Board edgers are used to process flitches into nominal sized boards.  The flitches are scanned and optimized for the highest value.  The flitch os processed through the edger producing boards and tailings (edgings).  At the outfeed of the edger the tailings are diverted to a chipper  In the case of a chipping edger, the wane is chipped off in the edging process and there are no tailings to handle.

On a transverse board edger the flitch is scanned transversely and the flitch is then positioned to the saws in the infeed with fetchers or board positioners.  With a lineal, or linear board edger the flitch is stabilized on a belt or chain and scanned lenealy as it is transported to the edger.  The saws position to the cut line and angle and slew as the flitch passes through the sawbox.

Feedrolls and bed chains, along with overhead press rolls, control the flitch through the edger.  The tailing on a saw edger is done with picker fingers or shifting belts.

English Terminology: Board edger, edgers, lineal, linear, transverse, saw, chip, chipping, flitch, flitches, lumber, boards, timber, sawmill, wet mill.