Abstract: A mechanized disc flaker for producing curled wood flakes having a rotatable disc plate, and one or more cutting knives mounted to the disc plate so as to provide for a slight "rake angle" defined in accordance with the invention as the angle made between the tool face and a plane perpendicular to the direction of tool travel. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes rotatable and removable knife holders which permit the rake angle and the "cutting angle", defined in accordance with the invention as being the angle the cutting edge of the knife makes with the grain of the wood, to be modified to yield curled wood shavings having different geometries and characteristics. The preferred method of practicing the apparatus involves using a work piece having a certain moisture content which is directed against the work surface of the disc flaker using appropriate pressure all to provide for wood curls of desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A mechanized disc flaker for producing curled wood flakes having a rotatable disc plate, and one or more cutting knives mounted to the disc plate so as to provide for a slight "rake angle" defined in accordance with the invention as the angle made between the tool face and a plane perpendicular to the direction of tool travel. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes rotatable and removable knife holders which permit the rake angle and the "cutting angle", defined in accordance with the invention as being the angle the cutting edge of the knife makes with the grain of the wood, to be modified to yield curled wood shavings having different geometries and characteristics. The preferred method of practicing the apparatus involves using a work piece having a certain moisture content which is directed against the work surface of the disc flaker using appropriate pressure all to provide for wood curls of desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A mechanized disc flaker for producing curled wood flakes having a rotatable disc plate, and one or more cutting knives mounted to the disc plate so as to provide for a slight "rake angle" defined in accordance with the invention as the angle made between the tool face and a plane perpendicular to the direction of tool travel. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes rotatable and removable knife holders which permit the rake angle and the "cutting angle", defined in accordance with the invention as being the angle the cutting edge of the knife makes with the grain of the wood, to be modified to yield curled wood shavings having different geometries and characteristics. The preferred method of practicing the apparatus involves using a work piece having a certain moisture content which is directed against the work surface of the disc flaker using appropriate pressure all to provide for wood curls of desirable characteristics.