Abstract: A lathe having first and second support walls that support pairs of vertical and elevated vertical guides, and having frames that support horizontal guides. Trunnions are mounted on the vertical guides and support a log peeling assembly. A structure supporting back-up powered rollers is mounted on the elevated vertical guides. First and second spindle assemblies are mounted on the horizontal guides for movement between a first working position where a log to be peeled is gripped and rotated, and a second working position where the log continues its rotation into a knife extending from the log peeling assembly to produce veneer. When a predetermined log diameter is reached the first and second spindle assemblies release and return to the first working position to grip another log, while the log being rotated continues to be peeled until it reaches a minimum core diameter.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for sliced veneer sheets having a conveying system comprising two superposed conveyor belts lying one above the other which are guided over a drying path around guide members. The drying path includes both rectilinear and curvilinear sections and includes a three roller configuration for making a one hundred eighty degree turn in the drying path. The drying path is designed to provide for pressing of the veneer and to allow for the effects of shrinking of the veneer during the drying process.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding flitches for slicing in a vertical slicing process. The apparatus includes a clamp having a centrally located vacuum pocket disposed between two opposed clamping dogs. The clamp provides a vacuum assisted clamp for vertical slicing of thin veneers.