Method and apparatus for processing material

Abstract

A system for processing material includes a computer connected to a saw. A pusher is used to convey material along a processing path. The computer is programmed to control optimal processing of material to satisfy a cut list.

1 . A method of cutting material comprising
 connecting a computer to a saw machine, the saw machine including a saw and a pusher for pushing a trailing end of a piece of wood downstream along a processing line toward a saw,   programming the computer to optimize cutting of stock to satisfy a cut list,   entering a cut list into the computer,   selecting a piece of wood to be processed,   positioning the piece of wood at a data input station along a data input line parallel to the processing line, a long axis of the piece of wood being parallel with the processing line,   measuring length data of the piece of wood, and inputting the length data into the computer,   running an optimization program in the computer to determine a plan for optimal cutting of the piece of material to fulfill cut list requirements,   positioning the piece of wood along the processing line between the pusher and the saw,   executing the plan including computer controlled driving of the pusher to push the trailing end of the piece of wood downstream toward the saw, and computer controlled cutting of the piece of wood into one or more cut list part, and   automatically printing labels for the cut list parts, each label indicating information about the cut list part.