A continuous sharp chain conveyor system is disclosed wherein a workpiece may be elevated from the sharp chain conveyor while the workpiece is transported down the sharp chain conveyor such that the workpiece may be rotated to maintain the workpiece in an optimized position. The system includes a sharp chain which engages the workpiece, a first and a second skid positionable in parallel alignment with the sharp chain to elevate and lower the workpiece relative to the sharp chain, and pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls positionable along the sharp chain to rotate the workpiece when the workpiece is elevated. The system may also include a plurality of hold-down rolls to maintain the workpiece on the sharp chain by exerting downward pressure on the workpiece. The pairs of rotatable positioning drive rolls may cooperatively displace the workpiece laterally and/or independently angularly displace the workpiece relative to the longitudinal centreline of the sharp chain.