Abstract
Wood is one of the most important of raw materials; it can be used in various ways to meet demand, and can also be grown as required. In spite of its extensive use throughout the ages, and the wastage caused by fire and axe, there still exist huge virgin forests, covering partly unexplored regions of the world, whilst scientific forest management gains increased scope in keeping the timber resources in line with the constantly growing demand.
Saw-milling is one of the main methods employed in wood conversion, producing sawn timber such as boards, planks, battens, and cants. Three types of saw-mill head rigs are used, i.e. circular, band, and frame. This paper deals with certain particulars related to the reciprocating type—the frame- or gang-saw. The circular- and band-saw-mills use continuously moving saw-blades, but frame-saws have to be sufficiently powered and strong enough to take up the great force developed by the reciprocating motion of the saw-gate, blades, and all accessories.
The first patents and other technical literature relating to almost any type of woodworking and saw-mill machinery are of British origin. At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution Britain was leading for many years in the manufacture of these machines, but more recently frame-saws and other types were developed in many parts of the world, where a growing saw-mill industry has had to satisfy its needs for such machines, well suited to local demands.
It should be a matter of topical interest to give some details here of the close relationship between theory and practice in their application to the frame-saws, due to the fact that enormous damage was done during the recent war years, not only to all kinds of property which requires urgent replacement, but also to the fact that numerous saw-mills have first to be put in order, before they can again produce the timber needed for urgent repair work.
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