| 1 |
Take advantage of Wood-Mizer's ReSharp service. We specialize in thin-kerf narrow band blade manufacturing and sharpening. No one can match our experience or attention to detail. Only Wood-Mizer sharpens your blades before and after setting to provide the highest level of quality. |
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Pay attention to detail. The sawyer has control over many of the cutting conditions that affect the blade. Monitor wood cleanliness, blade tension, feed rate, blade guide position, etc., and cut as fast as possible while still maintaining a straight cut. |
3 |
Use larger logs. Smaller logs have value and can be cut at a faster rate of speed, but will use more blade flex life to produce the same volume of wood as a larger log. Logs ranging from 18” to 36” in diameter will increase the total board feet a single blade can produce. |
4 |
Understand different wood species. All trees vary in density. Softwoods have inconsistent densities (growth rings, knots) and require careful monitoring of feed speeds. Hardwoods usually have a more consistent density (except in very low grade logs) and will allow faster and steadier cutting speeds.
| Some examples of wood densities include: |
| Extremely Soft |
Balsam, Aspen, Cotton wood |
| Medium to Hard |
Red Oak, Yellow Poplar, Most Pines |
| Extremely Hard |
White Oak, Osage Orange, White Ash, Hickory, Sugar Maple |
|
5 |
Beware of moisture content. Wood density changes as the log dries, requiring different cutting speeds. In some species, an extremely soft wood that has dried will cut like an extremely hard wood. Dry wood is more abrasive, too, causing the blade to dull more quickly. |
6 |
Clean the wood. Dirt, rocks, sand, and other foreign material that may be in the log will wear the teeth considerably faster than the wood you are cutting. Dull blades require slower cutting speeds. One common and effective solution is the Wood-Mizer debarker. |
7 |
Measure blade tension. Proper tension is critical for maximum blade performance and cutting speeds. |
8 |
Examine blade wheel belts. The blade wheel belts must be in good condition. Worn belts (less than 1/32” thick) can allow the blade to contact the metal blade wheel, resulting in early blade breakage. The belts must also be of uniform thickness. Non-uniform belt thickness causes additional stress to a blade, resulting in mill vibration and reduced blade life. It is also important to keep the belts free of sawdust buildup. |
9 |
High feed rate. Feed rates should be as fast as possible while still maintaining a straight cut. Cutting at slower speeds reduces overall blade life. |
| 10 |
Examine blade guide position. The blade guides must be positively aligned to provide blade stability and allow the maximum cutting speeds. If the blade guides are tipped upward or downward, they will cause the blade to cut in the same direction. |