Kinematics, blade shapes and edges for alternative basecutter configurations

Conventional double-disk basecutters use rectangular blades which cut the cane using a direct impact cut, which has been shown to damage the cut cane and impose high forces on the stool. Previous work has investigated the kinematics of these blade and disk arrangements to derive the conditions under which all cane will be cut, and disk contact will be avoided. Alternative methods of cutting have not been considered in any detail. This paper considers alternative basecutter blade geometries that will cut cane by a combination of slicing and direct cuts, aimed at reducing cutting forces and cane damage. The paper further proposes that such methods will be successful provided that serrated edges and alternative feeding arrangements can be shown to be practical.