A simulation study has been performed on a small log database of tropical hardwoods consisting of 10 Jambirre (Millettia stuhlmannii Taub.) and 5 Umbila (Pterocarpus angolensis D.C.) logs. The outer log shape was acquired by a 3D laser scanner before sawing and the heartwood content was estimated by measurement on images of the centre slabs after through-and-through sawing. Yield and value recovery using different sawing techniques and different sawing patterns, together with rotational and skew positioning errors, are presented. The results show that through-and-through sawing in the best rotation and skew positions tested improves the yield of Umbila logs by an average of 4.5 percentage points and Jambirre logs by 3.6 percentage points compared to cant sawing. It can be concluded that positioning and sawing patterns have a great influence on the yield and value recovery of these species and that log grade and species have an impact on the sawing pattern that should be used.