What is a Vertical Wood Processor?
A vertical wood processor is a machine used to split or cut logs into smaller pieces. It is a type of sawmill equipment and is typically used in commercial operations to create dimensional lumber, pallet stock and firewood. The vertical wood processor can cut logs into various sizes and shapes, allowing for more efficient production of lumber products. It also helps to reduce waste and increase the yield of usable timber.A vertical wood processor is a device that processes wood logs into usable pieces by splitting them into smaller sections. The device has three basic components: a log infeed trough, a splitting station, and a log outlet. The infeed trough receives a section of log and forces it through a funnel member 22 into cradles 23a-23f. These cradles tilt in opposite directions and feed the section to splitter devices 24a-24f.
Cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a vertical wood processor
A vertical wood processor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an operator station and a base. The base includes a housing 13 for housing a plurality of parallel-spaced rotary saw blades. The base also comprises a carriage 15 adapted to support a log 20. Opposing pairs of clamps maintain the log in place.
The platform 43 further comprises a plurality of log support strips mounted at an upper surface. The center strip 68 has a lower height than the side strips 67 and 70, and the inner edges of both strips are chamfered to form longitudinal log-supporting groove 71. The log support strips are preferably made of wood.
Log infeed trough
The log infeed trough of a vertical wood processor is a platform for receiving logs for processing. Depending on the machine design, the log infeed trough is fixed or cantilevered and can extend between a frontmost support plate and a rearmost support plate. The trough may include side walls or an open bottom. Typically, a chain conveyor 68 moves logs from the trough to the cutting station 18.
A firewood processor includes a main framework, which is mobile, but is not necessarily trailer-based. The framework supports a log infeed trough, a log supply deck, a cutting station, and an operator’s control station. A log supply deck is positioned lateral to the main framework and carries logs to the log infeed trough. The cutting station includes a vertical blade for cutting logs into individual log rounds. The framework also supports an operator’s control station, which allows the operator to monitor the process.
A vertical wood processor is typically equipped with a chain conveyor and a hydraulic motor. The chain conveyors provide an elevated feed area for the logs. The operator controls a chain conveyor to move logs to a cutting station. A separate loading machine places delimbed logs on the supply deck.
The hydraulic wood processor is typically equipped with an operator control station that controls various processes on the machine. The operator controls the feeding of log rounds into the splitting station and advances the logs to the cutting station. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to opposing cradle members by brackets. A high-pressure valve is also located on the hydraulic cylinder.
A vertical wood processor should be able to process logs up to 34 inches in diameter. Moreover, it should be able to handle a wide variety of logs. For instance, a 16-inch-diameter log cannot be processed with a vertical wood processor.
Splitting station 20
A vertical wood processor is an excellent solution for professional firewood processing. The HydroCombi 20 is a great choice for large logs up to about a metre long. This model features a timber retaining tip and a Fixomatic system. For additional versatility and functionality, a hydraulic cylinder can be added to the base of the machine.
The wood processor has three sections: a longitudinal pusher ram 21 which forces cut log sections through a funnel member 22. These sections are then fed to the cradles 23a-23f that tilt in opposite directions. The cradles feed the log sections to splitter devices 24a-24f. Each device is spaced longitudinally from the ram 21 and is effective in splitting each previously sawed length of the log 20 into wedge-shaped pieces.
The machine further includes an operator control station. This is located at the rear of the cutting station. The log infeed trough is supported on a main framework. The trough advances the log lengthwise to the cutting station, which is arranged with a vertically movable blade for cutting the log into individual log rounds. The main framework also includes an operator control station 22.
A preferred embodiment of a wood processor is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and comprises an operator’s station. It also includes a base 12 that supports various processor components. The saw blades are housed in a housing 13 that is mounted adjacent to the carriage. The cradle members tilt to discharge the log sections alternately on the two sides of the axis of log movement.
Operation of the splitting station
The vertical wood processor comprises an operator station and various components. The operator station is attached to a carriage for receiving the log, which advances to the cutting blades. A pusher rod carries the split pieces along an axis to a receiving cradle.
In operation, the splitting station cuts the log into individual pieces. A movable pusher plate 142 extends from the catch trough directly underneath the log infeed trough 14. The pusher rod advances the cut log pieces along an axis and onto cradle members. In operation, the cradle members tilt to discharge the log sections alternately on both sides of the log movement axis.
The splitting station is controlled by the operator’s control panel on the main framework of the machine. From here, the operator controls the feeding and advance of log rounds from the catch trough into the splitting station. The splitter has a hydraulic cylinder below the log infeed trough, which actuates the pusher plate.
The splitting station comprises hydraulic splitters. Each splitter has a tapered edge and may be adjustable to accommodate log rounds of different diameters. The splitters engage with the bottom of the splitter and force the log sections through the splitter. This process may take about 70 seconds for an eight-foot section of log to be split into 36 firewood pieces. This is a fast process and makes it possible for the operator to split log rounds of different diameters.
The hydraulic wood processor includes a base 12, housing, carriage, and opposing pairs of clamps 17a-17f. The hydraulic system is controlled by two separate systems: the upper pressure system and the lower pressure system. This system may be controlled by microprocessors or limit switches.
Disadvantages of prior art wood processors
While there are many advantages to prior art wood processors, there are also several disadvantages. One disadvantage is the low rate of production. Prior art machines are also prone to frequent breakdowns, which reduces their overall output. Additionally, many of these machines have been found unsafe to operate.
A wood processor 10 comprises a longitudinal pusher ram 21 that forces cut log sections to be fed through a funnel member 22. The cut log sections are then fed into cradles 23a-23f that tilt in opposite directions. Each cradle then feeds a log section to one of three splitter devices 24a-24f, disposed on each side of the pusher ram 21.
