Board Centering and Positioning Machine Before the Multi-Rip Saw – How to Increase Yield and Cut Repeatability in a Sawmill

The problem most sawmills face: boards enter the multi-rip “however they land”

Even the best multi-rip saw cannot fix a bad infeed. Boards arrive:

• shifted left/right,
• at a slight angle to feed direction,
• with different wane patterns and curvature.

Real-world effects:

• lower yield (more material goes to waste),
• less consistent widths,
• more manual “nudging” by operators,
• higher error risk when changing SKUs.

This is where money leaks out – before the board even touches the saws.

What is a board centering machine before the multi-rip?

It is an automatic module installed before the multi-rip saw that:

1. Detects the board (position and angle)
2. Calculates the optimal setup for target widths and saw spacing
3. Positions the board (centering + angle correction)
4. Feeds the board into the multi-rip in the best possible orientation

It works with fixed saw spacing (best position is computed) and with integration scenarios where the saw can accept setpoint data.

How the automatic system works

1) Board detection

The system detects the board and its geometry (including wane) at the infeed.

2) Optimal positioning

Based on targets (widths, yield priority, line constraints) it computes:

• offset (X),
• rotation (angle),
• optional best-effort scenarios for difficult boards.

3) Positioning and stabilization

The board is centered and aligned so the entry is repeatable.

4) Feed into the multi-rip

The board is passed forward without manual intervention.

What you actually gain

Higher yield per board

Main gains come from:

• reducing waste due to poor entry,
• minimizing wane loss,
• maximizing output under fixed saw spacing.

Better repeatability

When the board enters with a stable reference:

• widths are more consistent,
• fewer complaints and rework,
• easier standardization.

Less manual handling, fewer errors

Operators stop acting as “human positioners.” They control the process instead of fighting every board.

Higher practical throughput

Fewer stops, fewer corrections, fewer “fixes” = steadier line rhythm.

Who benefits most?

Sawmills that:

• process unedged boards and want higher yield,
• run fixed saw spacing (best case),
• see variable feedstock (warp, random widths, mixed wane),
• want modernization without replacing the multi-rip.

Line integration: plug-in before the multi-rip

We design the machine as an add-on module:

• independent control,
• clear operator interface,
• optional start/stop and status integration.

Deployment modes:

• Mode A (simplest): fixed saw spacing → we position the board for best yield
• Mode B (integrated): if the saw supports setpoints, we can pass them (scope depends on the machine)

What is needed for reliable performance?

• stable transport and space before the multi-rip,
• basic synchronization with feed speed,
• clear production logic: target widths and priorities (yield vs repeatability vs throughput).

If you already have a working line, this is usually a retrofit, not a rebuild.

FAQ

Will it work with my multi-rip saw?

In most cases yes, because we operate before the saw. The key is available space and infeed layout.

Do I need a multi-rip with automatic saw spacing?

No. The most common scenario is fixed spacing—the system computes the best board position.

Is it hard to maintain?

It is industrial-grade: straightforward service, diagnostics, and monitoring. Exact service scope depends on the final line.

How do I calculate ROI?

Estimate how much yield is lost today due to poor entry/angle. Convert that to m3/week × margin. In most sawmills, this is one of the fastest paybacks because raw material is the biggest cost.

Does it improve quality and repeatability?

Yes. It stabilizes the reference at entry—less randomness means better consistency.

Quick checklist

• Do you process a lot of unedged boards?
• Are operators manually aligning boards at the infeed?
• Do you see high wane waste and unstable widths?
• Do you run fixed saw spacing and want higher yield without replacing the saw?
• Does throughput drop due to frequent corrections?

If you have 3× YES, it is usually worth a line assessment.

Summary

The multi-rip is fast and powerful, but real optimization starts before the blades.
Automatic positioning (centering + angle correction) delivers:

• higher yield,
• better repeatability,
• more stable line performance,
• less manual intervention.

If you want, we can review your line and propose the best integration. Contact us: xception.io/contact.