IS 95761980AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Guide for mill sawing of timber

IS 9576:1980 provides comprehensive guidance on mill sawing of timber, detailing the types of sawing machines, sawing methods, maintenance of equipment, and best practices for timber conversion. It is essential for professionals involved in timber processing to optimize yield, maintain machinery, and ensure quality in sawn timber products. This standard is tailored for Indian timber industries and incorporates practical considerations relevant to local forestry and manufacturing conditions.

10Sections
124Clauses Indexed
AI Search Ready
1980Edition
TimberCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 9576 PDF, IS 9576 pdf free download, IS 9576 free download pdf, IS9576 PDF, IS-9576 PDF, IS 9576 1980 PDF, IS 9576:1980 PDF, IS 9576-1980 PDF, IS 9576 (1980) PDF, IS 9576 1980 edition PDF, IS 9576 edition 1980 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 9576:1980 provides comprehensive guidance on mill sawing of timber, detailing the types of sawing machines, sawing methods, maintenance of equipment, and best practices for timber conversion. It is essential for professionals involved in timber processing to optimize yield, maintain machinery, and ensure quality in sawn timber products. This standard is tailored for Indian timber industries and incorporates practical considerations relevant to local forestry and manufacturing conditions.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Timber mill operators
  • Saw machine maintenance engineers
  • Forest product manufacturers
  • Wood processing engineers
  • Quality control inspectors in timber industry
  • Timber merchants and traders
  • Civil engineers involved in timber construction

Key Topics Covered

Types of saw machines used in timber mills
Plain sawing (tangential) and quarter sawing (radial) methods
Stages of timber conversion: break down and further conversion
Advantages and disadvantages of sawing methods
Maintenance and sharpening of saw blades
Saw blade setting and brazing techniques
Handling and positioning of logs during sawing
Specifications for saw teeth geometry
Safety features and guards on sawing machines
Optimization of timber yield and reduction of wastage
Handling defects like checks, shakes, and taper in logs
Practical considerations for different timber types

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 9576: Scope & Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades

Scope (Clause 2.0)

  • Defines terms related to band saw blades such as Clearance Angle, Kerf Width (Theoretical), and Sharpness Angle.
  • Reference to IS 707-1976 for additional definitions.
  • Rounding off test results per IS 2-1960.

Key Table: Specification for Teeth of Band Saw Blade (Clause 6.1.4)

Width of Saw (cm)Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)Hook/Clearance AngleWood Density
101.184.50.95 - 1.1225° / 15°Low to Medium (<0.6)
101.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.1220° / 15°Medium to High (>0.6)
101.253.8 - 4.50.9515° / 10°Medium to High (>0.6)
  • Pitch: Distance between teeth.
  • Gullet Depth: Space between teeth for chip removal.
  • Angles vary with wood density for optimal cutting.

Important Notes

  • Use mechanical press and brazing fixture (Fig. 7) for blade maintenance.
  • Final test values should be rounded per IS 2-1960 for compliance.

flowchart LR
    A[Wood Density] -->|<0.6| B[Use 25° / 15° Hook Angle]
    A -->|>0.6| C[Use 15° / 10° Hook Angle]
    B --> D[Select Thickness & Pitch from Table]
    C --> D
    D --> E[Set Gullet Depth accordingly]

This ensures correct blade geometry for efficient cutting and durability.

2Terminology and Definitions

IS 9576: Terminology & Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades

Key Definitions (Clause 2.0)

  • Clearance Angle: The angle between the saw tooth face and the workpiece, ensuring smooth cutting.
  • Kerf Width (Theoretical): The width of the cut made by the saw blade.
  • Sharpness Angle: The angle at the tip of the saw tooth affecting cutting efficiency.

Refer to IS 707-1976 and Fig. 1 for detailed tooth geometry.


Teeth Specification (Clause 6.1.4, Table 1)

Saw Width (cm)Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)Hook Angle (°)Density Category
101.184.50.95 - 1.1225° / 15°Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
12.51.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.1220° / 15°Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
151.25 - 1.404.5 - 50.85 - 1.1215° / 10°Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6)
  • Hook Angle varies with wood density:
    • Low to Medium Density (Sp. Gr. < 0.6): 20° - 25°
    • Medium to High Density (Sp. Gr. > 0.6): 10° - 15°

Rounding Off (General Clause)

  • Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test results.
  • Retain significant figures consistent with specified values.

flowchart LR
    A[Saw Tooth Geometry] --> B[Clearance Angle]
    A --> C[Kerf Width]
    A --> D[Sharpness Angle]
    B --> E[Ensures smooth cutting]
    C --> F[Width of cut]
    D -->
3Types of Sawing Machines

Types of Sawing Machines (IS 9576: Clause 4.3 & 4.3.4)

1. Circular Saw Machine:

  • Frame: Heavy casting to hold all parts rigidly.
  • Table: Cast iron with a central slot for blade movement and a mitre gauge slot.
  • Arbor Shaft: Mild steel shaft rotating on bearings, driven by belt and pulleys.
  • Collars: Two cast iron collars hold the blade in position on the arbor.
  • Pulleys: Two cast iron pulleys transmit power from motor to arbor.
  • Saw Blade: Circular steel plate with teeth, mounted on threaded arbor end and secured by collars and nut.

Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades (Clause 6.1.4, Table 1)

Width of Saw (cm)Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)Hook Angle (°)Density of Wood
101.184.50.95 - 1.1225° / 15°Low to Medium (<0.6)
12.51.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.1220° / 15°Medium to High (>0.6)
151.25 - 1.404.5 - 50.85 - 1.1215° / 10°High Density (>0.6)
  • Hook Angle: Varies with wood density; lower angles for denser wood.
  • Pitch: Distance between teeth; larger pitch for softer wood.
  • Gullet Depth: Space between teeth to clear chips.

Summary Diagram: Circular Saw Components

graph LR
A[Frame] --> B[Table]
B --> C[Arbor Shaft]
C --> D[Collars]
D --> E[Saw Blade]
C --> F[Pulleys]
F --> G[Motor]

Note: For detailed saw blade maintenance and saw doctoring, refer to Clause 6 of IS 957

4Process of Conversion

IS 9576: Process of Conversion - Key Points

  • Definition (Clause 2.1):
    Conversion is the process of sawing logs and flitches into smaller sections for further processing.

  • Stages of Conversion (Clause 4.1):

    1. Break down of logs - Initial cutting of logs into manageable sections.
    2. Further conversion - Subsequent cutting of these sections into desired sizes.
  • Quality Considerations (Clause 5.6):

    • Avoid logs with excessive taper, flutes, and shakes as they cause difficulties and increase wastage during conversion.
    • Conversion should be done judiciously to minimize wastage and maintain quality.

Typical Conversion Workflow

flowchart TD
    A[Log] --> B[Break down of logs]
    B --> C[Further conversion]
    C --> D[Final sections for use]

Practical Tips:

  • Select logs with minimal taper and defects.
  • Use optimized sawing patterns to reduce waste.
  • Monitor moisture content for ease of conversion.

No explicit formulas or tables are provided in IS 9576 for conversion, but the emphasis is on quality control and efficient sawing processes.

5Methods of Sawing and Timber Handling

IS 9576: Guide for Mill Sawing of Timber — Key Points

Though IS 9576 lacks explicit formulas, it emphasizes efficient sawing methods and timber handling to minimize wastage and improve quality.

Methods of Sawing:

  • Plain Sawing (Flat Sawing): Logs are cut tangentially to the growth rings, producing varied grain patterns.
  • Quarter Sawing: Logs are quartered and sawn radially, yielding more stable timber with vertical grain.
  • Rift Sawing: Similar to quarter sawing but with more uniform grain, ideal for furniture.

Timber Handling Recommendations:

  • Use proper log positioning to reduce defects.
  • Employ sharp, well-maintained saw blades to ensure clean cuts.
  • Handle timber carefully post-sawing to avoid damage and moisture absorption.

General Guidelines:

  • Select sawing method based on timber species and end-use.
  • Minimize kerf width to reduce wastage.
  • Maintain saw speed and feed rate optimized per species hardness.
flowchart LR
    A[Log] --> B{Select Sawing Method}
    B --> C[Plain Sawing]
    B --> D[Quarter Sawing]
    B --> E[Rift Sawing]
    C --> F[Varied Grain, More Wastage]
    D --> G[Stable Timber, Less Wastage]
    E --> H[Uniform Grain, Premium Quality]

For detailed machine specifications and operational parameters, refer to machine manufacturer manuals and species-specific guidelines.

6Maintenance of Machines and Saw Blades

IS 9576: Maintenance of Machines and Saw Blades – Key Specifications

1. Teeth Specifications for Band Saw Blades (Clause 6.1.4, Table 1)

Wood Density & AngleSaw Width (cm)Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)
Low to Medium Density (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) <br> Hook Angle: 20° / Clearance: 15°101.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.12
12.51.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.12
151.25 - 1.404.5 - 50.85 - 1.12
Medium to Greater Density (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) <br> Hook Angle: 15° / Clearance: 10°101.253.8 - 4.50.95
12.51.403.8 - 4.50.95
151.604.51.12

2. Sharpening Procedure (Clause 6.1.4.5)

  • Use a saw sharpening machine with:
    • Platform supporting wheels for different blade lengths.
    • Adjustable grinder with angle control for gulleting.
    • Pusher mechanism to rotate blade tooth-by-tooth, adjustable by eccentricity based on pitch.

3. Maintenance Tips

  • Joint blades before sharpening.
  • Maintain correct hook and clearance angles for wood density.
  • Regularly check gullet depth and pitch for optimal cutting.

flowchart LR
    A[Blade Jointing] --> B[Saw Sharpening Machine]
    B --> C[Adjust Grinder Angle]
    B --> D[Rotate Blade Tooth-by-Tooth]
    C --> E[Set Hook & Clearance Angles]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Sharpen
7Saw Blade Sharpening and Setting

IS 9576: Saw Blade Sharpening and Setting Key Points

1. Teeth Specification (Table 1, Clause 6.1.4)

Wood DensityClearance AngleThickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)
Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)20° / 15°1.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.12
Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6)15° / 10°1.25 - 1.603.8 - 50.85 - 1.12
  • Thickness, pitch, and gullet depth vary with saw width (10, 12.5, 15 cm).
  • Clearance angle depends on wood density for efficient cutting.

2. Sharpening (Clause 6.1.4.5)

  • Use a saw sharpening machine with:
    • Adjustable platform for different blade lengths.
    • Grinder with adjustable angle for gulleting.
    • Pusher mechanism to rotate blade one tooth per stroke (eccentricity adjusted per pitch).
  • Teeth must be jointed and sharpened so all share equal cutting load.

3. Saw Doctoring (Clause 6.1.4)

  • Operations include setting, leveling, tensioning, and sharpening.
  • Proper set avoids timber binding and excessive kerf (waste).
  • Saw body must be free from lumps and properly tensioned for speed.
flowchart TD
    A[Start: Saw Blade] --> B[Jointing Teeth]
    B --> C[Sharpening with Adjustable Grinder]
    C --> D[Setting Teeth for Proper Clearance]
    D --> E[Leveling and Tensioning Blade]
    E --> F[Ready for Cutting]

Summary: Follow Table 1 for tooth specs, use proper sharpening machines with angle and pitch adjustments, and ensure correct setting and tensioning for optimal saw performance.

8Safety and Operational Guidelines

IS 9576: Safety and Operational Guidelines for Band Saw Blades

Key Specifications (Clause 6.1.4, Table 1)

Saw Width (cm)Teeth Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)Hook AngleWood Density
101.18 - 1.253.8 - 4.50.95 - 1.1225° / 15°Low to Medium (Sd. Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
12.51.18 - 1.403.8 - 4.50.95 - 1.1220° / 15°Low to Medium (Sd. Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
151.25 - 1.604.5 - 5.00.85 - 1.1215° / 10°Medium to High (Sd. Sp. Gr. > 0.6)

Safety & Operational Guidelines

  • Hook/Clearance Angle: Adjust according to wood density for efficient cutting and reduced blade wear.
  • Pitch & Gullet Depth: Larger pitch and deeper gullets for softer woods; smaller pitch for harder woods.
  • Blade Thickness: Increase thickness with saw width for stability.
  • Maintenance: Regular inspection and brazing (see Fig. 7 Brazing Fixture) ensure blade integrity.

Summary Formula for Hook Angle Selection:

[ \text{Hook Angle} = \begin{cases} 25^\circ \text{ to } 15^\circ & \text{for low to medium density wood (Sd. Sp. Gr. < 0.6)} \ 15^\circ \text{ to } 10^\circ & \text{for medium to high density wood (Sd. Sp. Gr. > 0.6)} \end{cases} ]


graph TD
A[Wood Density] -->|< 0.6| B[Use
9Quality Considerations in Sawing

Quality Considerations in Sawing (IS 9576: Guide for Mill Sawing of Timber)

Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades (Clause 6.1.4, Table 1)

Wood DensityHook Clearance AngleSaw Width (cm)Tooth Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)
Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)20° / 15°101.184.50.95–1.12
12.51.18–1.254.50.95–1.12
151.25–1.404.5–50.85–1.12
Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6)15° / 10°101.253.8–4.50.95
12.51.403.8–4.50.95
151.604.51.12

Quality Control Tips:

  • Hook Clearance Angle: Adjust according to timber density for smooth cutting.
  • Pitch & Gullet Depth: Proper sizing prevents clogging and improves blade life.
  • Blade Thickness: Must suit saw width and wood type for precision.

Maintenance:

  • Regular sharpening and brazing (using fixtures like the Mechanical Press, Fig. 7) maintain blade quality.
flowchart LR
    A[Timber Density] --> B{Select Hook Angle}
    B -->|Low to Medium| C[20° / 15°]
    B -->|Medium to High| D[15° / 10°]
    C --> E[Choose Saw Width & Tooth Specs]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Adjust Pitch & Gullet Depth]
    F --> G[Perform Sawing]
    G --> H[Inspect Blade & Maintain]

This ensures efficient, high-quality sawing per IS

10Annexures and Figures

IS 9576: Annexures and Figures Key Details

1. Table 1: Specification for Band Saw Blade Teeth (Clause 6.1.4)

Saw Width (cm)Thickness (mm)Pitch (cm)Gullet Depth (cm)Hook AngleDensity Category
101.184.50.95 - 1.1225° / 15°Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
12.51.18 - 1.254.50.95 - 1.1220° / 15°Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6)
151.25 - 1.404.5 - 51.12 - 0.8515° / 10°Medium to Greater (Sp. Gr. > 0.6)
  • Hook Clearance Angle varies by wood density:
    • Low to Medium Density (<0.6 Sp. Gr.): 20° and 15°
    • Medium to Greater Density (>0.6 Sp. Gr.): 15° and 10°

2. Key Definitions (Fig. 1):

  • Clearance Angle: Angle between the tooth face and the workpiece to reduce friction.
  • Kerf Width: The theoretical width of the cut made by the saw blade.
  • Sharpness Angle: Angle defining the cutting edge sharpness.

3. Figures:

  • Fig. 1: Diagram of saw tooth showing terms and angles.
  • Fig. 7: Brazing fixture for blade maintenance.

Summary:

  • Use Table 1 for selecting blade tooth dimensions based on saw width and wood density.
  • Adjust hook clearance angles according to wood density for optimal cutting and blade life.
  • Refer to Fig. 1 for tooth geometry understanding.
flowchart LR
    A[Wood Density] --> B{<0.6 or >0

Popular Questions About IS 9576

?What are the recommended types of saw machines for timber mill sawing?

According to IS 9576, the recommended saw machines for timber mill sawing include:

1. Band Saw Machines

  • Preferred for conversion of timber with minimal wastage.
  • Use different band saw blades depending on timber species:
    • Coniferous wood
    • Non-coniferous (low/medium density)
    • Non-coniferous (heavy)
  • Proper saw doctoring is essential: setting, leveling, tensioning, sharpening, and correct tooth set to avoid binding and reduce kerf loss.

2. Circular Saw Machines

  • Consist of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor shaft, driven by electric or diesel motors.
  • Key parts:
    • Heavy cast iron frame
    • Machined table with slots for blade and mitre gauge
    • Mild steel arbor shaft with bearings and pulleys
    • Cast iron collars and pulleys
    • Circular steel saw blade with teeth on the edge

Summary:

  • Band saws for precision, less wastage, and species-specific blades.
  • Circular saws for robust, manual feeding and general sawing.
Loading diagram...

This ensures economical sawing with minimal timber wastage.

?When should plain sawing be preferred over quarter sawing?

When to prefer plain sawing over quarter sawing (IS 9576, Clause 5.9):

  • Use plain sawing (tangential sawing) when:
    • The timber is unfigured or for uses like sleepers and scantlings where appearance is not critical.
    • Cost and waste reduction are priorities, as plain sawing is easier, cheaper, and produces less waste.
    • Faster drying is required, since plain sawn timber dries more rapidly and collapses less easily during drying.
    • Knot appearance matters: knots appear as round knots (more acceptable) rather than splay knots.
    • A more decorative grain pattern such as mottled or "U" and "V" shapes is desired in some woods.

Summary Table:

AspectPlain Sawing (Preferred)Quarter Sawing (Preferred)
Cost & WasteLower cost, less wasteHigher cost, more waste
DryingFaster drying, less collapseSlower drying, less checking
Dimensional StabilityMore shrinkage/swelling, more warpingLess shrinkage/swelling, less warping
Appearance (Figure)Unfigured or mottled patternsSpecial grain effects (silver grain, fiddle back)
Knot AppearanceRound knotsSplay knots
Loading diagram...

In brief: Prefer plain sawing for structural, unfigured timber or when cost and drying speed matter more than appearance or dimensional stability.

?How should saw blades be maintained and sharpened according to IS 9576?

According to IS 9576 Clause 6.1.4.5, saw blade maintenance and sharpening should follow these key steps:

  • Jointing: Before sharpening, the blade teeth must be jointed to ensure uniform height.
  • Sharpening Machine Setup:
    • Use a platform with two wheels adjustable for different blade lengths.
    • An adjustable grinder to set the correct gullet depth and tooth angle (hook/clearance angle).
    • A pusher mechanism that rotates the blade by one tooth per stroke, adjustable for tooth pitch.
  • Sharpening Angles depend on timber density:
    • Low to Medium Density (Sp. Gr. < 0.6): Hook angle ~20°, clearance angle ~15°
    • Medium to High Density (Sp. Gr. > 0.6): Hook angle ~15°, clearance angle ~10°
  • Tooth dimensions (thickness, pitch, gullet depth) must match timber type and blade width as per Table 6 in the code.

This ensures efficient cutting and blade longevity.

Loading diagram...

Summary: Proper jointing → machine sharpening with adjustable grinder & pusher → maintain angles & gullet depth per timber density → ensures optimal blade performance.

?What safety features are specified for band saw and band mill machines?

Safety Features for Band Saw and Band Mill Machines (IS 9576)

  • Guards: Metal doors cover the upper and lower wheels to protect operators from blade breakage and to dampen vibrations (Clause 4.3.3.g).
  • Saw Guides: Steel jaws guide the blade to prevent deflection and reduce shock during cutting (Clauses 4.3.1.g & 4.3.3.f).
  • Adjusting and Straining Devices: Allow tensioning and controlled movement of the upper wheel to maintain blade tightness and prevent sudden strain (Clause 4.3.1.e & f).
  • Frame and Base: Heavy castings maintain alignment and stability, reducing vibration and risk of component failure (Clauses 4.3.1.b, 4.3.2.a & 4.3.3.a).
  • Carriage (Band Mill Vertical): Provides controlled feeding of logs, minimizing manual handling risks (Clause 4.3.1.h).
  • Table and Throat Plate: Provide stable support and minimize exposure to the blade (Clause 4.3.3.d & e).

These features collectively ensure operator safety by controlling blade movement, preventing accidental contact, and maintaining machine stability.

?How does the standard recommend handling logs with defects like checks or taper?

According to IS 9576, handling logs with defects like checks or taper involves:

  • Checks (Clause 5.8): Logs with large checks should be sawn parallel to the crack to minimize wastage and maximize usable timber.

  • Crooked or Tapered Logs (Clause 5.5):

    • Bulges or crooks should be oriented into or away from the saw, never sideways.
    • Crooked logs are preferably sawn into thin planks (~2.5 cm thick) rather than thicker sizes to optimize yield.
  • General Inspection (Clause 5.2): Logs must be examined for length, girth, defects (including end defects and center heart) to ensure suitability and maximize yield.

  • Breakdown Process (Clause 4.1.1): Logs are first converted into cants by vertical sawing, then further processed.


Summary Table

Defect TypeRecommended Handling
Large ChecksSaw parallel to the crack
Crooked LogsBulge into/away from saw; thin planks (2.5 cm)
General DefectsThorough inspection before sawing
Loading diagram...

This approach optimizes timber yield and quality per IS 9576.

Need Detailed Clause Answers?

Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 9576. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.

Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required