Abstract: Apparatus for producing wooden members for wooden trusses includes a control computer receiving a batch list, a series of infeed chutes for automatically transferring wooden members of different types to a conveyor, a scanner to detect defects, a defect saw for trimming such defects, a finger-jointer for joining wooden members end-to-end, a flying saw for cutting wood discharged from the finger-jointer, a cutting saw for cutting wooden members processed by the first flying saw into web member blanks, and a component saw for cutting angles on the ends of the web member blanks. The control computer analyzes the batch list for causing a first infeed chute to feed in wooden members of a first type sufficient to produce all web members formed from wood of the first type, and then causes a second infeed chute to feed in wooden members of a second type. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated system and process for managing building materials which requires a minimal amount of manual labor and supervision. The automated system and method are especially suited for precutting lumber used for building trusses and frames having predetermined specifications.

Abstract: An automated system and process for managing building materials which requires a minimal amount of manual labor and supervision. The automated system and method are especially suited for precutting lumber used for building trusses and frames having predetermined specifications.