Abstract: A lathe for peeling logs to produce veneer for making plywood or the like. The lathe includes sets of inner and outer dogs supporting each end of a log being peeled. A reciprocating-pressure bar or roller is included for engaging the peeled veneer adjacent to the knives. The lathe is operated by a programmed controller. The radius of each log being peeled is determined by the controller based on the position of the pressure bar or roller after round up of the log. When the radius of the log is greater than a preprogrammed value, the log core is released from the lathe after peeling to the diameter of the outer dogs. When the radius of the log is less than the preprogrammed value, the log core is released from the lathe after peeling to the diameter of the inner dogs. The controller automatically determines to which core diamter each log is to be peeled.

Abstract: The apparatus allows logs to be peeled to smaller cores so as to increase veneer recovery, especially in operations where logs of ten inches or smaller prevail. The apparatus includes concentric dogs which embed in the ends of logs during peeling. The outer dog is retractable and the inner dog has a reduced shank portion which projects from an enlarged basal portion. The outer dog has a reduced diameter bore which supportingly engages the shank of the inner dog to give added strength and allow ultimate reduction in the diameter of the inner dog shank.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for peeling logs to produce veneer sheet. The apparatus utilizes concentric spindles and dogs to grip the ends of the logs being peeled with the outer spindle and dog being retractable away from the ends of the logs after the outer portion of the log has been peeled. The innermost dog gripping each end of the log is smaller in diameter than the spindle on which it is mounted so that a greater percentage of the log can be peeled by the apparatus. The apparatus is particularly useful for increasing the percentage of veneer sheet obtained by peeling small logs, i.e., logs having a diameter of ten inches or less.