The refining process is not yet fully understood and more fundamental knowledge is a key to improvements in the future. A tribological view on refining could give new understanding and ideas for improvement of the process efficiency. This paper presents a new apparatus for studying the frictional properties of wood � under refining conditions. A laboratory scale friction tester has been constructed where friction tests can be carried out in a steam atmosphere under high temperature/pressure and with maximum sliding velocity as high as 200 m/s. Initial studies in room temperature show that the coefficient of friction is proportional to the moisture content of wood at a sliding velocity of 24 m/s and with a normal load of 8 N. Wood extractives lowered the friction on dry surfaces and especially at high sliding velocity. The lubricating capacity of a variety of different resin model components among the extractives was also examined, but no significant effects has been found on wood specimens of 30 and 70 % in moisture contents.