Apparatus for sizing and finishing batches of lumber

Claim 1

Apparatus for sizing and finishing lumber comprising: sizing means including a first pair of opposed, powerdriven belt abraders operable for receiving and dimensionally sizing the lumber to a first predetermined thickness by simultaneously abrading directly opposed areas on opposed, first and second lumber faces and conveying the lumber downstream and a second pair of opposed, power-driven belt abraders positioned downstream from said first pair of opposed belt abraders, said second pair being operable for receiving and dimensionally sizing the lumber, conveyed from said first pair of belt abraders, to a second predetermined thickness by simultaneously abrading directly opposed areas on the opposed, first and second lumber faces; and staggered finishing means including a first belt abrader which is power-driven and operable for receiving the lumber and finishing the first lumber face, a second belt abrader positioned downstream relative to said first belt abrader, said second belt abrader being power-driven and operable for receiving the lumber and finishing the second lumber face, a third belt abrader positioned downstream from said second belt abrader, said third belt abrader being power-driven and operable for receiving the lumber and final finishing the first lumber face and a fourth belt abrader positioned downstream from said third belt abrader, said fourth belt abrader being power-driven and operable for receiving the lumber and final finishing the second lumber face.