A guide roller for a sawmill – all you should know about it!
The guide roller for the sawmill is a frequent subject of questions on thematic groups related to the wood industry. The reason is obvious. The roller is an element that significantly affects the quality and accuracy of the cut performed by the band sawmill. Below we present some of the most important things to remember about servicing the rollers.
TECHNICAL CONDITION OF ROLLERS
Guide rollers should be functional and unworn, and their surface should be smooth, even and without signs of wear in the form of a cone or flat part. Rollers should be high-speed and protected against moisture and dirt. Service – replacement or regeneration of such rollers, should take place at least once a year.
THE PRESSURE OF THE ROLLERS ON THE BLADE
Remember that the rollers should press the saw blade to the bed of the sawmill with the right force. This will ensure the required stability and the correct position of the cutting band. Too much pressure can cause excessive wear on the rollers and the blade, and reduce cut quality. On the other hand, too little pressure will cause the blade to loosen and wobble, as well as loss of control over the cut. It is assumed that the rollers should press against the saw blade so as to reduce the distance between the blade and the bed by 6 mm.
DISTANCE OF THE ROLLER FLANGE TO THE BACK EDGE OF THE BLADE
The roller flange is used to prevent the saw blade from slipping off the bed of the sawmill. The distance between the flange and the back edge of the saw blade should be chosen so as not to impede the movement of the saw blade, but also prevent it from shifting. The average distance of the flange from the back edge of the blade is about 3-4mm.
SAFETY FIRST
Let’s remember to make sure that the sawmill engine is currently turned off before each roller adjustment.
