February/March 2013 - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

PANEL, WOOD 

& Solid Surface 

Issue No. 57/58 February/March 2013 

Bright start to the year for Hranipex 

Collaboration with Senoplast: see p 3 

New image: see p 12 

Also inside this month: 

All the latest News ● Exhibition News: pp 10-11 

Surfaces: pp 12-15 ● Doors: Design & Manufacture: pp 16-22 

CNC Machinery, Equipment & Software: pp 23-29 ● Training: p 29 

Wood Awards: p 30 ● Wood Waste & Dust Control: p 31-35

Open House 

Napoleon 

Products Ltd 

21-23 March 2013 

Come and see what the 

Kündig range can offer you 

at the home of the Northern 

Ireland agency of Kündig Ltd. 

Napoleon Products Ltd 

Unit 20 

Edgar Industrial Estate 

Carryduff 

BT8 8AN 

Tel: 028 9081 7704 

info@napoleonproducts.co.uk 

www.napoleonproducts.co.uk 

Combining 20 years’ experience with the 

wood, metal and plastics industries, 

Napoleon Products Ltd has evolved to 

become a highly effective solutions 

provider for manufacturers and 

processing companies. The range of 

machinery is constantly evolving, sourced 

directly from manufacturers, such as 

Kündig, specialising in their field with a 

proven track history. 

Visit on 21-23 March to see Kündig 

sanders, such as the Premium (left) and 

Uniq (above), and discover how they can 

enhance your production processes. 

Contact us for the latest developments in sanding technology 

Kündig Ltd 

Tel 0845 833 0565 ● Fax 0845 833 0567 

Email sales@kundig.co.uk ● www.kundig.co.uk

NEWS 

Panel, Wood & 

Solid Surface 

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Panel, Wood & Solid Surface 

supports the work of 

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People 

Tel 01844 348100 

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Hranipex and Senoplast collaboration 

IT’S NEVER easy to blend two 

materials. However, with the 

help of a collaboration believed 

to be unique between gloss experts 

Senoplast and major European 

edging producer Hranipex, 

the task has been made 

much easier. 

Hranipex says, “In order to present 

a perfect impression of your 

furniture, lavish it with edging that 

literally merges with it!” 

With this in mind, Hranipex is 

delighted to announce an exclusive 

collaboration with Austrian 

manufacturer, Senoplast, providing 

assurance of 100% uniformity 

between the edging and the 

acrylic surface material. Hranipex 

recognises that Senoplast produces 

a benchmark standard for 

this type of product and now offers 

leading producers the same 

high class quality edging to 

match. Previously, the only option 

TM Machinery takes on Viet range 

TM MACHINERY SALES, UK agents for the Striebig 

range of vertical panel saws, has entered into a 

distribution agreement with Biesse UK to sell, 

service and provide spare parts for the artisan 

range of Viet S1 and S2 wide belt sanders. 

The move will give Viet, which became part of the 

Biesse Group in 2011, access to the large number of 

small and medium size manufacturers who make up 

TM Machinery’s core customer base. This is an important 

market sector for the Viet range. 

Matthew Pearce, a director of TM Machinery, said: 

“The agreement with Biesse makes excellent sense. 

Viet has been synonymous with high quality wide belt 

sanding and materials finishing since 1953 and leads 

the market in technological development. 

“We will be able to give Biesse access to small and 

medium size manufacturers, while our service division, 

TM Services, has extensive experience of servicing, 

refurbishing and providing spare parts for wide 

belt sanders.” 

would have been to use ABS with 

such an intensive high gloss top 

surface: now customers no longer 

need to compromise. 

Hranipex has the answer to provide 

a perfect finish every time. 

Hranipex has added 18 of the 

most popular Senoplast colours to 

Senosan from Senoplast. 

its Express collection, ensuring 

customers need never wait to receive 

the correct match for their 

project again. 

Hranipex UK 

Tel 0121 767 9180 

Email info@hranipex.co.uk 

www.hranipex.co.uk 

Steve Bulmer, managing director of Biesse UK, said: 

“Viet’s attention to design detail and built quality has 

made it a market leader in wide belt sanding, with 

some 380 machines already sold in the UK and Ireland. 

“Our agreement with TM Machinery will allow us 

entry to a market sector in which they are specialists, 

while their service division’s long involvement with 

wide belt sanders will give existing and potential Viet 

users added confidence.” 

Biesse UK and TM Machinery held a joint workshop 

exhibition, a hands-on event giving customers the opportunity 

to experience the Viet range at first hand 

and speak to sanding experts, at Biesse’s Daventry 

Tech Centre from February 26 to March 1. 

On show were the versatile Viet S1 and S2 models. 

The S1 machine features a combination head with 

two rollers for calibration and pre-sanding plus a full 

electronic sanding pad followed by a Tynex brush for 

maximum finishing capability. It also features inverter 

control of the abrasive belt and conveyor belt speeds 

for maximum flexibility. Touch screen controls are provided 

for operator ease and speed of use. 

The Viet S2 is a highly sophisticated machine, described 

as the ultimate in surface finishing. The machine 

on show combined a fully electronic cross belt 

sanding head followed by a combination head with 

roller and electronic segmented pad for delicate finishing, 

and a further electronic segmented pad head 

for final finishing. Belt blowers, finishing brushes and 

turbo panel cleaners are incorporated for the complete 

panel finishing solution. Program storage and 

retrieval along with intuitive controls are provided via 

the use of a 15 inch touch screen. 

Viet demonstration machines will continue to be 

available at Biesse UK’s Daventry Tech Centre. 

Biesse UK ● Tel 01327 300366 

Email one2one@biesse.co.uk ● www.biesse.co.uk 

TM Machinery Sales ● Tel 0116 271 7155 

Email sales@tmservices.co.uk 

www.tmmachinery.co.uk 

Panel, Wood & Solid Surface February/March 2013 Page 3

NEWS 

Kündig factory in Gotha doubles in size 

IN RESPONSE to increased demand for its range of 

precision sanders, Kündig has doubled the size of 

its German production facility at Gotha (above). 

Founded in 1945 in Zürich by Armin Kündig, 

Kündig opened its Gotha factory in 1996. Strong demand 

for both the Brilliant range and for bespoke 

machines led to its expansion, with the official opening 

of the new facility in September 2012 (pictured 

right). Not only does this provide extra manufacturing 

space, a new showroom has also been created. 

Kündig prides itself on creating each sander specifically 

to meet the needs of the individual customer, 

and this naturally leads on to the creation of bespoke 

sanding machines. As well as working with wood and 

panels, Kündig sanders are found in an increasing 

range of industries, including the aluminium and automotive 

industries: see, for example, our report on 

the installation of a Kündig Brilliant-3 V-Max sander 

at Jaguar/Lawrence Automotive in our February/ 

March 2012 issue. This diversity is set to continue. 

Manager at the Gotha facility, Thomas Tenberg, reports 

that, as well as the bespoke range, the Brilliant 

wide-belt sanders are proving particularly popular. 

These can be fitted with a wide range of sanding heads in a variety of combinations, including 

the distinctive Oblique sanding system (pictured right). By orienting the sanding head at 

an oblique angle to the workpiece, the Oblique sanding head ensures that any tiny flaws in 

the sanding belt are not transferred to the workpiece, while at the same time enabling 

greater flexibility in the choice of grit size. See our June/July 2012 issue for 

more information. 

Mr Tenberg is enthusiastic 

about the possibilities for 

the expanded facility at 

Gotha. “We have double 

the space now: the volume 

of orders for our 

bespoke machines is increasing, 

and we very 

much need the space to manufacture these machines. We now have a 16 tonne 

crane, to assist in moving the largest machines onto lorries prior to delivery. And 

we look forward to welcoming visitors to our new showroom.” 

Looking forward, Mr Tenberg is optimistic: “We are looking forward to the 

future: we have no fear because we have a good reputation. Although the 

overall market for specialist machines is small, we are well placed to be able to 

expand in this sector. We offer high precision models combined with an individual 

design service: for example, one customer required a tolerance of 0.02 mm. This we 

were able to provide.” 

2012 was a significant year for the Kündig facility at Gotha: in addition to the expansion, 

the facility saw its 2,000th machine produced during the year: and 2013 

promises to be just as exciting. For further information in the UK please contact Kündig Ltd. 

Kündig Ltd 

Tel 0845 833 0565 ● Email sales@kundig.co.uk ● www.kundig.co.uk 

Page 4 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface February/March 2013

NEWS 

TM Services comes 

to joinery’s rescue 

STEPPING in where others had 

failed, TM Services & Spares successfully 

repaired a seriously 

damaged Italian four-headed 

planer/moulder at a Hampshire 

joinery. 

The nine-year-old Griggio G23- 

4 is a vital part of the production 

process at shopfitting joinery specialists, 

Powells Joinery, part of the 

Powells Group of Andover and 

one of the top 20 shopfitting companies 

in the UK. 

When the machine broke down 

after a shaft had become bent, 

causing extensive internal damage, 

joinery foreman James Wright 

called in a local woodworking machinery 

engineer to get it fixed. 

“After taking a look at the machine 

he said he couldn’t tell what 

was wrong with it, which was very 

disappointing,” said Mr Wright. “As 

the Griggio is one of our main machines 

it was a nightmare being 

without it.” 

He then had an idea and rang 

up TM Machinery in Leicester, who 

had supplied and regularly ser - 

viced the company’s Striebig vertical 

panel saw, and asked if they 

could help. 

“They sent down an engineer 

from their service division the following 

day and after inspecting 

the Griggio faxed through a report 

of what was wrong and what parts 

were needed to get it going again,” 

said Mr Wright. 

The new parts needed included 

a short and long shaft, two double 

pinions, a length of Duplex chain 

and five bearings. After obtaining 

them from the Italian manufacturer, 

TM Service’s engineer returned 

to the joinery to fit them 

and make sure that the machine 

was in perfect working order. 

“I am 100 per cent satisfied with 

what TM did for us,” said Mr Wright. 

“Their engineer really knew what 

he was doing, and this kind of first 

class service is exactly what we 

need in the fast-moving environment 

we work in. 

“I would certainly recommend 

them to anyone with a machine 

problem; in fact I already have.” 

For nearly 30 years, TM Services 

& Spares has repaired and maintained 

a wide range of industrial 

woodworking machinery. 

Founded in 1984 by ex-Wadkin 

engineer Tony Morris, the company 

is focused on offering a top class 

machinery maintenance service. 

The company has grown to become 

one of the UK’s most respected 

woodworking machinery 

service specialists, providing nationwide 

coverage. 

It offers a rapid response to 

breakdowns as well as delivering 

regular service programmes. 

Its highly trained field engineers, 

who are amongst the most 

experienced in the UK, can repair 

most types of woodworking machinery. 

TM Services prides itself in 

being able to source parts and 

technical assistance for even the 

oldest of woodworking machines. 

TM Services & Spares 

Tel 0116 271 7155 

Email sales@tmservices.co.uk 

www.tmmachinery.co.uk 

Joinery foreman James Wright with the Griggio planer/moulder 

restored back to life by TM Services for Powells Joinery. 


NEWS 

Two gluesetters 

from Lamont for 

William J Mason 

WILLIAM J MASON Furniture Design was founded by its owner 

in 1998 and since then has grown from strength to strength, 

specialising today in the high quality flat packed furniture market. 

William has invested regularly in new machinery and 

equipment: in 2001, he purchased his first CAD machine, combining 

new designs with greater productivity, and in 2005 

additional machinery was purchased to facilitate the company’s 

expansion. Most recently, William has acquired two RF 

gluesetters from Lamont. 

An increasing volume of work meant that there was a real need 

to speed up production during the summer of 2012. William says, “I 

am always looking at magazines and catalogues, and attending 

shows, to see what’s out there and how to improve things.” A reader 

of Panel, Wood & Solid Surface, William was interested to read about 

other companies who had selected Lamont equipment and been 

delighted with the results, and contacted Alan Lamont in mid September 

with an enquiry about a gluesetter. 

“Alan came down to Hereford from Scotland, he explained what 

the machine did and we went from there,” said William. He describes 

Alan as “a very low-pressure salesman”, continuing: “He doesn’t push 

his product on you and that’s good. He is willing to travel a long distance 

to demonstrate his product, but he does like to know that 

you are serious in your enquiry when you phone. There is no pressure 

with Alan: he shows you the facts and lets you make up your 

own mind. Alan is very straight. He knows everything about how 

his clamps and woodwelders work, you have got the evidence before 

you from the demonstration, you make the decision yourself.” 

William continues, “We had had the first gluesetter for maybe 

two or three months, and then we had a couple of jobs to put in 

before Christmas with a very tight deadline: low cocktail cabinets to 

go to hotels in Germany, and there was no messing about with the 

date. The first gluesetter did exactly what Alan said it would do, so 

we purchased a second!” 

Asked about typical uses, William told PW&SS: “We do a lot of flat 

panel processing and mostly use the gluesetters to add lippings to 

the panels before veneers, but we also use them on solid wood furniture 

and veneered furniture, from gluing joints to working in awkward 

spaces. 

“We could have several hundred panels to lip and weld per day 

and, as we have the second machine, two lads can work with them 

at the same time. Having the two machines makes a massive difference 

time wise. 

“Another advantage is the quality of the joint. If you let certain 

types of PVA dry naturally they don’t bond terribly well, especially 

during winter, which not only has massive implications on turn 

around time but also affects the end quality of the product. If factories 

have big roller doors, as we do, the temperature in the workshop 

will fluctuate and drying time can be up to four or five hours 

on the chilliest days, drying naturally. The time saved with a gluesetter 

can make a big, big difference when you are busy.” 

Asked if he would recommend the company and the product, 

William replied, “I would,” adding, “Purchasing the two woodwelders 

was definitely the right decision business wise. Our business is always 

changing and to have as many machines and tools to make us 

as flexible as possible and turn work around as quickly as possible 

is so important at present. It all helps that the investment is a few 

thousand, and definitely value for money! You need to look at what 

you can earn from the investment when purchasing equipment, 

and this is definitely worth it.” 

Lamont ● Tel 01461 40017 

Email aalamont@hotmail.com ● www.clampingmachines.co.uk 


NEWS 

Joinerysoft benefits A Dee Kay Joinery 

THOUGH INITIALLY hesitant to 

purchase quoting software 

when David Lennon, Director of 

A Dee Kay Joinery, viewed the 

improvements to Joinerysoft’s 

JMS (Joinery Management Software), 

he was so impressed that 

he decided to purchase it immediately. 

With significant advances 

being made in the software 

all the time, David decided 

that it would benefit A Dee Kay 

Joinery to be involved in future 

developments helping to improve 

the software from the inside. 

He says, “Purchasing JMS 

seemed a big outlay at the time, 

but the time savings and professional 

boost it has given to our 

company is worth every penny.” 

Based in the centre of Birmingham, 

bespoke joinery and specialist 

sliding sash company, A Dee 

Kay Joinery, provides custom design 

and manufacture of high 

quality timber joinery. The large 

number of traditional properties 

in the area with sliding sash means 

that this is a large proportion of 

their business. The company has 

grown steadily over the years 

mainly through word of mouth. 

With a team of 12 joiners on the 

shop floor they can take on any 

work and turn nothing away. 

Finding the software relatively 

easy to learn, David confirms, “JMS 

is definitely user friendly. The 

menu structure makes it easy to 

find what you are looking for and 

the software uses joinery terms. I 

found it useful after the training to 

just have a go for myself,” says 

David. “Learning is much better 

that way and support is only a 

telephone call away.” 

David, who uses JMS constantly, 

has noticed huge time savings 

since purchasing the software. 

Quoting used to be calculated 

manually, adding up the cost of 

timber, the hourly labour rate, 

glass prices per square metre and 

adding it all together. He admits 

this was a time consuming process 

and says “quoting is now 80% 

quicker with JMS”. The quicker response 

time is also backed up with 

professional quotations which 

JMS automatically generates with 

accurate prices and true scale diagrams. 

Quotes can even be 

emailed directly from JMS. Setting 

up the system initially with cost 

files for timber, glass and hardware 

means that designing, pricing and 

manufacturing windows, doors 

and staircases is easy with JMS. 

With price changes and profit margins 

easy to adjust, A Dee Kay 

Joinery can stay competitive and 

know its costs. Customers find the 

JMS quotations easy to understand 

and David believes the professional 

approach has definitely 

contributed to winning orders. 

One of the advantages of the 

software is that orders can easily 

be recalled if a customer wants to 

make changes or repeat the order. 

Changes can be made simply by 

pointing and clicking on the relevant 

item, such as changing from a 

flush window to a storm proof 

window or quickly changing from 

hardwood to softwood. 

The ability of JMS to accurately 

calculate glass and weights for 

sliding sash has significantly improved 

turnaround speeds for the 

workshop, too. The time consuming 

process used to involve measuring 

for glass, waiting for it to 

arrive, then weighing the casement 

and glass together before 

ordering casement spirals and 

weights. David is so confident in 

JMS’s ability now that he can preorder 

glass and weights before the 

job is even begun. He confirms, 

“We’ve just completed a job of 50 

box sashes. This involved 600 

pieces of glass and I’m thankful 

that I don’t have to measure these 

by hand anymore. We supply work 

unglazed as a rule and customers 

value the glass sizes at the beginning 

of a job so that they have 

time to shop around for glass and 

order it in time for installation. 

“The best thing about JMS for 

me is that it saves me time that I 

can spend back in the workshop. 

It makes my life so much easier. 

The professionalism of the quotes 

that I send to customers makes 

A Dee Kay Joinery look good.” 

David adds, “I am constantly 

recommending Joinerysoft to 

other joinery companies. If you 

don’t already have joinery software, 

I would advise you to purchase 

JMS straight away and start 

reaping the benefits of greater efficiency, 

time and cost savings.” 

A Dee Kay Joinery Ltd 

Tel 0121 766 6036 

len@adeekayjoinery.co.uk 

www.adeekayjoinery.co.uk 

Joinerysoft Ltd 

Tel 01608 643302 

enquiries@joinerysoft.com 

www.joinerysoft.com 


NEWS 

Surcare speeds sanding for Surface Solutions 

LIKE ALL small to medium-sized 

solid surface fabricators and installers, 

Surface Solutions Co. of 

Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is 

faced with the time-consuming 

job of sanding work surfaces 

and vanity tops to produce the 

desired high standards of finish. 

The company is an approved 

DuPont Corian® fabricator and 

offers bespoke solid surface solutions 

for all types of projects; ranging 

from individual vanity units 

through to high-end designer 

kitchen commissions, as well as fitout 

contracts within the commercial 

sector. 

Since it was formed in 2001, its 

owner, Jeffrey Vickers, has consistently 

invested in the very best 

technology to improve the company’s 

capability and was quick to 

acquire a Surcare SMF-200 fourdisc 

sander after seeing it demonstrated 

on the CD (UK) stand at the 

W12 exhibition. 

“Investing in the Surcare sander 

has certainly boosted the efficiency 

of our sanding process, particularly 

on large surfaces such as 

tops for island units,” says Mr 

Vickers. “What used to take us 

around a day and a half can now 

be completed in just half a day.” 

Designed for sanding and 

micro-finishing, the SMF-200 provides 

a consistent surface finish on 

almost any horizontal surface. It 

Clover-shaped accessory pad allows the operator to quickly 

change all sanding discs at once. 

The Surcare SMF-200 covers a greater surface area in a fraction of 

the time, according to the company. 

covers a greater surface area and 

achieves a predictable finish in a 

fraction of the time, when compared 

to conventional single-disc 

sanding power tools, according to 

the company — and all done quietly 

and effortlessly. The proven 

SMF-200 is easy to use — even inexperienced 

workers can grasp 

the concept quickly. Just gently 

guide the SMF across the surface 

to be finished; the SMF does the 

job rather than the operator. 

It has a unique quick-change 

sanding disc system, allowing the 

operator to quickly change all 

sanding discs at once by removing 

the clover-shaped accessory pad 

and replacing with another one 

pre-fitted with a different grade of 

abrasive. The system saves downtime 

and sandpaper costs. 

Jeffrey Vickers adds, “We are delighted 

with the results from our 

Surcare. It’s much quieter than our 

other orbital sanders and our fabricators 

love using it. Based on the 

time saved to date, we estimate 

that the Surcare will have paid for 

itself in less than one year.” 

CD (UK) Ltd are national distributors 

of Corian®, along with a range 

of specialist tools and machinery 

for solid surface fabrication. 

CD (UK) Ltd 

Tel 0113 201 2240 

Email info@cdukltd.co.uk 

www.cdukltd.co.uk 

A new chapter begins for Ney Ltd 

LEADING UK independent distributor 

of woodworking machinery 

and materials, Ney Ltd, 

has moved. 

Since a devastating fire last 

summer that left Coventry-based 

Ney Ltd without a well-appointed 

UK office or warehouse, its team, 

made up of technical salesmen, 

specialist engineers and account 

managers, has been busily facilitating 

a move to new premises. 

The new 45,000 ft 2 space, that includes 

a contemporary office area, 

showroom and overflow warehouse, 

is situated next door to its 

existing warehouse and machinery 

demonstration area on Stonebridge 

Trading Estate, Coventry. 

Building work is already under 

way on Ney’s new components 

showroom, designed exclusively 

for in-house exhibitions and customer 

events. Both warehouses 

are undergoing serious restructuring, 

with machinery being moved 

to a new demonstration area and 

thousands of stock items being rearranged 

to include new product 

lines. 

With several new product 

ranges in full swing, including 

Ney’s new range of kitchen, bedroom 

and bathroom doors, the 

move could not have come at a 

better time for managing director, 

Gerd Ney. 

“We can now put this much 

needed extra space to good use 

and continue to develop our 

ranges even further,” says Mr Ney. 

“Our new showroom and 

demonstration area is a great sales 

tool. Our customers can get a 

good understanding of our product 

range and a true feel for the 

company. This move reflects our 

passion to forge long lasting relationships 

with our customers.” 

Ney Ltd 

Tel 024 7630 8100 

www.ney.co.uk 


EXHIBITION NEWS 

Open House at Napoleon Products Ltd 

NAPOLEON Products Ltd of 

Carryduff, Northern Ireland, will 

be holding an Open House from 

21-23 March 2013, at which the 

company’s wide range of machinery 

and equipment for the 

woodworking industry will be 

on display. 

Combining 20 years’ experience 

with the wood, metal and plastics 

industries, Napoleon Products Ltd 

has evolved to become a highly effective 

solutions provider for manufacturers 

and processing companies. 

The range of machinery is 

constantly evolving, sourced directly 

from manufacturers, such as 

Kündig, specialising in their field 

with a proven track history. 

Napoleon Products took on the 

representation of Kündig in Northern 

Ireland in 2008, as a subsidiary 

of Kündig Ltd, and the machinery 

on display will include both 

Kündig Premium and Kündig Uniq 

sanders. 

Meet new faces at W14 

The Premium wide-belt sanders 

can work with solid wood, veneers 

and lacquers. As with the entire 

Kündig wide-belt range, the Premium 

is designed for ease of use 

combined with infinitely fine adjustability, 

leading to very positive 

feedback from those who operate 

these machines. 

The Uniq edge sander features 

two heavy cast iron worktables, 

one for sanding wood and the 

other for veneers. The sander produces 

excellent results on both 

straight or bevelled workpieces, on 

veneered or solid edges. 

Panel processing machines, 

joinery machines and recycling 

and wood burning heaters from a 

range of quality manufacturers 

will all be on display and ready for 

demonstration at the Napoleon 

Products Open Day: contact the 

company for further details. 

Napoleon Products Ltd 

Tel 028 9081 7704 

info@napoleonproducts.co.uk 

www.napoleonproducts.co.uk 

Blum, whose products are shown above, will be exhibiting at W14. 

THE IMPORTANCE of an established 

national exhibition for the 

furniture and joinery industries 

as well as associated sectors cannot 

be understated. Established 

for over 30 years, the exhibition 

shows all the healthy signs of encouraging 

growth, especially 

with the new format of running 

two shows in parallel — W14 

Working with Wood and W14 

Working with Design. 

The fact that a very high proportion 

of W12 exhibitors have rebooked 

for W14 indicates the 

value and advantages they derived 

from being at the shows. A 

common comment was that exhibiting 

enabled them to meet an 

entire sector of new and potential 

customers with whom they’d no 

previous contact. They were also 

extremely pleased that the opportunity 

allowed them to conduct a 

surprisingly high level of business 

at the events. 

The furniture and joinery industries 

remain a major manufacturing 

sector in the UK worth around 

£20 billion per annum. A growth 

area is the supply of products to 

the commercial, hotel and wider 

leisure sectors. 

Running two individual but 

wholly interdependent shows 

alongside each other proved an 

undoubted success in 2012. Each 

fed from the visitors and footfall 

from the other and initiatives such 

as the Design in Manufacturing 

Awards (DIMA) as well as the 

rolling program of seminars were 

appreciated by those attending. 

As a result both will be expanded 

and extended at W14. 

As time rolls on towards the October 

dates in 2014 the organisers 

plan to ramp up a program of promotion 

with media partners as 

well as individual visitor promotion 

campaigns. An examination 

of the floorplan immediately 

shows the enthusiasm for getting 

early space and the response from 

overseas companies wishing to 

break into the UK market is encouraging. 

Early booking incentives 

are available and, of course, 

prime space is at a premium. 

W14 

Tel 01629 830998 

www.w14exhibition.com 

Armac Martin to be at the 

May Design Series Show 

A NEW RANGE of solid brass one 

piece knobs produced to compliment 

the Bakes Range of Pull 

Handles from Armac Martin is illustrated 

above. 

Featuring the same flow and 

style of the pulls with an oval top, 

neck and base, they are rear fixed 

and available from stock in sizes of 

52 mm and 45 mm in polished 

nickel plate. Two smaller versions 

will shortly be added to the range. 

These and other new products 

will all be displayed on the Armac 

Martin stand at the May Design 

Series Show (19-21 May) in London’s 

Excel, incorporating KBB, Interiors 

and Lighting. 

Armac Martin 

Tel 0121 359 2111 

Email sales@armacmartin.co.uk 

www.armacmartin.co.uk 


SURFACES 

Hranipex: All you need 

2013 may have started like any 

other year for many. However, 

an evolution in furniture edging 

was taking place as Hranipex 

entered a new phase of progression 

with a brand new streamlined 

logo and new attitude to 

boot! The new logo symbolises 

the company’s ongoing commitment 

to its core product with 

three stripes encompassing the 

company’s leaner, more dynamic 

new look. 

What does the new logo say: 

perfectly matched edging in the 

widest range with superior customer 

service with a higher than 

ever emphasis on complementary 

products, such as adhesives and 

cutting edge technologies for the 

cleaning of furniture pieces and 

machinery. 

All you need Edging: Hranipex 

has brought its full Czech service 

into the UK market, complete with 

950 decors — 700 are stocked in 

the UK at any given time — available 

from just one metre and in 

multiple dimensions. 

From Kronospan to Egger and 

boards from all the world’s most 

reputable suppliers, Hranipex has 

the answer to all those board 

matching headaches. 

Of course, customers still have a 

requirement for melamine edging: 

this is not a problem for Hranipex 

— there is a melamine decor for all 

your needs: likewise for veneer 

edging, available in both 0.6 mm 

and 2.0 mm in a variety of widths. 

As a producer of ABS edging, 

Hranipex looks to offer its customers 

a one-stop-shop for all 

their edging requirements. 

All you need Service: Since 

Hranipex’s inception in 1993 the 

company ethos has always been 

perfect service for all — from the 

smallest independent joiner to the 

largest furniture manufacturer, 

you can guarantee that you will be 

treated like No. 1. 

Hranipex’s aim is to make the 

customer’s job as simple as possible: 

if a customer needs to match a 

board quickly, they need simply 

go to Hranipex’s website and use 

the edgebanding search feature to 

find the perfect match for any 

MFC board in a matter of seconds. 

In the rare instance when a customer 

cannot locate the information 

from the website, they need 

simply call the Birmingham office, 

where the team of trained professionals 

will be happy to assist with 

any enquiry. 

Many customers like to match 

the boards to Hranipex’s decors 

themselves: that’s why the company 

supplies a sample swatch 

collection for customers’ reference 

purposes. 

Coupled with Hranipex’s efficient 

24 hour delivery, there is no 

reason not to make the call. 

All you need Adhesives: Hranipex 

knows the importance of 

using the right glue for the job, 

and most importantly, the right 

glue for the customer’s machine: 

using the correct glue will enhance 

product quality and prolong 

the lifespan of a machine. 

Hranipex can match a customer’s 

machine to the optimum glue for 

that machine, enhancing the quality 

of the finished product. 

All you need Cleaning Pro - 

ducts: This aspect of furniture 

manufacturing is often overlooked, 

but Hranipex has looked 

to highlight the importance of 

cleaning products in the process. 

Hranipex offers a comprehensive 

package of practical solutions for 

its customers, including removing 

glue from MFC boards after the 

application of edgebanding. 

For example, to avoid damage 

caused by the use of inappropriate 

materials to remove glue residue 

on boards, Hranipex can offer 

HRX01 board-cleaner, which is a 

product perfectly in tune with the 

composition of the glue: HRX01 

effortlessly removes it, leaving the 

board clean and blemish free. 

With a cleaner for every requirement, 

there is no reason not 

to investigate the range further. 

Should you require detailed advice, 

a Hranipex sales representative 

would be happy to advise on 

the best product for your needs. 

Hranipex UK 

Tel 0121 767 9180 

Email info@hranipex.co.uk 

www.hranipex.co.uk 


SURFACES 

Further on-trend introductions from 

David Clouting Ltd 

THE INTRODUCTION of new designs 

from David Clouting Ltd is 

always a special occasion. 

This is because the company 

goes to great lengths to ensure 

that each design is carefully considered 

so that it is guaranteed to 

be on trend and timed to match industry 

needs, allowing customers 

to tap into new, emerging opportunities 

ahead of their competitors. 

It has recently announced yet 

more new Decofoil vinyl designs, 

which will be in stock from March 

2013, and these are the latest results 

of the David Clouting 

method of careful consideration 

and lengthy collaboration between 

industry partners, including 

the LG conglomerate, and clients. 

Among the latest additions to 

David Clouting’s comprehensive 

Decofoil stock range is Mussel 

Gloss YEM93-PG, providing a 

choice of solid high gloss colours. 

Mussel is also stocked as an innoface 

matt paint finish YEM16-03i, 

and matches Egger’s U100 MFC. 

The company has found Mussel 

emerging as a mainstream colour 

tone from a number of trend 

colours launched two years ago. 

The high gloss and matt finishes 

provide consumers with the perfect 

choice to produce great furniture 

panels. 

Matt solid colour has seen a 

steady increase in popularity and 

the company has once again 

played a major part in this. David 

Clouting’s Modern Graphite and 

Modern White introduce a new dimension 

to solid colours with the 

use of horizontal texture. 

The combination of texture and 

solid colour brings a new level of 

sophistication to the market, creating 

another original effect that 

will work across all sectors of KBB 

and home furniture. 

The use of texture has also 

played a major role in the latest 

prints from David Clouting, Rijeke 

Oak and Sand Lyon Ash, with both 

featuring a new, structured emboss 

that complements the surface 

designs. 

The light, fresh and natural Rijeke 

Oak matches the Kronospan 

Rijeke Oak D5502 HE, while Sand 

Lyon Ash, an elegant light toned 

striped design, matches the Egger 

Above, Rijeke Oak; below, Mussel Premium High Gloss; opposite, 

Modern Graphite. 

Sand Lyon Ash H1398 ST 22. The 

two designs have been incorporated 

into the David Clouting 

stock range as items that will make 

a significant impact on the UK KBB 

sector. 

Another emerging effect that is 

rapidly growing in popularity is 

that of solid surface material, and 

the company’s newly-launched 

Light Grey Engineered Stone and 

Black Engineered Stone PVC interpretations 

are designed to allow 

KBB manufacturers to make the 

most of this. The European trend 

for door frontals made from natural 

materials could be heading toward 

the UK, which means the 

David Clouting Engineered Stone 

PVC will again allow customers to 

meet this demand while remaining 

price competitive. 

David Clouting Ltd 

Tel 01376 518037 

marketing@davidclouting.co.uk 

www.davidclouting.co.uk 


SURFACES 

Latham’s unveils exciting new surface solutions for 2013 

JAMES Latham has announced a 

number of new additions to its 

already extensive portfolio of 

innovative surface solutions for 

2013, which are set to have a big 

impact — especially among interior 

designers and architects. 

Exclusive to James Latham in 

the UK, Allure is an exciting and 

contemporary range which, as 

well as six different types of truly 

unique, real stone laminate, includes 

an extensive palette of 

high-gloss bold and vibrant acrylic 

colours as well as a high-gloss 

wood grain. There’s also a stylish 

mirror laminate as well as a choice 

of rough-cut and brushed oak, 

smoked and stained veneers. 

Plus, there’s a range of ecofriendly 

reconstituted veneers in 

patterns such as Rosewood and 

Ebony, with its unmistakable very 

dark heartwood and characteristic 

streaks, giving the veneer a distinctive 

and striking appearance. 

A totally original product, 

Valchromat is a coloured MDF in 

which the colour runs throughout 

the entire board. This is achieved 

by adding organic dyes and a specially 

formulated resin before 

pressing the panel. 

Top and left, Allure; above, Valchromat. 

With eight vibrant colours in 

the range, Valchromat is certain to 

be popular within the UK shop fitting 

and furniture manufacturing 

sectors where bold and impactful 

colours are part of the specification. 

Plus, it has been approved by 

the British Standards Association 

as safe to use in the manufacture 

of children’s toys. 

Nevamar is a high pressure 

laminate suitable for use in hotels, 

restaurants and bars, airports, hospitals, 

retail shops and other commercial 

environments. 

It incorporates a patented Armoured 

Protection technology 

(AR), believed to be unique, which 

stands up to more abuse than 

similar products, according to the 

company. The result is an extremely 

hard-wearing decorative 

material that looks newer for 

longer, which also makes it ideal 

for residential installations. 

The Armoured Protection surface 

is engineered using aluminium 

oxide particles blended 

with clear resins. Together they 

form a protective layer that allows 

objects to slide over the laminates 

as if they were on ball bearings. 

Unlike other laminates using 

overlays that can cloud the designs, 

ARP’s patented process always 

allows the subtlety and 

depth of the decorative paper to 

show through. This dramatic clarity 

is never compromised by the 

surface protection during the 

serviceable life of the laminate. 

Delivering dimension, depth 

and texture to an otherwise flat 

surface, HIF (Holz In Form) Finesse 

offers interior designers and architects 

in the shop fitting and commercial 

sectors an option which 

they have not had before, allowing 

them to capitalise on new 

trends and create a distinctive and 

elegant appearance. 

With a mixture of contemporary 

designs and patterns, inspired by 

the flowing, dynamic shapes of 

the natural elements, HIF-Finesse 

offers eleven embossed MDF 

panels which are supplied with 

their own unique textured finish 

and are held in stock in the UK. 

HIF-Finesse is also available in 

curved panels, with a matching 

range of edging and in profiles 

and thicknesses from 1,050 mm x 

2,450 mm x 18/21 mm, 635 mm x 

2,450 mm x 21 mm, 1,270 mm x 

3,135 mm x 21 mm, depending on 

the pattern. 

Chris Sutton, director of James 

Latham commented: “We have a 

history and expertise in bringing 

new and innovative products to 

the UK market and I’m certain that 

these latest additions will have a 

big impact within the A&D sector.” 

He added, “James Latham now 

offers one of the UK’s widest 

ranges of innovative surface solutions, 

all available from one supplier, 

and directly from stock at all 

nine of our nationwide panel distribution 

sites.” 

James Latham 

Tel 0116 257 3415 

Email marketing@lathams.co.uk 

www.lathamtimber.co.uk 


SURFACES 

Strength and durability for tiny measures 

MEDITE Tricoya, an extremely 

durable MDF, is now being 

utilised in the creation of luxury 

children’s playhomes. Designed 

and built by Tiny Town Playhomes, 

the small houses require 

a material that is long lasting 

and easy to use: Medite Tricoya 

meets these exacting needs. 

Tiny Town Playhomes was 

launched in the Spring of 2011 and 

the company now creates over 10 

different models with many more 

in the design phase. The playhouses 

are built using 3D modelling 

software. The ‘mini’ homes 

require a level of structural stability 

and durability, plus a high quality 

finish — and Medite Tricoya 

was able to meet these needs. 

Premium grade MDF 

NORBORD’s premium grade 

MDF has been relaunched with a 

new name: Caberwood MDF Pro. 

Formerly marketed as ‘Standard’ 

MDF, the board is designed for use 

by professional builders, shopfitters 

and other trades who need a 

high quality grade of MDF for topend 

applications. 

The new name comes as part of 

a wider re-organisation of the 

Caberwood MDF product range. 

Previously, the range comprised 

numerous grades branded as 

Ultralight, Light, Standard and 

Deep Rout, with additional lines 

described as Moisture Resistant 

(MR), Moisture Resistant Light and 

Industrial MR. 

While all these grades (with the 

exception of Ultralight) are still 

available, they have been reorganised 

more logically into three basic 

lines: Caberwood MDF Trade, 

Caberwood MDF Pro and Caberwood 

MDF Industrial MR. As the 

name indicates, Industrial MR is inherently 

moisture-resistant; MR 

versions of Trade and Pro grades 

are also available. 

“The old structure was confusing 

for our customers because it 

was unnecessarily complicated 

and the names did not really describe 

typical end uses,” explains 

Norbord regional sales manager, 

David Webb. 

Despite the name-change, the 

composition, performance and 

availability of the Caberwood MDF 

range remains unchanged, and 

customers will continue to buy 

their supplies via the same timber 

and builders’ merchant chains. 

“The main difference is that customers 

will now be able to distinguish 

more easily between the 

different grades and be confident 

that they are choosing the correct 

product for their requirements,” 

comments Mr Webb. 

Norbord 

Tel 01786 812921 

www.norbord.co.uk 

The product benefits from the 

latest advancements in acetylation 

technology, which naturally 

alters the wood’s chemical structure 

so that water absorption does 

not affect it. This results in a more 

dimensionally stable MDF meaning 

it won’t swell, shrink or decay, 

making it extremely durable. It is 

also incredibly versatile — it can 

be cut, coated, coloured, sanded, 

glued, machined and fastened. 

“Medite Tricoya was launched 

just when we needed it,” commented 

Kevin Cox of Tiny Town 

Playhomes. “Many of our designs 

incorporate arched or irregular 

shaped windows. For this, full 

boards are required for the siding. 

Medite Tricoya meets this need 

while being lighter and stronger, 

making it extremely easy to work 

with. We also have no wastage 

since all offcuts are used for trim 

such as shutters and window 

surrounds.” 

Tiny Town Playhomes spends a 

signficant amount of time designing 

and producing each of the 

homes, so longevity is key. Kevin 

said, “Medite Tricoya gives us 

peace of mind that our creations 

will last for many years to come. In 

addition, we don’t have to spend 

time preparing the product for 

protection against the elements. 

Overall Medite Tricoya is a very 

efficient product.” 

Medite Tricoya has been jointly 

developed between Medite 

Europe and Accsys Technologies. 

Medite Tricoya 

Tel 01322 424900 

www.meditetricoya.com 


DOORS: DESIGN & MANUFACTURE 

Renolit: ideal for doors 

DURING 2012, Renolit extended 

its RENOLIT ALKO- 

REN & RENOLIT COVAREN 3D 

stock range with no fewer 

than 27 exciting designs, 

ideally suited for use in 

doors. Here is a reminder of 

some of the innovative additions 

to the Renolit range. 

These comprise of 17 exceptional 

woodgrain designs, 

printed effects and textures, 

and ten high gloss solid 

colours which can in general 

be divided into seven groups, 

consisting of: Elm: Swiss Elm in 

3 colours, 1 in high gloss; Walnut: Pacific with a light and dark choice; Textured 

solid colours: Elegant Ash, Okasha and Saw Cut textured surfaces; 

Conifers: Mountain Larch & Cappuccino P; Oak: Luan Oak Tobacco, Trojan 

PA and Foscari Oak Pale Nat; Special effects: Modern effects of Cobra and 

Moulins SC; High gloss 

solid colours: Modern selection 

of 10 fashionable 

colours. 

These designs can be 

seen in the A4 RENOLIT 

Highlights collection 

binder or within the handy 

A6 sized 3 part complete 

range set of RENOLIT CO- 

VAREN, RENOLIT ALKO- 

REN and RENOLIT Solid 

Colours. 

PW&SS understands 

that the Renolit designers 

have been at work again 

for 2013, with inspirational 

new launches planned 

over the coming months. 

Elegant Ash 

Trojan 

Swiss Elm 

Okasha 

Right, Just four of the the ten 

bright high gloss colours. 

RENOLIT Cramlington Ltd 

Tel 01670 718222 

Email renolit.cramlington@renolit.com 

www.renolit.com/design 

Pacific 



New finishes are just the start 

for the Ney Door Collection 

THIS TIME last year, Coventry-based door distributor Ney Ltd was a mere newcomer in the made-tomeasure 

door industry. Twelve months on and the company is going from strength to strength, adding 

new designs and finishes to its market friendly door collections. 

Currently offering three inspiring collections that include vinyl-wrap, acrylic-edge and spray-painted ranges, 

Ney is focused on offering a wide range of designs — and with the Elegance 

collection offering twenty designs and thirty vinyl finishes to choose 

from, the Ney Door Collection really is spanning the style spectrum. 

Painted doors are making something of a comeback in the market. 

Ney’s painted Impressions range, made up of modern Slab, Atlas, Vogue 

and Shaker, is right on trend, whilst the popular acrylic-edged De Novo 

collection brings duo-edged and matching edges to high gloss in ten desirable 

colours. 

However, not one to rest on his laurels, managing director Gerd Ney 

has been working on a new range of finishes. Gerd explains, “We’ve had 

a very successful first year but the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom door industry is constantly evolving, so we 

need to constantly adapt too.” 

Available to order from April, the new range of natural finishes has been designed to complement the existing 

door collection and offer retailers even more choice. It includes a 3D natural woodgrain effect, a cross-cut sawmark 

woodgrain and a range of modern, horizontal textures to represent ivory, graphite and walnut finishes. 

All the latest finishes, designs, measurements and prices are available for retailers on Ney’s new Easy Quote 

system — a software management system designed to aid the quotation process when retailers are asked for 

bespoke orders. Gerd adds, “We like to work closely with our customers and listen to what they have to say. If 

they want to produce quotations more quickly, it’s our duty to facilitate that.” 

It is this ‘can-do’ attitude that drives the company’s success and with the continual development of new designs 

and finishes it begs the question, what’s next for the Ney Door Collection? 

Ney Ltd ● Tel 024 7630 8100 ● www.ney.co.uk 



Urban Front choose Holz-Her machining centre 

Work pieces with complicated shapes can be changed quickly and simply. 

URBAN FRONT Ltd, in Buckinghamshire, 

recently ordered a 

new Holz-Her Pro-Master 7017 

machining centre to manufacture 

its prestigious, uniquely 

designed bespoke doors. The 

company is a highly successful 

designer and manufacturer of 

natural hardwood contemporary 

re-inforced front, internal 

and external doors. The superb 

new C Range in natural hardwood 

and RAL finish achieved 

by Urban Front ensures the 

exact colour and quality match 

as specified by customers. 

Each door is available in a range 

of natural hardwoods, bespoke configurations, 

build types and finishes. 

A comprehensive range of door accessories 

can also be supplied including: 

handles, door bells, letter 

plates, numbering, door knockers, 

mail boxes and more besides. 

Urban Front focuses on the luxury 

end of the market and its doors 

are featured in the most prestigious 

buildings in London and New York. 

Only natural hardwoods are used: 

not engineered or veneered 

woods. The service includes ‘floor 

to ceiling’ options, designed to add 

a contemporary twist. All doors incorporate 

high security features 

and locks. 

The company is growing in 

America and Europe, where ecofriendly 

doors are favoured, and 

one of the recent projects is the 

British Consulate in New York. 

Entrepreneurs and owners of 

Urban Front Ltd, Nabil and Elizabeth 

Assaf, and designers of all 

their doors, chose the Holz-Her 

Pro-Master, “mainly because,” they 

say, “of its solid construction, extremely 

high degree of accuracy, 

the ability to machine absolutely 

square internal corners for vision 

panels, and the ease to use the 

flexible software. These features 

An example of the prestigious doors manufactured by Urban Front, Rondo V design, on a private property in Washington, USA. 



The Holz-Her Pro-Master 7017 CNC machining centre at Urban Front Ltd, Buckinghamshire. 

Another example is a double security door, manufactured by 

Urban Front, for a Medical Centre in London. 

Elizabeth and Nabil Assaf, co-founders of Urban Front. 

have noticeably motivated the operator, 

who enjoys working the 

machine.” 

Several other factors impressed 

the directors too. “Its high speed 

from design to manufacture software, 

resulting in faster and leaner 

lead times. Also, most importantly, 

the proven prompt service and 

technical back-up track record over 

many years by Holz-Her — further 

enhanced by the highly reputed 

Weinig customer care Urban Front 

has experienced over the years 

from Weinig UK, in Abingdon,” they 

added. 

Holz-Her’s Pro-Master 7017 has 

set the standards for economic 

and highly flexible CNC timber machining 

centres, according to the 

company. Its absolute concentration 

on practical requirements 

makes the Pro-Master unique, 

Holz-Her adds. It offers stability allowing 

extremely high load values 

and exceptional dynamics. 

High precision linear guides ensure 

excellent guidance, accuracy, 

particularly quiet running, and 

long service life. Powerful drive 

and transmission technology is a 

prerequisite for extreme acceleration 

values achieved on the Pro- 

Master. Ergonomic and easy 

handling is a key benefit — even 

work pieces with complicated 

shapes can be clamped quickly 

and simply. 

Multifunctional equipment is optimised 

for daily use. Drilling, sawing, 

cutting and grooving on the 

Pro-Master are automatically operated 

according to the program — 

no need for manual intervention. 

The software is particularly impressive 

and does everything simply, 

clearly and conveniently. It 

incorporates a multitude of features, 

such as barcode interface, remote 

control unit, import 

capabilities and much more. All 

Holz-Her machines can be networked 

with each other. 

As Nabil said, “I bought Holz-Her 

because of my experience of service 

with Weinig. I’m so glad I did, 

this machine is so easy to use and 

extremely accurate. It exceeded 

my expectations on how it copes 

so smoothly with dense hardwoods 

on 80 mm and 90 mm thick 

doors.” 

Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd 

Tel 01235 557600 

Email sales-uk@weinig.com 

www.weinig.co.uk 



Browns 2000 continues to invest with Schelling 

BROWNS 2000 Ltd has once 

again shown its dedication to 

improving productivity by investing 

in a new Schellling fh6. 

Founded 30 years ago by Peter 

Brown, this is still a family run 

company now guided by the 

second generation. 

In an expression of supreme 

confidence in the reliability of 

Schellling, this is the sixth 

Schelling beam saw Browns 2000 

has purchased. The courage to invest 

in new product research, as 

well as new production premises 

and technology, is the secret of 

Browns 2000’s success. 

The company has responded to 

market challenges with a mixture 

of successful ideas and high automation, 

now reinforced by the 

latest purchase of a Schelling fh6 

at the W12 exhibition. 

Peter says, “What began as a five 

man team in the early 1980s has 

grown into a 75 strong workforce 

today and our investment in state 

of the art technology from 

Schelling is part of a conscious 

policy to invest in what we consider 

to be the best technology on 

the market.” 

Every manufactured door from 

Browns 2000 is made to measure 

and to order. The first and vital 

stage of manufacture is cutting 

MDF sheets to size where a flawless 

finish is essential. Peter commented, 

“We want to eliminate 

any downstream, remedial operations 

and for this reason we value 

the air flotation machine tablebed 

option on our fh6.” 

Basically, the finely crafted air 

flotation machine table-bed protects 

the surface of any material 

being processed, even high gloss 

material. 

The extra-wide 700 mm air 

cushion table is perfect for manipulating 

material during and after 

the cutting process. 

Brass air nozzles in the table 

bed eliminate the possibility of 

scratches on the board during the 

transfer movement from the rip 

cut to the cross cut. 

Browns 2000 wanted the best 

possible solution for the fast 

throughput of larger orders while 

at the same time retaining the option 

of small batch production. Assisted 

by automatic cutting speed, 

which is adjustable according to 

the book height, both these options 

are easily achieved. With the 

aid of double strip aligners placed 

before and after the saw line and 

a powerful 21 kW motor, the fh6 is 

able to deliver the productivity required 

by Browns 2000. 

Of particular interest to Browns 

2000 is the camera option that allows 

the operator to monitor the 

cutting and feeding area via a 

mounted swivel camera with the 

ability to zoom-in and take snapshots. 

Markus Freuis, managing director 

of Schelling UK Ltd, commented, 

“Using a camera to 

analyse the flow of material on the 

production line helps improve 

both efficiency and productivity.” 

In addition to standard machine 

features, Schelling is able to 

offer a full range of options that 

can be added to suit individual requirements. 

Grooving is one such 

option which Browns 2000 chose 

to include on its fh6. The grooving 

option allows Browns 2000 to integrate 

design features into the 

door manufacture. 

The fh6 also gives Browns 2000 

the opportunity to increase the 

cycle optimisation. With a saw 

blade diameter of 460 mm it provides 

a saw blade projection of up 

to 135 mm, giving a significant increase 

of panel throughput. With 

an insert speed of 80 m/min and a 

saw travel speed of up to 150 

m/min, the fh6 delivers high ejection 

speed of particular value to 

Browns when time is short. 

Another feature, which Browns 

2000 knew would save time and 

money, is third phase cutting. 

Third phase cuts are parallel to the 

cuts on the rip-cut level and can 

be processed in the same cycle. A 

small strip of waste between the 

parts allows for the completion of 

the third phase cut part, without 

damaging the neighbouring part. 

This means that during cross cutting, 

the third phase cut part is 

produced with its final measurements. 

This, in turn, results in reduced 

handling and decreased 

production time and eliminates 

any mistakes. 

If you want to see a working 

Schelling cut to size saw, Schelling 

will be exhibting at the Ligna exhibition 

in Hannover, 6-10 May 

2013. 

Schelling UK 

Tel 01937 586340 

Email info@schelling.co.uk 

www.schelling.co.uk 


CNC MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SOFTWARE 

Delcam’s ArtCAM used for large-scale carvings 

on modest budgets 

BY USING Delcam’s ArtCAM artistic CADCAM software to 

drive a CNC router, Joe Valasek’s company, Carveture, can 

produce carved artwork and architectural pieces that were 

in the past only accessible to very rich individuals and 

organisations. 

Mr Valasek started his career as a sculptor over 30 years ago. 

“When I was sculpting and carving by hand, I found myself 

feeling jealous of bronze artists who produced a model and 

then cast 200 copies,” Mr Valasek remembered. “So I spent 

eight years searching for the right tools that would marry the 

power of the computer and CNC machinery with the freedom 

and creativity of manual sculpting. I tried a number of different 

software packages but 

ArtCAM is the only one 

I have seen that can do 

what I was looking for.” 

In his early years 

working with CNC, Mr 

Valasek teamed up with 

a couple of other designers 

to carve 

grapevines onto the 

ends of wine barrels to 

make decorative faces 

Datum Tools Ltd 

Tel 01892 667800 www.flipstop.com 

for clocks sold through a wine-accessories catelogue. With almost two decades of experience under his belt, he 

is now taking on much larger projects for corporate and individual clients. 

For one project, he produced two twelve-foot wide by six-foot high murals, with enormous levels of detail and 

a wide range of different scenes. These would have taken six months to carve with traditional methods but were 

designed in only two months using ArtCAM. Another example was the series of murals that he produced for Peace- 

Health, a group of hospitals in the 

Northwestern United States. 

The murals represent the healing 

and nurturing influence that 

the PeaceHealth family of em - 

ployees has on the wide regions of 

the Northwest, stretching from 

Ketchikan, Alaska, to Cottage 

Grove, Oregon, served by Peace- 

Health clinics and hospitals. 

The hospital is now planning to 

have Valasek build two more 

murals. By reusing components 

from the first project, 

he estimates that the new 

murals can be designed in 

only two weeks. 

“Besides saving large 

amounts of time in producing 

the first iteration of your 

design, ArtCAM also lets 

you reuse parts of your art,” 

Mr Vasalek explained. “You 

can also buy artwork on the 

web and incorporate it into 

your design. The result is 

that carved artworks and 

architectural pieces that 

were formerly out of the 

range of all but the most 

lavish budgets are now becoming 

affordable.” 

Delcam 

Tel 0121 766 5544 

Email info@artcam.com 

www.artcam.com 

A screen that would have taken six months can be produced in two months 

with ArtCAM. 



Centre of excellence students learn woodworking 

CABINET Vision and Alphacam 

software plays a big part in 

helping woodwork graduates 

from a college in County Galway, 

Ireland, find jobs all over 

the world. 

The Letterfrack campus of the 

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology 

is a National Centre of Excellence 

providing honours degrees 

in furniture design, wood technology 

and teacher training. Known 

as The Furniture College, GMIT Letterfrack, 

in County Galway, celebrated 

its 25th anniversary at the 

end of 2012 with a major exhibition 

of students’ work at the prestigious 

Farmleigh Gallery, at 

Dublin’s Phoenix Park. 

Head of Department, Dermot 

O’Donovan, says the College has 

developed from a small campus of 

just 18, to the current 250 full-time 

students taking a range of degree 

courses, along with the additional 

Higher Diploma for those wanting 

to go into teaching. As well as the 

partnership with Cabinet Vision 

and Alphacam, the College has a 

close working relationship with 

machinery manufacturer, Homag, 

who update the College’s complete 

Weeke cell every two years. 

“Our strength is in showing students 

what’s possible within the 

industry, integrating the core values 

of craft and quality with technology. 

We show them that the 

manufacturing process has to be 

technologically driven for it to 

have a sustainable future.” He says 

the combination of the Homag 

and Rye machines with 36 Alphacam 

seats, and 33 seats of Cabinet 

Vision Ultimate including Screen 

to Machine, has aided the College 

Left to right: Gary Graham, Jeremy Madden and Dermot O’Donovan. 

in gaining global recognition. 

Design and CAD/CAM lecturer, 

Jeremy Madden, says all second 

year students are introduced to Alphacam 

to drive the Homag cell 

comprising a beam saw, edge 

bander, two CNC routers and laser, 

to create a simple cabinet. The College 

began teaching Alphacam 

programming when it had its first 

CNC machine in 1996. Its use was 

developed by IT technician, Gary 

Graham, who says that whenever 

the College brings a product into 

the syllabus it has to be mainstream 

and be the best that’s available, 

and Alphacam fitted that bill 

perfectly. 

When Jeremy Madden joined 

the College four years later, he had 

extensive experience of working 

with Alphacam in industry, and 

says the demand was increasing 

to make technology a core element 

of the syllabus. As well as incorporating 

CAD/CAM into the 

Advanced Machine Technology 

module and Graphics Computer 

Applications for second year students, 

more advanced aspects are 

taught in later years, ensuring 

there is a complete link with Alphacam 

right the way through a 

student’s time at Letterfrack. 

When they begin using 

CAD/CAM in their second year, 

students are working on prototype 

and conceptual pieces constructed 

from simple formers, as 

well as developing ideas and complexity 

of shapes. Jeremy Madden 

says designs come from a batch 

project including items such as 

pen boxes and other stylised small 

items. The third year sees an introduction 

to 3D solid modelling as 

part of a compact one semester 

brief taking the development of 



skills with Cabinet Vision and Alphacam 

complex shapes to a higher level. 

“Alphacam gives a whole new dimension 

as to what can be created, 

visualised, drawn up and 

machined.” 

Those skills are combined in the 

fourth year, where they are also 

shown how Cabinet Vision does 

much more than cut, lip and bore 

panels, which they learned earlier 

… focusing on the ease with 

which it produces cabinets 

through advanced solid modelling 

technology, automatically generating 

shop drawings, 3D renderings, 

cut lists, material 

requirements and estimating. 

The cabinets are designed in 

Cabinet Vision and the NC codes 

generated in Screen to Machine. 

Although cabinets can be designed 

at the touch of a button, 

Gary Graham says the fact that 

Cabinet Vision also allows students 

to create their own construction 

styles for one-offs and 

non-standard pieces is important. 

“We didn’t want them just to select 

stock from Cabinet Vision’s library, 

as we felt that was limiting 

to their education.” 

Having created manual cutting 

lists, along with costing commercial 

projects and undertaking job 

analysis on spreadsheets, fourth 

An example of a student’s work 

year students are pleasantly surprised 

when they learn that Cabinet 

Vision can produce all that 

information just from the drawing. 

Jeremy Madden says it’s important 

that they learn those old ways, 

which is also the reason he 

teaches G-code in the fourth year. 

“Understanding G-code gives the 

ability to amend individual lines of 

code if necessary.” 

Students also find Cabinet Vision’s 

Label-IT facility important 

for documentation and itemisation. 

“Knowing where every last 

piece is on the shop floor helps 

them see where cost savings 

could be made. It reinforces the 

fact that automation systems and 

control technology like this is the 

way forward for operations management.” 

Working with Cabinet Vision 

and Alphacam at the beginning of 

the second year at Letterfrack has 

changed the career options of 

many students over the years. Dermot 

O’Donovan says: “It opens up 

a lot more possibilities. Some students 

initially want to pursue careers 

as designers or furniture 

makers, but then go on to jobs as 

production managers, CNC operators 

and technicians. They are 

graduating today with a skillset 

that makes them readily employable 

anywhere. Alphacam and 

Cabinet Vision give them the necessary 

skills to get work in the 

woodworking industry anywhere 

in the world.” 

That point is echoed by Jeremy 

Madden: “Someone with this 

knowledge is much more productive 

in the working environment 

than someone without it. Because 

they are adding productivity, it 

means they are better value to 

their employer. And, from a student’s 

perspective, finding employment 

is the key.” 

Not only do graduates find jobs 

in all branches of the furniture industry 

around the globe, but students 

undertake work placements 

in the third year of their course. 

Programme co-ordinator, Dr 

Patrick Tobin, says in 2013, students 

will be at companies in the 

UK, America, Australia, New 

Zealand, Vietnam, Morocco, Germany, 

Czech Republic and many 

other countries. “The companies 

vary from one-person workshops 

right up to those with hundreds of 

employees, across the wood product 

industry — custom designed 

furniture, joineries, kitchen companies, 

store fixtures, architectural 

woodworking and high volume 

panel producers.” He says many 

placements are also with design 

companies, consultancies and 

technical support, along with 

training and teaching operations. 

“The students’ knowledge of 

Cabinet Vision and Alphacam 

helps them solve any number of 

woodworking issues while they 

are on placement, preparing them 

for the world of work.” 

Vero Software 

Tel 0118 922 6644 

www.cabinetvision.com 

www.alphacam.com 



Another of Stema’s new Multipoint 3000 

THE PLANNED appearance by 

Stema of Italy’s Altair drilling 

and dowelling technology on 

the stand of RW Machines at 

W12, and the media interest 

that surrounded it, set the stage 

for fabricators of panels and 

timber joinery to take a closer 

look. The Altair was a no-show 

as things turned out, the machine 

going direct to the factory 

of Gresham Office Furnishings 

in Bolton, but a number of key 

people were prompted to take a 

closer look at the Multipoint 

3000 machine that appeared on 

RW’s stand in its place. 

Interest has indeed been strong 

enough to enable RW’s man in Ulster, 

Jon Hoy, to win a second 

order from his long-standing customer, 

Liam McCarney at Compass 

Windows and Doors of Dungiven. 

Compass is a major player in the 

timber joinery, as well as uPVC and 

aluminium, replacement windows 

and doors sector and Liam calculates 

that Stema’s Multipoint 3000 

will make a major contribution on 

his Derry shop floor. 

The technology is from the 

drawing board of RW partner Eugenio 

Ciccardi, whose work on the 

vertical panel drilling technologies 

of B.R.E.Ma and REM needs no further 

introduction. Liam believes 

that Multipoint 3000 will take 25% 

of the throughput pressure off his 

existing CNC workcentre and the 

same also off his SCM Win/Door 

line. And as well as drilling and 

dowelling, this new multi-tasking 

Stema Multipoint at W12. 

technology from Stema, running 

on CNC controls by European software 

specialist Albatross, will also 

take on disruptive jobs such as 

end sawing of stiles and rails and 

grooving of slots for the likes of 

weather strip protection. 

And Multipoint is fast: drilling, 

gluing and dowel insertion comes 

at the rate of 1.2 seconds per hole 

and each glue canister is good for 

35,000 dowels. Adhesive is automatically 

injected into dowel 

holes under pressure: if the pressure 

drops because a glue shot did 

not enter the drill hole as programmed, 

the system stops automatically, 

ensuring that cabinets 

and joinery applications always remain 

reliably assembled. 

Stema’s Multipoint 3000 carries 

a range of working field setting 

options between 700 mm and 

3,300 mm and is believed to be 

the world’s first low cost multitasking 

system with a revolving 8 x 

position tool turret operating in 

the horizontal as well as in the vertical 

mode and drilling and routing 

rebates, hinge recesses, cutouts 

for vents and letter boxes, 3 x 

point lock fixings, and door furniture 

placement. In addition to horizontal 

and vertical drilling, 

Multipoint also takes on automatic 

placement of hardware and fittings 

for door locks, hinges and 

plates, window hardware and decorative 

fittings such as handles 

and escutcheons. 

The front fence of Multipoint 

Above: The special boring unit. Right: Safety barrier. 



systems supplied by RW goes to Ulster 

Above: Vertical clamp and side retract fence. 

Right: Revolver unit. 

3000 is believed to be unique with 

250 mm of flexibility from front to 

back of the work table for vertical 

drilling of shelf holes. 

Horizontal and vertical routing 

and grooving saw aggregates are 

all inverter driven with heavy duty 

motors and multi-spindle drilling 

heads on a rugged machine base 

that is believed to be some 400 kg 

heavier than anything else in its 

class, ensuring high standards of 

stability when the machine is 

running. 

Vibration is eliminated throughout 

the frame and clamping has 

been especially developed to 

eliminate the ‘banana effect’ in 

timber during machining. 

The glue injection system is self 

cleaning — another industry first, 

says David Thompson Rowland at 

RW Machines. Adhesive delivery is 

rigorously and reliably self-cleaning 

and the process is triggered 

automatically: no more need of 

messy pipes, tubes and drums of 

water on the shop floor! The multitasking 

versatility of Stema’s new 

Multipoint 3000 moves the technology 

up a notch from drilling and 

dowelling and into the low cost 

end of the CNC work-centre arena. 

RW Machines Ltd 

Tel 01869 244943 

Email sales@rwmachines.co.uk 

www.rwmachines.co.uk 

Left: Glue-Water tanks. Above: Horizontal and vertical drilling. 



CNC machining centres from SCM 

THE SCM PRATIX S15 CNC machining centre is capable of sizing, drilling and routing, including the nesting of 

panels, as well as providing generic machining with various available heads. It is ideal for a beginner into 

nesting machining. The CNC machine has compact dimensions, allows access to the multi-functional worktable 

from all four sides — including the rear — and has no need for floor safety mats. 

Safety protections are mounted on the mobile upright with windows for viewing the machining process. Alongside 

an absence of cables and a cable carrier, peripheral protections are not required — thereby reducing the machine’s 

overall footprint. The S15 is supplied in a variety of dimensions, the exclusive SCM aluminium multi-function 

work table can be divided into sub-areas by the 

CNC owing to a simple patented magnetic 

system. The S15 model is available 

in 3,600 mm x 1,500 mm and 4,300 

mm x 2,200 mm table dimensions. 

Strong, easy to use and long-lasting, the aluminium 

worktable is capable of fully exploiting 

the vacuum pump capacity. Vacuum distribution is 

designed with powerful software for dynamic 

analysis and is capable of controlling the airflow up to 250 km per hour. An extensive choice of MPS and Modulset suction cups are available in sizes 

of 90 mm x 90 mm, 130 mm x 50 mm and 130 mm x 130 mm allow the fixing of components to the table. Designed ergonomically and easy to use, 

the machine controls feature a remote Techpad control unit with a 7 in LCD colour display and touch-screen functions as standard. An electro-spindle 

with a constant motor power of 6.6 kW is also included alongside a side automatic tool changer with 8, 10 or 13 spaces, depending on table size. 

An HSK63F tool taper is preset for fitting various machining heads and attachments as and when required. A drilling and grooving unit — with up to 

seven independent vertical spindles, four horizontal spindles and an integrated saw blade — is also featured. Angular heads with one, two or four outlets 

and HSK taper couplings for angled boring and routing make extensive machine customisation possible. SCM’s Xilog Plus allows for more processing 

power and increases user-friendliness. Typical woodworking and industrial machining is translated 

into simple, intuitive application software. Specifications include machine and tool configuration 

with an easy-to-understand intuitive screen page. The configuration allows for direct importing 

of dxf and xxl files, parametric macro programming and linear and circular 

interpolation in three planes. A wide range of CAD/CAM packages is available, including 

X-Cab, Genio and Aspan, with full training during installation and commissioning. 

● The SCM Accord 30 FX CNC machining centre range, a new generation of mobile 

gantry routers, has been improved with the addition of the “30” version, 

boasting greater working areas, with bars from 1,380 mm to 1,905 mm long and 

powerful, reliable and compact with three, four or five axes machining heads. 

The Accord is a machining centre for the production of windows, doors, stairs 

and solid wood components and for all those processes that require a high level 

of machining, while maintaining high standards in terms of precision and finish 

quality. It offers maximum precision over the whole machining area, thanks to the 

rigidity of the structure with mobile gantry. The X-axis is available from 3,050 mm up to 

6,360 mm in length. The tool magazines, positioned on the machining head for the tool 

change over in masked time or on the mobile gantry, can hold up to 48 large-sized tools, also with 

double profile, and they can be changed in only five seconds thanks to the Mach 5 carrier. An additional 

30 spaces are available with supplementary tool changers. The new bars-type worktable 

is very easy to use either automatically, guided or manually, and it allows for extremely fast set-up 

times. The level of clamping and safety offered by the SCM hold-down systems, whether with suction cups or pneumatic clamps, is always exceptional. 

In the ‘Matic’ version, the independent motor for each single bar of each hold-down support (suction cups or clamps) is managed and controlled 

completely by the software, without any manual intervention by the operator. In the ‘Pilot’ version, the manual movement is controlled with the 

mobile control panel that controls the positioning in order to avoid collisions during 

machining. High performance and energy saving is available with the ECO Power Pack. 

● The new SCM Tech Z5 CNC machining centre is ideal for the production of customised 

furniture and also for the machining of panels. It can also be easily equipped with devices 

suitable for solid wood machining and joinery components for windows, doors, 

etc. High performance is guaranteed due to the new “Photobumpers” safety protections 

(SCM patented solution) and the electrical cabinet is mounted in the machine 

base, saving valuable factory floor space. Maximum operator convenience 

and flexibility of use is due to the Prisma 5 five-axis routing head, that allows 

easy operating in reduced spaces without the risk of collisions. 

With a generous ‘Y’ axis of 1,550 mm and ‘X’ axes of 3,050 mm (Z5-31) 

and 5,200 mm (Z5-52) and up to 22 tool changing positions, 15 hp routing 

head and 18-spindle drilling unit, the Tech Z5 is a must for companies 

entering the CNC market or upgrading from an existing, smaller CNC 

machine, according to the company. The ‘Tec Pad’ remote control unit is 

handy, simple to use and productive for the operator. 

Integration in the Net Line process manages 

the design, programming and automatic production 

of cabinet furniture in all 

machining phases: sizing, edge 

banding, boring and routing. 

SCM Group (UK) Ltd 

Tel 0115 977 0044 

Email 

scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com 

www.scmgroup-uk.com 



AXYZ expands its online routing support facility 

LEADING supplier of high-performance 

routing, cutting and 

engraving solutions to the furniture 

production, industrial 

woodworking, joinery and panel 

processing industries, AXYZ 

International has expanded its 

CNCRoutershop division. 

The stock of CNC routing tools, 

consumables and accessories held 

by this division, all of which are 

available on next-day delivery, 

was already one of the largest and 

most competitively priced available. 

Now, following wider sourcing 

of additional products from 

leading quality suppliers in the UK 

and Continental Europe, the division 

can meet the requirements 

not only of AXYZ machine owners 

but also those companies which 

have other machines in operation, 

TRAINING 

Recruiting apprentices 

through social media 

regardless of their make or source 

of supply. In addition, the division 

is now advertising online a range 

of used routing systems that will 

appeal to those companies wishing 

to engage with routing, cutting 

and engraving technology 

but who cannot at present invest 

in new machinery. 

Furthermore, for companies 

where the volume and nature of 

the work undertaken may now require 

higher productivity levels, 

improved quality or more flexible 

programming that cannot effectively 

be met by the routing technology 

already installed, the 

expanded capabilities of the AXYZ 

CNCRoutershop division can now 

provide a much wider choice of 

tooling, consumables and machine 

upgrade options that could 

avoid the need for companies to 

make such an investment, particularly 

in view of the current economic 

climate. 

Supporting the expanded division 

is a raft of service support facilities. 

These include 24-hour 

online ordering and technical advice, 

wall charts to assist tooling 

specification and to determine the 

correct cutting speeds for specific 

materials and, as required, printed 

catalogues. 

The AXYZ International team of 

specialist engineers lends further 

support by providing tailored solutions 

to keep machines running 

continuously and to avoid potentially 

damaging and costly breakdowns. 

Standard or bespoke 

training courses that are conducted 

either at the customer’s 

own facility or at the AXYZ Training 

Centre complete the CNC - 

Routershop division offering. 

AXYZ International 

Tel 01902 375600 

www.cncroutershop.com 

THE WOODWORKING Industry 

Training Forum (WITForum) has 

launched a new social media 

campaign to help attract more 

young people into apprenticeships 

in the joinery and woodworking 

industry. 

The ‘Wow I made that!’ campaign 

has started on Facebook 

and Twitter, and is aimed at 14 to 

19 year olds and their advisors. 

The Facebook page offers guidance 

and support to school 

leavers, interactive quiz, advice 

videos and the opportunity to see 

current apprentices’ case studies. 

Tom McKillop, a 21-year-old apprentice 

at Tompkins Wood, inspired 

the campaign with this 

great quote: “I like to stand back at 

the end of the day and say ‘I made 

that’. I take pictures sometimes 

and send them to my mates. It’s a 

hands-on job and you see results 

— that’s what is really satisfying 

about what I do.” 

Most joinery apprenticeships 

last between two and three years 

with the apprentice gaining at 

least a Level 2 NVQ or SVQ on 

completion. Apprenticeships are 

available to all UK residents from 

the age of 16, with varying levels 

of government support for those 

up to 24 years old. 

The WITForum encourages employers 

to consider the advantages 

of taking on an apprentice. 

By ‘learning on the job’ apprentices 

can apply the knowledge 

and skills they have acquired, enabling 

them to be a valuable asset 

to the company. Employers can 

also claim additional funding if 

registered and in-scope of the 

CITB-ConstructionSkills, with up to 

£10,250 per apprentice. 

The WITForum was set up in 

2006 by the British Woodworking 

Federation and supported by CITB- 

ConstructionSkills. It provides 

members with the foundation to 

express their training needs, to increase 

the provision of woodworking 

and joinery skills training, and to 

promote woodworking as a career. 

WITForum 

Tel 0844 209 2610 

Email bwf@bwf.org.uk 

www.bwf.org.uk/training 

A COMPLETE RANGE OF 3, 4 & 5 AXIS CNC ROUTERS 

MANUFACTURED TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD 

FOR PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY 

5 AXIS 


WOOD AWARDS 

The Wood Awards launch call for entries at Ecobuild 2013 

AFTER a very successful 2012, 

the Wood Awards — the UK’s 

premier award scheme for the 

world’s only naturally sustainable 

material — will launch its 

2013 Call for Entries at Ecobuild 

on 5 March. 

As Britain’s premier architecture 

and furniture competition celebrating 

excellence in design and 

craftsmanship using timber, the 

aim of the Wood Awards is to 

recognise, encourage and promote 

outstanding design, craftsmanship 

and installation in wood. 

The Wood Awards 90 m 2 exhibition 

space on stand S1140 will 

open with a champagne reception 

on the first day of Ecobuild, and 

will feature all 30 of 2012’s building 

and furniture shortlisted projects, 

including 2012 Gold Award 

winner David Morley Architects’ 

Hurlingham Club Outdoor Pool 

and Bespoke Furniture award winner 

Rupert McBain’s future antique 

Extending Oak Table. 

The American Hardwood Export 

Council (AHEC), American 

Softwoods and the timber industry’s 

sustainability and promotion 

campaign, Wood for Good, all support 

the Wood Awards at Ecobuild 


David Hopkins, head of communications 

and external affairs 

for Wood for Good, said: “The 

Wood Awards educates, informs 

and ultimately inspires the use of 

timber and wood products in an 

ever increasing number of applications 

and designs. Launching 

the Call for Entries at Ecobuild, the 

world’s largest event for sustainable 

design, gives us a great opportunity 

to showcase just some 

of what wood can do. We will inspire 

as many people as we can to 

consider and use wood in their 

buildings, and encourage those 

who already do, to enter!” 

With Ecobuild attracting the design 

and construction industry’s 

most influential professionals, including 

what is believed to be the 

largest gathering of architects in 

the UK, the Wood Awards anticipates 

a bumper crop of entries for 


As the flagship for wood in the 

best of British architecture, furniture 

and design, the Wood Awards 

is made possible by the major 

sponsorship of AHEC, Canada 

Wood, the Carpenters’ Company, 

TRADA and Wood for Good. Other 

sponsors include American Softwoods, 

with support from BRE. 

The Wood Awards is free to 

enter, and building and furniture 

entries completed in the past two 

years and not entered before, can 

be submitted from 5 March. 

The Wood Awards 2012 winner’s 

magazine is available as an 

app from the Apple App Store and 

Google Play for Android devices. 

The Wood Awards 

Tel 01494 569642 

Email woodawards@trada.co.uk 

www.woodawards.com 


WOOD WASTE & DUST CONTROL 

Leitz makes the connection: the hood makes the difference 

AS WHAT is believed to be the 

UK’s largest supplier of tooling 

to the British woodworking industry, 

it is the business of Leitz 

Tooling to ensure its products 

give optimal performance. 

Over the last few years, this has 

included developing the dust extraction 

concept and the production 

of its own patent-pending 

dust-hood for new machinery. 

Dust has a hugely detrimental 

effect in the production facilities 

of wood flooring, furniture and 

board manufacturing companies. 

Dust extraction is a vitally important 

issue but one where innovation 

is all too often overlooked. 

The effective extraction of dust 

has an enormous influence on 

product quality, tool life, power 

consumption, and on health and 

safety. 

The positive influence will only 

be effective if the dust hood and 

the tools are set correctly and the 

combination of Leitz’s wide range 

of tooling expertise and its own 

dust hoods provide a unique 

solution. 

Leitz’s Dust Flow Control Technology 

(DFC) demonstrates a coordinated 

effort in tooling and 

dust-hood design. 

Leitz can work in co-operation 

with manufacturers when installing 

new machinery, and 

through specialised gullets and 

tooth geometry a DFC-tool focuses 

the dust stream to the extraction 

equipment. 

DFC dust-hoods are designed 

to fit the aerodynamic characteristics 

of the chips. Consequently, 

Leitz dust-hoods manage heavier 

chips, which have a high kinetic 

energy, as easily as lighter dusts, 

which are primarily conveyed via 

the airflow. 

The DFC dust-hood captures 

95% + of the chips. With the use of 

spoilers and vents, they eliminate 

the re-circulation of chips and 

thereby eliminate re-cutting of 

chips which, as a consequence, increases 

tool life. 

DFC-equipped machines also 

require lower air-speed, reducing 

energy costs. 

In 2008, a prototype hood was 

designed and delivered to leader 

in laminate flooring production, 

Austrian company Kaindl. The 

benefits achieved with this prototype 

convinced Kaindl to equip all 

of its production lines with Leitz’s 

The difference a dust hood can make: above, without a dust hood 

and left, a machine fitted with a Leitz dust hood. 

dust extraction system. News tra - 

velled fast, and orders were received 

from several of the 

European factories for Kronospan 

Group and Egger Group. 

The Swedwood Group, part of 

IKEA Industry Group, is believed to 

have been the first company from 

the furniture industry to investigate 

this technology and as a result, 

Leitz developed new module 

system hoods for Swedwood’s 

applications. 

There are numerous benefits, 

from reduced down time, reduced 

cleaning and maintenance times 

to improved tool life and improved 

work-piece surface finishes. 

With controlled chip and 

dust evacuation the risk of fire is 

reduced, along with reductions in 

the risk of operator injury as the 

dust hoods envelope the moving 

tooling, as well as a reduction in 

power consumption: Kaindl, Austria, 

has seen a 10% reduction in 

energy usage on its lines. 

When it’s time for a new 

machine, ask your supplier for 

Leitz dust-hoods. 

Leitz Tooling UK 

Tel 01279 454530 

Email bmaddox@leitz.org 

http://shopuk.leitz.org 



Investing in the 

environment 

DUSTRACTION Ltd has been the waste extraction supplier 

of choice at SAM Mouldings in Ulster for well over a decade 

now and has helped Europe’s leading manufacturer of architectural 

mouldings in MDF to win some very significant 

accolades in the battle for the environment. 

SAM Mouldings says that the company’s wide range of 

mouldings includes skirtings, architraves and door frames in 

support of Europe's building industry and comes in a range of 

painted finishes as well as foil wraps and real wood veneers. 

Before installing the latest prize winning extraction system in 

conjunction with the Carbon Trust, Dustraction had first to upgrade 

and move an older 80 m 3 storage silo, the fourth they 

have installed on the eight acre Antrim site, to enable the flow 

of MDF waste to be switched between silo stores. 

A new two-way diverter at the outlet of cyclo filters three and 

four ensures a reliable feed source for the Combined Heat & 

Power plant. 

Production director, Mark Kirkpatrick, confirms that his extraction 

technology is currently utilising the 2.5 tons of MDF 

waste generated per hour to heat the Antrim factory plus all of 

its paint drying processes, which is saving the company, he estimates, 

around £72,000 per annum. A further £180,000 per 

annum is also currently saved in waste disposal costs. 

Dustraction's longer term role in the enterprise has been 

continually to upgrade the waste extraction, storage and delivery 

mechanisms needed to get the now valuable wood waste 

fuel to the electricity generating turbine via an MDF chippings 

and dust incinerator. An additional cyclo filter has also now 

been installed to exhaust waste from a repositioned hopper via 

an external network of ducting. 

Dustraction’s multi-cyclo filter and silo installation at the Ulster site of SAM 

Mouldings handles 2.5 tons of MDF dust per hour and is part of a power 

generating project that will turn wood waste into profit. 

Mouldings from SAM include primed or painted finishes, as well 

as veneer wraps. 

The layout that Dustraction has installed is designed to feed a biomass 

wood chip and dust boiler with a heat exchanger and steam turbine 

partially funded by an interest-free Energy Efficiency loan from the 

Carbon Trust. Mark Kirkpatrick adds: “We can all now sleep at night knowing 

that by avoiding the use of fossil fuels, we are saving about 1,200 

tonnes of carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere each 

and every year.” 

Dustraction 

Tel 0116 271 3212 ● Email steve@dustraction.co.uk 

www.dustraction.co.uk 



Saving money on waste disposal and heating 

AN EXHIBITION company in the Midlands 

has purchased a wood waste heater from 

Wood Waste Technology to save money 

on waste disposal and heating bills. 

Richard Draper bought the business in 

March 2012 with his son Wayne, and the pair 

have enjoyed a successful first year trading 

as Alpine Design & Display Ltd, manufacturing 

innovative custom-built exhibition 

stands from the premises in Shady Lane, 

Great Barr. 

The new directors soon realised that disposing 

of the wood waste left over from 

manufacturing the exhibition stands was 

costing over £200 a month in skip charges. 

The heating for the factory also needed to 

be reviewed, as the previous owner was paying 

over £3,000 each winter to heat the unit 

using the existing gas heaters, which were 

so ineffective that the five employees still 

needed to wear three layers of clothing to 

stay warm! Having seen wood waste heaters 

in companies locally, Richard decided to investigate. 

He had heard of Wood Waste Technology, and knew they had 

a really good reputation. He called Kurt Cockroft and, after looking at 

costs and performance, purchased a WT15 heater, which was installed 

last October by Wood Waste Technology’s experienced engineers. 

Richard says, “We are so pleased we have purchased a wood waste 

heater — it heats our 6,500 ft 2 unit really well, even with the exceptionally 

high 10 m ceiling space. Everyone remarks on the heater when they 

come to visit the factory, and think it’s a great ideal to help combat rising 

From woodwaste to final feedstock 

for briquetting/palletising 

Batch feed all types of woodwaste into a Scanhugger HL series Hopper Shredder and without 

further handling develop a premium material, a perfect product to make pellets or 

briquettes. With Scanhugger’s PLC drive SmartRam system and newly developed SmartFeed 

system, the pre-shredded material is metered into the Scanhugger EU Hammermill. The end 

result is a premium material, perfectly sized and ready for a pellet or breiquette press. 

The Scanhugger Shredder Re-shredder system is designed to meet your needs with 

capacities ranging from 500-3,000 kg/hr. This Scanhugger line-up of shredders, 

reshredders and a full range of options and 

auxiliary equipment, enables us to build 

turnkey woodwaste utilisation systems. 

Our range of auxiliary equipment 

includes: Chip conveyor and auger 

discharge systems; metal detection and 

metal separation systems; wood scrap 

conveyors and specially designed 

auxiliary hoppers. 

energy prices.” Richard and Wayne’s only regret 

is that they didn’t think about buying a 

heater sooner, as they could have taken advantage 

of the summer heat dump they had 

fitted to the unit, and disposed of all their 

waste in the summer months instead of paying 

for it to be taken away. 

Managing director of Wood Waste Technology, 

Kurt Cockroft, says: “Any business 

that produces waste wood should definitely 

be investigating wood waste burners. We’ve 

had many exhibition companies contact us, 

especially as the waste they have to dispose 

of is very bulky. Exhibition companies are 

now discovering how cost-effective and productive 

a wood waste heater can be.” 

Wood Waste Technology’s years of expertise 

in wood waste solutions have helped 

many companies reduce their waste disposal 

and heating costs. 

As well as offering site survey, design, 

manufacture, installation and on-going 

maintenance for new units, the company 

also services all types of wood waste heaters and supplies genuine spares 

up to 60% cheaper than other suppliers, according to the company. 

In addition, Wood Waste Technology is the UK official distributor for 

Gross UK, a German manufacturer of dependable, precision engineered 

shredders and brqiuetters, available in various size and specifications to 

suit all business applications. 

Wood Waste Techolnogy ● Tel 01785 250400 

www.woodwastetechnology.com ● www.grossuk.co.uk 

Scanhugger UK 

specialises in 

wood waste & biomass 

fuel processing machinery 

material handling systems 

shredders/re-shredders 

chippers/guillotines 

transport augers 

woodwaste conveyors 

metal separation 

Mobile: 07788 597749 

www.scanhuggeruk.com 

Scanhugger UK is a trading name of Woodheat Solutions Ltd. 

Company Registration No. 7159457 



Energy efficient solution for Spira also helps save money 

External view of Talbott’s bunker storage and shredding machine 

at Spira, Leicester. 

Photograph supplied by Leicester Mercury 

The Untha LR630 machine which shreds Spira’s wood waste to 

feed into the Talbott heating system. 


Steve Houchen next to the Talbott TMA automatic 

wood waste heating system which heats 

Spira’s production areas. 


STEVE Houchen, managing director for Spira Projects Ltd, a leader in 

retail joinery manufacture, says investing thousands of pounds to 

make his business more energy efficient has been worth every penny. 

With the cost of sending wood waste to landfill continuing to rise, 

Steve Houchen decided to take a good hard look at what else he could do 

with the left over timber produced by his successful joinery business. 

It was the beginning of somewhat of a makeover for Spira Projects, 

which makes shop fittings and exhibition displays in Leicester for 

prestigious clients such as O2, Canon and Curry’s. 

Over the past five years Spira, which employs approximately 75 staff, 

has invested £250,000 into various green technologies. These investments 

have led to huge cost and energy savings as well as a reduction in 

the amount of wood waste sent to landfill. 

From Talbott heating systems that heat the company’s buildings using 

waste wood, to a spraying machine which distills paint strippers so they 

can be reused, Mr Houchen believes his company is now as sustainable 

as it can possibly be. The largest investment was an automated Talbott 

TMA 300 kW air space heating unit, which is fuelled by general wood 

waste and generates enough heat for the main production areas. The 

company has also installed a number of Talbott manual fed units, which simply use the general 

wood off cuts, chipboard and MDF to provide heat for other buildings. 

Spira chose Talbott’s due to researching the market place for robust and well made equipment. 

The company visited local working installations of Talbott equipment where heaters 

had been installed for many years with trouble-free operation. The company has since continued 

to purchase further equipment from Talbott’s as the company has grown. 

Mr Houchen comments, “We are very impressed with both the performance of the heating 

systems as well as the after sales ser vice provided by Talbott’s. They always respond to our 

queries efficiently. We have continued to go back to Talbott’s as we are confident they will always 

recommend the best solution for our needs. Even though the larger biomass system 

was a significant investment, the payback has only taken three years by reducing the amount 

of oil we use and we are not sending waste to landfill.” It has also meant prestigious, high-profile 

companies have been keener to work with Spira. “When you have this kind of culture in 

place, the bigger and more prestigious businesses tend to deal with you more because they 

have these types of policies and want their supply chain to as well.” 

The firm has paid for some of its more significant investments using interest free loans 

and grants from EU funding bodies. “This shows we are a forward thinking business, and I 

would say that, environmentally, we are pretty much on top of what’s available at the moment. 

Once the culture is established, it’s pretty much self-managing.” 

The Talbott’s brand of wood waste heating systems and boilers has been established since 

the mid-seventies, therefore, offering a broad range of proven solutions. The company’s most 

recent accomplishment is that it has installations accredited for the Government’s renewable 

heat incentive scheme that was launched at the end of 2011. The new scheme is proving 

very popular with the woodworking and manufacturing industries, where not only can 

using on site generated wood waste or biomass defer waste from landfill and eliminate oil 

or gas usage for factory heating, but also attract a tariff for each kW of heat generated. Companies 

can benefit by earning thousands from the Government ‘cash back’ scheme, where 

once accredited the tariff is guaranteed for 20 years, allowing the company to profit from 

the investment 

year on year. 

Talbott’s offers 

a comprehensive 

service to support accreditation to the renewable heat incentive 

as well as offering in house funding solutions. 

Amy Fielding, commercial director for Talbott’s, comments: “Initially it 

was a learning curve to ensure customers were meeting the requirements 

for the renewable heat incentive accreditation, but now we have supported 

a number of customers to successfully accredit their installation, 

we have it all worked out. We work closely with Ofgem who are the administrators 

of the scheme to guide our customers through the process, 

allowing them to get on with benefiting from their investment.” 

Talbott’s can offer simple ‘cost effective’ manual fed units that use wood 

off cuts for factory space heating as well as comprehensive district heating 

boiler type projects. The company is also authorised UK distributors 

for the Untha range of wood waste shredding machinery. 

Talbott’s Biomass Energy Systems Ltd 

Tel 01785 213366 

Email sales@talbotts.co.uk ● www.talbotts.co.uk 



ECOGATE cuts power bills for E & S W Knowles 

DUST CONTROL Systems (DCS) reports another successful 

retrofit of its energy-saving ECOGATE ‘on-demand’ 

extraction optimisation system. 

Wood machinist and timber merchant, E & S W 

Knowles, is one of the West Midlands’ best known and 

respected names in joinery manufacture. Operating 

from a 50,000 ft 2 facility in Witton, Birmingham, the firm 

undertakes a diverse range of moulded profile work including 

the manufacture of doors, doorsets and window 

frames. The firm’s product portfolio also includes 

timber pallets and packing cases. A large, well-equipped 

mill features three planer moulders, one of these being 

a Unimat 3000, and has the capacity to machine large 

and complex moulded sections. Set-up is by way of a 

modern toolroom with template maker and profile 

grinder and the company also provides a complete inhouse 

lacquering and finishing service. 

This year sees the company celebrating its 90th birthday: 

the family business was born from simple beginnings 

in 1923 when Bill Knowles started out by selling 

sawdust to local engineering firms. Leading today’s celebrations is present 

owner and chairman, Martin Wright, who is Bill Knowles’ step-grandson. 

“We are very proud of our heritage and with the fact that the business 

has been retained within the family,” says Martin Wright. 

“We have managed to grow the business over the past 20 years and 

today we employ 42 people. We pride ourselves on supplying high quality 

products and this is achieved thanks to our team of skilled and dedicated 

people, plus our willingness to invest in best technology.” 

A recent decision to install new machinery at Witton prompted the 

company to call in DCS to discuss options to expand the capacity of the 

existing dust extraction plant. Steve Horner, managing director at 

Knowles, explains: “Our initial enquiry related to extending the dust plant, 

yet DCS were able to offer an engineered solution involving retrofitting 

ECOGATE to our existing system. It meant that we wouldn’t require any 

additional capacity but could in fact reduce extraction volumes and, additionally, 

make savings on electricity usage.” 

DCS was contracted to carry out the work, which involved installing 

two ECOGATE greenBOX12 controllers, together with individual ECOGATE 

motorised damper gates with sensors to 18 woodworking machines. Two 

existing 55 kW main fans and an 18.5 kW waste transfer fan were fitted 

with variable speed drives. 

The greenBOX12 units control all motorised gates, receiving signals 

about machine activity, controlling the variable speed drives and continually 

adjusting fan speed. By closing gates to machines not in use, fan 

speed is reduced whilst still efficiently extracting wood dust in other areas 

Birmingham-based E & S W Knowles are enjoying the energy-saving benefits of 

a DCS ‘on-demand’ extraction optimisation system. 

of the workshop. A further benefit is that the system does away with the 

needless removal of warm air from the factory. 

Steve Horner adds: “The system has more than lived up to our expectations. 

When DCS carried out the initial assessment of the extraction demand 

from each machine, they estimated that we could expect electricity 

savings of 50%. In actual fact, savings far exceed this and are coming in 

at around 60%. At this rate, the savings on electricity will mean that the 

system should pay for itself in just two years.” 

Dust Control Systems Ltd 

Tel 0800 040 7116 ● Email sales@dcslimited.co.uk 

www.dcslimited.co.uk 

No afterburner required 

Energy efficiency loans available* 

Ask about our New Release “150-CMH” 

150 kW Hand Fired Wood Waste Heater 

Activity of 18 machines is monitored and fan speeds adjusted 

accordingly. 

No afterburner required

February/March 2013 - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

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