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.
Overview
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.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 9576: Scope & Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades
| Width of Saw (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) | Hook/Clearance Angle | Wood Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.18 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 25° / 15° | Low to Medium (<0.6) |
| 10 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 20° / 15° | Medium to High (>0.6) |
| 10 | 1.25 | 3.8 - 4.5 | 0.95 | 15° / 10° | Medium to High (>0.6) |
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.
IS 9576: Terminology & Key Specifications for Band Saw Blades
Refer to IS 707-1976 and Fig. 1 for detailed tooth geometry.
| Saw Width (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) | Hook Angle (°) | Density Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.18 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 25° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 12.5 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 20° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 15 | 1.25 - 1.40 | 4.5 - 5 | 0.85 - 1.12 | 15° / 10° | Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) |
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 -->
1. Circular Saw Machine:
| Width of Saw (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) | Hook Angle (°) | Density of Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.18 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 25° / 15° | Low to Medium (<0.6) |
| 12.5 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 20° / 15° | Medium to High (>0.6) |
| 15 | 1.25 - 1.40 | 4.5 - 5 | 0.85 - 1.12 | 15° / 10° | High Density (>0.6) |
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
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):
Quality Considerations (Clause 5.6):
flowchart TD
A[Log] --> B[Break down of logs]
B --> C[Further conversion]
C --> D[Final sections for use]
No explicit formulas or tables are provided in IS 9576 for conversion, but the emphasis is on quality control and efficient sawing processes.
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.
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.
IS 9576: Maintenance of Machines and Saw Blades – Key Specifications
| Wood Density & Angle | Saw Width (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low to Medium Density (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) <br> Hook Angle: 20° / Clearance: 15° | 10 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 |
| 12.5 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | |
| 15 | 1.25 - 1.40 | 4.5 - 5 | 0.85 - 1.12 | |
| Medium to Greater Density (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) <br> Hook Angle: 15° / Clearance: 10° | 10 | 1.25 | 3.8 - 4.5 | 0.95 |
| 12.5 | 1.40 | 3.8 - 4.5 | 0.95 | |
| 15 | 1.60 | 4.5 | 1.12 |
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
IS 9576: Saw Blade Sharpening and Setting Key Points
| Wood Density | Clearance Angle | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) | 20° / 15° | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 |
| Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) | 15° / 10° | 1.25 - 1.60 | 3.8 - 5 | 0.85 - 1.12 |
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.
IS 9576: Safety and Operational Guidelines for Band Saw Blades
| Saw Width (cm) | Teeth Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) | Hook Angle | Wood Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 3.8 - 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 25° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sd. Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 12.5 | 1.18 - 1.40 | 3.8 - 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 20° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sd. Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 15 | 1.25 - 1.60 | 4.5 - 5.0 | 0.85 - 1.12 | 15° / 10° | Medium to High (Sd. Sp. Gr. > 0.6) |
[ \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
Quality Considerations in Sawing (IS 9576: Guide for Mill Sawing of Timber)
| Wood Density | Hook Clearance Angle | Saw Width (cm) | Tooth Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) | 20° / 15° | 10 | 1.18 | 4.5 | 0.95–1.12 |
| 12.5 | 1.18–1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95–1.12 | ||
| 15 | 1.25–1.40 | 4.5–5 | 0.85–1.12 | ||
| Medium to High (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) | 15° / 10° | 10 | 1.25 | 3.8–4.5 | 0.95 |
| 12.5 | 1.40 | 3.8–4.5 | 0.95 | ||
| 15 | 1.60 | 4.5 | 1.12 |
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
IS 9576: Annexures and Figures Key Details
| Saw Width (cm) | Thickness (mm) | Pitch (cm) | Gullet Depth (cm) | Hook Angle | Density Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1.18 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 25° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 12.5 | 1.18 - 1.25 | 4.5 | 0.95 - 1.12 | 20° / 15° | Low to Medium (Sp. Gr. < 0.6) |
| 15 | 1.25 - 1.40 | 4.5 - 5 | 1.12 - 0.85 | 15° / 10° | Medium to Greater (Sp. Gr. > 0.6) |
flowchart LR
A[Wood Density] --> B{<0.6 or >0
Frequently Asked
According to IS 9576, the recommended saw machines for timber mill sawing include:
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This ensures economical sawing with minimal timber wastage.
When to prefer plain sawing over quarter sawing (IS 9576, Clause 5.9):
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Plain Sawing (Preferred) | Quarter Sawing (Preferred) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost & Waste | Lower cost, less waste | Higher cost, more waste |
| Drying | Faster drying, less collapse | Slower drying, less checking |
| Dimensional Stability | More shrinkage/swelling, more warping | Less shrinkage/swelling, less warping |
| Appearance (Figure) | Unfigured or mottled patterns | Special grain effects (silver grain, fiddle back) |
| Knot Appearance | Round knots | Splay knots |
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In brief: Prefer plain sawing for structural, unfigured timber or when cost and drying speed matter more than appearance or dimensional stability.
According to IS 9576 Clause 6.1.4.5, saw blade maintenance and sharpening should follow these key steps:
This ensures efficient cutting and blade longevity.
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Summary: Proper jointing → machine sharpening with adjustable grinder & pusher → maintain angles & gullet depth per timber density → ensures optimal blade performance.
Safety Features for Band Saw and Band Mill Machines (IS 9576)
These features collectively ensure operator safety by controlling blade movement, preventing accidental contact, and maintaining machine stability.
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):
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.
| Defect Type | Recommended Handling |
|---|---|
| Large Checks | Saw parallel to the crack |
| Crooked Logs | Bulge into/away from saw; thin planks (2.5 cm) |
| General Defects | Thorough inspection before sawing |
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This approach optimizes timber yield and quality per IS 9576.
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