Abstract: A sawmill has an elongated track extending longitudinally adjacent a platform for supporting a log. A carriage which carries a bandsaw is reciprocally movable along the track past the platform to cut the log with the bandsaw. The sawmill also has a clamp mechanism reciprocally movable laterally across the platform to clamp the log in place, which mechanism is movable between an upright position and a reclining position to provide a clamp for an uncut log and a clamp for a squared log. The sawmill also has a log turning mechanism and a log loading mechanism. The log loading mechanism includes two arms which are rotatable from the ground to the platform to load a log onto the platform. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to each arm and acts against the ground to move the arms. The mechanisms are hydraulically actuated and the sawmill includes an electric motor which drives a hydraulic pump for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to actuate the hydraulically actuated mechanisms.

Abstract: A band saw wheel and blade combination including a pulley having a peripheral groove and a tire mated with and received within the groove. The tire has an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the groove to be free floating within the groove. The band saw blade is received against the outside surface of the tire and forces the tire into the groove. As a result, a firm frictional contact between the tire and the pulley and between the band saw blade and the tire is achieved to provide a strong driving force of the blade by the pulley.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for accelerating the drying of green and/or partially dried lumber. The lumber is dried at pressures below standard atmospheric pressure to rapidly remove moisture from the lumber without degrading the wood structure. A kiln for performing this function includes a chamber for a charge of lumber, an electrically activated flexible heating blanket to impart heat into the charge of lumber, a device for reducing pressure within the chamber, and a device for removing moisture vapor from the chamber. The process for accelerating the drying of the wood includes the step of heating the wood piece in the chamber to a selected temperature. The pressure in the chamber is reduced to a pressure at least as low as the vapor pressure of water at the selected temperature. The wood is controllably heated to maintain the wood at the selected temperature while the pressure in the chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A portable saw mill apparatus includes a frame carrying supporting wheels, outriggers and a trailer hitch. A horizontal, unitized tubular track is secured to the frame and a carriage is moveable along said track. Mounted on the carriage is a horizontal, cantilevered band saw which is moveable vertically. Logs are received on support members secured to the frame, and the band saw is moved longitudinally of the frame to make successive cuts of the saw. Lowering of the band saw between successive passes provides for spacing of the cuts of the log. A single lever control enables the operator to positively engage or brake the band saw, and also to control the engine throttle.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein comprises a base having first and second platforms rotatably mounted thereto. First and second rods are mounted in parallel upon the base and wheels or sleeves are received on the rods for movement thereover. A mounting bracket is mounted to a shaft spanning between the wheels or sleeves and a mount rod is rotatably supported by the mounting bracket. A stylus is mounted to one end of the mount rod; a router is mounted to the other end of the mount rod. The stylus is positionable against an object located on the first platform, and the router is correspondingly positionable against a work piece located on the second platform. By appropriate, corresponding rotation of the first and second platforms and movement of the stylus against the object, the router will produce a three-dimensional reproduction of the object from the work piece.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein comprises a base having first and second platforms rotatably mounted thereto. First and second rods are mounted in parallel upon the base. First and second wheels have circumferential edges shaped to mate with the rods and are received thereon, a shaft spanning between the wheels and being received within central apertures defined by the wheels. Cables are secured to the rods and extend about the circumferential edges of the respective wheels to permit the wheels to roll but not slide along the rods. A mounting bracket is mounted to the shaft and a mount rod is rotatably supported by the mounting bracket. A stylus is mounted to one end of the mount rod; a router is mounted to the other end of the mount rod. The stylus is positionable against an object located on the first platfortt and the router is correspondingly positionable against a work piece located on the second platform.