Abstract: Pressure is applied at a plurality of locations to the driving roller of a peripheral driving veneer lathe. The pressure at each location is selectively and independently controlled to achieve a desired degree of engagement by the driving roller over the surface of a bolt to be lathed.

Abstract: An improved method for forming holes in a board and an improved apparatus for practicing the improved method. Two or three linear arrays of holes are punched through the board, through its expansive faces, in a punching zone. A punch and a die coacting with the punch are used to punch each punched hole, in a press comprising a pressing ram and a pressing bed, upon relative movement of the pressing ram and the pressing bed toward each other. The board is registered in the pressing zone, in a predetermined position, by engaging its opposite edges and its opposite ends. Plural holes are drilled into each end of the board in a drilling zone. A physical measurement is conducted in an inspecting zone, by inserting a probe into each drilled hole, so as to determine whether such drilled hole has been drilled to a minimum depth. These punching, drilling, and inspecting steps of the improved method are carried out in a series of automated operations of the improved apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for milling fence rails and the like having a pair of opposed milling units, each having a cutter head with a conically shaped inner surface, cutting knives arranged to taper material inserted into the heads to the shape of the inner surface and to form a projecting tine that is also tapered.

Abstract: In a veneer lathe having a pair of left and right double spindles, a small spindle is inserted in a large spindle in such a manner that the small one is relatively transferred in the axial direction freely and also is relatively rotated freely in the structure of the large one. Either one of the large or small spindle is driven at the one side of the left and right sides by a driving source at a required revolution.

Abstract: A rotary veneer-cutting machine for tree trunks including a blade holder unit (15, 16, 17, 18) that laterally approaches the axis of a trunk (12) to be cut and top rollers (25) and side rollers (31) counteracting the bending of the trunk (12) caused by the shearing stresses of the blade. The side rollers (31) are positioned diametrically opposite the blade (17) and are motor driven. A piston (39) supplies thrust action for the rollers (31) against the trunk so as to insure adherence thereto even with low bending stresses of the trunk.

Abstract: A multi-purpose machine tool which can include and provides for drilling, sawing, shaping, planning functions, all mounted in a sturdy frame of parallelepiped shape.

Abstract: The system includes a veneer lathe, a conveyor or apron (50) onto which the veneer from the lathe is initially directed, followed by a combination of an anvil roller (54) and a rotating clipper knife (62), which in turn is followed by a trash gate (72). The speed and rotation of the knife (62) is controlled such that the veneer material produced by operation of the lathe is first cut upon recognition of the start of random veneer and then again upon the recognition of the start of ribbon veneer. The trash gate (72) is controlled synchronously with the operation of the knife (62) such that the trash gate (72) is open up to the point in time where the veneer trash is cut from the remainder of the veneer material, at which point the trash gate (72) is closed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparing a novel form of laminated-veneer-lumber. More particularly, this invention pertains to a process of producing a laminated-veneer-lumber which is composed of compactly arranged veneer sheets which have sinusoidal edges. A method of joining sheets of veneer in a layup, useful for continuous production of laminated veneer-lumber, comprising dispensing the stress concentration of the joints over an extended area of the joint by using veneer sheets that have opposite edges cut in a sinusoidal pattern.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the arms that carry the backup rollers in a core steady rest. The rollers are rendered fixed relative to each other and relative to the arms. The arms are adjusted toward and away from the log as necessary to maintain equal contact of the two rollers on the log. The adjustment is preferably accomplished by mounting the arm ends opposite the rollers to an eccentric that pivots the arm ends in an arc toward the log.

Abstract: A continuously moving lathe knife is provided which can be retrofit to an existing lathe carriage. The knife assembly includes a chain bar secured to the knife carriage with a pair of sprockets at either end of the chain bar. An endless loop chain extends around the sprockets. The chain includes knife tips with angularly disposed serrations which engage the surface of the log from which veneer is being cut. As the log is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the friction between the log and knife tip serrations imparts longitudinal movement of the chain with respect to the log. The chain thereby moves around the chain bar so as to cut a layer of veneer from the log. No separate power source is required for rotating the chain.

Abstract: There is disclosed a veneer lathe comprising a pair of spindles one of which spindles is powered to impart rotating torque to the log and the other of which is non-powered and rotatable with the log, means for detecting the rotation of the non-powered spindle and providing a detect signal, and control means which is operable in response to the detect signal to control the knife carriage feed. The lathe further includes means for detecting the rotation of the powered spindle and providing a detect signal, and means for comparing the detect signals from the two detecting means and providing a control signal, if the difference in angular velocity between the spindles exceeds a predetermined value, thereby to cause the knife carriage to stop its feeding operation.

Abstract: A veneer lathe apparatus control system and method are described for automatic adjustment of lathe components which engage the log during peeling in response to reduction of the log diameter and to changes in the surface temperature of the log. The lathe components which are automatically adjusted include the lathe knife pitch angle, the knife gap spacing from the nose bar, and the radial positions of backup idler rolls and of core drive rolls. A computer control system is employed for such automatic adjustment of the lathe components in response to control signals produced by a temperature sensor which senses the surface temperature of the log and by a lathe carriage position sensor whose output indicates the diameter of the log as it is being peeled. Adjustment curves selected by the computer, such as pitch angle profiles and knife gap curves, are stored as data tables in the data memory of the computer.

Abstract: A wooden wine barrel has one end removed, and is supported by and rotated by power driven support wheels. A router type cutter head extends into the barrel on an inner end of an arm which is pivoted at its outer end so that the cutter head can follow the contour of the barrel, and means to move the barrel longitudinally with respect to the arm (or vice versa) to effect relative longitudinal movement between the arm and barrel.

Abstract: A veneer lathe has a frame, a support for rotatably drivingly supporting a peel block, and a knife for peeling veneer from the block. First and second "backup" rolls rotatably, drivingly engage the block during peeling thereof. The first roll is positioned along a first arc which is centred on a first pivot axis; and, the second roll is positioned along a second arc which is centred on the first roll.

Abstract: Centering a log by determining the location of a selected axis through the log relative to a fixed replicate axis. The log is pinned and each end is provided with double pivots. Pivoting the log about one pivotal axis spaced from the replicate axis determines a pathway around that axis. Pivoting the log about the other pivotal axis sweeps the log end and, accordingly, the selected axis across the determined pathway. The selected axis is positioned on the pathway by pivoting the log about said other axis and it is positioned at the replicate axis by pivoting the log about the first pivotal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapered peeling of veneer to form a curved veneer and clipping the curved veneer into discreet sheets by adjusting the angular relationship of the clipping knife to the axis of rotation of the bolt being peeled thereby to clip the veneer along lines substantially radial to the curvature of the veneer adjacent to the point of clipping.In the preferred arrangement two clippers are used in series and their angular relationship adjusted relative to the axis of rotation of the bolt to produce a veneer sheet with substantially parallel sides and to remove a substantially triangular piece between adjacent clipped sheets.

Abstract: A continuously moving lathe knife is provided which can be retrofit to an existing lathe carriage. The knife assembly includes a chain bar secured to the knife carriage with a pair of sprockets at either end of the chain bar. An endless loop chain extends around the sprockets. A power source rotates one of the sprockets so as to rotate the chain around the sprockets. The movement of the chain is guided by a channel in the chain bar. Each link of the chain includes a knife tip for cutting a layer of veneer from a wooden log which is rotated about its longitudinal axis as the chain is rotated in a plane parallel to the log surface.

Abstract: A system for clipping veneer, peeled with curved side edges one longer than the other, into discrete full and partial panels each defined by a longer and shorter curved side edge and a leading and trailing edge, wherein the angle of the clipping knife to the direction of travel of the veneer is adjusted during passage of the peeled veneer to clip the veneer into full panels having their leading and trailing edges substantially parallel and partial panels each having its trailing edge at an acute angle to its leading edge and flowing from its shorter curve side to its longer curve side to tend to equalize the accumulated lengths of the curved side edges of the peeled veneer.

Abstract: A wood veneer lathe that includes a sensor carried by the nose bar and co-acting with the peeling knife to detect and provide an output signal in response to and proportioned to deviations from a predetermined spacing of the nose bar and knife relative to one another. The sensor is located downstream from the point of contact of the nose bar with the block at a position opposite a flate face of the knife and adjacent the latters cutting edge. A particular veneer lathe is disclosed that includes electrohydraulic linear actuators with feedback control means for adjustably positioning the peeling knife. Signals from the sensor, detecting deviations of the peeling knife from its fixed setting, are analyzed by a computer and the latter controls actuators to make suitable knife position adjustments to control the veneer thickness.

Abstract: A veneer lathe having a fixed roller, a slidably positionable pressure roller and a slidably positionable following roller. A following roller positioning means selectably positions the following roller with respect to the fixed and pressure rollers in response to a following roller position control signal. The rollers are rotated against a block positioned between the rollers, thereby rotating the block with respect to a knife, which peels veneer from the block. The pressure roller is slidably positionable in a first plane, and the following roller is slidably positionable into a selected location in a second plane, thereby affording precise control over peeling of the block.A knife positioning means controllably advances the knife into the rotating block in response to a knife position control signal. A knife angling means controllably positions the knife at a selectably variable angle with respect to the rotating block in response to a knife angle control signal.

Abstract: A roller assembly of a veneer lathe for rotating a log is disclosed. It comprises a rotatable element, an elastic element provided on the rotatable element, and a plurality of ring shaped members each having a periphery for being urgedly contacted the periphery of a log. The ring shaped members are spacedly provided on the rotatable element with the elastic element interposed therebetween. A veneer lathe including the above-mentioned roller assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutter block for rotary veneer cutting machine for converting a block of wood into veneers is position-wise registrable with respect to the frame of the machine which supports it, so as to permit regulation of the cutting angle of the cutter, the cutting edge of which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the block of wood.To this end, the cutter block is mounted on the machine frame along a registration fulcrum pin which is not coincident with the cutting edge of the cutter and to which is imparted a combined movement of rotation and translation.Control means for obtaining such movement are associated with the registration fulcrum pin.

Abstract: A rotary veneer cutting machine for conversion of a block of wood into veneers comprises a device for preventing the block of wood from sagging which consists of a first and second set of pressure rollers which act respectively on the upper half and lower half of the block of wood. The first set of rollers is mounted along a beam which is translatable in the plane that contains it, from which beam there extend articulated arms carrying the said second set of rollers. With the said beam and said articulated arms there are associated guide means and actuators which keep the said sets of rollers in contact with the block of wood as its diameter decreases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for peeling a tapered block by setting the cutting edge of the peeling knife on an angle comensurate with the taper of the block. In one embodiment, the angle remains substantially constant throughout the peeling operation so that the resulting core is tapered. In another embodiment, the angle continuously changes and the veneer is cut thicker at one side than at the other whereby to produce a tapered veneer and result in a substantially right cylindrical core when the peeling operation is completed.

Abstract: A wooden spiral staircase having a hollow central support column, treads which abut but do not attach to such column, tread supports ending in tenons which completely intersect the column and are secured by a wedged-through mortise joint, spacerblocks between every two adjacent treads and under the bottommost tread, and an optional laminate bent handrail and optional balusters which serve no support function, enabling the manufacturer to construct and ship the main body of the staircase as a single unit that can easily be installed through "screwing" it through the doorway(s) of the intended site. The method of constructing such a staircase in which the placement of the mortises on the central column is determined by the use of a computer generated template, thereby allowing for every staircase to be custom-designed as well as ensuring extreme precision in the final product.

Abstract: A large diameter nose bar roll apparatus for a veneer lathe is disclosed including an automatic knife gap adjustment means. The knife gap adjustment means reduces the knife gap between the nose bar roll and the knife blade during peeling in response to decreases in the log diameter and/or changes in the knife pitch angle. This knife gap adjustment maintains the nose bar roll in contact with the log at the proper contact pressure as the diameter of the log decreases during peeling. This is necessary for nose bar rolls having a large diameter of at least 1.5 inches and 15 times the thickness of the veneer such as, for example, a nose bar roll of 3.75 inches diameter. An electrical control means is employed for automatically controlling the knife gap adjustment means by moving the nose bar roll toward the knife in response to decreases in the log diameter and changes in the pitch angle.

Abstract: Proposed is a furniture front element like a cabinet door, of which the frame leg members are joined in mitre cut and without any screwed connection. The lengths of the leg members are infinitely adjustable and the frame filling pieces are designed as a storage means in order to be able to change the front surface of the element to the desired extent.

Abstract: A process is described, with the aid of which panel-type workpieces to be manufactured from a panel blank may also be provided with flat face and/or end face bores in the course of their manufacture. For this purpose, the panel blank is displaced transversely to the cutting plane into a stop position, the flat face bores pertaining to one of the workpieces to be manufactured are subsequently made in the one flat side of the panel blank. To make the further flat face bores for the workpiece, the panel blank is then transported further in a clocked manner through predetermined paths in the same direction and bored after each advance. Upon completion of all of the flat face bores, the panel blank is displaced in a clocked manner in the opposite direction into predetermined positions, fixed after each advance, and lastly severed.For the end face boring, the panel blank is displaced in the direction of advance through a path corresponding to a side length of a workpiece and subsequently clamped and severed.

Abstract: A fixing in a wall is made by drilling a hole, inserting the pin of a nozzle mounted on a hot melt gun into the hole and injecting molten polypropylene into the space between the pin and the hole. The polypropylene is allowed to solidify and the nozzle is removed leaving a wall plug ready for the insertion of a screw.Three embodiments of a nozzle especially adapted for use in this process are described.

Abstract: A boring machine for preboring holes in railway ties on which a powered conveyor is supported for movement between input and discharge ends through a boring station between the input and discharge ends to extend transversely of the conveyor path. At the boring station transversely extending in side reference criteria are established in relation to which devices at the boring station position end lock each tie with its centerline and one end in a fixed relationship to the boring station reference criteria. Multi-spindle boring heads below the conveyor arranged in a predetermined relationship to the boring head transversely extending in side reference criteria are supported for vertical movement through a fixed distance with respect to the underside of the tie that bore holes in the tie underside in a fixed relationship relative to the tie centerline and one end.

Abstract: A machine for coring stumps includes an area for receiving a tree stump that has been removed from the ground. Positioned above this area is an X-shaped wedge concentric with a cylindrical saw, having an annular saw blade. The wedge is dropped into engagement with the stump to aid in holding it steady. The saw is then rotated at cutting speed while being driven downwardly through the stump to remove a core therefrom, leaving only salvageable dirt and loose roots, and debris capable of being easily disposed of. The cylindrical saw is then retracted and the wedge is now driven downwardly through the core to split the core into four logs of quadrantal cross section, providing logs of so-called "fireplace length".

Abstract: A veneer lathe for peeling a veneer from a log, comprising a knife mounted on a knife frame and adapted to peel said veneer from said log, a plurality of pressure bars retained on a pressure bar frame as disposed parallelly to said knife and spaced in the direction of the line of the blade of said knife, roller discs interposed one each between said plurality of pressure bars, retained on said pressure bar frame through the medium of rotary shafts, and rotated at a peripheral speed greater than the peripheral speed of said log, a guide face forming the passage of said veneer from the vicinity of said knife through said roller discs, a plurality of pressure rollers disposed on the lower side of said guide face and pressed displaceably in the direction of the axial line of said roller discs, and a guide member for said peeled veneer disposed on the underside of said pressure bar frame.

Abstract: A procedure the life of wood-cutting tools and relates to the cutting of green wood and comparable organic materials. The dulling of tools in such cutting is mainly corrosion of the cutting edge of the tool, which could be almost completely prevented under laboratory conditions by applying a high-voltage direct current. The dulling is also limited in practice in the procedure, which is based on the realization of the specific resistance of wood which is sufficient to render unnecessary the electric insulation of the tool or the wood being cut from the frame of the cutting machine. Such an operation is difficult to carry out, but was formerly believed to be indispensable. The invention, the negative terminal of a DC source is connected with the grounded frame of the machine. The current is conducted from the positive terminal of the DC source, using a suitable anode brush, into green wood acting like an electrolyte at a point close to the tool that is to be protected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a counterbore and a bore in a workpiece for toe fastening of the piece to a second member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a router mounted with its cutting bit transverse to the workpiece so that the bit may be progressively urged into the workpiece surface to produce a shallow counterbore. Additionally, a drillbit is mounted so that it can be urged from the edge of the workpiece in an opposite direction toward the counterbore to produce a fastener receiving bore which communicates with the counterbore. The router and drill are mounted on a common carriage, and in one embodiment the carriage is pivoted, while in another it is slid, in opposite directions to produce the counterbore and bore. A method of forming the bore and counterbore is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piece of wood is prepared for impregnation by causing it in steps to be perforated by a plurality of needles which are moved back and forth with the workpiece, and either rotate individually or are subject to additional oscillatory or impact-producing axial movement.

Abstract: In a veneer lathe comprising a cutting slide and an anti-buckling device which are pressed by actuating means against a workpiece held between said lathe's rotating end chucks and wherein said cutting slide and anti-buckling device are guided relative to the stationary frame of said lathe along converging working planes forming an upwardly opening obtuse angle of substantially 120.degree., the improvement wherein said working planes are bisected by a plane substantially vertical to and intersecting the rotational axis of the rotating workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a rotating block of wood from which veneer is being peeled in a veneer lathe, and a method for its operation. A block stabilizer includes a massive stabilizer head having paired rollers which extend along a majority of the length of the block of wood, parallel with the axis of rotation of the block being peeled. Sensors produce electrical signals used to inform a computer of the location of the veneer knife. The computer provides position orders to move the block stabilizer head to hold the surfaces of the rollers at the expected location of the peripheral surface of the block in response to movement of the veneer knife during the entire process of peeling veneer from the block.

Abstract: An apparatus for rounding the circumference of a wood log which is supported by two sets of three drive rollers at spaced points between the ends of the log to establish a geometrical center. A knife is positioned extending the length of the log for cutting off a portion of the log for rounding the circumference of the log. The lower rollers are connected together through a shock absorber to accommodate varying diameters and one roller of each set is connected together by a torsion bar. One of the lower rollers of each set is positioned upwardly relative to the other lower roller an amount for allowing the apparatus to provide a maximum yield from different diameter logs. The rollers are of a plurality of self-cleaning, rotatable drive discs. The apparatus may include debarking arms. And the apparatus may sort the rounded up logs by diameter size.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a rotating block of wood from which veneer is being peeled in a veneer lathe, and a method for its operation. A block stabilizer includes a massive stabilizer head having paired rollers which extend along a majority of the length of the block of wood, parallel with the axis of rotation of the block being peeled. Sensors produce electrical signals used to inform a computer of the location of the veneer knife. The computer provides position orders to move the block stabilizer head to hold the surfaces of the rollers at the expected location of the peripheral surface of the block in response to movement of the veneer knife during the entire process of peeling veneer from the block.

Abstract: An adjustable Violin Peg and Dowel Shaving Device capable of shaving a tapered or non-tapered peg or dowel from a size substantially that of a full size cello peg down to almost the size of a toothpick with only one adjustment. The device comprises two guide bolts each extending along an axis through bores in two substantially rectangular blocks, the first block being secured to the guide bolts and having a V-shaped groove in one side facing the second block, and whereby the second block is movable along said guide bolts having a taper adjusting cutterblade mounted thereon. Two adjusting nuts threadedly received by said guide bolt ends rotatably advance said movable block toward said V-shaped groove which accommodates a peg or dowel for shaving.

Abstract: A veneer lathe for peeling a veneer from a log, comprising a knife mounted on a knife frame and adapted to peel said veneer from said log, a plurality of pressure bars retained on a pressure bar frame as disposed parallelly to said knife and spaced in the direction of the line of the blade of said knife, roller discs interposed one each between said plurality of pressure bars, retained on said pressure bar frame through the medium of rotary shafts, and rotated at a peripheral speed greater than the peripheral speed of said log, a guide face forming the passage of said veneer from the vicinity of said knife through said roller discs, a plurality of pressure rollers disposed on the lower side of said guide face and pressed displaceably in the direction of the axial line of said roller discs, and a guide member for said peeled veneer disposed on the underside of said pressure bar frame.

Abstract: A veneer lathe comprising a knife for peeling a veneer from a log, a plurality of pressure nose bars retained as regularly spaced on a pressure bar frame and disposed parallelly to the knife, a plurality of circular discs of a smooth circumferential face interposed between the adjacent pairs of the pressure nose bars and retained in position by the pressure bar frame through the medium of a drive shaft, means for driving the drive shaft, means for inching the pressure bar frame toward the log in proportion as the cutting of the log proceeds, and pressure means for advancing the circular discs toward the log independently of the action of the inching means thereby keeping the log under a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: A process for forming a cylindrically shaped hole in a laminated wooden beam comprised of two or more individual wooden members. Prior to laminating the individual wooden members, the location of the cylindrically shaped hole is established. A pilot bore is then made in the wooden member established by the desired location of the cylindrically shaped hole and the individual wooden members are laminated such that the pilot bore is located proximate the interface of adjacent individual wooden members at the location determined by the to-be-formed cylindrically shaped hole. The hole is then formed by guiding a drill bit in a path established by the pilot bore.

Abstract: A door machine for preparing a door for hanging by automatically sizing, drilling the lock and latch holes, and forming the face plate mortise in an edge of the door. The apparatus includes a support frame to which are mounted motor-driven elements, controlled to operate in a predetermined sequence, that size (i.e., cut to a specific transverse dimension) the door and form the lock bore, latch hole, and the face plate mortise in or proximate a free edge of the door. A power-feed mechanism is included for transporting the door from an input station to a drill station. Hydraulic power is used to drive certain elements of the apparatus, including the drills used to form the lock bore and the latch hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for supporting a log in a veneer lathe so that the log does not deflect. The machine has two rolls which engage the log opposite the lathe knife and nose bar. The rolls are mounted on a roll carriage having a kinematic linkage which maintains both rolls in positions tangential to the log throughout a range of log diameters. The roll carriage is powered by a feed screw mechanism which mechanically synchronizes the rolls' positions with respect to the knife and knife carriage. A control system is provided to automatically lower and raise the roll carriage or to operate it manually when desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for determining the center axis of the largest solid of rotation obtainable from an irregular, elongated object such as a log or veneer block. The object is rotatably supported by two pairs of opposed wheeled supports positioned inward of the ends of the object. A motor-driven press roller maintains the object in contact with the wheeled supports and causes it to rotate thereon. The motion of the ends of the object as it rotates is used to define a locus of points at each end of the log. The centers of the largest circles which fit within these loci define the desired center axis.

Abstract: A cord burying apparatus for a veneer sheet is provided. The apparatus comprises a cord burying knife and a piercing element having a plurality of piercing members thereon and provided on one side of the cord burying knife in axial juxtaposition therewith relative to the log. The cord burying knife has an edge facing upstream with respect to the log rotation to come into a cutting engagement with the log. The piercing members on the piercing element also come into cutting engagement with the log to positively move the log past the knife. The provision of the piercing element facilitates cutting operations of a log having rotten portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling matching dowel holes in at least two companion workpieces includes a frame with a top surface and a drilling mechanism driven by a motor. The drilling mechanism is slidably attached to the top surface of the frame and movable along a first drilling axis substantially parallel to the top surface. A centering mechanism automatically centers the workpieces with respect to the first axis by movement along a second axis. A positioning mechanism is rigidly attached to the centering mechanism and positions the centering mechanism such that each of the workpieces is positioned in at least two dowel hole drilling positions along the first drilling axis. The positioning mechanism includes spaced-apart first and second stop members which define first and second dowel hole drilling positions. A stop engaging member is positioned movably between the first and second stop members and rigidly connects the positioning mechanism with the centering mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel foam peeling process and apparatus. The process and apparatus allow for the substantially continuous production of a continuous sheet of foam material in roll form from a cylindrical foam body. By following the present invention, several basic operations may be performed on a foam body including inserting a supporting rod in the foam body, bringing a cutting element into contact with the foam body while it is rotating on the supporting rod, winding the resultant continuous foam sheet and returning the supporting rod back to the inserting station. The invention allows for the production of a foam roll in a substantially continuous manner with a minimum amount of labor. Furthermore, all the various operations can be controlled via suitable electrical control means, and it is preferable that all the various operations be programmed into a single control unit.

Abstract: A method and a machine for automatically making wooden chair seats. A feed conveyor is provided to sequentially advance a plurality of boards in a series spaced apart manner along a plurality of separate work stations. Board positioning and holding elements are provided at each of the stations to hold the boards thereat at a precise location to effect a work function to the boards. The displacement of the boards are also synchronized together whereby they are displaced from all of the stations simultaneously. A drilling station is provided to drill holes on at least one side face of the boards. A routing station routes a pattern in a surface of the boards. A sanding station sands the routed surface and thereafter the boards are conveyed to a contour cutting station where a predetermined peripheral outline is cut in the boards. An edge sander than smoothes out the cut outline edge of the boards and a transfer device transports the boards after they have been completely machined into seats to an unloading area.