Abstract: A log sawing and transport system for relatively small logs has an infeed and loading station where logs are positioned in a centering device for aligning the logs with respect to the saws. Once the log is properly aligned for axial movement, a set of end dogs are actuated to hold the log in its prealigned position for transport. The dogs are mounted within axially movable carriage units that travel the length of the system serving to transport the log axially in a straight line. At the sawing station a plurality of angularly arranged saws are disposed to divide the traveling log into a plurality of elongated sector-shaped pieces. At least one selected saw may be adjustable with respect to the other saws in order to set angles for the sector-shaped pieces. Once the log has been divided into a plurality of sector-shaped pieces, an outfeed device collects the elongated sector-shaped pieces and transports them out of the system.

Abstract: A process for making composite lumber products from generally cylindrical logs includes the steps of cutting a log radially into a plurality of first sector-shaped pieces having similar included angles and then preferably drying the sector-shaped pieces. After drying, the sector-shaped pieces are preferably machined to provide flat surfaces for subsequent gluing and rejoining steps. The sector-shaped pieces are then divided into at least two members where each plane of cut will be substantially parallel to the chord base plane with at least one of the resulting members having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the final composite lumber. At least two of the resulting members, substantially equal in thickness, are then rotated and bonded together along juxtaposed edges into a composite planar piece. Additional members substantially equal in thickness can be alternately rotated and edge bonded to the composite piece thereby forming wider widths.

Abstract: A process and machine are disclosed that function to convey a pair of elongated sector shaped pieces where each piece has substantially the same smaller included angle. Upper and lower conveyancing channels are supported on a framework and have a common longitudinally extending adjustable support means whereby sector pairs of varying included smaller angles may be readily oriented and then conveyed. Suitable holding means are provided for constraining each sector piece in its conveyancing channel as they are conveyed longitudinally toward the outfeed end of the machine.

Abstract: A process for making composite lumber products from generally cylindrical logs includes the steps of cutting a log radially into a plurality of first sector-shaped pieces and then cutting from the sector-shaped pieces at least two members where the cutting plane is substantially perpendicular to one of the radial faces of the sector-shaped pieces. Then one resulting smaller sector-shaped piece is reversed with respect to a resulting quadrilaterally-shaped piece and the two pieces having a substantially similar width dimension are adhesively bonded together. The composite members thusly formed are then machined into a desired shape or additional joining steps can be performed to increase dimensional size. Thus from a cylindrical log composite lumber is produced resulting in improved lumber yield.

Abstract: A process for making composite lumber products from generally cylindrical logs includes the steps of cutting a log radially into a plurality of sector-shaped pieces, rejoining two of the cut pieces by bonding them together along opposed radial faces such that the thin edge of one is approximately adjacent the thick edge of the other and then machining the bonded pair into a desired shape. The sector pair can be machined into a rectangle or a parallelogram. A plurality of compatible parallelograms or rectangles can then be edge bonded together into wider planar shapes after which the wider composite member can be rip cut longitudinally to selected widths. A method is described for proper sizing of the sector pieces depending upon log size and desired thickness of the composite lumber product. Taper is captured by reversing longitudinally one sector piece of each pair prior to bonding.The resulting composite product has many improved characteristics and offers a vertical grain pattern over its wider dimension.