Two cuts are better than one
A NEW TYPE OF BREAKDOWN SAW HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY HewSaw of Finland that it says will “revolutionise” the saw milling industry.
It’s called the DX Sawing method and it utilises two saws; one to make an initial cut and the second to complete the full sawing of the log.
The idea behind it is that the first cut, or groove, acts as a guide and when the second blade follows up with the final cut it makes a better job and is much faster than conventional sawing techniques.
Sami Helminen, HewSaw’s Sales Manager for Australia and New Zealand, told the WoodTECH 21017 conference in Rotorua last month that his company has been thinking about this new process since the 1990s.
The basic principle behind DX Sawing is to replace the standard double arbour sawing technique used by HewSaw with a four arbour system. The first set of arbours will house the saw that make the initial or pilot cut into the cant, while the second set of arbours finish the cut. This twin-sawing process is also combined with the edging of the side boards to make the process even faster.
Why make the same cut twice? There are several reasons, but it’s mostly about increasing the saw line speed and being more accurate, with less wastage.
Because neither of the two saws in the DX system are cutting all the way through the cant, the depth of cut is substantially reduced, which means saw mills can run at higher speeds (up to 30% faster) with smaller diameter saws and thinner kerfs (up to 12% less) – ideal for mills processing larger logs. HewSaw says the DX Sawing system can deliver a variety of benefits to suit individual mills, including: • More production volume per shift
• Same production volume, but with shorter shifts
• Higher recover or yield from each log
• Improved surface quality and exceptional saw deviation
• As each saw makes smaller cuts, there is an opportunity to run the line for longer periods between saw changes.
Mr Helminen explains that the first saw is thinner and “calms” the second cut, resulting in no vibration or deviation.
HewSaw says the DX Sawing system can be integrated into existing lines, as well as being part of a newly established mill. It has already been tested in saw mills in Finland and the USA, and Mr Helminen describes the results as “exceptional”.
It is now being offered to customers worldwide and the company says it will be a “game-changer” for saw mills.
NZL