Example of what I meant
No pipes, filters only pulse every 2 seconds. The lag from such a set-up should be nigh 0.
I haven't tested too extensively, but this setup looks like it'll be self-sufficient at around 200°C.
From top to bottom:
ender chests, filters, barrels, filters, powered furnaces. The output side is towards the boiler.
EDIT:
Version 2 with sawmils, self-sufficient from 20°C. One pipe with very little thoroughfare (pumps out compressed sawdust from the autocrafting table). There's already a buildup of charcoal in the boiler. The first one's still not stable. (it's at 270°C)
Oh, and I've set the timer to a minute, it's still too fast.