current tooth stops. In addition, the Jones Tooth Rest is also reversible, allowing it to be turned over so both sides can be utilized before being replaced. It will last about four times longer than current models. Not only does this greatly reduce the replacement cost of these two items, but it also reduces the down time required to replace them.

Fecon’s fast cutting Samurai Knife mulching tool now has a wider edge for even greater performance. The new Samurai tool provides over 14% more cutting width on its uniquely tapered edges that quickly slice as they cut through wood and brush. A vertical splitting element is also maintained in the durable forged body to help material efficiently flow as it is being cut. While the Samurai edge can be sharpened it has a self-shaping characteristic to maximize cutting efficiency with less maintenance. The newly improved dual edge Samurai tool is available in Fecon mulchers equipped with either smooth drum FGT or depth controlled DCR rotors. About Fecon - Fecon, Inc. was established in 1992 near Cincinnati, Ohio. Fecon’s Bull Hog is currently the #1 selling forestry mulcher. Fecon also provides track carriers and other equipment for vegetation management, geothermal, seismic, and wood to energy biomass industries. If you would like more information about Fecon or the DCR please call Courtney Haag at 513-696-4430 or e-mail at chaag@fecon.com

Automated Biomass System’s newest member to the AutoSplit family is the AS-390. Utilizing a ½ thick plate steel frame with integrated hydraulic tank and a 12 HP Honda GX-390 engine to create a machine with all the technology and durability of its Big Brother the AS-630 HD at a price tag that’s aimed at the home or small woodlot owner. This unit features the same 4” cylinder, 23” maximum log diameter chamber, uses the same wedges as the entire Autosplit family. Plus the AS-390 also incorporates our revolutionary hands free automatic log pullback system to increase throughput while simplifying operation. This proven system produces uniform sized wood that stacks better, dries better and sells better. This unit pairs to an optional Fines separator with our integrated Pass Thru Technology. Combine that with the optional Log lift and extra 3, 4, and 5-way wedge, and you have an industrial grade, versatile splitter at a fraction of the cost of the competition The AS-390 utilizes our AutoSplit technology to produce up to one full cord of evenly split firewood per hour with minimal handling. Powered by the legendary Honda GX-390 12 HP engine and advanced hydraulics including a robust 4” bore 3” rod cylinder, this machine will make the arduous task of splitting firewood a more enjoyable and productive experience. Based off a frame constructed out of ½” thick plate steel, this machine is built to withstand the abuses which inevitably occur while splitting firewood. Our unique wedge, constructed out of high strength alloy steel, allows for even sized firewood regardless of block diameter. When splitting large blocks up to 23” in diameter, the machine automatically feeds the block through the wedge until it has been split. When splitting smaller pieces, the operator can keep feeding as many blocks into the chamber as possible while the pusher plate keeps feeding them through. Have twisted and crooked wood? No problem for the AS-390 as it will shear through the knots branches and twists to create even sized stackable pieces.

Morbark, LLC, has added a smaller flail option to its product line, the 223 Stand-alone Flail. Easy to transport, the model is efficient and robust for in-woods chipping applications. “Through extensive market research that included design input from customers, we saw the need for a smaller, more affordable option that gives contractors the versatility of being able to produce clean chips or transition back to producing a fuel chip with relative ease, which is key in an ever-changing chip market” said Michael Stanton, Morbark Industrial Products Business Unit Director. “The Morbark 223 Flail gives contractors the power of our larger equipment with the portability of a smaller unit to serve diverse markets.” The 223 Flail is designed to work in conjunction with chippers like the Morbark 23 Chiparvestor®, the 40/36 Whole Tree Drum Chipper or similar machines. With a large 56” x 23” infeed opening, the 223 Flail accepts logs up to 23” in diameter at a feed rate from 70-150 feet per minute. The Morbark Integrated Control System allows for fine adjustment of feed rate and flail drum speed so that bark removal is maximized and removal of “good” fiber is minimized for superior end products. With the widest flailing chamber in the market, the 223 reduces hassle while feeding and allows for additional stems to be fed during operation. The most ground clearance and debris plow pushing power in the industry eliminates the potential of plugging, while four independent stabilizers level the machine on nearly any type of jobsite. Other key features of the 223 flail include the dual horizontal segmented flail drums — each equipped with eight flail chain rods — which are more durable and provide longer wear life than traditional tubular style drums used by competitors, and a large work/inspection area for easy access to engine and hydraulic components, for easier maintenance and reduced costs. Morbark has produced aggressive, highly productive stand-alone flails and combination flail Chiparvestors since 1990. Morbark Flails are designed to provide unmatched flexibility in controlling individual variable flail drum speeds, feed rate and other parameters, while meeting the challenges of varying timber, climate, species and conditions. The new Morbark 223 Flail makes its debut at the Mid-South Forestry Equipment Show on August 26-27 in Starkville, Miss., shown by Morbark dealer B&G Equipment.

Wood-Mizer LLC, the world’s leading portable sawmill manufacturer, introduces three new log splitters to their diverse line of wood processing equipment. Manufactured in the USA, Wood-Mizer’s new log splitter line is designed for farm operations, small businesses, and commercial wood splitting companies. Offering three portable, heavy-duty log splitter models, the Wood-Mizer FS300, FS350, and FS500 Log Splitters offer many unique features to the log and wood splitting market. Portability, bi-directional splitting, uniform firewood production, and an efficient and ergonomic operator location make Wood-Mizer Log Splitters a profitable investment for firewood producers. “Throughout our history, Wood-Mizer has been committed to providing the best quality equipment to process logs into marketable wood products,” said Wood-Mizer COO Darryl Floyd. “The introduction of our log splitting product line now offers firewood producers a safe and efficient product backed by the high-quality and service you expect from Wood-Mizer.” FS300 Log Splitter • One-directional splitting • Honda gas 390cc engine • 29 ton splitting force • 22 GPM, 2-stage hydraulic pump • 1 full cord/hour production FS350 Log Splitter • Bi-directional splitting • Honda gas 390cc engine • 29 ton splitting force • 22 GPM, 2-stage hydraulic pump • Up to 2 full cords/hour production FS500 Log Splitter • Bi-directional splitting • Honda gas 630cc engine • 42 ton splitting force • 28 GPM, 2-stage hydraulic pump • Up to 3 full cords/hour production The Wood-Mizer FS300, FS350, and FS500 Log Splitters are now available to order. Visit http://www.woodmizer.com/logsplitters or call 800.553.0182 for more information. About Wood-Mizer Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable band sawmills with tens of thousands of bandmills sold around the globe. Today, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of portable sawmills, industrial headrigs, resaws, edgers, kilns, log splitters, material handling equipment, bandsaw blades and blade maintenance equipment for woodworking hobbyists and forestry professionals all over the world. For nearly 35 years, Wood-Mizer has provided top quality wood processing equipment and exceptional customer service for people who want the freedom of sawing their own lumber for projects or production. For more information about Wood-Mizer, call 800.553.0182 or visit www.woodmizer.com.

Lake States Lumber Association Education is offering a Sawing, Edging and Trimming Class on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. This one-day workshop will cover the basics of NHLA grading rules, sawing for recovery, and edging and trimming requirements. Bottom dollar issues of upgrade and increased recovery will be emphasized. For complete information, including the class schedule, location, instructors and online registration, visit www.lsla.com