Simonds’ Model 980 Automated Bench was first introduced in 1998. Its ground breaking technology assisted Saw Filers in putting up a properly benched saw and set the standard for benching automation for many years. The Model 980 AB has since been discontinued, but many of the components and parts are still available to keep the dozens and dozens of machine still in service today up and running. The model 980 has been replaced by the model 095. The model 095 uses advanced sensor technology to measure the tension in a mill run blade as opposed to the fixed “tension gauge” type approached pioneered on the 980.
Reducing target size is a great opportunity to increase fiber yield. One key to reducing target size is to reduce saw performance variability thru running properly benched saws (flat and evenly tensioned) on a well maintained mill.
Simonds Automated Bench takes care of the “properly benched” part, all while improving Filing Room productivity. The AB simultaneously levels and tensions the saw, just as a man would. And it performs this task while measuring to .0004″ across the entire area of the saw – length and width. Tension is uniformly replenished. Back is consistently maintained. Level is dead flat. And most importantly, the saws’ Tire Lines are accurately established throughout the entire length of the saw — more so than even possible by hand.
The even, consistent tire lines allow a well-pointed saw to operate at higher feed speeds and higher quality levels, because the tendency to follow grain swirls and log inconsistencies is reduced.
