On our circular hike, we passed two historic gang saws along the Rotbach stream. A gang saw, or plot saw, is a simple type of water-powered frame saw.
This sawing technique was first documented in 1314 in the Black Forest and was used for several centuries to cut up round timber.
The saw frame is lifted by a flail, a cam on the drive shaft of the water wheel. In the highest position, the flail rotates away from the frame, causing it to fall downwards under the force of gravity, making the cut.
The falling frame is cushioned by wooden rods clamped on one side, the rods, which produce the typical banging, knocking sound of the system.
Part of the weight of the frame is taken up by a wooden rod, the long boom, which is also clamped on one side and also cushions the fall of the frame. The cutting process is repeated several times with each rotation of the mill wheel according to the number of flails; up to three can be attached.Baca lagi
JermanHinterzarten47°54’41” N 8°5’30” E
JermanHinterzarten47°54’41” N 8°5’30” E