Log cutting and rejoining process for lumber manufacture

Abstract

A process for making composite lumber products from generally cylindrical logs includes the steps of cutting a log radially into a plurality of first sector-shaped pieces having similar included angles and then preferably drying the sector-shaped pieces. After drying, the sector-shaped pieces are preferably machined to provide flat surfaces for subsequent gluing and rejoining steps. The sector-shaped pieces are then divided into at least two members where each plane of cut will be substantially parallel to the chord base plane with at least one of the resulting members having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the final composite lumber. At least two of the resulting members, substantially equal in thickness, are then rotated and bonded together along juxtaposed edges into a composite planar piece. Additional members substantially equal in thickness can be alternately rotated and edge bonded to the composite piece thereby forming wider widths. Alternate members in the composite piece can have the taper reversed longitudinally if a higher lumber yield is desired. The wide width composite pieces can then be rip cut longitudinally to yield pieces of the desired width. A finger jointing process and final surfacing can be applied to the composite lumber. The resulting composite lumber is generally flat grained over the two wider faces and each resulting piece will have at least one inclined glue line throughout its length.