CA1135161A

CA1135161A - Woodworking machine for tenoning and longitudinally profiling wooden frame elements

Info

Publication number: CA1135161A
Application number: CA000352636A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kurt B. Buttner
Original assignee: OKOMA MASCHINENFABRIK GmbH
Current assignee: OKOMA MASCHINENFABRIK GmbH
Priority date: 1979-05-25
Filing date: 1980-05-23
Publication date: 1982-11-09
Also published as: FR2457162A1; FR2457162B1; ATA214380A; AT367339B; DE2921108A1; DE2921108C2; IT1130436B; CH646632A5; BE883361A; IT8022131A0

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A woodworking machine for tenoning and longitudi-nally profiling wooden frame elements, and more particularly window frame elements. The machine has at least one longitudinal profiling vertical spindle associated with a work table and having tools for longitudinal profiling. A
tenoning vertical spindle is also provided and having tools for tenoning and mortising and adapted to travel at right angles to the length of the work table. The frame elements are provided, in their longitudinal profiling setting, with tenons and mortises at their ends by transverse displacement of the tenoning spindle. The machine is characterized in that the tenoning spindle when displaced transversely, moves at the feed velocity of the workpiece in the longitudinal direction of the work table and is then returned to its starting position. The workpiece is moved for longitudinal profiling along the work table by means of a feed device and passes the longitudinal profiling spindle which is not longitudinally displaceable.

Description

The present invention relates to a woodworking machine for tenoning and longitudinally profiling wooden frame elements, and more particularly window frame elements, the machine having at least one vertical spindle associated with a work table with tools for longitudinal profiling and another vertical spindle with tools for tenoning and mortising and adapted to travel at right angles to the length of the work table, the frame elements being provided, in their longitudinal profiling setting, with tenons and mortises at their ends, by transverse displacement of the tenoning spindle.
In the known woodworking machine of this type, the frame elements moving along the work table are halted for tenoning and mortising, at which time the tenoning spindle moves transversely, producing tenons and mortises simulta-neously on the ends of two consecutive frame elements, and the longitudinal profiling spindles move along the element.
The disadvantage of this known arrangement is that, i~n order to produce the tenons and mortises, the advancing ~rame element must be slowed down and brought to a stop, which means that the feed must be stopped and the tool must at the same time be locked in position.
Thereafter, the workpiece must be accelerated again for the remainder of the longitudinal profiling process and to move it onwards. Thus, in spite of the advantages inherent in the ~nown arrangement, namely that the workpiece moves in a straight line through the machine, with no ~eviations, the actual machining is relatively time-consuming. Furthermore, the ~urface of the workpiece may be dama~ed by this halting, 3~ clamping and re-accelerating, and this halting and re-accele-ration also has an adver~e effect upon the output from the machine.

6~

It is therefore a leature of the present inven-tion to design a woodworking machine of the type mentioned hereinabove, in such a manner that the advantages of the said arrangement are retained, while the throughput velocity is increased.
According to the present invention, this feature is achieved in that the tenoning spindle, when displaced transversely, moves at the feed velocity of the workpiece, in the longitudinal direction of the work table and is then returned to its starting position, and in that the work-pieces are moved, for longitudinal profiling, along the work table, by means of a feed device, past the longitudinal profiling spindle which is not longitudinally displaceable.
This arrangement allows the workpiece to move through the machine at a substantially uniform velocity throughout the operation since, during tenoning, the tenon-ing spindle moves along at the feed velocity so that transverse tenoning is carried out while the workpiece is advancing and therefore also while the longitudinal profiling is taking place. Thus, longitudinal profiling and tenoning may be carried out simultaneously and while the workpiece is passing through the machine at a relatively high feed velocity. The arrangement according to the present invention therefore completely eli-minates the disadvantages of slowing down, stopping and re-accelerating associated with the known arrangement.
It is particularly advantageous to arrange the tenoning spindle,with its bearing and drive upon a transverse carriage, the lower carriage of which moves along the work table at the feed velocity, while the upper carriage is ~i~S~61, guided displaceably at rig~t angles to the path of travel thereof and carries the tenoning spindle. Since the move-ment of the lower carriage is coupled to the workpiece feed, the said lower carriage is synchronized with the feed, so that in spite of the fact that the workpiece is moving longitudinally, ~he tenoning spindle moves at right angles to the length of the workpiece. It is thus a simple matter for the tenoning and mortising units to move along while the workpiece is being processed, and this eliminates any deviations in tenons and mortises produced by stationary units.
Under certain conditions a reversed arrangement may be desirable, i.e. one in which the lower carriage moves at right angles to the length of the work table while the upper carriage is arranged upon guides running in the longitudinal direction thereof and carrying the tenoning spindle and its accessories. The said spindle moves at the feed velocity in relation to the lower carriage.
The tenoning spindle may be fitted with a set o~
tools corresponding to the mortiSes and tenons required, the different tools being brought into operation by making the spindle vertically adjustable in a manner known per se.
It is desirable, however, in order to have at hand the four SetA of tools required for the usual tenons and mortises, that the transverse carriage shall comprise two spindles which, in addition to moving transversely, moves jointly in the longitudinal direction of the work table. This makes it po~sible to arrange some of the sets of tools on the tenoning spindle on the same transverse carriage, thus eliminating the need for spindles with excessive overhang in the upward direction.

1~35~6~, The two spindles are preerably arranged at the ends of the upper carriage in such a manner that they can be advanced, with their tools, into the end of the workpiece alternatelv from each side or con.secutively from one side.
Even if they advance in opposite directions, they travel in the direction of feed and finally return to their star-ting positions.
In returning to their starting positions, the spindles may travel along ~he same path, the said return taking place in the interval between two consecutive work-pieces.
The return movement may, how~ver, be effected in that initially only the upper carriage carrying the tenoning spindles moves back, whereas the lower carriage continues to advance, returning to its starting position only after the upper carriage has reached its starting position. This makes it possible for the workpiece to continue to advance during the return of the upper carriage and for the tenon-ing spindles, possibly after their tools have been adjusted in height, to be brought into action again, in order to produce the remaining, or any additional tenons and mortises.
If one tenoning spindle is located at each end of the upper carriage, it is desirable for the upper-carriage guides to be designed in such a manner as to allow the two tenoning spindles, with their tools, to be moved past the end of the workpiece to be processed, the two spindles being first located in their starting position on each side of the workpiece and the first spindle at the rear, as seen in the direction of travel, then moving past the end o~ the workpiece and thus producin~ the first tenon ~351~

and mortise, the upper carriage then reverses its direction of travel, so that the two spindles now move past the end of the workpiece, the tools o~ the second spindle producing the remaining tenon and mortise~ The spindles then return to their starting positions, t'ne second spindle passing between the ends of consecutive workpieces.
According to another example of the embodiment, one or more tenoning spindles are arranged upon a transverse carriage, the path o~ travel o~ which is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the work table, the carriage moving at a velocity such that its component of movement in the longitudinal direction of the work table corresponds to the feed velocity. This arrangement assumes accurate matching of the velocity of the transverse slide with the ~eed velocity. It is there~ore desirable for the slope of the path upon which the transverse slide travels to be adjustable to the feed velocity. If several tenoning spindles are provided they are brought into action consecu-tively in this arrangement and are arranged one be~ind the other on the carriage with the sloping path of movement.
In both of these examples of the embodiment, accurate matching of the speed of the carriage or carriages and the feed velocity may be achieved by electronic control.
In the design comprising a transverse slide, this control may replace the mechanical coupling.
The carriages may with advanta~e be arranged upon a carrier located above the work table with the carrier engaged over the work table and allowing the workpieces to pa~ through. However, in order to obtain a woodworking 5~6~

machine of stable and compact design, it may be desirable for the carriages to b~ located within or below the work table, the latter being provided with a recess for the passage of the spindles.
If the shapes of the tenons and mortises permit the tools to be located above the work table throughout the processing of the workpiece, then in the case of designs in which the return to the starting position takes place in the opposite direction along the same path, the recess in the work table may be only slightly wider than the diameter of the tenoning spindle, the said recess running in the direction of the path of travel of the spindle.
If, however, tools arranged on the tenoning spindle below the surface of the work table are to be used, then the width of the recess must be greater than the diameter of these tools. In other designs, the size of the recess must correspond to the area ~nclosed by the path of travel of the spindles. In order to provide friction-free delivery of short workpieces, it is desirable for the recess to be provided with a cover which can be fitted during the feeding process and w~ich is in alignment with the surface of the work table. This cover may, with advantage, be displaceable so that it may be introduced into the recess from the side. It is also desirable for the cover to be connected to the tenoning spindle housing and/or to the carriages thereof, since this brings the cover into position automatically as the spindle moves out.
It is also possible to arrange for the cover to be pivoted into the recess from below, out of the machine housing, after the tenoning spindles have moved out. In this case, the pivoting means may be connected operatively with the carriage movement.

1135i6~

The cross or transverse carriages may, with advantage be arranged, with the tenoning spindle, or spindles at the front end of the work table, as seen in the direction o the feed, in which case the spindles may be used for processing the front end of the workpiece or also for processing the two ends, facing each other, of two consecutive workpieces. If only the front end of the workpiece is to be processed, with the spindle arranged at that location, it is desirable to provide, at the rear end of the work table, as seen in the direction of feed, a further transverse or cr~oss carriage having at least one additional tenoning spindle for processing the rear end of the workpiece.
The tenoning spindles arranged at the beginning and end of the work table are moved in, in mirror image, in the manner described. It is desirable in this arrange-ment that while the second spindle is being used for longitudinal profiling and/or processing, the first spindle can return to its starting position, and vice-versa, thus ensuring continuous operation.
The arrangement according to the present invention may also be used with advantage for mitred mortise and tenon joints. All that is needed for the purpose is to adapt the inward movement of the spindles to the desired mitre angle. In the examples of the embodiment described above, this may be achieved by making the upper carriage guides on the lower carriage adjustable in relation thereto by the amount of the mitre angle, or by taking the mitre angle into account in t~e angle of the path of movement of the transverse carriage.

S~6~

Finally, the arrangement according to the present invention may also be used in a quite simple manner for cutting the workpieces to length. Ta this end a circular saw may be arranged, before and after the longitudinal profiling spindle, on the carriage carrying the tenoning spindles, the saws being adapted to be pivoted into the path of the workpiece from above or below.
Since the saws travel with the spindles, they are brought into engagement with the workpiece at the location where the mortising and tenoning is carried out, without affect-ing the continuity of the operation. In order to avoid ragged edges, it is usual to cut to length first and then to produce the mortises and tenons.
The advantage of this is that before the spindles are moved,in, the saws may be raised in order to cut the workpiece to length and may then be lowered again to allow the mortis~g and tenoning to be carried out.
It is possible to arrange, in a r~anner known per se, between the tenoning spindles located at the ends of ,20 the work table, not only one but a plurality of longitudi-nal profiling spindles which may be brought into action at will. Longitudinal profiling spindles may also be arranged on the opposite side of the work table.
According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a woodworking machine for tenoning and longitudinally profiling wooden frame elements, and more particularly window frame elements. The machine ha~ at least one longitudinal profiling vertical spindle associated,with a work table and having tools for longi-tu~inal profiling. A tenoning vertical spindle is also ~35161 provided and having tools for tenoning and mortising and adapted to travel at right angles to the length of the work table. The frame elements are provided, in their longitudinal profiling setting, with tenons and mortises at their ends by transverse displacement of the tenoning spindle. The machine is characterized in that the tenoning spindle when displaced transversely, moves at the feed velocity of the workpiece in the longitudinal direction of the work table and is then returned to its starting position. The workpiece is moved for longitudinal profiling along the work table by means of a feed device and passes the longitudinal profiling spindle which is not longitudi-nally displaceable.
The invention is explained hereinafter in greater detail, in conjunction with the examples of embodiment illustrated in the drawing attached hereto, wherein:
~G, 1 is a diagrammatical plan view of an example of the embodiment of the woodworking machine according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view along section line II-II of Fig. 1, FIG. 3 is a view similar to that in Fig. 1 of another example of the embodiment;
FIG. 4 ig a view similar to that in Fig. 1 of another example of the embodiment, FIG. 5 is a view similar to that in Fig. 1 of another example of the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a detail from Fig. 5 of an extended example of the embodiment, FIG. 7 is a detail from Fig. 5 in a modified example of the embodiment;

_ g _ "61 FIG. 8 is a detail from Fig. 4 of an extended example of the embodiment, FIG. 9 is a detail from Fig. 5 in a modified example of the embodiment, FIG. 10 is a view similar to that in Fig. 1, of another example of the embodiment;
FIG. 11 illustrates diagrammatically at positions (a) to (g) the movements of the tenoning spindles in the example of the embodiment according to Fig. 9.
Referring to ~ig. 1, window frame elements 2 to be processed are moved along a work table 1 in the direction of arrow 3 by a feed mechanism, not shown, arranged above said work table 1. The elements 2 are in front of longitu-dinal profiling spindles 4 which are adapted to move in the direction of arrow 5 at right angles to the direction of feed of the workpieces, so that the tools arranged upon the spindles may be brought into action selectively.
Arranged upon the upper carriage 7 of a cross carriage 9 in the vicinity of the beginning and the end of a work table 1 are tenoning spindles 6 which move in the direction of arrow 9 at right angles to a lower carriage 10 on the said cross carriage. The lower carriage moves, in turn, upon guides 12 along work table 1. The movement of lower carriage 10 in the direction of arrow 11 is at a speed corresponding to the feed velocity.
In this way spindle 6 moves at right angles to the length of the workpiece as the latter moves past, so that the tools on the spindle engage in the normal manner in the ends of the workpiece at right angles to the length thereof. In relation to work table 1 tenoning spindle 6 .:

~3S~6~

moves in the direction of arrow 13 along a resultant running at an angle to the length of the work table. The resultant is made up of the two movements according to arrows 9 and 11 running at right angles to each other~
In order to allow spindle 6 to pass through the work table 1, a recess 14 is provided which must be long enough to allow the ends of the workpiece to be processed.
As shown, recess 14 need not extend right through, but may terminate on the far side of the workpiece.
In the example of the embodiment according to Fig.
1, tenoning spindles 6 return to their starting posi~ions, after processing the ends of workpiece 2, along the same path. For this reason, width B of recess 14 in work table 1 need be only slightly larger than the diameter of the relevant tenoning spindle. However, this applies only if all tools on the spindle can be arranged above the work table. If the tools are arranged within or below the work table, and are brought into action by adjusting the height of the spindle, width B of recess 14 must be greater than the diameter of these tools.
In the example of the embodiment according to Fig.
1, front end 2a of workpiece 2, as seen in the direction feed, is first tenoned and mortised with the tools of spindle 6 located to the right in Fig. 1. This is followed by longitudinal profiling with spindles 4, after which the rear end of the workpiece is processed with the tools on spindle 6 located to the left in Fig. 1. To this end, the spindles move, in the manner described, at right angles to the workpiece advancing at the feed velocity but in the direction of arrow 13 in relation to stationary work table 1.

~35~1 Arranged upon upper carriages 7 are saws 15 for cutting the workpieces to length. These saws, which may be circular saws are arranged in slots 16 in the surface of upper carriage 7, so that they may be pivoted upwardly onto the path of workpiece 2. They precede spindles 6 so that the workpiece is first cut to length and is then mortised and tenoned. Since the saws are arranged upon upper carriage 7, they move at right angles to the work-piece, i.e. in the direction of arrow 9, and therefore do not need a separate feed mechanism.
If cut-off saws are used on carriages 7, care must be taken either to provide additional recesses 17 in the work table for the passage of the saws, or to increase width B of recesses 14 so that the saws can move upwardly into the path of workpiece 2.
F$g. 2 is a view in the direction of section lines II-II of Fig. 1, showing work table 1 with feed medhanism 18 for workpieces 2 extending over the entire length of the work table. Feed mechanism 18 is in the form of a plurality of consecutive feed units 19 which, in the example of the embodiment illustrated, each comprise two driven feed rolls 20, the units being arranged upon a pivot arm 21 by means of which they can be pivoted over the work table.
Fig. 3 shows an example of the embodiment similar . to that of Fig. 1 but with covers 22 attached to housing 23 of spindles 6, and/or to the upper carriages 7, and covering recesses 14 whenever the spindles, the tools thereof and/or the housings, have not entered recesses 14. The covers are in alignment with the surface of work table 1 and are ~13~

adapted to be introduced into recesses 1~ in the direction of path 13, i.e. from the side. This allows even short workpieces to be fed without friction.
Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the embodiment in which tenoning spindles 6 are each arranged upon a transverse carriage 24~, the path of travel 25 of which runs at an ~ngle ~ to the length of work table 1. In this arrangement, carriage 24 moves along path 25 at a speed such that its component of movement 26, in the longitudinal direction of the work table, corresponds to the feed veloc~ty. Component of movement 27 at right angles to the length of the work table then again corres-ponds to the movement of spindles 6 at right angles to workpieces 2 advancing at the feed velocity.
In order to be able to ensure accurate adaptation of the movement of transverse carriage 7 to the feed velocity, the angle of path 25 of transverse carriage 24 is adjustable, to which end circular guides 28 are provided on the outer periphery thereof, within the wor~ table for tran8verse carriage 24, the guides being adapted to rotate in relation to the work table.
In the example of the embodiment according to Fig. 5, in contrast to the designs according to Figs. 1 and 3, tenoning spindles 6 do not return along their path of travel, i.e. after upper carriage 7 reaches its terminal position, lower carriage 10 has not yet returned to its starting position. Instead, it continues to move, at the feed velocity along the work table, while upper carriage 10 only moves back. Thus, spindle 6 moves during the first operation, firstly in the direction of arrow 33 in ~35~

relation to work table 1, a~d subsequently in the direction o~ arrow 36, at an angle thereto. Only when upper carriage 7 reaches its starting position are spindles 6 returned in the direction of arrow 37 to the starting position according to Fig. 5. This makes it possible to continue cutting tenons and mortises, even while upper carriage 7 is moving in the direction of arrow 36 since, during the reversal, spindle 6 is adjusted in height and the remaining tenons and mortises are now provided in the ends of workpiece 2 with other tools. The movement of spindle 6 in the design according to Fig. 5 requires recesses 38 in work table 1, the size of which is determined by the path of travel of the said spindles, and which are therefore triangular in shape, as shown.
Fig. 6 is a detail view from Fig. 5 and shows a cover 29 fitting recess 38. The cover 29 is adapted to be fitted into, or removed from the recess 38 in the direction of arrow 30, i.e. parallel with a defining surface 31 running at an angle to the length of work table 1. However, like the other covers, cover 29 may also be inserted in the recesses in another way, after spindles 6 have been moved out, for example, it may be pivoted in from below.
Fig. 7 is also a detail from Fig. 5 but in a modified form. In this case guides 32 shown in dotted lines for upper carriage 7 are adjustable in relation to lower carriage 10, for example within angle ~ shown. This allows upper carriage 7 to be pivoted through this angle, thus altering the path of travel thereof in relation to lower carriage 7. This arrangement thus makes it possible to produce mitred mortise and tenon joints, the adjustable angle ~ corresponding to the mitre angle.

~ i~3S~6S

Fig. 8 is a detail of an arrangement similar to that of Fig. 4, wherein two tenoning spindles 6 are arranged one behind the other on transverse carriage 24 and are thus located on inclined path of travel 25. In this design, therefore, the two spindles are brought into action one after the other, the tools required for the tenons and mortises on one end of a workpiece being divided between the two spindles. Complex tenon and mortise joints can a~so be produced with this arrangement, more particu-larly if the spindles are adjustable in height.
The same applies to the design in Fig. 9, wherein two tenoning spindles 6 are arranged upon upper carriage 7 according to Fig. 5 and thus come into action consecutively when the upper carriage is moved in accordance with Fig. 5.
Fig. 10 illustrates a design wherein upper carriages 7 also follow paths according to Fig. 5. In the arrangement according to Fig. 10, however, in contrast to the design according to Fig. 9, tenoning spindles 6 are arranged in the starting position on each side of work table 1 so that it is possible to use only one of the spindles. Fig. 11 shows the movements of tenoning spindles 6 appearing at the left of Fig. 10.
According to Fig. 11, spindles 6 move in relation to work table 1. Upper carriage 7 on transverse carriage 8 moves in the direction of arrows 39 in relation to workpiece

2, bUt at right angles thereto, so that from a starting position shown at (a), tenons and mortises are produced when position (b) is reached, those produced by first rear spi-mdle 6, at the rear end of the workpiece, being indicated by 8ingle hatchi~g. In position (b) the direction of travel S~61 of upper carriage 11 is reversed, but not that of lower carriage 10. At this time, therefore, spindles 6 and upper carriage 7 move in the direction of arrows 40. The tools on spindle 6a again enter the already produced mortises as long as spindle 6a has not been adjusted in height.
Position (c) is now reached wherein the processing may, if necessary be completed and upper carriage 7 may be returned to its starting position as in position (a).
However, if additional tenons and mortises are required, upper carriage 7 is moved from position (c) in the direction of arrow 40, so that additional tenons and mortises are produced by spindle 6b, as shown by the cross-hatching in (d) at the rear end of the front workpiece, as seen in the direction of feed. At position (d), upper carriage 7 begins to return to its starting position, moving initially in the direction of arrow 41.
When upper carriage 7 assumes a central position somewhat as in position (e), it is moved on in the direction of arrow 42 and spindle 6b passes between consecutive workpieces 2 until position (f) is reached. In this position, workpiece 2 may be moved on between spindles 6a and 6b, while at the same time upper carriage 7, Carrying spindles 6a, 6b, is moved on in the direction of arrow 43 until it reaches its starting position, as in position (a).
During this return time, the entire length of workpiece 2 may be passed between spindles 6a, 6b, as shown in position (g), until it also reaches the starting position where the rear end thereof is processed as in position (a).

S16~

Processing of the front end of the workpiece, shown already processed in Fig. 11, is effected by means of the arrangement shown to the right of Fig. 10, and this also applies accordingly to the designs in the other figures.
In all of the examples of the embodiment, one or more longitudinal profiling spindles 4 may be provided.
It is also possible to arrange additional longitudinal profiling spindles on the other side la of the work table (See Fig. 10).

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A woodworking machine for tenoning and longitudi-nally profiling wooden frame elements, more particularly window frame elements, the said machine having at least one longitudinal profiling vertical spindle associated with a work table and having tools for longitudinal profiling, and a tenoning vertical spindle having tools for tenoning and mortising and adapted to travel at right angles to the length of said work table, the said frame elements being provided, in their longitudinal profiling setting, with tenons and mortises at their ends by transverse displacement of the said tenoning spindle, said machine being characterized in that said tenoning spindle when displaced transversely moves at the feed velocity of a workpiece in the longitudinal direction of said work table and is then returned to its starting position; and in that said workpiece is moved for longitudinal profiling along the work table by means of a feed device and past said longitudinal profiling spindle which is not longitudinally displaceable.

2. A woodworking machine according to claim 1 characterized in that said tenoning spindle is arranged with its bearing and drive upon a cross carriage having a lower carriage which moves along said work table at a feed velocity, and an upper carriage which is guided displaceably upon said lower carriage at right angles to the path of travel thereof and carries the said tenoning spindle.

3. A woodworking machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said tenoning spindle is arranged with its bearing and drive upon a cross carriage having a lower carriage which moves at right angles to the length of said work table, and an upper carriage which is arranged upon guides running in the longitudinal direction of said work table and carries said tenoning spindle and its accessories, moving at a feed velocity in relation to said lower carriage.

4. A woodworking machine according to claim 1 characterized in that said tenoning spindle carries all tools corresponding to the required mortises and tenons.

5. A woodworking machine according to claim 4 characterized in that said tenoning spindle is adjustable in height.

6. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that two of said tenoning spindles are arranged upon said upper carriage of said cross carriage.

7. A woodworking machine according to claim 6 characterized in that said two tenoning spindles are mounted at ends of said upper carriage.

8. A woodworking machine according to claim 7 characterized in that said two tenoning spindles with their said tools are adapted to move alternately from both sides into an end of said workpiece.

9. A woodworking machine according to claim 8 characterized in that said two tenoning spindles even when moving in opposite directions still move in the direction of feed returning to their starting positions only after the movement in opposite directions has been completed.

10. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that, as regards the return movement, initially only said upper carriage carrying said tenoning spindle moves back, whereas said lower carriage maintains its feed movement; and in that after the said upper carriage has reached its starting position the said lower carriage returns to its starting position.

11. A woodworking machine according to claim 10 characterized in that during the return movement of said upper carriage, said tenoning spindles are adjusted in height and are brought into action again with further tools.

12. A woodworking machine according to claim 7 characterized in that the guides for said upper carriage provide for said two tenoning spindles to move past the end of said workpiece which is to be processed, the said spindles being initially located in their starting positions on each side of said workpiece; a first spindle at the rear as seen in the direction of movement, moving past the end of said workpiece and thus producing a first tenon and mortise, at which time said upper carriage reverses its direction of movement so that said spindles now move past the end of said workpiece, the remaining tenons and mortises being produced by the tools on said second tenoning spindle.

13. A woodworking machine according to claim 12 characterized in that upon return of said two tenoning spindles to their starting positions, said second spindle passes between the ends of consecutive workpieces.

14. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that two or more tenoning spindles are arranged at one end of said upper carriage and are adapted to move, with their tools, from one side, into the end of said workpiece to be processed.

15. A woodworking machine according to claim 14 characterized in that said tenoning spindles return to their starting positions by moving along the same path in the opposite direction passing through the gap between consecutive workpieces.

16. A woodworking machine according to claim 1 characterized in that one or more tenoning spindles are arranged upon a transverse carriage, the path of movement of which runs at an angle to the longitudinal direction of said work table; the said transverse carriage moving at a velocity such that its component of movement, in the longitudinal direction of the work table corresponds to the feed velocity.

17. A woodworking machine according to claim 16 characterized in that the angle .alpha. of said path of movement of said transverse carriage is adjustable as a function of said feed velocity.

18. A woodworking machine according to claim 16 characterized in that there is provided several tenoning spindles arranged one behind the other on said transverse carriage and are located upon an inclined path of movement.

19. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that the velocity of said carriage or carriages is matched with said feed velocity by means of an electronic control.

20. A woodworking machine according to claims 2 characterized in that carriages are arranged upon a carrier located above the work table which engages thereover and allows the workpieces to pass through.

21. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that said carriages are located within or below said work table, said table being provided with a recess for the passage of said tenoning spindles and/or their tools.

22. A woodworking machine according to claim 21 characterized in that the size of said recess corresponds to the area enclosed by the path of movement of said tenoning spindles.

23. A woodworking machine according to claim 21 characterized in that said tenoning spindle tools are located above said work table throughout the processing cycle, and in that the width of said recess in said work table is only slightly greater than the diameter of said tenoning spindles, said recess extending in the direction of the path of movement of said spindles.

24. A woodworking machine according to claim 21 characterized in that tenoning spindle tools below the surface of said work table are adapted to be brought into use, and in that the width of said recess is greater than the diameter of said tools.

25. A woodworking machine according to claim 21 characterized in that said recess is provided with a cover adapted to be fitted during the feed cycle, the said cover being in alignment with the surface of said work table.

26. A woodworking machine according to claim 25 characterized in that said cover is adapted to be moved into said recess from the side.

27. A woodworking machine according to claim 26 characterized in that said cover is attached to a tenoning spindle housing and/or said spindle carriage.

28. A woodworking machine according to claim 25 characterized in that said cover is adapted to be pivoted from below out of the machine housing into said recess after said tenoning spindles have been moved out.

29. A woodworking machine according to claim 28 characterized in that the pivoting mechanism for said cover is in operative connection with the movement of said carriages.

30. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that said carriages with said tenoning spindle or spindles are arranged at the front end of said work table, as seen in the direction of feed, and are used to process the facing ends of two consecutive workpieces.

31. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that said carriages with the tenoning spindles are arranged at the front and rear ends of said work table; the rear spindle, as seen in the processing direction, being used in processing the front end of a workpiece, while the front spindle, as seen in the process-ing direction, is used to process the rear end of the workpiece.

32. A woodworking machine according to claim 31 characterized in that during longitudinal profiling, and/or while one tenoning spindle is in use, the other tenoning spindle returns to its starting position.

33. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that the direction in which the tenoning spindle advances may be matched with mitre angles at the ends of said workpiece.

34. A woodworking machine according to claim 33 characterized in that said guides on said lower carriage for the upper carriage are adjustable in relation thereto in accordance with mitre angle.

35. A woodworking machine according to claim 2 characterized in that a cut-off saw is arranged upon each tenoning spindle carriage and is associated with the tenon-ing spindles.

36. A woodworking machine according to claim 35 characterized in that said cut-off saw is a circular saw adapted to be pivoted from above or below into the path of the moving workpiece.

37. A woodworking machine according to claim 36 characterized in that said cut-off saw is arranged upon the upper carriage of the cross-carriage in front of the relevant tenoning spindle, and is adapted to pivot into a recess in said upper carriage.

38. A woodworking machine according to claim 1 characterized in that several longitudinal profiling spindles are arranged between said tenoning spindles at opposed ends of said work table.

39. A woodworking machine according to claim 38 characterized in that additional longitudinal profiling spindles are arranged upon an opposite side of said work table.