Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating arched wooden structures such as headers for window and door jambs, said apparatus comprising a mandrel table having a planar bed from which a plurality of rigid arms upwardly extend. Each of the arms is movable on the bed so that the arms can be positioned to define and form in conjunction with each other an arcuate shaped mandrel about which wooden planks are to be bent into arched structures. A clamp secures a long work piece at its center to the mandrel intermediate the ends of the mandrel and a flexible steel band is wrapped tightly and progressively about the mandrel on either side of the clamp to bend each end section of the work piece about and conform it to the shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating arcuate structural members is disclosed, the apparatus including a frame structure (12) having a mandrel (26) mounted thereto, the mandrel having a variable radius. A resilient band (80) is provided for compressing the arcuate member against the mandrel. The method involves the steps of placing adhesive between individual lamina 91 and then progressively applying pressure against the laminae while they are in place adjacent the mandrel progressively from one end of the assembled laminae to the opposite end, utilizing the resilient band.

Abstract: An adjustable radius wood laminate bending and gluing fixture for forming curved wood workpieces from laminate stacks by compressing the laminate stacks between two flexible bands which are drawn against adjustably positionable stanchions which define the desired curve by their position in radial slots on a stanchion supporting bed. Tension is applied to bands in order to draw them against the stanchions by cables which pass from the bands over laterally positionable cranes using hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders are also used to reposition the cranes in the course of modifying the fixture set-up in order to produce workpieces having a different size or shape. A ruler affixed to the bed center point may be rotated about that center in order quickly and conveniently to establish stanchion position for production of workpieces having a semi-circular form.

Abstract: A press for use in an installation for the manufacture of beams made of glued laminae includes an outer, vertically movable frame having a U-shaped configuration in cross section, an inner stationary frame disposed in the space between the sides of the outer frame, and a fluid operated spacer arranged between the inner and outer frame and expansible to force the bottom of the outer frame against the upper edges of the glued laminae to align the upper edges flush with one another.