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Abstract

A high yield technique for converting round logs of balsa or other species of wood of relatively small diameter into large rectangular panels, the percentage of log volume that is converted being substantially greater than with prior techniques. The logs are radially sectioned into sectors having the same apex angle. Each sector is then longitudinally cut at its apex and arc to define a truncated feedstock piece whose cross-section is that of an isosceles trapezoid, the feedstock pieces being of variable width depending on the diameters of the logs from which they are derived. The pieces are fitted together in a complementary manner to create uniform layers which are superposed to form a stack defining a dry block assembly. The end pieces in each layer are constituted by feedstock piece halves to present a vertical block edge. All feedstock pieces in the dry block assembly are then wet-coated with a curable adhesive. The wet assembly is placed in a press and subjected to compression in orthogonal directions until the adhesive is cured and the pieces interlaminated to provide an integrated stock block. The stock block is then removed from the press and divided into panels of the desired thickness and grain direction.

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First Claim