Diagnose and correct main line blade C-17

What is going on

The main breakdown line has started cutting 1.4 millimetres of deviation on 90 x 45 framing, which is outside the mill tolerance and is costing recovery on every board. The Sawmill Manager raised work order SW-26-0341 on circular blade C-17 and the Saw Doctor Supervisor has scheduled a swap to blade C-18 under SW-26-0347 so the line can keep running. C-17 last went through the shop three weeks ago for a routine sharpen; the history card shows no levelling since May. There is a note on the log yard register that batch LB-26-0912 contained a log with fire damage and embedded grit. The supervisor wants a full inspection, a diagnosis and a decision on whether C-17 returns to service.

Your brief

Carry out the blade change to C-18 with the line operator under lock-out, inspect C-17 for damage, flatness and tension, sharpen and correct it if it is within limits, record every reading on the work order and recommend whether it returns to service.

Work through it

You do not need to do it all. Doing a few of these will show you what the work is like. Your ticks and notes stay on this device.

• Read the Saw Blade Change, Sharpening and Tensioning Procedure and note the isolation, two-person and lifting rules before you approach the machine.
• Update work order SW-26-0347 to In progress and record the lock-out steps you and the line operator complete, including the zero energy test.
• Remove C-17 with the blade cart, fit C-18, torque and align it, run the first cut with the operator and record the sawing deviation on the work order.
• Inspect C-17 for cracks, missing or worn tips, gullet damage and heat marks and record the findings on SW-26-0341.
• Check C-17 flatness on the levelling bench and the tension gauge reading, compare with the required reading for its diameter and speed and record both.
• Sharpen C-17 on the grinder with the correct hook, clearance and bevel angles for radiata pine, replacing any damaged tips, and level and re-tension it if the readings allow.
• Write a diagnosis on SW-26-0341 linking the deviation to its likely cause, set the work order status and recommend to the supervisor whether C-17 returns to service or is tagged.
• Record the lock-out toolbox talk you received on 9 September as evidence in your logbook and note one improvement to the blade change you would suggest.

What someone in this role would produce

• Completed work orders SW-26-0341 and SW-26-0347 with all readings
• Blade history card entries for C-17 and C-18
• Written diagnosis and recommendation to the Saw Doctor Supervisor
• Logbook entry describing the lock-out steps