Abstract: A log positioning and securing device is described in which a frame supports a log receiving trough with sides positioned to receive and support a log along a longitudinal plane. A log clamp including a pair of log clamp members is movably mounted to the frame. The clamp members are driven to move between an inoperative position in which the log clamp members are separated in a log receiving position, and a log clamping position in which the log clamp members are moved toward one another and toward the longitudinal plane, to clamp and hold a log securely along the rough, with the centerline of the log parallel to or coincidental with the plane.

Abstract: A lathe cutter and chip fan is described in which an annular frame includes a rotary portion that is driven to rotate about an axis. The rotary portion is annular, forming a workpiece receiving opening. A cutter is mounted on the rotary portion and projects into the workpiece receiving opening. The cutter rotates with the rotary portion to cut material from a workpiece positioned within the workpiece opening. A housing forms a compartment about the rotary portion and cutter, with a central housing opening substantially aligned with the workpiece receiving opening. A chip discharge openly communicates with the compartment and is situated substantially tangentially with respect to a rotational path of the cutter. A plurality of impellers are mounted to the rotary portion for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A log turning machine is described in which a support frame mounts a rotary cutter with a log receiving opening positioned to receive an elongated log workpiece that is moved relative to the support frame in a forward direction of travel along an axis. The rotary cutter is operable to cut the log workpiece to a prescribed diameter centered on the axis. A set of elongated guide members having opposed first and second ends are mounted to the support frame by sets of links for adjustable movement substantially radially with respect to the axis between a minimum and a maximum cutting diameter. The first ends of the guide members are positioned downstream of and adjacent the rotary cutter and extend substantially parallel to the axis by a distance that is a multiple of the maximum cutting diameter. Guide member positioners operatively connect at least some of the guide members and support frame to enable selective adjustment of the guide members substantially radially between the minimum and maximum diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one log to another during a log machining process. The apparatus has a main body which is shaped in the form of an essentially flat disk. Each side of the disk has at least two protrusions or prongs which are oriented perpendicular to the disk and terminate in a tapered end allowing the protrusion to be driven into a log. The protrusions taper down to a base which is attached to the main body. The main body and protrusions are sized and configured to provide a striking surface between the protrusions to allow a blunt instrument such as a small sledge hammer to be applied to the device to drive it into a log. The device may be further provided with a raised surface portion in the striking surface area, and preferably between the protrusions, to provide a standoff distance between the log and the main body such that the apparatus may be pried loose from the log.