Effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces and surface quality of black spruce cants

The effects of rake angle, cutting direction, and depth of cut on cutting forces and surface quality of black spruce were evaluated. Cutting forces were measured during cutting at four rake angles (35°, 45°, 55° and 65°), four cutting directions (0°–90°, 15°–75°, 30°–60°, and 45°–45°), and three depths of cut (1, 2, and 3 mm). Torn grain, waviness, and roughness were evaluated. The results showed that as rake angle increased, cutting forces, torn grain, waviness, and roughness decreased. The lowest cutting forces and the best surface quality were obtained with 65° of rake angle. At this angle, cutting forces and surface quality were more affected by depth of cut than by cutting direction variations. Thus, as depth of cut decreased, the effects of cutting orientation on the cutting forces and surface quality decreased. The application of these results to the canting work of a chipper-canter is analyzed.