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Hardwood Log Sawing Trainer |
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Abstract. It is well understood that the initial
breakdown of hardwood logs into lumber has a tremendous impact on total
lumber value and conversion efficiency. Maximum value recovery is dependent
on the proper log orientation as boards are removed. Thus, by increasing the
sawyer's understanding of the impact of log and defect positioning during
sawing, sawyers will be able to maximize lumber value recovery. However,
there currently is no facility that allows the sawyer to experiment with
different log orientations during sawing or with different breakdown
patterns on the same log and receive feedback on the outcome of such sawing
decisions. In the sawmill, it will be expensive to practice on sawlogs,
especially because sawing decisions are irreversible. Consequently,
proficiency at hardwood log breakdown is usually attained only after many
years of trial-and-error experience. The question is, "Can a training system
be developed that will enable sawyers to learn about hardwood log sawing in
a nondestructive way?" This project proposes to develop a computer-aided
sawing trainer for primary hardwood processing that will enable sawyers to
examine different log orientations and sawing patterns on the same log or on
different logs in a nondestructive way, with immediate feedback on lumber
value recovery. This will provide sawyers with a capability to experiment
and learn about different log orientations during sawing or different
breakdown patterns, and their consequences. The sawing trainer has the
potential to greatly improve sawyer skill and efficiency.
Luis G. Occeña (Univ. of Missouri) and Daniel L. Schmoldt
Current and Future Work
Technology Transfer Efforts
Last Modified:
06/13/07
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