Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming and grading lumber during transport thereof along a conveyor through a trimming device in which the lumber is cut at both root and top ends; said method comprising, arranging the lumber transverse a conveyor, initially cutting at the root end, directing the remanent transversely of the conveyor to a stop positioned to intercept the top end thereof and located less than one multiple of a length module unit, directing the remanent in the return transverse direction to one of a plurality of finger members, each located one length module from the other in a row transverse the conveyor, making the first top end cut, turning the remanent about its axis for inspection of all sides thereof and directing the remanent to a second cutter for a final top end cut determined by the number of length module units desired, the selection of length being controlled by adjustable stop means.