Huvdusågens

Huvdusågens is a Swedish term that translates to "head saw" or "sawmill headrig." It refers to the primary saw in a sawmill that cuts logs into primary lumber, such as planks and beams. The headrig is the most critical and often the largest piece of equipment in a sawmill, responsible for the initial breakdown of the raw log.

There are several types of headrigs. The most common are band headrigs and circular headrigs. Band headrigs use a continuous band of steel with teeth, offering a thinner kerf (the width of the cut), which results in less sawdust and higher lumber yield. Circular headrigs use a large, rotating circular saw blade. Other types include sash gang saws and multi-saw edgers, though these are typically used for secondary breakdown or specific processing.

The efficiency and accuracy of the headrig significantly impact the overall productivity and profitability of a sawmill. Modern headrigs are often highly automated and integrated with sophisticated scanning and computer control systems to optimize log breakdown for maximum lumber recovery and quality. The choice of headrig depends on factors such as the size and type of logs being processed, desired lumber dimensions, production volume, and economic considerations.