Abstract: A press and method of operation for forming particle board wherein a fiber mat to be compressed is positioned between a pair of peripherally sealed platens through the upper one of which steam is injected when the platens are moved together to compress the fibrous mat and wherein, after a pre-determined time, steam is exhausted from between the two platens and the platens allowed to separate slightly while still compressing the mat to allow steam trapped in the mat to escape slowly before the platens are fully separated.

Abstract: A waferizer having a rotatable cylindrical head from which a plurality of waferizing knives project for slicing wood stock, and rollers mounted on the head which have a plurality of longitudinally extending radially projecting blades for incising the face of the wood stock to a depth equal to the depth of cut of the knives so as to produce wafers of uniform width.

Abstract: A saw guide for use between a pair of circular saw blades fixed on an arbor which has a holder having an annular head in which the guide pad having parallel opposed guide faces has a loose axially movable and tiltable fit and which is stabilized in an aligned position relative to the saw blades by means of a pair of spaced apart lip seals mounted on the guide pad and bearing against the annular head, the pressure of the annular seals being increased by delivery of air between the lip seals, said air also passing through passages ported out of the faces of the guide pad.

Abstract: Guide apparatus for a rotary saw having a circular saw blade freely moveable longitudinally of an arbor which includes a pair of guide plates mounted in a frame on opposite sides of and parallel to the saw blade and adapted to be adjustably positioned longitudinally of the arbor. Each of the plates have a plurality of spiral grooves formed in its face. The grooves have open loading ends, relative to direction of rotation of the saw, opening out of edges of the guide plate so that rotation of the saw blade induces a flow of air into the grooves. The grooves are effectively closed at trailing ends so as to develop air cushions between the saw blade and the guide faces and thus stabilize the saw blade between the guide plates. Means is also provided for introducing a lubricating liquid into the open ends of the grooves.