Author Topic: Gang Saws (Read 6546 times)

Ron Wenrich · « **Reply #20 on:** October 25, 2007, 04:49:52 PM »

The edgers I've seen used shafts the size of mill mandrels. I believe you might have a flex problem. Not to mention that you are pulling on that shaft with your really tight belts.

Self centering bearings?

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #21 on:** October 25, 2007, 06:15:43 PM »

The shaft measures in MM, so, lets say it's 2". Blades are close to the bearing housing, and spaced with ½" spacers, so, shaft flex is possible but negligible.

Had to shim the infeed rollers on one side. Got the frame pretty close, considering the slab is good enough

Belts are running crooked by ¾ of a groove on the main shaft belts. About 30" between centers of pulleys, so, that creates heat and will eat the belts. Right angle gearbox for infeed-outfeed rollers is out about ¾ of a groove from lining up, and that belt is already trashed.

There are NO slots on motors-gearboxes- frames, to allow for lining things up.

Also, when you feed a cant, after it clears the second set of infeed rolls, the cant will "Dip" from saw pressure cutting the last 12" of the cant, so you could end up with a mouthful of wood, if you don't pay attention. That HAS to be remedied. No problem with that one.

Last time we tried a cant, had 7 blades cutting 3" thick cant at one time, for 8'. Can't remember the formula for HP per tooth

Using 29 HP 3 phase. I don't think he has enough to run all 12 blades like he wants.

Mostly cutting Laurel and Cedro. That's about equivalent to white cedar in physical characteristics. Maybe just a bit more dense.

Seems to do a pretty fair job, so, I feel we can get it cranking out material like it's supposed to.

Appreciate all the responses.

beenthere · « **Reply #22 on:** October 25, 2007, 06:50:10 PM »

If it's really happening.....'member we need pics....

D._Frederick · « **Reply #23 on:** October 25, 2007, 07:33:55 PM »

F.D.

Are the blades clammed-in so they don't turn on the shaft? Is the set-up putting side pressure on the bearings so that they over heat?

I think that that 1 1/4 shaft will break at the bearing with all that over hang! There is no way it will take all that strain.

fencerowphil (Phil L.) · « **Reply #24 on:** October 25, 2007, 09:41:31 PM »

Seven blades
X
3" per blade
X
5hp

........... Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

All you need is 105 hp and you are good to go, go , go!

12 blades?

(clicketty zip zip zing - computing noise)
180 horsepower on a 4" shaft and here we go again.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #25 on:** October 25, 2007, 10:03:52 PM »

I'm thinkin of reducing the feed speed. These cants zip right along, when they feed correctly.

Lots of playing tomorrow.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #26 on:** October 26, 2007, 12:54:38 PM »

Builder from the Big City, didn't show today

Manana

Mill owner isn't happy.

Told the guy, tomorrow be here, or I'm not paying the balance due, due to machine not working.

Ennyhoo. Here's photos (BT).

First 2 are the business part of the gangsaw.

Second 2 are the Bandmill cutting logs. You can see the guy in the white shirt. He rides the carriage and advances-retracts the headblocks.

The logs are FULL of dirt from dragging. No one cleans the dirt off

I had a talk with the owner, and he talked to the workers, and they pretty much ignored him

Problem is, most are family

He wants to increase production by speeding up machines. I asked why the gangsaw was not in line with the outfeed of the cants

He didn't know

I asked why one person was not assigned as yardbird. Clean logs, clean debris, help turn logs or stack cants. Many other things to clear up tying up of the experienced ?? helpers ?? He didn't know ??

He agreed that production would be greater, but, I doubt he will make the changes.

D._Frederick · « **Reply #27 on:** October 26, 2007, 01:18:45 PM »

Is the housing/frame of that so called gang-saw strong enough to prevent the saws from getting out when the arbor shaft breaks? Its going to break but when?

Send us a picture of what happens when it breaks.

ronwood · « **Reply #28 on:** October 26, 2007, 01:24:16 PM »

Would it not be better if they had a bearing supporting end of the shaft?

pineywoods · « **Reply #29 on:** October 26, 2007, 04:53:42 PM »

I'm wondering if somebody hasn't put this thing back togather and left off a piece or two.
that big nut on the end of the shaft has a round extension on it, probably to fit in a pillow block bearing bolted to the frame below it. I agree, send pics when it explodes.

Ron Wenrich · « **Reply #30 on:** October 26, 2007, 06:18:24 PM »

Cantelivered arbors have been around for at least 25 years. Pendu Mfg has been using them in gang saws that will flat out produce a bunch of lumber. Here's a video where you can see some of their setup.

You're not going to get away with a 25 hp motor on these. Heck, we have a 50 hp on our horizontal edger and a 60 hp on our vertical. Not enough power and too much feed can be a real problem.

As for production, making equipment go faster is not the answer, unless you have someone that is a really good mechanic. Too much speed will bust things apart. There are lots of better ways to increase production without increasing equipment speed. Sounds like he needs a mill study done.

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