Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming boards, wherein a first stage, a first mechanism initially fixes and cuts two positioning short end cuts for each board. These positioning short end cuts are then used for advancing the board into the corresponding cutting plane of a second mechanism for trimming the board. As a result, it is possible to take into account the natural growth of a tree (all trees become thinner towards the top) and produce the minimum of trimmed waste. Because the natural growth of a tree to a conical shape, the positioning end cuts of a board will frequently define two non-parallel cutting lines for the edges of the board. The trimming in the second mechanism can be performed by different tools, e.g. by saws or one or more milling cutters. If a milling cutter is used, the boards can also be positioned in such a way that the sloping edges of the board resulting from the substantially circular cross-section of a tree can be taken into account. i.e.

Abstract: Apparatus for unstacking planks from a stack with a traverser truck equipped with cams movable over the entire length of the stack. In each case the top layer of the stack can be raised to a predetermined working level, wherein the cams can then be moved up and down with a lifting unit arranged on the traverser truck. The cams are movably secured in the vertical direction relative to the lifting unit.