Method and apparatus for shaping and planing boards

Abstract

A method and apparatus for shaping the edges and planing a surface of elongate boards in a single integrated operation so that the sides and ends thereof are interlockingly matched with complementary shapes. A leading end of each board is moved laterally past a first edge cutting head which cuts a first shape therein. Then the board is moved longitudinally past the same cutting head such that the same shape is cut in a first side thereof. After a portion of the first side is cut, one of the faces of the board is planed by a cutting head and, subsequently, the board is moved longitudinally past a second edge cutting head which cuts a shape in the second side of the board complementary to the shape previously cut in the first side. After cutting of the second side of the board is completed, the trailing edge of the board is moved laterally past the second cutting head which shapes the trailing edge similar to the second side so as to be complementary to the shape previously cut in the board's leading edge. This method is carried out by an apparatus which utilizes only one cutting head to shape two adjacent edges while minimizing the necessary manipulation of the board. The operations are executed by two movable carriages for moving and positioning the boards and a central table housing the cutting heads. The operations of the carriages, cutting heads and various guide mechanisms are governed by a hybird control system utilizing pneumatic, hydraulic and electric power transfer and control means. The apparatus also accepts random length boards, is adjustable to a variety of graded width boards, and automatically loads raw boards and stacks finished boards.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.