Abstract: An improved wood debris clearing device and method for a cutoff saw is provided. The device includes a conveyor having upstream and downstream sections separated by a gap where cutting occurs along a conveyance path. A deflecting mechanism including two blowers, perpendicularly oriented with respect to the conveyance path, direct air streams across the conveyance path. Cutoff wood debris is deflected off an inner wall of a hood into a receptacle, thus preventing the debris from reaching the downstream section of the conveyor and minimizing the likelihood of machine jamming.

Abstract: An improved automatic board cutoff saw that maintains better positional accuracy at higher board speeds is disclosed. The improved automatic cutoff saw includes an overhead belt conveyor including a first belt for starting, stopping and advancing the board in frictional engagement therewith over a substantial length both upstream and downstream from a crosscut saw station, as well as a second belt conveyor disposed beneath the first belt conveyor near an infeed region of the crosscut saw station for engaging the underside of the board during its advancement through therethrough. One of a pair of rollers disposed on a pivotal arm of the overhead belt conveyor, the arm being pivoted by tension in the first belt, is urged into a position whereby a board, which may be of scant height, nevertheless is positively, frictionally engaged by both belt conveyors at least during the critical infeed phase of the board-advancing operation.