When making pallet cut stock from cants or rough lumber, at some point in the process the material must be cut to the appropriate length for a stringer or deck board.
For cants, one option is a cut-off saw, which may have one or more saw heads to cut the cant into sections that are ready for a resaw. Another option is a multi-trim saw, which has several saw heads and makes all the cuts simultaneously.
For lumber, a chop saw can cut a board into the appropriate lengths for pallet parts, as can a multi-trim saw.
With all these machinery options, the equipment handles or processes one piece of material at a time, although a cut-off saw and a multi-trim saw can make multiple, simultaneous cuts in the same cant or board.
Another option for cutting material to length is a cross-cut package saw. It is distinguished from the above machinery options because it cuts an entire package or bundle of material at one time or in one cutting stroke.
The benefit of a cross-cut package saw is readily obvious. It enables a company to cut much more material in a much shorter amount of time. The time required to cut through a bundle of 2×4 studs, for example, is roughly a minute, maybe less.
Cross-cut package saws usually rely on a bar saw (chain saw) for cutting. They can cut bundles of cants, 2×4, 1×4 – virtually any dimension lumber.
The material does not need to be singulated in order to be advanced to the saw, but a forklift is required to lift packages into place and remove cut material.
A small group of suppliers manufactures or sells cross-cut package saws to the pallet and sawmill industries.
With most models, the bar saw moves horizontally, top to bottom, down through the material. Some models feature a bar saw in an upright position, and the saw cuts and moves through the material in a vertical alignment.
These machines are relatively low maintenance, requiring service mainly for the bar and saw chain.
Suppliers also offer a wide array of features and optional equipment for cross-cut package saws, and all provide customization.
For example, these machines can be supplied in various lengths of steel frame where material is staged and after it is cut. Longer frame area allows more bundles to be staged before the saw and to be stored temporarily after cutting.
Control systems may be automated as well as remote. Remote, automated controls enable the worker operating the forklift to both stage material, remove cut material and operate the machine.
Other features or optional equipment include systems to flush or square the ends of the material in a bundle prior to cutting, digital measuring, waste conveyors, strapping and more.
In the accompanying tables, we provide information on suppliers and their models from cooperating advertisers. Contact information is provided for each for readers who would like more information or to talk to a company representative.
