May 2009 - Low Resolution - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

PANEL, WOOD
& Solid Surface
Issue No. 12 May 2009
In the news this month:
Free training courses from REHAU: see page 7
An expanded range of Graco MERKUR pumps available from
Hi-Tec Spray: see page 9
Joinerysoft improves productivity at Sashworks: see page 6
Plus: Preview: Ligna & Interzum pp 10-12
Working with Five Axes pp 13-15
Flooring pp 16-17
Classical Machinery & Equipment pp 18-19
Dustraction completes phase one at Triplar: see page 2

NEWS
Dustraction completes phase one at Triplar
DUSTRACTION has completed
phase one of a major new extraction
system as part of a factory
move by premium
Northampton shopfitter Triplar,
whose long term and ongoing
customers include names like
Nokia, Levi Strauss and Nike.
The move is part of the succession
tactics of owner and managing
director, Mike Rodwell, who
has run the business for 15 years
and is now handing the reins on to
his son, Tim, currently new business
development manager.
“I selected Dustraction for the
work when we equipped our first
factory 20 years ago because of the
great reputation they have always
had: then I picked them again for
the new place because the original
extraction layout ran day in, day
out ever since,” says Mike.
“It never broke down, never
needed formal servicing and
never even warranted a call-out
visit by Dustraction in support.
That’s the kind of reliability I need
these days when unless you have
your own house in order, you
don’t even make it to the negotiating
table with the sort of companies
that are now our clients.”
The newly refurbished factory
Triplar is moving to is smaller than
the original because the needs of
the company have changed. For
example, the high precision timber
joinery work that is central to
the image plans of the blue-chip
organisations that Triplar represents
is more specialised and
metal fabrication is now outsourced
from partner suppliers in
the EU. Although the internal fitout
of the new factory is not yet
complete in terms of ducting and
connections, meaning the move is
still ‘work in progress’, the filters
and incineration plant parts of
Dustraction’s £100,000 contract,
are all in position and details can
be released in time for this issue.
A Dustrax 8SRV modular woodwaste
filter is servicing a range of
traditional timber joinery machines
from bandsaws, planer
thicknessers, spindle moulders
and sanding/finishing plant to a
new Zerbrik PZ 63/1 chipper for
reducing waste generated by
Triplar on its own site to manageable
proportions.
The heavy-duty Zerbrik also
now reduces off-cuts brought
back to it from customer sites nationwide
as part of a new policy of
dealing effectively with waste
generated during all shop fitting
upgrades and new-fit projects.
Fansets by Dustraction have a lot to live up to at Triplar — those
at the shopfitter’s previous factory ran for 20 years without a
breakdown or a call-out or even so much as a service!
Dustraction’s Dustrax SRV 8 woodwaste modular filter was bespoke
built for the space at Triplar and to handle extraction from the six
biggest of the shopfitter’s 15 machines running at any one time.
Triplar is currently helping mobile
phone communications giant
Nokia to roll out its global product
and brand messages for 2009
across a network of retail outlets in
the UK and around the world.
Other major brands whose high
street presence is serviced by
Triplar are Levi Strauss, the global
kings of denim, and Nike, whose
sporting footwear is believed to
be the world’s premier brand and
who employ more than a million
people worldwide.
Work for these giants of the retail
sector involves timber and
metal product displays, front-ofhouse
cash desks and everything
down to cabinet doors, architraves
and mouldings; the material waste
factor can be high and Triplar
management is very sensitive to
its environmental responsibilities.
All three-dimensional waste is
now reduced to manageable proportions
on the Zerbrik chipper
before transfer to a Woodwaste
Technology WT15A burner both to
eliminate it and to generate heat
for the factory; card and paper
waste, plastics and metals are all
sorted, separated and disposed of
in an equally environmentally approved
and friendly manner.
the periodic removal of caked
waste material from the filter
sleeves automatically when the
plant is shut down and the equipment
overall is controlled from a
fully sequenced panel with all contractors,
timers and overloads.
The ducting element of the project
represents phase two of the
Triplar contract and provides for inspection
doors on suction mains
and on all machine connections
with blastgate shut-off dampers on
droppers to individual machines to
allow the system to alternate. The
extraction function encompasses
two 630 mm diameter spray booth
stacks with jet cowls to exhaust
fumes at high level from the paint
finishing shop and the system
overall is designed for noise and vibration-free
operation to fall within
Regulation 9 of the current HSE
COSHH requirements.
Mike Rodwell is not able accurately
to quantify payback from
the effective disposal of wood
waste via the new Dustraction layout.
Re-use of waste as a fuel resource
is one thing, he says, but its
value as a public relations benefit
with customers is incalculable.
“The long term trend with energy
costs is rising and ensuring
Dustraction’s Dustrax SRV8 that this company is ‘waste minus’
woodwaste modular filter provides
1,770 ft 2 of cloth filter fabric
in a series of 18 tubular cotton
forms to handle an air velocity of
11,000 cfm based on the six
biggest of Triplar’s 15 machines
running at any one time. Twin
shaker mechanisms provide for
en-route to the customer negotiating
table is a major part of my
role here now,” he concludes.
Dustraction Ltd
Tel 0116 271 3212
Email
steve.matuska@dustraction.co.uk
www.dustraction.co.uk
Page 2 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

CONTENTS
Panel, Wood &
Solid Surface
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Editorial
comment
IN THE present economic climate,
a company’s image can be
very important. Protecting that
image becomes even more
important.
As April dawned, I received a
communication sent on behalf of
Talbott’s Biomass Energy Systems
Ltd, regarding an advert that we,
along with others in the trade
press, ran in good faith in our April
issue.
The advert concerned the resale
of heaters that had been purchased
in a liquidation sale.
Although the company that had
gone into liquidation was not
specified, Talbott’s was concerned
about the following points:
● It was their belief that the advertiser
had taken the image
within the advert from the Talbott’s
website.
● There was a reference to specific
Talbott’s model numbers.
● Although the term “Talbott
wood waste heaters” was used in
the advert, it was their belief that
the units in question had been
purchased from a previous supplier
to the company, and had not
passed through any manufacturing
process at Talbott’s.
There was also some concern
that readers may believe that it
was Talbott’s Biomass Energy Systems
Ltd that had gone into liquidation.
A quick free search on the
Com panies House website will
easily prove otherwise.
As recorded in last month’s editorial
comment, Alex Fidgett, sales
and marketing co-ordinator of Talbott’s
Biomass Energy Systems
Ltd, said the company had had a
particularly successful Ecobuild.
Talbott’s Biomass Energy Systems
Ltd is clearly looking to the future.
Coal was formed in the swamps
of the Carboniferous period and
oil and gas in the seas of the Cretaceous
period, in circumstances
that are unlikely to be repeatable
in meeting the needs of the modern
world for energy production.
The needs of our planet, combined
with the current economic
situation, mean that purchasing a
biomass to energy system makes
good sense. There are many potential
suppliers to choose from, as
evidenced by previous issues of
the magazine: Talbott’s Biomass
Energy Systems Ltd is one of them.
PMR
Contents
NEWS
Dustraction completes phase one at Triplar ..................................2
Variomat performs at Daniel Taylor...................................................4
Product test: Makita’s new router.......................................................5
JMS improves productivity at Sashworks........................................6
Free training courses announced by REHAU .................................7
New brochures make product selection easier.............................8
Woodworking Scotland.........................................................................8
Interzum & Ligna......................................................................................8
Hi-Tec at Komfort......................................................................................9
New range of pumps ..............................................................................9
New technical executive appointed at WMSA ..............................9
PREVIEW: LIGNA & INTERZUM
Hofmann at Ligna..................................................................................10
MAKA at Ligna 2009 .............................................................................10
Combilifts are good for wood...........................................................10
Masterwood at Ligna ...........................................................................11
Kündig at Ligna ......................................................................................11
REHAU innovation at Interzum.........................................................11
Wood-Mizer at Ligna ............................................................................12
Boere on show at Ligna.......................................................................12
Stegherr at Ligna ...................................................................................12
WORKING WITH 5 AXES
Reichebacher — Shaping the future!.............................................13
New Accord 40 from SCM is unveiled ............................................14
A staircase to heaven ...........................................................................15
FLOORING
Expona.......................................................................................................16
Osmo cleans up with FloorXcenter.................................................16
Creative compass...................................................................................17
CLASSICAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Tudorwood Joinery selects Lamont ...............................................18
SCM classical machines.......................................................................19
Quality machines to build quality cars ..........................................19
W10 dates announced
THE W10 Working with Wood trade exhibition will be held at the
NEC Birmingham, 3-6 October 2010.
“The event should be well placed to provide the essential showcase
for the UK industry as the economy recovers,” said exhibition
director, John Smith-Bodden. “W10 is a natural focal point for our
wood manufacturing visitors to satisfy deferred purchases.”
The organisers, supported by exhibition owners WMSA and the
NEC venue management, plan to especially highlight innovation in
the industry along with making the event information rich. “With
working machinery and huge expertise on hand from our exhibitors,
this particular event offers a unique opportunity to compare the latest
products actually running before your eyes,” says John.
Gabriele De Col of SCM said, “The results obtained during W8
have been surely important for us and we look forward to the next
event to continue our participation.”
W8 was applauded for the quality of its 10,000 visitors from across
the wood manufacturing sector and W10 expects to grow that position.
For this reason, and to maintain its identity across the whole
wood manufacturing sector, W10 has decided not to co-locate with
Interbuild as in 2008.
Bookings from WMSA exhibitors will be invited in the autumn of
2009, with sales opening to non-members at the beginning of 2010.
WMSA ● Tel 01629 530998
Email info@wmsa.org.uk ● www.wmsa.org.uk
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 3

NEWS
Variomat performs at Daniel Taylor
A Daniel Taylor high specification casement
window.
DANIEL Taylor Ltd of Congleton,
Cheshire, installed a top of the range
new technology Weinig Variomat moulder/tenoner
recently, to manufacture
high specification windows and joinery
for its quality, top of the market new
build bespoke homes, and for restoration
work. Since then, the Variomat performance
has exceeded the company’s
expectations, and has provided major
benefits in production flexibility, speed
of production, quality of finish, accuracy
and repeatability.
Daniel Taylor Ltd has over 30 years’ experience
in the building trade and joinery
manufacture. The small company comprises
just seven skilled people — all handson
— including David Taylor at the helm.
The company gets involved at the design
stage, if required and works alongside architects
and designers. With a wealth of experience
in a wide variety of projects, the
company can also advise on technical and
historical aspects if needed. The company
is very successful and busy and has a full order book for future work. It
therefore decided to look into the benefits that new technology machinery
could bring, without having to increase the size of the company.
Once the Variomat was seen in action at a demonstration at Weinig in
Germany, the company knew immediately that it was ideal for its purposes.
The Variomat fitted with the work done in the joinery workshop,
where windows, doors, architectural mouldings, kitchens, bedroom and
bathroom furniture are produced — in short, everything needed for their
buildings. It clearly met the highest customer specification standards required.
Previous to installing the Vario mat, the company used traditional
woodworking methods and standard machinery — all done by hand:
marking out, planing, mortising, tenoning and spindle moulding. And all
requiring a lot of time to set up and a high degree of skill. It took three
weeks to make
a batch of
sashes and
frames for 50
casement windows.
Now,
with the Variomat,
it takes
just one week.
The innovative Weinig
Variomat moulder/tenoner
installed at Daniel Taylor Ltd.
David Hill (right), Weinig’s local representative and Mark Buxton, workshop
manager in Daniel Taylor Ltd, discuss the tenoning package.
The Variomat at Daniel Taylor has five moulding heads and a fold-away tenoning package,
plus all the features of the top of the range model featuring: a memory system with a capacity
of up to 99 dimensions, and PowerLock HSK tooling on two heads with conventional cutter
heads on the three others. This allows profiling and tenoning on one machine, thus replacing
four separate standard machine operations. The tenoner package comprises a multi-function
table and all the necessary tenoning equipment to produce any longitudinal or end tenon —
on one machine. This gives a major advantage in making windows, solid doors and door frames,
cabinet doors and bespoke joinery orders. The tenoning assembly folds away quickly into the
lower machine casing at the front of the machine and can be placed on the machine table
when tenoning is required, in a matter of minutes.
“The Variomat has made a huge difference to productivity. We can manufacture orders
much faster than before, to a higher standard of quality, accuracy and consistency. At present
we are concentrating on windows, but are tooling up for doors and kitchens next. I am
very impressed with the ease with which we are producing everything,” said Mark Buxton,
workshop manager.
Mark gave glazing beads as just one example where the Variomat has made a big difference,
Before, the company had to plane each individual bead and shape it on the spindle
moulder. Now, it uses the off-cuts from the window frame and put it through the Variomat,
producing three beads in one pass. Glazing beads took half a day for one batch, now it takes
less than about an hour. But, time is being saved on other components too, by the flexibility
of the Variomat, and time is money!
Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd
Tel 01235 557600 ● Email sales@weinig.co.uk ● www.weinig.co.uk
Page 4 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

NEWS
Product test:
Makita’s new router
MAKITA has recently extended its range
of plunge routers, with the introduction
of two new models.
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface
asked Glenn Drury, an experienced
carpenter who has
been in the trade for over
30 years, working on a
range of projects from
kitchens in new builds to
restoration, to test the
RP2301FCX router for us.
The RP2301FCX is a new
half inch plunge router delivering
2,100 W of power: also new
is the RP1801X half inch
plunge router, delivering
1,650 W of power.
The soft start function
protects the operator and the machine
from full power instant loading.
On depression of the trigger, it
only allows slow build up of power to
maximum revs, rather than full power instantly.
RP2301FCX
Both routers will run up to 22,000 rpm with no load and the full plunge
depth has been increased to 70 mm. The depth of plunge is adjusted with
finger-twist adjusters placed by the right hand control handle.
Makita has redesigned the shape of the base plate, which has a wide
nominal diameter of 160 mm and now has a one flat edge and fence
clamp, allowing even more accurate moulding operations along board
edges. These new Makita routers are delivered with an accurate and
sturdy micro adjustable fence. Twin LED job lights contribute to the accurate
operation of these lightweight (6 kg) high performance routers.
Glenn writes: “My first router was a Makita, so when I was asked to test
the new Makita RP2301RCX I was more than happy to do so.
“I tested the router on a number of different jobs. The ease and control
of the machine was very high indeed.
“The‘soft start’ function and the machine’s power were a great help on
a number of jobs. Fine adjustments to the guards were also greatly
helpful.
“The LED lights at the base lit jobs well; however, they did need to be
cleaned occasionally.
“The handles and the controls were easy to use and removing the chipguard
and replacing it with the dust nozzle was easily done.
“Overall, the RP2301FCX proved
to be of high performance and I
RP1801X
would highly recommend it.”
Makita offers more than 350
router bits, together with a complementary
list of jigs, guides,
tables and accessories.
Suitable for both hand
and CNC machine use as
appropriate, the Makita
router bits are tungsten
carbide tipped, or solid carbide,
and are UK manufactured
to Holz BG and the
latest CEN 847 standards. The comprehensive
range offers both metric
and imperial sizes and the bits are
fully serviceable.
Makita (UK) Ltd
Tel 01908 211678
Email leads@makitauk.com ● www.makitauk.com
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 5

NEWS
JMS improves productivity at Sashworks
LOOKING to purchase new machinery
to improve productivity,
Sashworks came to the conclusion
that the best investment
the company could make was
not a new machine at all, but
Joinerysoft’s Joinery Management
Software, JMS.
Starting 20 years ago, Sashworks
has grown to five joiners
and specialises in Sash Windows.
Now based in Lockerbie, the company
holds the Ventrolla draft
proofing Master Licence for the
whole of Scotland
Sashworks provides sash windows
throughout the country and
has four or five installation teams,
as well as providing backup support
for Scottish franchises under
the company’s licence.
Wanting to improve productivity
but content to remain at its current
size, two years ago Sashworks
looked at a number of options including
the purchase of additional
machinery.
Unable to find a machine which
suited the company’s needs exactly,
Sashworks also reviewed
Joinerysoft’s JMS software and discovered
that the software was the
best option for the company. It
would fit in with what Sashworks
wanted to do, and at a fraction of
the cost of a new machine.
At the time, the joiners were individually
working out their own
cutting lists and ordering glass, responsible
for making each window
from start to finish.
The cutting list and glass calculations
could take up to an hour
and a half to complete for each
window. Now the workshop foreman,
Kevin, is able to provide all
cutting lists and glass sizes
through JMS. This one improvement
has brought Sashworks productivity
savings.
JMS has given Sashworks more
time in the workshop simply by
using JMS cutting lists.
Bruce McGowan, managing director,
admits the joiners in the
workshop found it hard initially
because everything was laid out
differently and it all looked new.
Once JMS had been explained
to them, they have been pleased
with the improvement and find
the new reports quite straight forward
with diagrams, too. Bruce describes
the biggest improvement
in setting out. With everything
provided for them including horizontal
and vertical setting out
points, now all they have to do is
hook a tape on the bottom of the
sash and mark it with a pencil. The
job can be completed in a fraction
of the time.
One of the biggest obstacles
against using joinery software can
be the fear of computers.
Bruce admits to being sceptical
at first that joiners with no computer
experience would be able to
use JMS.
He says, “Our only concern was
how simple it would be to use.
Once we were shown a demonstration,
we had no worries.”
His workshop foreman,
Kevin, has proved
how easy it is to use.
With minimal computer
knowledge, effectively
limited to sending
and receiving emails,
Kevin has been able to
pick up JMS quickly with
just two days’ training.
Bruce adds, “Joinery-
soft are friendly and approachable.
Even if
people are struggling,
customer support is only
a phone call away.
“Joinery soft can actually
go online and move
the cursor for customers,
demonstrating how to
do something. From that
point, the backup is excellent.
I have no problems
recommending
Joinerysoft to someone else.”
He adds, “Having an installer
who was also a time-served joiner
was also helpful because he knew
what we were talking about.
“He knew the software well and
understood our requirements
to ensure that JMS was set up
specifically for our requirements in
Scotland.”
JMS has also helped Sashworks
to cut down on the number of
miss-measures and glass units ordered
incorrectly.
This has saved wastage and reduced
losses, leading to increased
profit. Ordering glass early before
the windows are made has improved
lead times, too.
Sashworks manufactures approximately
250 to 300 sashes
each month, and around 100
cases.
Considering that cutting lists
used to be calculated manually,
that is a lot of time saved: approximately
20 man hours per week.
Bruce describes JMS as the
“best investment ever made.
Twelve months down the line, it
has pound for pound been a fantastic
investment. JMS has definitely
increased productivity. The
business is the same size, but our
output has increased.”
Sashworks
Tel 01576 205888
Email workshop@sashworks.co.uk
www.sashworks.co.uk
Joinerysoft
Tel 01608 643302
Email enquiries@joinerysoft.com
www.joinerysoft.com
Page 6 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

NEWS
Free training courses announced by REHAU
POLYMER specialist REHAU has
announced a new schedule of
courses to be hosted at its newly
refurbished, specialist Training
Academy in Ross on Wye over
the coming months.
The courses, which are free to
attend, mix hands-on practical
sessions with presentations and
informal advice and each lasts less
than a day, to make them easy to
fit into busy working schedules.
They are designed for furniture
manufacturers and designers and
are run by experienced REHAU
team members trained to
communicate both the technical
and commercial aspects of
new product developments and
applications.
The schedule started on 22
April with a New Products introduction,
which included furniture
edgeband and tambour door systems,
and runs until 6 August,
when members of the Lightweight
Network will meet at
REHAU to promote the benefits of using lightweight board in contemporary furniture design. Other courses available are on the Introduction and Construction
of Roller Shutter Systems (13 May) and an Introduction to Edgeband (7 July).
REHAU Ltd
Tel 01989 762732 ● Email Roshni.Patel@rehau.com ● www.rehau.co.uk/company/academy/furniture/furniture.shtml
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 7

NEWS
New brochures make product selection easier
CHOOSING acid catalysed and
pre-catalysed wood finishes has
never been easier, thanks to two
new brochures from Becker
Acroma Ltd.
The Swedish manufacturer has
taken its vast industrial range and
selected the most popular wood
finishes that are ideal for use by
professional and trade customers.
The products are intended for interior
wood in shop-fitting, furniture
and joinery production and
are designed for spray application.
The new brochures include a
product selector guide, recommending
different products for certain
results such as general or severe
use, as well as giving details of solids,
viscosity and dilution. The product
range is available nationwide via
Becker Acroma’s distribution outlets,
including Syntema Group.
Frances Armstrong, marketing
manager at Becker Acroma, said:
“These new brochures make
Becker Acroma’s range much
clearer for our customers buying
from Syntema. Our range is vast, so
these brochures will make product
selection much quicker and easier.”
Becker Acroma’s distribution
range includes water-based and
polyurethane wood finishes as
1 Meadow Street, Marsh, Huddersfield HD1 4QB
Tel: 0870 760 9194 Fax: 01484 422605 Mobile: 07709 13149
email: gareth@n-m-o.com www.n-m-o.com
New
Steton S630/S Thicknesser
Maggi Junior 640 CE Radial Arm Cross Cut Saw
Maggi 2034 Power Feed Unit
Used
Guilliet KXY180 Four Side Planer
Wadkin GC220 5 Head Planer Moulder
Wadkin SP130 Panel Scoring Saw
Saomad UT4S Single End Tenoner
Sedgwick 571 Chisel Mortiser
Robland E300/1700 Panel Scoring Saw CE 2007
Wadkin BSW 20” Rip Saw with DC brake
Sedgwick MB 12” x 8” Planer Thicknesser DC brake
Inventair MK4 Bag extractor
Maggi Junior 640 Radial Arm C/cut Saw CE
Sicar SF715 Spindle Moulder with PFU
Wadkin EQ H/D Spindle Moulder with PFU & DC brake
Wilson FX Spindle Moulder with PFU
Wadkin LS High Speed Pin Router with DC brake
Ortza S320F 3·2 m Panel Scoring Saw
Wadkin JY Bobbin Sander
Wadkin BZB 30” Bandsaw
Rye M1 Twin Spindle Borer
Interwood FSO 3 Screw Veneer Press
Over 70 new and used machines in stock
For our full list, please check out our web site
www.n-m-o.com
well as specialist products such as
PyroLac fire protection lacquers.
Syntema
www.syntema.co.uk
Becker Acroma Ltd
Tel 01440 765400
Email info@becker-acroma.co.uk
www.becker-acroma.co.uk
Woodworking Scotland
“RECESSION? — What recession!”
were the words on many
of the exhibitor’s lips at the recent
Woodworking Scotland exhibition
in Edinburgh.
A spokesman for Nelton Exhibitions,
the organisers of the event,
stated that the vast majority of exhibitors
at the event were extremely
pleased with the level of
interest they enjoyed at the show.
“Whilst visitor numbers were
slightly down, the overall quality
of visitors was excellent. Many
sales were made and a very high
number of good enquiries were
received.
“The fact that so many exhibitors
commented that their return
from the show was so much
higher than at last year’s W8 exhibition
was especially pleasing.”
Nelton Exhibitions
Tel 01474 536535
Email exhibitions@nelton.co.uk
www.nelton.co.uk
Interzum & Ligna
TWO MAJOR shows take place in
Germany this month: Interzum
takes place in Cologne (May 13-
16) and Ligna takes place in
Hannover (May 18-22).
Exhibitors at Interzum cover a
wide range of fields, including materials
for furniture production;
semi finished products for cabinets,
office and modular furniture;
surface treatment and finishing
products; and fittings and structural
parts.
Turn to page 11 to see how
REHAU will be interpreting the
theme, “Create your visions”.
The wide range of machinery
and equipment that will be on
show at Ligna is reflected in the
companies featured in this issue:
Hofmann, Combilift and MAKA
(page 10); Masterwood and
Kündig (page 11), Wood-Mizer,
Boere and Stegherr (page 12),
Hamuel Reichenbacher (page 13)
and Delcam (page 17).
These shows provide an excellent
opportunity to see the latest
developments in design and technology,
in an international setting.
Interzum
www.interzum.com
Ligna
www.ligna.de
Page 8 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

NEWS
Hi-Tec at Komfort
KOMFORT Workspace PLC designs
and manufactures a sophisticated
range of workspace
products for the office, healthcare
and education marketplaces.
Every interior is unique
and has a direct impact on individuals’
work environment and
the business — with function,
effectiveness and appearance
high on the agenda.
The company maintains continuous
investment in the latest
manufacturing technology to
underpin its position and reputation
in the market. To this end, it
turned to Maidstone based surface
coatings specialists, Hi-Tec
Spray Ltd (HSL), to design, supply
and commission a new spray
booth system for the priming of
timber frames, doors, panels and
other associated timber products
that are synonymous with quality
and style. It is a dedicated system
and is in addition to two existing
spray plants at the facility.
The system comprises a 6m wide
dry filter spray booth split in two 3m
wide booths, each 2,250 mm high
and 1,200 mm deep. This affords
greater flexibility and economy
when employing either both simultaneously
for large capacity projects
or just one booth for priming smallrun
parts. In design, HSL successfully
overcame significant difficulties
when fitting the ductwork due to
space limitation and existing equipment
installations restricting the
ducting route outside the building.
Filtered, forced air replacement is
managed by two input units balanced
with the extraction to provide
a clean environment to pro -
duce a top quality finish.
Hi-Tec Spray Ltd
Tel 01622 356590
Email sales@hitecspray.co.uk
www.hitecspray.co.uk
New range of pumps
HI-TEC SPRAY (HSL) is pleased to
announce the brand new range
of Graco MERKUR pumps with
an expanded choice of ‘air displacement
volumes to fluid
operating pressure’ ratios, from
10:1 through to 48:1.
The pumps are available as standard
units or as more sophisticated
DataTrak models offering significant
benefits that include pump
diagnostics for maintenance, air
and material flow information, and
automatic shutdown facility when
dry to avoid unnecessary wear on
the unit. All models are available as
Wall Mount, 2-Wheel Cart Mount
and Stand Mount units.
With variable litre throughput
at the right pressures to suit particular
applications, contractual
joiners and furniture makers
should benefit immensely from
this technology upgrade. The new
range of pumps also employs the
more sophisticated Air Mix technology
rather than air spray, which
provides greater transfer efficiency
with less waste and an outstanding
finish. It is also available
in an airless spray version.
Graco’s MERKUR pump is suitable
for single component application,
whether the material be
water based or solvent based. Utilising
low pulsation with high output
fluid delivery, the air-assisted,
airless spray technology employed
assures excellent finish
with high material transfer efficiency
and fast production rates.
With minimal service downtime
and greater efficiency, quick payback
and early profitability are
benefits too good to ignore in
today’s economic climate.
Hi-Tec Spray Ltd
Tel 01622 356590
Email sales@hitecspray.co.uk
www.hitecspray.co.uk
New technical executive appointed at WMSA
THE WOODWORKING Machinery Suppliers Association has appointed Geoff Isenman to take over the role of Technical Executive when Tony
Kaye retired on April 30. Tony joined the association in 1992 and is well known for his extensive knowledge of machinery matters. WMSA honoured
his long valued service at this year’s AGM.
Geoff brings over 35 years of involvement with the woodworking machinery industry. His
knowledge of the UK market has been gained through daily contact with the gamut of machinery
manufacturers, UK sales personnel and technical support engineers.
Geoff’s product knowledge stretches form standard woodworking machinery to the sophistication
of CNC machinery. A regular visitor to all the major international exhibitions,
Geoff recognises the value of technical innovation and excellence. Geoff commented, “I have
been involved with WMSA since its inception. I am delighted to be working with the various
trade and government bodies to deliver value and influence for WMSA members.”
WMSA members can also look forward to an increased membership support package to help
in these more difficult trading conditions. The coming weeks will see the launch of widened
business help lines, a new credit management scheme and access to market and financial intelligence.
Member visibility to buyers will be raised through an up-rated website with information
for machinery buyers. The site will be promoted both online and offline during 2009.
Chairman of WMSA, David Thompson-Rowlands, said: “The Association is fortunate indeed
to have the services of Geoff Isenman in delivering its technical strategy. It is doubly pleasing
to see an Association board introducing highly relevant member benefits just at this time.
In turn, WMSA is proud to have a loyal and committed membership, which continues to form
the core of wood machinery supply in the UK.”
WMSA
Tel 01629 530998 ● Email info@wmsa.org.uk ● www.wmsa.org.uk
● Geoff Isenman
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 9

PREVIEW: LIGNA (18-22 May) & INTERZUM (13-16 May)
Hofmann at Ligna MAKA at Ligna 2009
HOFMANN Maschinenfabrik GmbH celebrates its 90th anniversary
this year. Hofmann will be marking this anniversary at Ligna, with
new products on display.
In this anniversary year, a special limited edition machine will be
launched: spindle moulders will be equipped with innovative safety features,
believed to unique.
Already established within the Hofmann range is automatic insert
moulding with Quickmatic and Multi step functions, and within this area
of development, further innovations will be on display.
Hofmann UK
Tel 0845 833 1651 ● email sales@hofmann-maschinen.co.uk
www.hofmann-maschinen.co.uk
The MAKA model M ROB 60,
six-axis industrial robot for cabinet manufacture.
MAKA, renowned specialist
manufacturers of five-axis CNC
machining centres, will focus on
Glulam machining on its larger
bridge-type machines. Also, for
general joinery, the well proven
and highly successful PE 75,
five-axis heavy duty fixed bed
moving gantry router will be on
demonstration, together with
an emphasis on robotic handling,
to meet the growing
trend by customers.
MAKA will also focus upon the
developments made in Glulam
machining on the large bridge
type BC 570 machining centre.
Specified for the individual requirements
of each customer, the
Combilifts are good for wood
THE FOCUS on Combilift’s stands at this year’s Ligna will be on the ever expanding range of four-way
handling solutions that it offers for the diverse needs of customers within the timber industry.
One exhibit which is sure to attract a great deal of attention is Combilift’s latest model, the Combi-CB. This is
a compact, four-way counterbalance design truck, developed specifically for operations handling mainly palletised
goods but which also deal with a small amount of long products. As with all Combilift products, versatility
is a key feature, and the Combi-CB is an excellent alternative to four-way reach trucks, due to its ability to
work both inside and out. It has a 2.5 tonne capacity
and is available with LPG, diesel or AC electric
power. This model recently won the UK Fork
Lift Truck Association 2009 Award for innovation.
Other exhibits will include the C5000XL, a larger,
five tonne machine with higher ground clearance
and a roomy cab, featuring a host of features to
make operations in timber yards and sawmills safer
and more efficient. The Combilift Sideloader Series
is also a popular choice for companies who used
to operate traditional sideloaders, but who want
the added benefits of the Combilift SL’s manoeuv -
rability and ability to block stack.
There will be ongoing demonstrations of the
Combilift range on the outdoor stand FG J05, and
further models will also be exhibited on Stand A01
in Hall 16.
Combilift Ltd
Tel 07815 314990
Email info@combilift.com
www.combilift.com
BC is used widely across Europe
for the machining of all Glulam
applications and roof truss
constructions.
The very popular five-axis
gantry design MAKA PE 75 will be
exhibited in an economic version.
It is used extensively in the woodworking
industry for high quality
hard wood components for bespoke
stairs, doors, windows and
kitchens. The features include the
latest technology and controller
techniques, a horizontal drum
type tool changer and a multiple
spindle unit, providing flexible
production and alternating loading
and removal.
Another very interesting exhibit
is the MAKA Model M ROB 60, sixaxis
industrial robot.
It is a custom tailored machine
for cabinet manufacture. It has a
tool changer with eight tool
places, horizontally mounted between
two tables. Its high speed
routing spindle, with a capacity of
10 kW, is mounted on a robot arm,
providing high quality routing. An
alternative unit with a six-axis
robot model KR 60 jet is being presented
in a multi-media show on
the stand.
MAKA Machinery UK Ltd
Tel 01952 607700
Email pp@makauk.com
www.maka.com
MAKA UK
is having its own
Inhouse Exhibition
on 3rd, 4th & 5th
June 2009.
Look out for
more details.
Page 10 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

PREVIEW: LIGNA (18-22 May) & INTERZUM (13-16 May)
Masterwood at Ligna
Masterwood Project 4005
CNC machining centre
ITALIAN CNC machinery manufacturer,
Masterwood Spa, has
confirmed its commitment to
the UK woodworking industry
by further developing its manufacturing
strategy and establishing
a new sales and service
operation.
“We have a long tradition of
supplying customers in the UK and
Ireland and our commitment to
helping companies achieve the
best possible production will continue
even during these challenging
economic times,” said Gianluca
Ticchi, director of Masterwood Spa.
“The sales and service team at
Masterwood GB, led by John
Cookson, Dave Kennard and Chris
Alexander, has long experience
and expertise in our machines.
With full support from Italy, the
new company will be working to
build upon our success by maintaining
and enhancing the top
class support to customers, while
also providing expert advice to
new customers and new markets
on the optimum machinery for
their applications and business
needs.
“In fact, within the next few
months we will be organising a
visit by a group of UK companies
to our factory in Rimini, so that we
can demonstrate technology to
help them improve their competitiveness
through increased productivity
and quality and reduced
manufacturing costs.”
Masterwood will launch major
new additions to its range of machinery
at Ligna in May, including
two five-axis CNC machining
centres — the Project 4000 for
rapid switching between door,
window, stair and cabinet production
and the Project 5000 dedicated
joinery centre, which can be
specified with a five-axis and
three-axis head working together.
“These machines are both born
from our refined strategy to specialise
in ‘bridge type’ construction,
in order to provide joinery
customers with the most robust
solution for machining solid
wood,” said Mr Ticchi.
“For the panel processing market,
advanced technology will also
be shown at Ligna with the debut
of the MW2142, designed for optimum
large sheet nesting applications.
For smaller volume customers,
we will also show the new
Project 310, which brings the increased
performance and versatility
of large diameter tooling to an
‘entry-level’ machine with a low
cost to the client.”
Masterwood says it will also be
announcing new developments in
software for its range of machines,
including an application of parametric
programming which is believed
to be unique.
Masterwood GB
www.masterwoodgb.com
Kündig at Ligna
WITH manufacturing plants in
both Switzerland and Germany,
Kündig will have on display at
Ligna possibly one of the most
comprehensive ranges of wide
belt sanding machines along with
a selection of the popular Basiq
single sided and Uniq double
sided edge sanding machines.
The display will include a broad
selection from the highly successful
Kündig Brilliant range whereby
at least one of the sanding heads is
set in an oblique position to offer
sanding in the ‘shear plane’ and
which now accounts for over half of
the wide belt machines produced
by Kündig. Machines on display will
include those suitable for calibration,
veneer sanding and lacquer
sanding along with a number of
special application machines.
As always, there is an open invitation
for any manufacturers looking
to achieve the utmost in
surface finishing to visit Kündig,
where the machines will be able to
be shown working and the advantages
of oblique sanding will be
demonstrated.
Kündig Ltd
Tel 0845 833 0565
Email info@kundig.co.uk
www.kundig.co.uk
REHAU innovation at Interzum
IN LINE with the overall theme of this year’s Interzum exhibition, ‘Create your visions’, REHAU is looking
to inspire visitors to the show with a range of innovative products, forward-looking solutions and new
designs for its furniture edgeband, solid surface and tambour door systems.
The RAUKANTEX Visions edgeband range is featured not only as ‘glass on a roll’ to complement contemporary
kit chen, bathroom and workplace designs, but also in two new options: shadow effect and patterned gloss. The
shadow effect is achieved by printing both the front and back of transparent edgeband, while the patterned
gloss effectively prints an edgeband pattern onto a background gloss, giving a distinctive but subtle effect.
REHAU’s sound-absorbing tambour system RAU -
VOLET Acoustic line will be exhibited for the first time
with the tambour door profile printed with a range of
colourful designs. These can be used to echo the overall
design scheme within an office or can be used to
highlight particular areas or zones.
REHAU is responding to the current trend for a
monochrome palette in furniture design with edgebands
from its Inspirations range in new decorative
black and white finishes, two step edging from its
RAUKANTEX Visions range and even its RAUVOLET
Vetroline glass tambour door system in high quality
black and subtle white. It is also demonstrating its ability
to respond quickly to future trends with the development
of innovative, new edgeband materials which
could be used to imitate natural elements, such as
cork, leather or even granite.
REHAU Ltd
Tel 01989 762732
Email Roshni.Patel@rehau.com ● www.rehau.co.uk
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 11

PREVIEW: LIGNA (18-22 May) & INTERZUM (13-16 May)
Wood-Mizer at Ligna
WITH A NOD to the worldwide recession, thin kerf technology leader,
Wood-Mizer, will demonstrate appropriate adaptations to its
range at Ligna. It will also highlight existing mills’ attributes
which suddenly look more important. Thin band blades’ ability to turn
out an extra board from a log is complemented by technical
enhancements that will suit a greater number of pockets.
Six ‘orange’ band sawmills are to be demonstrated: A new, attractively
priced LT20B band sawmill that offers economy by the introduction
of the low, modular bed with an adapted LT20 sawing head will be
unveiled. Consistent length of cut from modular, optional bed sizes are made possible.
The smallest LT10 mill — on a pallet — permits wood processing at a relatively
miniscule cost. The ‘original’ LT15 electric with debarker brings non-industrial
level sawing to farmers and estate owners at low cost. The low-priced
electric/diesel, hydraulic LT20’s simplicity brings higher productivity to small workshops
and start-ups. The widely used ‘work-horse’ LT40 continues to deliver, economically,
high grade lumber to entrepreneurs and private businesses. A
remote-controlled version of the semi-industrial LT70 sawmill also shows its paces. Its remote operator
control stand lets the operator site himself in the best sawing position. It
Boere on show at Ligna
repeats a lot of features of Wood-Mizer’s most productive mill, the LT300
and engineers have modified it to incorporate less costly components.
Three sawmills from the company’s ‘green’ small log processing (SLP)
system, still based on the thin blades principle, also show their paces.
These three are usually components in a set-up comprising the twin vertical
saw (TVS), a TVS log infeed system, a TVS slab cross-transfer conveyor,
single vertical saw (SVS) to remove third sides, horizontal resaw
(HR) and an edger for edging remaining slabs after resawing. They
process small logs at one-third the normal cost.
Wood-Mizer’s own band blades in all specifications will also be exhibited.
Wood-Mizer UK ● Tel 01622 813201
Email info@woodmizer.co.uk ● www.woodmizer.co.uk
Stegherr at Ligna
MAKING more out of wood is
Ligna’s comprehensive theme
this year. The Ligna exhibition
will be held from 18th-22nd
May in Hanover.
Boere will introduce its newly developed
brush texturing machine
with which floor parts obtain an exceptionally
beautiful and highquality
finish. This is mainly because
of the oscillation mechanism of the
brush units and the reversible direction
of rotation of the brushes.
The machine has been equipped
with a 600 mm working width and
with three texturing brush units,
having different types of wiring.
Boere’s wide belt sander, Sand -
rite, is regarded as a perfect model
for a company changing over from
manual sanding to mechanised
sanding.
Boere will show a model from
the Sandrite range at Ligna. The
machine to be shown has been
equipped with two sanding units,
a contact roller and a combi sanding
unit, of which the sanding pad
of the latter is segmented for veneer
sanding. Options include an
infinitely variable feed speed, an
additional sanding belt motor and
in- and outfeed roller tables. For
those who wish to sand lacquer as
well as solid wood and veneer, the
Sandrite can be equipped with a
frequency controlled sanding belt
speed, air jet belt cleaning device
and a vacuum table.
Also on show at Ligna will be
the Select KC, a top quality machine
for the joinery and the solid
wood furniture industry.
The Elite TKKC, a multi-application
industrial wide belt sander,
will also be on show at Ligna.
Sanding of solid wood, veneers
and MDF is possible without any
problem by means of the two contact
rollers and one combi unit.
Moreover, the sanding pad of the
combi unit is a segmented sanding
pad. Renewed electronic controls
refine the sanding result and
flexible switching from one product
to another is always possible.
Boere Machinefabriek BV
Tel: 0031 182 614400
Email info@boere.nl
www.boere.nl
“IT’S the economy, stupid!”
James Carville, Bill Clinton’s political
strategist in the 1992 election,
placed this sign on his desk.
Turning that slightly, one could
say “It’s innovation, stupid!” as the
one thing that will help all of us
get out of this downturn in our
economies is Innovation, and over
many years Stegherr has grown
and developed its business with
this talent. Some examples of this
talent will be shown by Stegherr at
the Ligna exhibition in Hanover
this May on Stand E68 in Hall 12.
Stegherr is represented in the UK
by John Penny Woodworking
Machinery Ltd.
Of particular interest on the
stand to all existing and new window
producers will be the KF-W
machine, which is able to produce
a perfect corner joint in pre-profiled
stock without tenons.
Another machine to be shown is
the closed halving joint machine
KSF-2/8, which has the ability to
cut both parts of the closed halving
joint, end scribe without breakout,
end trim at varying angles and drill,
producing a completely finished
glazing bar ready for assembly.
Other machines on show include
the GLS head saw, the KF1 scribing/drilling
machine, the DS drilling
and dowel inserting machine and
the FD-E2 machining centre.
John Penny Woodworking
Machinery Ltd
Tel 01235 531700
Email john.penny@btconnect.com
www.stegherr.net
Page 12 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

WORKING WITH FIVE AXES
Reichenbacher — Shaping the future!
HAMUEL Reichenbacher has
earned the reputation for always
accepting a challenge from
customers to deliver future-oriented,
technically innovative,
production solutions for any
given application. This year at
Ligna, visitors will be able to
witness for themselves the realisation
of such a challenge in the
shape of a door machining solution
believed to be unique.
Leading Swiss door manu -
facturer, Entla AG, commissioned
Hamuel Reichenbacher to develop
a complete door production
cell capable of machining around
300 door blanks per day. Reichenbacher
designers and engineers
worked extremely closely with
Entla, throughout the development
process, to come up with a
commercially efficient door production
system that would fully
meet the criteria laid down by
Entla. The result is a cost-effective
system, believed to be unique,
that fits into a relatively small
space and far exceeds the expectations
of the client.
The nucleus of the production
cell is a Vision-UT Sprint CNC machining
centre with two five-axis
machining heads capable of working
up to 8° below the horizontal
plane to accommodate specialist
Anuba hinges. Each working head
is fitted with a 15 kW routing
spindle capable of 24,000 rpm for
milling, drilling, sawing and finishing.
An automatic 60 place chain
type tool changer magazine feeds
the machining heads. Located
within the tool changer magazine
is a measuring unit to monitor the
tooling length and quality and, if
necessary, tools can be replaced
with reserve cutters in secondary
positions in the magazine.
The operating feed speed of the
machine is 60 m/min in the X axis,
90 m/min in the Y axis and 20
m/min in the Z-axis. Workpieces are
Two independent five-axis heads machine on a through-flow pin
table with individual sinkable vacuum pins.
This Vision UT-Sprint door production cell with twin automatic
loading partals and through-flow table will be demonstrated on
the Reichenbacher Hamuel stand at Ligna 2009.
Both five-axis heads are
capable of working at up
to 8° below the horizontal.
machined on a through-flow machining
table. The process operation
is facilitated by a twin channel
control system, which ensures that
whilst working head 1 is machining,
working head 2 is simultaneously
selecting the next tool, which then
continues the machining process
whilst working head 1 selects the
next tool from the magazine. The
table will handle door blanks from
800 to 3,000 mm long and from 650
to 1,600 mm wide, with thicknesses
from 38 to 100 mm.
At the in-feed lifting portal, a
vacuum lifter positions door
blanks in the correct X and Y co-ordinates
on the roller conveyor,
which then allows the barcode
(which is positioned on the facing
edge of the blank) to be read by a
barcode scanner. When the barcode
has been identified, the correct
NC component machining
program is loaded, and loads automatically.
The process commences
with the in-feed of the
door blank, the configuration of
the table and the preparation of
the transport rollers for removal of
the finished product. The workpiece
can be held by up to 30 individual
sinkable vacuum pins per
beam deployed in the Y-axis. To
cut out a window panel, the roller
bed will sink, and commence to
rotate, allowing the waste to drop
and be removed from the machine.
When the machining
process has been completed, the
finished product is engraved with
the product identification code.
The finished door is then moved
to the right where it is cleaned by
a brush and vacuum unit. The second
portal loader, on the out-feed
side of the machine then lifts the
finished door and deposits it onto
a pallet truck for removal. A machine
integrated conveyor belt ensures
all waste material is removed
in a trouble-free manner.
The control function for the production
cell is by way of a Siemens
Sinumerik 840D powerline system,
for multi channel operation, with a
Windows XP operating system. The
machining software package employed
is NC Hops 5.0 Professional,
which offers optimum flexibility for
complete door manufacture.
The development of such an innovative
machining cell underscores
Reichenbacher’s commitment
to providing cutting-edge
solutions, whatever the challenge.
Hamuel Reichenbacher
Tel 01226 761799
Email info@reichenbacher.co.uk
www.reichenbacher.com
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 13

WORKING WITH FIVE AXES
New Accord 40 from SCM is unveiled
AT THE RECENT TechnoDomus 2009 exhibition
in Rimini, SCM presented its latest range
of gantry CNC machining centres with the
model Accord 40.
Designed using the best three-dimensional
solid modelling systems, the structure is composed
of a machine bed and a mobile gantry
made of electro-welded steel.
All mechanical machining of component parts
is performed on high quality CNC machining
centres with one single positioning operation to
guarantee the very best planar, perpendicular
and precise tolerances.
With a fixed worktable and mobile portal
structure with a component passage of up to
330 mm, these are the characteristics that allow
Accord 40 to reach the highest degree of precision
and end product finishing quality levels,
even for the largest machining areas of up to a
length of 7,250 mm and a width of 2,280 mm.
A wide range of three and five axis working
units, equipped with several types of tool
changing magazines, make the Accord 40 a
suitable machine for high levels of flexible production, such as solid wood or panel door machining, staircase processing and plastic and light alloy
machining.
The five-axis Prisma K routing machining head (pictured above, alongside the drilling unit) has a variable speed of 600 to 20,000 rpm with 11 kW
of power achieved at 15,000 rpm, again with HSK F63 tool chucks. A dust hood with several different positions controlled by the operating program
is included with the five-axis head unit. Again, a number of additional units can be offered alongside the Prisma K head.
The control unit is an industrial numeric control with integrated Office PC (Personal Computer Desktop). The CNC solution with Office PC combines
all of the qualities of numeric controls with the user-friendliness typical of personal computers. The Office PC allows the use of the SCM Xilog Plus interface,
the software developed directly by SCM to make programming fast and simple, even for the less experienced operators and to enable access
to the SCM Teleservice system.
The X, Y and Z axes are all interpolating with axis travel using brushless motors, with rapid traverse of X and Y axes at 75 m/min and Z axis at 30 m/min,
with full automatic lubrication included. The tried and tested high performance SCM multifunction worktable ensures the high vacuum capacity is
distributed uniformly and permits the high quality ‘Nesting’ machining of components from sheets. Accord 40 also ensures higher productivity thanks
to the possibility of pendulum machining. The operator can have access to the machine
from three sides of the worktable, so the loading and unloading of workpieces is
both easy and ergonomic.
Accord 40 can also be integrated into different levels of production with loading
and unloading automation enabling it to become a completely Automatic
Machining Cell. Stand alone machines can be fed manually or by a simple vacuum
lift, but SCM is now installing Accord machines with a variety of handling solutions
to minimise labour, especially when jumbo size sheets are to be used.
Automatic conveyors can be located at the infeed to allow panels to be fed to the
machine table, one at a time, whether in-line or at 90°, depending upon the
floor space available. At the outfeed of the Accord, again various solutions
can be offered to remove the machined components, with tables to
sort out the components for stacking while the next panel is already
being machined on the table of the Accord.
SCM Group UK Ltd
Tel 0115 977 0044
Email scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com
www.scmgb.co.uk
Page 14 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

WORKING WITH FIVE AXES
A staircase to heaven
ALPHACAM’S advanced CAM programming software has
transformed the way in which a thriving joinery business
manufactures a wide range of components. Intricate designs with
complex geometries are now produced on a five-axis CNC machine in
a fraction of the time taken using traditional methods.
A carpenter by trade, Chris Loft
started his business career over 20
years ago. He originally built his
business by employing carpenters
on a contract basis. To meet his
own requirements for high-quality
joinery, Chris then established CAD
Joinery to support the carpentry
operation. These days he focuses
solely on CAD Joinery, which has
gone from strength to strength
and has an enviable reputation
amongst its customer base.
Originally the company’s skilled
staff used traditional machinery and
methods. Last year, after careful
consideration, Chris decided to invest
in a new five-axis CNC machine
and a seat of Alphacam’s advanced
CAM programming software.
“When I was first introduced to
Alphacam, from Planit, my initial
impression was that it was way beyond
me,” says Chris. “My skills are
very practical and my computer
knowledge restricted.”
However, after the initial training
course, he says, it became remarkably
simple. “We are nearly a
year on now with the five-axis machine
and Alphacam software and,
to be honest, in the last three
months we have started to make
tremendous gains. The training
and backup from Alphacam has
been second to none, the engineers
answer our questions
quickly over the phone and they
will even look at our files via remote
access to point out where
we are going wrong.”
He continues, “The key thing for
me is how user friendly the software
is: it needs to be idiot proof, as
I have no drawing background of
any description and have no CAD
experience whatsoever. CAD drawings
can be imported straight into
Alphacam and we can then simply
apply tool paths and go straight
into manufacturing. Simple items
such as cabinets and shelf units
flow straight into the software, tool
paths are applied and we are cutting
material without the need to
redraw anything, so there are no
mistakes. This has been a significant
benefit to the business.”
Accounting for around 70 per
cent of the company’s turnover,
staircases are a particular speciality
for CAD Joinery. These range
from simple, single runs to very intricate
designs to match the demands
of the customer. The
Using Alphacam, Chris Loft can create a detailed staircase design
within just two minutes.
CAD Joinery’s new 5-axis machine is programmed using Alphacam.
Alphacam’s ease-of-use was vital to CAD Joinery’s investment.
company prides itself on its ability
to competitively quote for and
quickly produce staircases; Alphacam
is key to meeting these goals.
Chris uses the Alphacam
AlphaStair package, which provides
automatic design information
on the rise and go of each
tread to keep the design within
building regulations. He says, “Like
the rest of the software, it is very
user friendly and as all the regulations
are built in to it, any breach
of regulations causes an error
message to flash up, keeping the
design within the safe guidelines.
“The stairs package has transformed
our lead times. Previously
we would have required about 30
to 40 hours to produce a complete
staircase, depending upon the
complexity of the design. With the
combination of the software and
the CNC machine, we can now turn
these around in under 14 hours.”
Alphacam also helps immensely
with quotations as the stair package
has an inbuilt estimator.
Staircases are produced from
plywood and MDF at the cost-effective
level right up to solid oak or
solid walnut for more elaborate installations.
Individual components
can be dragged and dropped to
create the most efficient nest. Because
the CNC programs are held
on file by CAD Joinery, should any
part of the staircase become lost in
transit or damaged during installation,
a new part can be quickly and
accurately generated.
To fully support the five-axis
machine, CAD Joinery purchased
the Alphacam 5-axis module to
output suitable NC code. A recent
development by the company is
allowing it to cost-effectively produce
free form curved handrail
sections. These are complex
geometries that traditionally
would take a skilled person around
40 hours to make a section 450
mm to 500 mm long by hand. “We
can complete the same part on the
machine in about 40 minutes, although
it does take two or three
hours to draw the part,” Chris
explains. Cutting the part using the
CNC machine also means that if
the customer wants two the same,
then two identical parts are machined,
whereas the equivalent
handmade sections would simply
consist of two similar parts.
The advanced simulation on
Alpha cam is important for this
type of machining operation as it
allows the user to watch the tool
come in and cut the timber. This
provides a good cross check as to
how the part will turn out and
helps avoid any accidental damage
to the machine tool.
“Alphacam has some very clever
features and we are learning all the
time about what it can do. It has
provided additional confidence in
what we can do as a business, so
we are now doing things I never
thought we would and there is still
more to go,” concludes Chris.
Alphacam
Tel 024 7671 3434
Email
Alphacam_sales@planit.com
www.alphacam.com
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 15

FLOORING
Expona
INSPIRED by a rich variety of visual
media, ranging from exotic
fruit trees and reclaimed timber
to modern architectural surfaces
and engineered metals, the new
Expona Design collection of luxury
vinyl tiles from Polyflor is,
says the company, a unique and
unrivalled combination of exceptionally
creative design and
strong commercial appeal.
“Our aim is to push back the
boundaries of creative freedom in
relation to commercial floors whilst
at the same time responding to current
and anticipated design trends,”
says Polyflor’s luxury vinyl tile pro -
duct manager, Craig Moorhouse.
The new Expona Design collection
offers a balanced choice of 26
wood, 15 stone and 15 material reproductions,
incorporating a total
of 12 different surface finishes,
eight alternative tile and plank sizes
as well as bevelled edge options.
Several important developments
in print technology triggered
by Polyflor’s design process
can be seen in the new range. In
the wood collection, a new standard
surface with a fine, long pore
emboss has enabled the creation
of the authentic Indian Apple (illustrated),
Brushed Oak and American
Nut Tree wood effects, whilst handhewn
timber floorboards inspired
the dramatic new surface emboss
of Swiss Nut Tree and the subtle
shade and texture of Egyptian
parchment inspired Blond Papyrus.
Among the material tiles, Aluminium
River Sheet mirrors the
panels of an Airstream caravan.
Aged rustic renderings bring
Antique Travertine and Roman
Limestone to the stone collection
alongside a new selection of grey
tonal concrete effects and black
and white oilshale tiles.
Solid colour options in the original
Expona range are transformed,
thanks to the Saharan desert
sands. Working from photographs
showing the tonal effect of
the dunes, the design team enlarged,
pixelated and recoloured
the images to produce the more
muted colours currently preferred.
Polyflor Ltd
Tel 0161 767 1111
Email info@polyflor.com
www.polyflor.com
Osmo cleans up with FloorXcenter
OSMO UK, the eco-friendly wood and finishes expert, has introduced a single-disc machine
that removes even the smallest specks of dirt from wood that other machines
usually miss: FloorXcenter.
Designed to keep your wooden floors clean and looking in good condition, FloorXcenter
is an easy to use machine which both professionals and do-it-yourself users can use. Unlike
the traditional large and heavy machines, FloorXcenter is small enough to be lifted and carried
around.
“We realise how frustrating it can be when you can’t thoroughly clean and maintain your
floor,” says Steve Grimwood, managing director
of Osmo UK. “So we have developed FloorXcenter
to eliminate the testing process of cleaning.
By using rotation, it can reach the smallest
spaces in the wood structure, guaranteeing effective
cleaning results. This product is ideal for
the cleaning and maintenance of large areas of
commercial or residential flooring.”
FloorXcenter has several extra pads to fulfil
different functions. When cleaning, the white
pad or brush is used and works in combination
with the cleaning agent and the mechanical
movement of the machine. This loosens dirt
from the pores of the wood. The washable
microfibre pad, which is moistened with water,
easily removes the dirt that has been loosened
by cleaning. For intensive or thorough cleaning,
the red pad is used, which is slightly abrasive. Because wooden floors must not get too wet, FloorXcenter
has a soap dispenser which enables the user to control how much of the pre-loaded cleaner is
used. Tired looking floors can be revitalised using the white pad. If you wish to colour treat the floor, this
pad can also be used to apply Osmo Colour Oil or Osmo Wood Wax Finishes.
Osmo UK
Tel 01296 481220 ● Email info@osmouk.com ● www.osmouk.com
Page 16 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

FLOORING
Creative
compass
iBILD is a specialist in the field of
3D laser digitising services for
one-off pieces and small production
runs.
Creating high definition scans
of 3D reliefs and rotary models,
such as cabriole legs and ceramic
maquettes, the company also
modifies existing designs for customers
using ArtCAM’s sculpting
tools, generates toolpaths and
provides other ArtCAM users with
its manufacturing services. With a
diverse product port folio, the
company caters for a variety of industries
such as jewellery, highend
architectural woodworking
and the automotive industry.
One of iBild’s latest commissions
was to create a challenging
and weighty 72” diameter brass
floor inlay for Christopher Newport
University in Newport News,
VA, USA. Using the DXF file provided
by the customer, iBILD was
able to quickly and easily import
the design directly into ArtCAM.
Due to the size of the piece, the
first task was to divide the design
into two equal halves within Art-
CAM, taking into account the position
of the lettering and image.
Once happy with the design,
iBild was able to create the machining
toolpaths within the software.
Using ArtCAM’s Area Clear ance tool,
iBild calculated the toolpath to cut
away the bulk mass of unwanted
material followed by ArtCAM’s rest
machining with consecutively
smaller tools, allowing the finer details
of the design to be machined.
ArtCAM’s flexibility meant that
inside/outside entry points for cutting
could be selected, as well as
creating angled ramps into the material
to minimise the shock to the
cutter and spindle. According to
Brady Watson, owner of iBild, these
capabilities show why ArtCAM was
“the right software for the job”.
Once the toolpaths were calculated,
the file was exported to the
Shopbot machine in order to
begin cutting. To create the design,
iBild started with a sheet of brass
weighing approximately 640 lb
and measuring 72” x 36” and 0.500”
thick. To support the weight of the
material on the Shopbot machine,
a hydraulic lift table and some
structural steel tubing were used
to bolster the bed of the CNC.
Having never previously
worked with naval brass, iBild encountered
difficulty one foot into
cutting with the 2-flute HSS end
mill and turned to using a 4-flute
titanium-coated end mill.
The unique sounds of machining
brass required getting accustomed
to, as they are completely
different to other metals such as
aluminium, making ear and eye
protection ever more vital.
Brady remembers how “I really
had to observe each cut and make
sure that everything was going OK,
at every turn of the bit and every
step-down. The amount of force required
to cut this alloy of brass
meant that there was a high chance
that I could push the tool too hard
or too fast and lose position.”
At several thousand dollars per
sheet, Brady chose to be cautious
whilst machining.
After machining the letters, the
brass was then pre-heated to 100
°F and the letters over-filled with
resin. The resin had to cure on its
own and then post-cured at 150 °F
for five hours to reach maximum
hardness and durability before it
was then sanded flat and painted
with seven coats of polyurethane.
Brady believes that “it was the
superior toolpath control that Pro
& Insignia offers that helped me to
get the job done right without worrying
if it would turn out or not. I
have been using ArtCAM for several
years and the majority of my
work has been in the area of 3D. I
have tried many software packages
and if I had to choose one that
could help me make just about
anything on a three-axis machine,
it would be Pro — hands down!”
Brady continued to say, “This
was a challenging project, but all
in all, a real pleasure to do. To see
the looks on people’s faces when
the crates were popped open was
the real reward for me..”
Delcam Plc
Tel 0121 683 1000
Email 2009@artcam.com
www.artcam.com
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 17

CLASSICAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Tudorwood Joinery selects Lamont
TUDORWOOD Joinery Ltd offers
a complete service for bespoke
kitchens, including design,
manufacture and fitting.
Nothing is bought in: everything
is manufactured to order.
The kitchens are created to a
high standard: “We pride ourselves
on being at the top of the range,
although our lower overheads
allow us to offer competitive
prices,” company owner, Rodney
Lander, told PW&SS.
Rodney finds that many of his
customers come through personal
recommendation: they have seen
one of his kitchens in a friend’s
home, and decide they would like
one as well.
In order to speed up the glue
drying process, Tudorwood Joinery
Ltd has recently invested in a
refurbished gluesetter, purchased
from Lamont.
The need for the investment
arose because it was taking half a
day for the glue to dry, once the
frames had been cramped onto
the carcasses.
“We had units sitting around in
the workshop full of sash cramps!”
Rodney said.
With the gluesetter, a job which
used to take three days per kitchen
has been cut to one day per
kitchen. “With the Lamont gluing
system, we still cramp the frames
onto the carcass, but the machine
sets the glue very quickly: because
Above, the gluesetter in use in the manufacture of the larder unit with gull wing doors, which can
be seen installed in the finished kitchen (below).
of this, we can take the cramps
straight off and the frame has adhered
to the carcass.”
While attending W8 in Birmingham
last October, Rodney saw two
systems on two different stands.
The system he selected was the
more expensive one, for two principal
reasons: first, Lamont, like Tudorwood
Joinery Ltd, is a Scottish
company, and secondly, Alan Lamont
was willing to visit his workshop
to carry out a full demonstration
of the equipment, in a
way that had not been possible at
the show.
As Rodney said, “If the service is
there, you don’t mind paying a little
extra for it.”
Rodney visited Alan’s stand at
W8 on Sunday 26th October: six
days later, on Saturday 1st November,
during the demonstration
at the Tudorwood Joinery workshop,
the purchase decision was
made.
“Alan offered an excellent level
of service. He spent a good half
day here, explaining how the machine
works: he was quite a patient
guy, actually!”
Rodney also found Alan to be
responsive to the needs of small
businesses, particularly in the current
economic climate.
The gluesetter has worked
faultlessly since it was installed,
but the promise of quality back-up
service was important to Rodney.
“For a small business, when a
machine goes down, we need
some sort of back-up straight
away.
“We have bought machines before
from companies a distance
away who don’t always want to
send someone up to Scotland: if
we had a problem, we are confident
that he would be straight
over to help out.”
When asked, Rodney confirmed
he would definitely recommend
the Lamont refurbished gluesetter
to others.
Lamont
Tel 01461 40017
Email aalamont@hotmail.com
www.lamontclamping.co.uk
Page 18 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009

CLASSICAL MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
SCM classical machines
SCM’s three ranges of Classical Woodworking Machines are the product of the
passion for woodworking that has always distinguished SCM and
they reflect the company’s attention to quality and extensive
experience combined with continuous striving for innovation.
Saws, spindle moulders, planers and thicknessers are now on the
market, divided into three precise ranges, each with its own personality: Nova,
Class and L’Invincibile.
Nova: quality from the first purchase
Nova is for those who want a first purchase for the small woodworking and furniture
workshop. An excellent quality/price ratio, reliability, user-friendliness and quality
performance are immediately obvious. The SCM range aims to help small businesses
to grow, offering basic machines with the bonus of a big company’s experience in
manufacturing.
Class: the certainty of tradition
Class offers solutions for all requirements and purposes, without compromise. Lasting precision and reliability,
low maintenance and user-friendly electronic controls make the Class a range carefully planned right down to the last detail and equipped with
superior technologies for the perfect combination of tradition and experience manufacturing machining centres and the attention to end user needs.
SCM L’Invincibile
SI 4000 sliding table
panel saw
THE BMW plant in Swindon is responsible
for manufacturing a
number of parts for the famous
Oxford built MINI.
The works engineering department
needed to update the machinery
in its woodworking
workshop a few years ago to improve
productivity and to be fully
compliant with the new safety
regulations. For this important investment,
it was imperative that
the machines selected would give
all the advantages of heavy cast
iron construction, which the company
had become accustomed to
with its old machines, and give all
the benefits of new technology.
To satisfy this requirement,
John Penny Woodworking Machinery
Ltd supplied two Utis
planing machines and an Alten -
dorf F45 sliding table saw, both of
which offered the exact features
required by BMW Group Plant
Swindon.
The Altendorf F45 was fitted
with a 15 hp motor to ensure that
the machine could easily cut hardwood
up to the maximum depth
of 175 mm with a 500 mm dia -
meter saw blade.
The main saw has powered
movement for both height and
angle with keyboard entry and automatic
cutting depth correction
on tilting. With a large sliding table
and 1,300 mm ripping capacity,
the F45 is more than capable of
handling any panel cutting requirements.
With the worldrenowned
build quality of
L’Invincibile: an exclusive choice
This brand, relaunched in 2005, represents the company’s history, since it was the first name used on machines for craftsmen which marked the beginning
of SCM.
Today, L’Invincibile, “the ultimate in woodworking machines”,
has become the most classically advanced and prestigious
range of SCM classical machines. Purchase a
L’Invincibile and you become a member of an elite
club, receiving special treatment from SCM. Dedicated
services include the opportunity to be present for machine
testing at the factory, priority for
technical assistance and
spare parts supply and
a warranty extended up
to 50 months.
SCM Group (UK) Ltd
Tel 0115 977 0044
Email scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com
www.scmgb.co.uk
Altendorf machines, the F45 will
give an efficient and safe sawing
centre for many years.
The Utis planing machines are
now very well known in the UK for
their robustness of build, using
only cast iron for the bodies and
tables and combining this with up
to date electronics.
The R60 thicknessing planer has
a width capacity of 600 mm and
depth of 300 mm and has fitted as
SCM spindle moulder
Model TI 155 EP Class
Quality machines to build quality cars
standard an electronic table system,
giving the operator dial-asize
setting for thickness. This
particular machine was supplied
with a 10 hp motor to cope with
the heavy duty working environment,
and a disposable knife system
to reduce setting time for
knife changing.
The D52 surface planer has a
width capacity of 500 mm and the
table length is 2,800 mm to ensure
true and accurate straightening of
components. All Utis surface planers
are fitted with an eyelevel electronic
readout showing the depth
of cut, and quick acting bridge
guard. As with the R60, the D50
planer has a disposable knife system
and a heavier drive motor.
To build the best quality pro -
ducts, you need to use the best
quality machines: by combining
Altendorf and Utis, this installation
will give many years of efficient
and precise production.
John Penny Woodworking
Machinery Ltd
Tel 01235 531700
Email john.penny@btconnect.com
Panel, Wood & Solid Surface May 2009 Page 19