Page 34 - MetalForming June 2013

Big-Bed Dual-Bridge
Waterjet-Cutting Machine
a Real Workhorse
A 10- by 40-ft. dual-bridge cutting table, twin pumps and productivity- enhancing processing software fortify this waterjet-cutting machine to tackle parts to 1.5 in. thick, helping a startup manufacturer of lumber- cutting machines make a mark in the market.
Last year all of the technological pieces fell into place for Ron McGehee and his son Clark. Together the duo launched WaneShear Technologies LLC, manufacturing the unique WaneShear lumber-cutting sys- tem in a new shop located in Ukiah, CA.
Unlike regular sawmill edgers that move rough lumber into stationary saws, the WaneShear, says Clark McGehee, who serves as the plant’s general man- ager, passes saw blades through lum- ber as it remains stationary. The result is what may be the fastest system of its kind, capable of processing as many as 60 board/min.–17,000 boards/shift. And, it does so at a cut accuracy with- in 0.015 in.
The WaneShear system gets its name from “wane”—the round exterior por- tions of logs that cannot be cut into square lumber. The WaneShear shears
WaneShear’s Omax 120X-3 JetMachining Center features an x-y cutting travel of 40 by 10 ft. Its DualBridge setup is a con- figuration option that allows the addition of a second Y-bridge to boost efficiency and flexibility. The bridges can be pro- grammed to produce separate compo- nents or can work in tandem to cut one large part.
off a log’s wane. The boards are scanned, positioned and cut transversely. Since the board never changes directions, as with conventional systems, the Wane- Shear takes up the space needed for only one lumber line. The system uses all electric actuators, ensuring accuracy, speed and efficiency.
A complete WaneShear system, while also much more compact than other sawmill edgers, can measure up to 80 ft. long and 45 ft. wide. Manufac- turing the systems requires WaneShear Technologies to fabricate, machine and
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MetalForming/June 2013
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