Truss web cutter

An apparatus for forming miter cuts on the ends of truss webs, comprising:

• support base means for supporting an elongated plank-like workpiece in a horizontal path;
• column means including a column normally supported vertically by said support base means,
• the upper end of said column terminating below the horizontal workpiece path;
• and,
• cutter head means slidably supported by said column for acting on a workpiece when said cutter head means is moved vertically across the workpiece path,
• said cutter head means including,
• a frame including a pair of horizontal frame base members,
• sleeve means including a sleeve interposed between and connected with said frame base members and surrounding the upper end portion of said column,
• a spring retainer overlying and secured to the upper end of said column,
• spring reel means including an elongated spring band secured to said frame base members adjacent said column,
• said spring reel means including an elongated band having one end secured to said spring retainer for normally maintaining the upper end of said sleeve adjacent said spring retainer,
• said base frame members having frame uprights mounted thereon and terminating at their upper ends in a horizontal plane spaced above the workpiece path,
• a pair of pulleys journalled by said frame uprights in a generaly horizontal plane,
• an endless band saw blade substantially describing a figure eight and entrained around said pulleys with the point of intersection of the crossed portions of the blade coaxially aligned with the vertical axis of said column, and,
• a motor drivably connected with one said pulley.