Abstract: A mechanism for varying the position of a band saw blade in a tilting frame band saw. The mechanism includes an actuator, a tilt arm and a tilting frame. The actuator is pivotably connected to a support, and the tilt arm is pivotably connected to both the tilting frame and the actuator. The actuator is connected to the tilt arm such that the angular movement of the frame, which results from extension and retraction of the actuator, bears a substantially linear relationship to the stroke of the actuator. The mechanism of the present invention enables the frame to be made with an exceptionally wide sweep, and may be controlled by a proportional hydraulic valve controlled on the basis of location data provided by an encoder mounted within the tilting frame.

Abstract: To provide a general-purpose saw blade which will saw different materials cost effectively, the saw blade includes a plurality of sets of teeth, each set including saw tooth having a large relief angle and a small tooth angle which provide fast cutting speeds, and with saw tooth having a small relief angle and a large tooth angle which provide the resistance to chipping.

Abstract: An improved method of automatic sawing employs a programmable automatic saw and a remotely located computer which provides additional control for the saw or a group of saws. The saw is equipped with a programmable controller that is capable of storing a series of jobs. The programmable controller allows an operator to run one saw job while contemporaneously programming another saw job. A third person, such an engineer or supervisor, may be programming an additional job or ranges of jobs for the saw while the operator is running and programming other jobs. The improved system provides control for a group of saws thereby assisting in the distribution of work flow, enabling efficient use of materials and improving inventory controls.

Abstract: A method of automatic sawing employs an automatic sawing machine having an automatic workpiece shuttle, shuttle and stationary vises, an automatic saw blade feed, one or more incremental motion encoders and a programmable microcomputer. The microcomputer is capable of storing a series of sawing jobs. Each job has a number of sawing steps. Each step in turn defines a sawed workpiece length and (in an embodiment employing a saw blade tilting mechanism) a sawing angle, both of which parameters may be different from those of other steps. The microcomputer receives signals from the motion encoders to determine shuttle and (in a tilt embodiment) tilt position and uses these positions to control shuttle, (in the tilt embodiment) tilt, and vise operation. The microcomputer also corrects each workpiece length with a saw kerf and pivot point correction factor, both modified for sawing angle.

Abstract: A mechanical, infinitely variable blade speed drive for a band saw is provided with a speed control which includes a variable pitch drive pulley with axially adjustable sheave spacing to vary the drive ratio between the drive pulley and the driven pulley and a control shaft parallel to the drive shaft of the motor which carries the drive pulley. The control shaft extends to the front portion of the band saw so that the speed adjustment control carried thereon is readily accessible to the band saw operator without moving away from the front portion of the band saw during its operation.