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In the chemical process, first someone washes the wood, and then someone cuts it into small pieces in a chipping machine.
In the chemical process, someone washes the wood first, and then someone cuts it into small pieces in a chipping machine.
I am wondering if there is any difference between these sentences.
Any help would be appreciated
When you write:
In the chemical process, first someone washes the wood, and then someone cuts it into small pieces in a chipping machine.
you are emphasizing the order of activities. In this example it is first and then.
When you write:
In the chemical process, someone washes the wood first, and then someone cuts it into small pieces in a chipping machine.
you are emphasizing the activities happening to the wood. In this example it is washes and cuts.
More context is needed to really decide, but since you are describing a process order is probably more important.
Putting first at the head of the clause is the better choice, as it emphasizes the (important) order of operations.
I'd prefer:
In the chemical process, someone first washes the wood ...
