The first sawing operation in a lumber mill, where a log is cut into primary boards or timbers.
From 'head' (first, main) and 'rig' (equipment or apparatus, from Dutch 'rig'). This industrial forestry term developed as mechanical sawmills became standard.
The headrig was the most important part of a sawmill—the operator there had to be incredibly skilled because their cuts determined whether the rest of the wood could be profitably processed.
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