Automated multi-headed saw for lumber and associated method

A method for sawing a first piece of lumber stock, the method comprising:

• providing a first gantry structure having a length, a first plurality of saw heads supported by the first gantry structure including a first saw head having a blade and a second saw head having a blade, and a first plurality of lumber supports including a first lumber support and a second lumber support;
• supporting the first piece of lumber stock on the first lumber support and the second lumber support;
• moving, during a first period of time, at least the first saw head and the first lumber support relative to the first piece of lumber while supporting the first piece of lumber stock on the first and second lumber supports until the first saw head and the first lumber support are located adjacent a first location along the first piece of lumber and the second saw head and the second lumber support are located adjacent a second location along the first piece of lumber;
• and
• operating the first saw head to cut a first board off the first piece of lumber stock at the first location and operating the second saw head to cut a second board off the first piece of lumber stock at the second location.

An apparatus for sawing a first piece of lumber stock, the method comprising:

• a first gantry structure having a length, a first plurality of saw heads supported by the first gantry structure including a first saw head having a blade and a second saw head having a blade;
• first means for supporting the first piece of lumber stock at a first location along a length of the first piece of lumber stock;
• second means for supporting the first piece of lumber stock at a second location along a length of the first piece of lumber stock;
• means for moving, during a first period of time, at least the first saw head and the first lumber support relative to the first piece of lumber while supporting the first piece of lumber stock until the first saw head and the first means for supporting are located adjacent a first location along the first piece of lumber and the second saw head and the second means for supporting are located adjacent a second location along the first piece of lumber;
• and
• means for operating the first saw head to cut a first board off the first piece of lumber stock at the first location and means for operating the second saw head to cut a second board off the first piece of lumber stock at the second location.