ABSTRACT
The knowledge of the orthogonal forces are important in the design of the cutting tools and in establishment of the power requirement for the sawmill. The cutting forces varied according to the wood species, fibre and cutting direction, tool sharpness, wood properties (density, moisture content) and tool design characteristics (rake angle, cutting velocity, chip thickness, and wear). The review of literature shows that there is little data available about the power requirement during the 90-0 orthogonal cut, especially for theEucalyptus species. The variables analyzed in this study were rake angle, cutting thickness, wood density and orientation (radial e tangential). The optimization and improvement of the cutting process inEucalyptus will permit acceptance of wood of these species in the Brazilian market and promote exports.
Key words:
wood processing; cutting force; Eucalyptus