Confirmation of the Critical Speed Stability Theory for Symmetrical Circular Saws

Abstract

The critical speed theory for circular saws predicts conditions of stability when a saw remains plane and cuts a straight path, and conditions of instability when the saw is no longer plane and no longer produces accurate cuts. This paper presents results of an experimental program on a production process which shows near perfect correspondence between the theoretical critical speed prediction and the measured product accuracy. The critical speed computation required measurement of the production blade temperature with a radiation thermometer and the product accuracy was independently evaluated as the standard deviation of the product thickness. The critical speed theory has direct application to both optimal design and optimal operation of circular saws.