Abstract: An adjustable hold-down shoe assembly having an assembly body, a plurality of hold-down shoes movably mounted to the assembly body, a bias device that biases the plurality of hold-down shoes in a direction away from the lumber bias surface, a body mount, and a lifting/lowering mechanism movably connecting the assembly body to the body mount that moves the assembly body in relation to the body mount and in a first direction towards the lumber bias surface and in a second direction away from the lumber bias surface. A planermill trimmer having the adjustable hold-down shoe assembly mounted thereon and a method of end trimming lumber using the planermill trimmer.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Electromagnets are used to control the position of the paddles and, thus, the position of lumber being transported by the paddles. Also provided are uses of the positioning fence to position lumber for cutting.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning fence for use in lumber sawmills that facilitates automated positioning of lumber for cutting and a method of positioning lumber for cutting. A continuous moving track loop has a plurality of paddles laterally positionable across the width of the track. Electromagnets are used to control the position of the paddles and, thus, the position of lumber being transported by the paddles. Also provided are uses of the positioning fence to position lumber for cutting.