(curious) What is common blade or cutter used to debark the log using log lathe?

[wkheathjr]

What do they use on big log lathe machine??  Do they use cutterhead (what kind) or some kind of sawblade?  Would a thick metal "razor" work?

[Tom]

Log lathes use a "shear" blade.  It is like a long and thick knife blade that the log turns against.  Usually the log is soaked in water or steamed to soften it before the "shearing" operation.  Shearing is done to produce veneer and the log is put on a lathe to be circularly cut.  Veneer is also cut lengthwise where the blade is pushed through a log, or the log pushed through the blade, to produce veneer or even boards.

The two volume writings "Utilization of the Southern Pine" by Peter Koch has some very good information about the design and use of shears to make veneer and boards.

Thin kerf bandsaws can also be used, but not on a lathe.

If you are only thinking of debarking, Then the log is usually turned against teeth such as you would find on a hammer mill.  Some debarkers "whip" the bark off with chains.  Debarking isn't always done on a lathe, but might be done by turning the log in a cradle.  Debarking is also done as a hand operation where small planer blade is attached to a chainsaw and run across the surface of the log. (log wizard)

Sometimes debarking is done with a hand-held scraper or axe.

Sometimes debarking of softwoods is done with "time".  Letting the log sit will eventually cause the bark to loosen and fall off.  Putting the log into a pond will keep insects out of it while the bark loosens.