Recent advances in the machining of lesser-used species

Over exploitation of the commercial wood species has led to a fast decline or degradation of the tropical forest. It is expected that efficient utilization of the lesser-used wood species would improve sustainability of the tropical timber resources and reduce negative ecological impacts. These objectives can be achieved if appropriate technologies for processing the lesser-used wood species are developed. It is also expected that some of the recent advances in machining of the commercial wood species would be applicable to the lesser-used wood species. This paper highlights some of the recent advances in wood machining with emphasis on sawing and planing.