Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for substantially reducing, or eliminating, planer snipe on workpieces passing through the work area of a woodworking machine and providing a quick change out and adjustment of a press roller mounted to the hood of the woodworking machine.

Abstract: In monitoring the machine space of a processing machine during the throughput of workpieces in order to detect workpieces that got stuck, the rear end of a workpiece with reference to the transport direction generates a start signal in the inlet region of the machine space, as well as an end signal in the outlet region thereof by sensors that are connected to a control unit. Beginning with the start signal, the control unit detects a feature that characterizes a theoretical feed travel and generates a release signal if the value of the detected characteristic feature has reached at the time, at which the end signal is generated, a predefined limiting value and not yet exceeded a predefined upper limiting value or if the end signal is generated at a time, at which the value of the detected characteristic feature has reached the predefined limiting value and not yet exceeded the upper limiting value.

Abstract: A two-sided planer comprises a base, an adjusting base, and a floated pressing unit. Wherein, the floated pressing unit includes an axle shaft superimposed by several pressing rings. A spacing is defined between an inner surface of the pressing ring and the axle shaft. Plural elastic propping element are disposed within the spacing. Thereby, in the planing operation, the pressing rings adjust their positions upward or downward in accordance with a configuration of a workpiece. Whereby, the workpiece is restricted rather than warped. As a result, the workpiece does not resume warped after being planed smooth, which allows the two-sided planer to achieve a preferable planing operation.

Abstract: A two-sided planer comprises a base, an adjusting base, and a floated pressing unit. Wherein, the floated pressing unit includes an axle shaft superimposed by several pressing rings. A spacing is defined between an inner surface of the pressing ring and the axle shaft. Plural elastic propping element are disposed within the spacing. Thereby, in the planing operation, the pressing rings adjust their positions upward or downward in accordance with a configuration of a workpiece. Whereby, the workpiece is restricted rather than warped. As a result, the workpiece does not resume warped after being planed smooth, which allows the two-sided planer to achieve a preferable planing operation.

Abstract: A planer and thicknesser comprising a frame having a passageway that substantially extends through the frame. The planer and thicknesser further comprises an upper table having front and rear sections mounted on the frame, wherein a slot is located between the front and rear sections of the upper table, and a lower table moveably mounted within the passageway. The planer and thicknesser also comprises a cutting drum rotatably mounted within the frame such that a portion of the cutting drum projects upwardly through the slot and a portion of the cutting drum projects downwardly into the passage way. The planer and thicknesser also comprises a cover mounted above the upper table capable of being moved from a first position where it covers a portion of the cutting drum to a second position where it does not cover a portion of the cutting drum.

Abstract: A planing heads positioning device to be used with an automatic planing machine for planing sides of a piece of lumber moving along a travelling course is provided. The device includes a main frame and a planing assembly including first and second planing head arranged on opposite sides of the travelling course. The planning assembly further includes first and second supports respectively supporting the first and second planing heads. The first support is slidably mounted to the main frame, and the second support is operatively connected to the first support. The device also includes a primary positioning mechanism connected to the first support to position the planing assembly relative to the main frame; and a secondary positioning mechanism operatively connected to the supports to modify the planing width.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting at least one pressing element of a molding machine for machining workpieces of wood or plastic material relative to a workpiece, transported through the machine and to be machined by the machine, the pressing element is adjusted outside of the molding machine in an adjusting device with the aid of a template of the workpiece and the adjusted pressing element is then inserted into the molding machine.

Abstract: An automated planer machine for planing a piece of lumber. The planer machine has a feed table for slidably receiving the bottom surface of the piece of lumber along a traveling course. One or more planing heads extend on sides of the traveling course to plane the surfaces of the piece of lumber. A linebar laterally guides the piece of lumber. Feed rolls along the traveling course move the piece of lumber. Positioning devices responsive to respective control signals are provided for adjusting a height of the feed table and planing levels of the planing heads as much when the planer machine is idle as during operation. Position encoders coupled to the feed table and the planing heads produce positional signals usable to accurately position them using the positioning devices.

Abstract: An automated planer machine for planing a piece of lumber. The planer machine has a feed table for slidably receiving the bottom surface of the piece of lumber along a traveling course. One or more planing heads extend on sides of the traveling course to plane the surfaces of the piece of lumber. A linebar laterally guides the piece of lumber. Feed rolls along the traveling course move the piece of lumber. Positioning devices responsive to respective control signals are provided for adjusting a height of the feed table and planing levels of the planing heads as much when the planer machine is idle as during operation. Position encoders coupled to the feed table and the planing heads produce positional signals usable to accurately position them using the positioning devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carving a uniformly carved portion and a variably carved portion in a workpiece in a single pass. The apparatus consists of a uniform carving head fixed relative to the workpiece and a variable carving head that is movable simultaneously in two directions substantially perpendicular to the motion of the workpiece. A control system, which may include a programmable computer, controls the motion of the variable carving head.

Abstract: According to this invention, introduction of dynamic, closed-loop force and position control over press rolls of a planer or infeed table provides a dramatic increase in capability, performance, and reliability, as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically planing a flitch. The method of the invention comprises measuring the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the flitch at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations, calculating a planing operation of the flitch based upon the plurality of distance measurements; and then planing the flitch according to the calculation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurements are taken by a bank of photodetectors in combination with a computer (microprocessor). The calculation is done by the microprocessor.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting at least one pressing element of a molding machine for machining workpieces of wood or plastic material relative to a workpiece, transported through the machine and to be machined by the machine, the pressing element is adjusted outside of the molding machine in an adjusting device with the aid of a template of the workpiece and the adjusted pressing element is then inserted into the molding machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a planing machine that can plane and shape a workpiece to replicate a hand-hewn log for use in siding, paneling and other similar type building needs.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved separator, commonly referred to as a “lath”, “stick”, “sticker”, or “crosser”, that is used in the lumber industry to separate pieces of lumber in a stack or bundle. The separator features, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves traversing the length of the separator to permit air circulation within the grooves, and a plurality of ridges between the grooves to support the pieces of lumber. In another embodiment, a second plurality of grooves traverse the length of the separator and the first grooves to form a cross-hatching of grooves to permit air circulation within the grooves, and forming a plurality of protrusions to support the pieces of lumber over the grooves.

Abstract: A log flaking and loading method and apparatus. First and second pairs of cutting heads have cutting heads spaced apart to receive a log passed therebetween and thereby to cut two substantially parallel sides. The log is first cut by the first pair of cutting heads, rotated about its elongate axis, and cut by the second pair of cutting heads to produce a four-sided cant. The logs are preferably stored ahead of the first pair of cutting heads in corresponding carriers, which are preferably held in a magazine for dispensing the loaded carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved centering of a workpiece in a planer machine includes centering sectional shoe assembly positioned in close proximity to opposed cutting heads, between the cutting heads and a centering feed assembly. The shoe assembly includes a plurality of individually movable pressure shoe sets, comprising an upper shoe and a lower shoe. Each shoe set is operatively connected to a closed circuit, double rod end hydraulic cylinder assembly which selectively and independently positions the shoe set responsive to the surface to the workpiece. A pressure device is also operatively connected to each shoe set to provide a centering force. In use, as the upper or lower shoe of a shoe set is forced away from the centerline of the workpiece, the opposing shoe would automatically move the same amount. The shoe assembly thus centers each and every workpiece independent of the amount of stock removal required.

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces of wood and plastic has a transport path for transporting workpieces through the machine. One or more driven spindles having a tool for machining the workpieces transported through the machine are provided. An adjustable element that is adjustable relative to the tool is provided. At least one data storage is provided for storing data at least of the tool wherein the data are used to determine a position of the adjustable element relative to the tool and are retrievable. In the method for adjusting the machine, characteristic data of the tool are measured and stored in the data storage. The characteristic data are supplied to a control unit. In the control unit positioning data for the adjustable element are calculated based on the characteristic data and then made available for processing the workpieces.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: A method of producing a hardwood flooring product, including the steps of processing a strip of raw wood into a blank having a predetermined thickness and width, and top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes relative to each other, and splitting the blank along the width of the blank from one side to the other to form two low profile flooring strips having the same width as the blank and a thickness less than one-half the thickness of the blank. The splitting step includes the steps of providing first and second circular saw blades mounted on spaced-apart vertical axes for rotation in a single plane intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank and positioning the blank on conveying means upstream from the saw blades with the plane of rotation of the saw blades intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank for movement of the blank from an upstream position to a downstream position relative to the saw blades.

Abstract: A shaping machine has at least one rotatably driven spindle having a conical receiving opening. A tool is provided. A conical member is mounted in the receiving opening, wherein the tool is secured by the conical member to the spindle. A clamping device clamps the conical member in the receiving opening, wherein the tool is supported on an end face of the spindle.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: A method of producing a hardwood flooring product, including the steps of processing a strip of raw wood into a blank having a predetermined thickness and width, and top and bottom surfaces defining parallel planes relative to each other, and splitting the blank along the width of the blank from one side to the other to form two low profile flooring strips having the same width as the blank and a thickness less than one-half the thickness of the blank. The splitting step includes the steps of providing first and second circular saw blades mounted on spaced-apart vertical axes for rotation in a single plane intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank and positioning the blank on conveying means upstream from the saw blades with the plane of rotation of the saw blades intermediate and parallel to the planes of the top and bottom surfaces of the blank for movement of the blank from an upstream position to a downstream position relative to the saw blades.

Abstract: A machine tool for machining a workpiece fed in a transporting direction through the machine tool has a support surface for the workpiece and at least one upper rotary tool positioned above the support surface. At least one lower rotary tool is positioned below the support surface. A supporting device for supporting the workpiece during machining with the at least one lower rotary tool has a pressing device with at least one first pressing member upstream of the lower rotary tool and at least one second pressing member downstream of the lower rotary tool. The supporting device further includes at least one abutment member positioned above the pressing device. The workpiece is pressed upwardly by the at least one first and second pressing members against the at least one abutment member during machining.

Abstract: A chipping canter is provided for producing four-sided cants from curved logs. It allows the slabbing heads thereof to follow the natural curvature of the logs for obtaining cants having a maximum cross-sectional area and length. Each log is flatly disposed on a log deck and is scanned at the entry for obtaining information about the curvature and dimensions thereof, and then calculating the position of the log deck and of the centering rollers. As the log is forwarded along the path in the chipping canter, the log is always properly aligned with respect to the slabbing heads.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for, in one continuous operation, receiving a slab sawn from a log, sensing the thickness of the slab and setting the apparatus to plane its upper and lower surfaces to produce a desired thickness slab which then is sawn into boards of desired width. The apparatus includes upper and lower planer heads, the upper of which is mounted on adjustable setworks for raising and lowering. At the infeed end of the apparatus a sensor determines the thickness of an entering slab and through control mechanism adjusts the space between the planer heads to plane the slab to a desired common board thickness which is the maximum available from the slab size. A bank of smooth cutting saws downstream from the planer heads saws the slab into smooth-sided boards.

Abstract: A planer is improved by recognizing the source of instability of a board relative to a guidebar. An angled relationship between feed roller force the guidebar and holds the board against the guidebar. Traditional cutting heads urging the board in the opposite direction relative to that of the feed rollers, develop lateral force vectors kicking the board away from the guidebar. By establishing a zero lead relationship between the cutter heads and the board as it rests against the guidebar, the board enjoys greater stability. The disclosed apparatus further includes an air regulated top pressure plate establishing a given separation between itself and a cutter head, but accommodating abnormal operating conditions, i.e., jammed boards, by vertical movement relative to the cutter head facilitates remote actuation to quickly relieve a jammed condition. Also shown, a bearing housing for a cutter head support shaft is carried on an articulated hinge to improve manual mounting of the bearing housing upon the shaft.

Abstract: A woodworking planer having a main frame, a carriage slidingly mounted on the main frame to provide alternating longitudinal movement, a workpiece locking device also provided on the main frame for releasingly securing a workpiece in a fixed position relative to the longitudinal movement of the carriage, and cutting members provided on the carriage to plane four longitudinal sides of the workpiece simultaneously. The cutting members include horizontal cutter heads simultaneously moveable vertically towards and away from each other, and vertical cutter heads individually moveable horizontally towards and away from each other in response to predetermined shapes of a copying model co-acting with copying parts connected to the vertical cutter heads. The copying parts include spring biased rollers for following the predetermined shapes of the copying model. A feeder arrangement receives the workpieces for individually feeding the workpieces one at a time to the workpiece locking device.

Abstract: In a through feed molder, each tool is mounted to a slide and provided with a dust hood that also carries two conventional hold-down guides, rigidly attached, one on each side of the hood. A mechanism operating between the hood and the slide permits matching of the clearance between the hood and the horizontal bed of the molder to a given tool reference diameter. The hood is also interconnected with the bed by a measuring device which verifies the clearance of the entire tool assembly according to the thickness of the work. Displays are used to indicate the tool reference diameter and the distance of the hood from the bed.

Abstract: In a through feed molder, at least one of the horizontal tools is equipped with a dust hood that also carries the two-hold-down guides rigidly attached one on each side. The hood is connected to the tool slide by way of a mechanism that permits matching of the clearance between the hood and the horizontal bed of the molder to a given tool reference diameter. Uninterrupted progress of the work is ensured by an additional feed wheel mounted to a back rail and internally of a recess in the hold-down guide which immediately follows the tool along a feed path.

Abstract: A machine for planing lengths of timber comprises mutually perpendicular spindles for cutter blocks (7,8). The spindle carrying the cutter block (8) extends below a machine bed (1). The spindle carrying the cutter block (7) extends across the bed (1). A conveyor (5) is provided for feeding a workpiece past the cutter blocks (7,8) at a lower level than the bed. In a modification the spindle carrying the cutter block (7) drives a cutter block (9) which is offset from the spindle itself.

Abstract: The four sides of a batten are thicknessed and surfaced using a machine unit with a succession of tools driven by one motor and rotating horizontally throughout: a bottom planing tool incorporating a first trimming cutter at one end, a first surfacing cutter aligned with the first trimming cutter, a top planing tool incorporating a relative trimming cutter at the opposite end to that associated with the bottom planer, and a second surfacing cutter aligned with the trimming cutter of the top planing tool.

Abstract: A carrier (12) is laterally displaceable on the feed table (2) of the machine on a track (13) slidable in a track bed (11), the lateral position being adjustable by means of an acutating means (16) connected to a spindle. Lower and upper woodworking units (9, 10), each having a tool spindle (3, 5) supported at both ends and tools (4, 6) disposed thereon, e.g., planers, groovers, and/or profile cutters, are removable together with bearing housings (7) after disengaging securing means (21) and replaceable, e.g., by woodworking units equipped with other tools. The tool spindle (3, 5) is separable from the bearing housings (7) for exchanging the tools (4, 6). For ease in removing and replacing the lower woodworking unit (9), the carrier can be pulled completely out of the machine at one side. For adjusting optimum cutting, the lower woodworking unit can be vertically positioned as regards the overhang of the tools relative to the working surface (1) of the feed table.

Abstract: A blade planer utilizes a centering mechanism to locate the centerline of lumber on the datum plane intermediate a pair of offset blade planer heads. The centering mechanism includes a plurality of opposed shoes which are hydraulically or mechanically linked such that displacement of one shoe from a predetermined reference yields a simultaneous equal displacement in the opposing shoe. Biased return to the reference ensures that the shoes are always centered on the datum plane regardless of the separation of the blade planer heads.

Abstract: With a cylinder saw arranged rotatably in a machine frame, only circular profiles are sawed out of boards and beams. This cylinder saw possesses a toothed arrangement, at least on the front side, and is rotatably supported by support and guide rollers in the machine frame. The outside circumference of the cylinder saw is embraced by a continuous, driven belt. A planing fixture is arranged behind the device for sawing out circular profiles with the aid of the cylinder saw and with this planing fixture any desired concave, convex or straight profile shapes can be milled into circular wooden pieces or boards. The planing fixture consists of four profile planing shafts arranged uniformly distributed on the outer circumference, the axes of which are adjustable relative to the longitudinal central axis of the wooden beam to be processed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for equalizing the effective radii of multiple cutting elements on a power-driven spindle of a machine tool. A fixture carrying an abrasive stone is placed upon a pre-existing workpiece supporting or guiding surface in the machine tool, slidably shifted on that surface to bring the stone to juxtaposed alignment with the cutter edges, and then magnetically locked to that surface. Positionable means in the fixture are then used to infeed the stone so that the cutters are ground off to effectively equal radii. The methods and apparatus are equally applicable to straight or profiled cutters, and one portable fixture may be employed to condition the cutters of several spindles in a given machine as well as spindles of different machines.

Abstract: A wood planar having a cutterhead with a top pressure bar in spaced horizontal relation to the cutterhead. A chipbreaker may be mounted in advance and adjacent to the cutterhead in spaced relation above a bed plate mounted for supporting a board to be planed. The improvement in the wood planar including a yielding pressure bar means for automatic cut control mounted to cooperate with the bed plate with a shaft for mounting the yielding pressure bar means and the yielding pressure bar means having at least one member pivotally mounted on the shaft. The yielding pressure bar means includes a rearwardly projecting surface for engaging a board being planed in a directed path of travel and having a forwardly projecting abutment with resilient means for urging the rearwardly projecting surface against a top pressure bar and the cutterhead while a board is being conveyed through the planar during planing.

Abstract: The invention provides a planing device for planing two opposite sides of a workpiece which has a flexible and continuous lower platen cantilevered from its frame. The platen has its free end flexed upward by a pneumatically actuated lever, and cooling passages are provided on the end of the lower platen to dissipate heat due to friction between the lower platen and workpiece.

Abstract: A wood finishing machine having a plurality of finishing devices, such as sanding wheels or the like, disposed on opposite sides of and above a horizontal table over which a workpiece is fed so as to be acted upon by each of the finishing devices. Each of the finishing devices is biased toward the passing workpiece and is free to ride on a contoured surface of the workpiece. A plurality of biased rollers are supported above the workpiece for maintaining it flat on the table of the machine as the workpiece passes among the finishing devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for surface cutting logs to provide a finished surface corresponding to the natural surface contour of the log or to impart a predetermined distinctive surface contour thereto and a method of effecting such surface contouring; said apparatus comprising log guiding and feeding means for moving a log planed at diametrically opposite sides to have spaced parallel top and bottom surfaces and diametrically opposed debarked side surfaces or a log planed on all four sides so as to have spaced parallel top and bottom surfaces and spaced parallel side surfaces, cutting instrumentalities located at longitudinally spaced intervals along the path of movement of the log at different peripheral positions which collectively remove material from the side surfaces and guides associated with the cutting instrumentalities operable to control movement of the cutting instrumentalities in accordance with deviations in the surface of the log or according to a predetermined programmed pattern.

Abstract: A machine for making wood moldings includes an endless feed belt extending downstream from the upper face cutter head for holding short lengths of wood pieces securely between the working stretch of the feed belt and the underlying bed plate and delivering it through side and lower face cutter heads. An air plenum container overlies and bears against the working stretch of the feed belt to provide uniform feed pressure to the wood throughout the length of the working stretch and delivers air under pressure through a multiplicity of holes in the plenum container to the confronting side of the working stretch of the belt for minimizing friction between the belt and container. Short lengths of wood pieces are delivered in spaced-apart relationship to the upper face cutter head between an elongated side feed belt and an elongated air fence.

Abstract: Machine for fabricating shaped parts, such as chair legs in particular, into which the parts to be shaped are positioned by means of a suitable loader. The parts are moved along a substantially straight path and movable tools are movable at right angles to the course of movement of the parts. The movement of the tools is guided by a suitable means that is indexed to the profile of the finished parts. The tools may be cutters or abrading tools.

Abstract: A machine for planing and grooving a workpiece, such as a log, in a single pass, comprising a frame, a top grooving cutter adjacent one end of the frame, a top planing cutter and a bottom planing cutter in the frame, and a bottom grooving cutter adjacent the other end of the frame, with feed rolls ahead of the planing cutters, guide vanes in back of each grooving cutter and a back-up roll opposite each planing cutter. Suitable feed and delivery tables are provided, together with preliminary alignment guidance devices including guide pins in the feed table.

Abstract: A wood incisor for perforating the surfaces of a rectangularly cross-sectioned elongate board preparatory to preservative treatment is comprised of sets of paired horizontal and vertical drums arranged in a manner to provide a rectangular passageway of adjustable height and width for passing various sized boards, with each drum having a plurality of outwardly protruding cutting teeth. Each set of drums includes a fixed drum which is driven, and an idler drum which is slideable with respect to its associated fixed drum by actuation of positioning hydraulic cylinders to provide the adjustability of the passageway therebetween. Each of the positioning hydraulic cylinders is joined end-to-end with a cushioning hydraulic cylinder which is connected hydraulically to an accumulator tank containing pressurized hydraulic fluid and air. Thus the position of each idler drum relative to its associated fixed drum is responsive to the lateral force imparted to that set of drums by the board passing therebetween.

Abstract: A copy milling machine for producing a series of identically shaped wooden products, for instance parts of furniture, starting from mainly identical workpieces, said machine comprising a template, two swingably mounted and rotatably driven milling cutters and two sets of conveyor rollers for passing a template with two adjacent workpieces between both milling cutters, each cutter having two cutting portions mirror-symmetrically shaped with respect to a middle zone with the greatest diameter.

Abstract: A wood working machine, particularly a planing machine, including a frame and, carried by the frame, a number of independent machine units or assemblies removably mounted in a compact array which facilitates enclosure of said array on all sides together with the frame in a sound attenuating and dust protecting housing. The wood working machine is of compact design, encapsulated in a sound attenuating and dust shielding housing and is equipped with tool units which are interchangeable and readily withdrawable and insertable again in the machine, said units including spindle units which by reason of the special ease of mounting them in and withdrawing them from a slide member housing associated with the respective tool unit, serve as "tool cartridges", while a slide housing constitutes "cartridge chambers" for said tool cartridges.