Discussion on “electricity in the Lumber industry” (Whitney), Spokane, Wash., September 10, 1914. (see proceedings for December, 1914)

Mr. Scott: Mr. Whitney's paper is of particular importance to central station men because it shows that there is a field for prospective business open that is usually placed in the same class with steam laundries, that is to say, absolutely unapproachable. I have never dealt directly with any logging men, but have had occasion to attempt to sell power to a few sawmill men, particularly for small plants, none of very large capacity, and their main objection to motor drive is, first, they claim the first cost of the motor installation is excessive as compared with a steam engine; and, second, they say that the motors will not stand up to the work. Now, never having actually seen a drive of that kind I was not in a particularly advantageous position to refute their statements. Third, they say they must have steam anyway for their dry kilns and for their log-carriers, and therefore there is no particular advantage in putting in electric drive. And lastly, they say that they are forced by law to get rid of their waste; in most instances they are too far removed from a point where the waste can be sold as fuel, so they have to install a burner especially to get rid of it, if electric drive is used.