The cam lifter feed mechanism of the invention comprises an inclined endless chain conveyor carried by an upper framework and a lesser framework including a multiplicity of lug-like lumber engaging means mounted at intervals on the endless chains of the conveyor, a driven shaft journaled for roatation in the upper framework including sprockets operatively engaged with endless chains of the conveyor, a plurality of cam lifters mounted on the shaft at opposite Water Ring Vacuum Pump terminal sides of the endless chain conveyor including outwardly projecting hook-like foot portions getting operable to engage the lowermost terminal edge of lumber continued the conveyor by the lug-like engaging means and to carry the lumber over the shaft to a spot of discharge, a downwardly inclined discharge feed guide means mounted on the upper framework between cam lifters. The lower framework having a set of other hopper forming downwardly likely aspect frame members getting operable to guide lumber toward the unlimited string conveyor, means mounting the endless chain conveyor distally close to the lowermost end of the downwardly willing aspect framework member. The hook-like foot servings each have a leading advantage downwardly inclined with regards to the radii of the cam lifter at an angle coincident with the angle of inclination of the endless string conveyor, the foot portion issuing upwardly from the leading edge into a hook developing part.