Log saw apparatus and method

A method for cutting a rotating log into rolls, the method comprising:

• providing a mandrel including a longitudinal axis, a first portion including a radially outermost surface defining a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis, and a second portion including a radially outermost surface defining a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis;
• at least partially supporting the log with the mandrel received within an aperture of the log;
• rotating the log;
• moving the saw blade toward the longitudinal axis to a cutting position between the first portion and the second portion, the cutting position defining a third radial distance between the saw blade and the longitudinal axis, the third radial distance being shorter than each of the first and second radial distances, wherein the mandrel has a third portion connecting the first and second portions, the third portion including a radially innermost surface defining a fourth radial distance from the longitudinal axis, the fourth radial distance being shorter than the each of the first, second, and third radial distances, and wherein the mandrel includes a sloped wall between the radially innermost surface of the third portion and the radially outermost surface of the first portion;
• cutting at least one roll from the log as the saw blade moves to the cutting position, the at least one roll including an aperture;
• moving the at least one roll along the mandrel in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• reforming the aperture of the roll with the sloped wall as the roll is moved in the longitudinal direction.

A method for cutting a rotating log into rolls, the method comprising:

• receiving a mandrel within a centrally located, longitudinally extending aperture in the log;
• rotating the log;
• moving a saw into and within a recess of a non-rotating part of the mandrel;
• cutting at least one roll from the log as the saw blade moves to the cutting position, the at least one roll including an aperture;
• rotating the at least one roll about the mandrel;
• reforming the aperture of the roll with a non-abrupt circumferential transition between the recess and an unrecessed part of the non-rotating portion as the roll rotates about the mandrel;
• moving the at least one roll along the mandrel in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• reforming the aperture of the roll with a sloped wall between the recess and an outer surface of the mandrel flanking the recess as the roll is moved in the longitudinal direction.

A log saw mandrel for use with a log saw having a log saw blade, the log saw mandrel comprising:

• an elongated body having
• a first end,
• a second end opposite the first end, and
• an outer surface extending between the first and second ends;
• a recess defined in the elongated body between the first and second ends of the elongated body, the recess extending partially through the elongated body and shaped to receive at least part of the blade of the log saw beneath the outer surface of the elongated body;
• and
• a sloped wall between the recess and an outer surface of the elongated body flanking the recess.

A method of cutting a log of wound product, comprising:

• receiving at least part of the log upon a mandrel;
• cutting at least one roll from the log with a log saw blade at a location along the mandrel, the at least one roll including an aperture;
• and
• receiving at least part of the log saw blade within a recess in the mandrel;
• moving the at least one roll along the mandrel in a longitudinal direction;
• and
• reforming the aperture of the roll with a sloped wall between the recess and an outer surface of the mandrel flanking the recess as the roll is moved in the longitudinal direction.