Abstract: Systems and methods for improved bandsaw process control and throughput, in which a sawblade of a bandsaw contacts a bottom sawguide mounted in a bottom guide holder, the bottom guide holder frame having a “flexural member” that transmits forces on the sawguide to a force transducer associated with the flexural member. Workpiece-related forces include deflection forces, both lateral and torsional, and saw resistance forces on the bottom sawguide. An object of the invention is to establish a true cut condition when pre-straining the sawblade and a process control loop whereby the true cut condition is restored in near real time while cutting a workpiece. The combination of a force sensing guide holder and a process control loop synergically improves target lumber size control and maximizes log value, while also increasing throughput by reducing both overfeed and underfeed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved bandsaw process control and throughput, in which a sawblade of a bandsaw contacts a bottom sawguide mounted in a bottom guide holder, the bottom guide holder frame having a “flexural member” that transmits forces on the sawguide to a force transducer associated with the flexural member. Workpiece-related forces include deflection forces, both lateral and torsional, and saw resistance forces on the bottom sawguide. An object of the invention is to establish a true cut condition when pre-straining the sawblade and a process control loop whereby the true cut condition is restored in near real time while cutting a workpiece. The combination of a force sensing guide holder and a process control loop synergically improves target lumber size control and maximizes log value, while also increasing throughput by reducing both overfeed and underfeed.