Sawing software

[Simplesaw]

Is anyone using software to layout the cutting of logs and if so which one? I am building a swing blade and want to automate to completely cut the log. I know I won't get the absolute best use of the log as I am not making adjustment to what I see but should make up some in time for the speed of cutting. I have seen a couple that will work but was looking to find out if anyone was using anything they really liked.

[beenthere]

Simplesaw
Which ones have you seen that will work?

[Simplesaw]

Here are a couple, I tend to work from a couple different computers and bookmarks get all over the place.

http://www.thomasic.com/Log%20Saw.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TYG-48TMY39-17W&_user=10&_coverDate=12%2F31%2F1988&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1469899396&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=c2677771391d2846c2d27314ea79d362&searchtype=a

http://www.halcosoftware.com/software/index.html

http://www.millsmart.com/log.html

These were a couple of things I saved but I am not finding the Polish or Russian one that I liked the best. I will try to find it on the other computers to send you. I think there is still an English company that had one that was just a layout program but the data could be transposed to run the saw.

I talked with three different companies at the IWF Woodworking show that write software but I think any CNC company would be able to script it easy enough. I am just hoping to license software that is already out there and keep the cost down. We have a great design that should last lifetimes without much repair or replacing through time and I want to add the processing software so one man could program it easily and tell it to go and the rest of the time spent is just stacking lumber.

[weisyboy]

its not worth doing mate.

you will get 90% [I have typed a profane word that is automatically changed by the forum censored words program I should know better].

you will be cutting 2 crappy unsaleable boards where you could have got one good one.

you need to be able to cut to whats in the log not whats on the outside.

there is not a big enough margin in this saw milling kaper to lose to mutch timber.

[Simplesaw]

Thanks Weisyboy, Sometimes just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done. I'll take it to heart. I have the hand held remote to finish and maybe pass on the automation optimization for now.

[backwoods sawyer]

I have worked with "USNR", "Sherman" and "Coe" I am partial to the USNR scanners as they put out a very good product and have a great team of engineers that will fine-tune it to your specific needs. There program is price based meaning as the price of one dimension or grade of lumber changes it will take that into account as it optimizes for the optimum recovery from the log. They are not cheap!!! But they are easy to interface with. In addition, they take some time to fine tune. However once they are up and running, they will decrease the log handling time, increasing production, increase recovery and grade. It is kinda like the Paul Bunion thing, which is better, the axe or the chainsaw. Some of the older sawyers had a hard time excepting the change over to a fully automated mill, but those that stuck around saw production go from 100,000bft a shift to over 400,000bft a shift over several years worth of up grades.

Are the feasible on a portable mill at this time? NO, as they will cost more then the mill itself.