June/July 2010 - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

PANEL, WOOD 

& Solid Surface 

Issue No. 25/26 June/July 2010 

Success at Biesse’s One2One: See page 17

NEWS 

SCM supplies a range of panel machines 

to F & D (Hull) Ltd 

A NEW COMPANY located in Hull 

that manufactures panel pro d- 

ucts, including kitchen and bedroom 

components and educational 

furniture, has recently 

been supplied with two machines 

from SCM Group (UK) Ltd. 

Supplying a number of kitchen 

and bedroom retail outlets and studios 

in and around Hull and Humberside, 

F & D (Hull) Ltd is located in 

a 30,000 ft 2 unit that has offices, 

panel storage, a large machining 

area and finished component 

storage. It also has a separate company, 

RGF Engineering, with powder 

coating facilities for the 

manufacture of frames for furniture 

supplied to schools and universities. 

Director, Kevin Saddington, and 

Production Manager, Tony 

Mossop, have many years’ experience 

in the kitchen, bedroom and 

educational supply industries and 

when they decided to start F & D 

(Hull) Ltd, they researched the machinery 

market for suitable panel 

machinery suppliers. In the end 

they contacted SCM Group (UK) 

and Ian McCarthy, SCM’s Area 

Sales Manager, who arranged visits 

and demonstrations of SCM 

machines in a number of locations. 

They finalised a deal for SCM 

to supply a Sigma Prima 67 automatic 

panel beam saw and an 

S2000 automatic single-sided 

edge bander. An SCM Pratix 48 

NST CNC machining centre was inherited 

from Humberdale. 

Kevin Saddington comments, 

“We were aware of SCM and its 

wide range of woodworking and 

panel processing machinery, and 

after seeing a number of machines 

operating, we decided to purchase 

the two machines from Ian 

McCarthy and SCM. Also, we 

wanted the supplier to install, 

commission, provide training and 

give after sales back-up, critical for 

a new start-up such as us, and we 

have been very pleased with 

SCM’s response.” 

The Pratix 48NST is a flat table 

CNC machining centre with SCM’s 

aluminium multifunction work 

table, which is described as being 

perfect for nesting components 

from a full-size sheet, or for machining 

individual cut panels 

using vacuum pods located on the 

table. A heavy duty routing unit 

with 7.5 kW and 1,500 to 24,000 

rpm spindle speed can machine at 

high speeds for maximum productivity. 

As well as a high volume 

vacuum system guaranteeing 

hold down of the work, an eightstation 

automatic tool changer 

and a 12-spindle drilling unit with 

independent horizontal and vertical 

are included. 

The Sigma Prima 67 beam saw 

has a 3,800 x 3,800 mm cutting capacity 

and includes a fixed and 

mobile air flotation tables with independent 

motors to each table to 

provide operator assistance especially 

when loading and moving a 

full stack of large dimensioned 

panels for cutting. Execution of 

grooves on the lower surface of a 

panel is possible for carcassing 

panels and components that require 

a number of grooves across 

the panel surface. The Sigma’s PC is 

easily programmable and can have 

optimising of panels included. 

The S2000 T-ERL is at the top end 

of the SCM range of edge banders 

and is capable of trimming panel 

SCM Sigma Prima beam saw at F & D (Hull) Ltd 

SCM Pratix 48 NST 

CNC machining centre 

at F & D (Hull) Ltd 

SCM Olimpic S2000 edge bander at F & D (Hull) Ltd. 

edges at the infeed using diamond 

cutters to ensure an excellent edge 

finish before the application of glue 

and the subsequent edge banding, 

which can be PVC or melamine 

tape, 2 or 3 mm ABS, laminate or 

solid wood lippings. 

After application of the edging 

material, an end trimming unit 

that can be tilted for third and 

fourth passes of a panel when 

edged all round, trims the edging 

exactly to length. An RSP top and 

bottom trimming unit is located 

before the Round SK trimming 

unit that also corner rounds the 

panel vertical edges when 2/3 mm 

ABS is applied. It is fitted with a 

two-position pneuamtic kit for fast 

changeover when changing edge 

thicknesses. Laminate edges applied 

to the ends of post-formed 

worktops can be easily trimmed. 

A scraping unit that finishes the 

top and bottom radiused edges is 

located before an oscillating buffing 

unit to provide perfect edge 

banding no matter which material 

has been applied to the panel 

edge. The S2000 has the Orion 220 

Plus Control System fitted that 

provides the operator with a number 

of advantages in the settingup 

of the machine and moving of 

the operational units and other 

features on the machine, including 

electronic positioning of the 

top pressure unit, very useful if 

changes in the panel thickness are 

undertaken regularly. 

F & D (Hull) Ltd supplies a number 

of kitchen and bedroom retailers 

including ‘Cash and Carry’ 

outlets, where stocking of a wide 

range of carcasses, doors and 

worktops is critical to supply a 

kitchen or bedroom all in one go 

to the end user. With the machines 

F & D have installed and their 

specifications, they provide maximum 

flexibility to ensure fast delivery 

times to their customers. 

Production manager, Tony 

Mossop, states: “We are very 

happy with all of the machines installed 

by SCM and the re-commissioning 

of the Pratix CNC. The 

edge bander, as well as edging all 

of our carcass components, produces 

our kitchen doors and the 

quality of the finish, including the 

corners, is superb. Our customers 

are demanding high quality and 

we want to ensure they keep coming 

back to us with more orders for 

our furniture and components.” 

SCM Group (UK) Ltd 

Tel 0115 977 0044 

Email 

scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com 

www.scmgb.co.uk 

Page 2 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface June/July 2010

NEWS 

Panel, Wood & 

Solid Surface 

is published by 

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Editorial 

comment 

I HAVE been impressed in recent 

months by how positive many 

companies in the joinery, shop 

fitting, furniture manufacturing 

and kitchen fitting sector are 

concerning their performance in 

the first part of this year. 

A symptom of this new, positive 

mood is that this journal has been 

able to grown in size again, bringing 

you 32 pages of news and relevant 

information. 

No-one will deny that the past 

two years have been particularly 

tough for many businesses, but 

early 2010 may go down in history 

as the time when the British economy 

turned a corner and began to 

revive. 

The next few months will be crucial 

in determining whether this 

newfound growth can be consolidated, 

as I believe it can. 

While the promised public 

spending cuts mean that there is 

little prospect of new projects involving 

NHS hospitals, local authority 

schools or social housing, 

the early part of the year has seen a 

revival in the private sector: with a 

fair wind and a sense of national 

optimism, this may well be enough 

to allow the industry to grow, not 

simply mark time. And the joiners, 

shopfitters, furniture manu - 

facturers and kitchen fitters of this 

country do provide an excellent 

service for their customers, and 

should be given all possible support 

to continue to grow. 

There are several reasons for optimism 

in the country as a whole. A 

change of government always 

brings a sense that things are going 

to improve, and on this occasion 

we have men from two very different 

parties who are prepared to 

work together in coalition. 

Our sportsmen and women continue 

to delight in a variety of fields, 

and while we cannot be successful 

at everything, there are enough 

positives to keep spirits up. 

The sun is shining as I write, and 

we look as if we are moving towards 

a good summer … and as the 

prospect of delays due to volcanic 

ash may deter people from travelling 

overseas, this is an opportunity to 

develop the British tourist industry 

… and for Britain’s craftsmen to benefit 

from work to improve and maintain 

B&B’s, guest houses and hotels 

up and down the country. 

The future looks bright! 

PMR 

Contents 

NEWS 

SCM supplies a range of panel machines to F&D (Hull) Ltd .....2 

Lamont at Hy-Tech...................................................................................4 

Briquetter for Fitch...................................................................................4 

Manoeuvrability .......................................................................................4 

W10 Update 

Pre register now!.......................................................................................5 

NEWS 

Variomat chosen by Manchester College........................................6 

Lightweight top that ‘fits on top’ fits marine lifestyle .................8 

Upgraded tool change facility for AXYZ routers...........................9 

Drying rack & spray table ......................................................................9 

STAIRS: DESIGN & MANUFACTURE 

Staircase manufacture: from start to finish..................................10 

SOFTWARE FOR DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS 

JMS aids expansion at Ridon Joinery .............................................11 

Adding dimension to signs with ArtCAM...............................12-13 

Windowmaker software at Fensterbau .........................................13 

SHOW REPORT 

Busellato and Casadei at Technodomus........................................14 

Technical innovation by SCM at Technodomus..........................15 

REHAU hosts ZOW academy event .................................................16 

Successful One2One for Biesse Group UK....................................17 

SAWS IN ALL SHAPES & SIZES 

High performance Makita chainsaws work carefully 

through the Chagos archipelago .....................................18 

Permabond Laminates sticks with Striebig for third 

vertical panel saw...................................................................19 

SCM: Full range of sliding table and beam panel saws............20 

Schelling looks to the future in Milan ............................................21 

Altedorf selected ...................................................................................22 

Productive................................................................................................22 

Atkinson-Walker extends TCT range...............................................22 

DESIGN & INNOVATION 

Furniture Linoleum: a fantastic finishing touch..........................23 

Bellissimo keeps it clean in the kitchen.........................................24 

National contract...................................................................................24 

81°? No problem!...................................................................................24 

Catalogue and online database for REHAU 

Express Collection..................................................................26 

Pause for thought..................................................................................26 

Recycled materials ................................................................................26 

FSC certified veneered Medite MDF from Galtee ......................27 

Bespoke design from Blue Diamond solves supply 

problems ...................................................................................27 

HEALTH & SAFETY 

Asbestos: Britain’s biggest industrial killer ...................................28 

Landmark ruling changes outlook for asbestos cases .............28 

Dustraction completes major duct reworking 

project for JELD-WEN at Melton Mowbray ...................29 

Improved dust extraction and control for Vale (UK) Ltd..........30 

Prevention better than cure ..............................................................30 

Ultima Furniture Systems purchases ASM/MODESTA 

low noise, energy saving dust extraction system.......31 

Panel, Wood & Solid Surface June/July 2010 Page 3

NEWS 

Lamont at Hy-Tech 

HY-TECH Joinery, based in West 

Lothian, has been manufacturing 

stairs, doors, windows and 

timber components of the highest 

quality for the past 21 years, 

working predominantly in 

tropical hardwoods. With a 

strong commercial client base in 

Edinburgh and its environs, the 

company has weathered the recession 

well. 

During April 2010, managing director 

of Hy-Tech Joinery, Greig 

Rooney, invested in a clamp from 

Lamont. The clamp is unusual in 

terms of its workpiece capacity, 

which is 4,800 mm x 1,350 mm. It 

has a maximum workpiece depth 

of 250 mm. Indeed, Alan Lamont 

(of Lamont) describes the bespoke 

product as being “the size of a bus!”. 

Mr Rooney selected the Lamont 

clamp for a variety of reasons. 

These included the demands of the 

workshop, which could accommodate 

a vertical clamp of this size but 

not a horizontal one; the fact that 

Briquetter for Fitch 

The clamp undergoing final testing at Lamont’s workshop. 

Lamont was the only Scottish supplier 

who could provide the kind of 

product he wanted; and the high 

quality of personal service that 

Alan Lamont provided. 

One feature which both Hy- 

Tech Joinery and Lamont have in 

common, says Mr Rooney, is a 

commitment to providing bespoke 

quality products. He was 

particularly pleased with the way 

that Alan was able to design a 

model designed to meet his company’s 

specific multiple requirements, 

rather than simply 

adapting an off-the-shelf product. 

He was also delighted with the 

warm welcome he received whenever 

he visited the Lamont workshop 

to review progress. 

After six weeks of operation, Mr 

Rooney reported that the purchase 

of the clamp had already resulted in 

a significant improvement in the already 

high quality of his finished 

products, especially in terms of lamination, 

particularly of stair components. 

He also added the labour 

saved on assemblies was substantial 

and, due to reduced labour cost 

and increased output, the clamp 

would pay for itself in no time, and 

that he would be delighted to recommend 

both the product and the 

company to others. 

Lamont 

Tel 01461 40017 

Email aalamont@hotmail.com 

www.lamontclamping.co.uk 

Manoeuvrability 

FITCH Recycling is a company 

that not only offers the general 

recycling of wood waste, paper, 

cardboard and electronic goods, 

but also offers a complete secure 

and destruct service. 

Fitch delivers the sacks for the 

secure documentation which are 

sealed, collected and then destroyed 

without being opened, ie 

the sack is also destroyed through 

the shredding machine. All this 

occurs under surveillance, is 

recorded and then a certificate of 

completion is issued. 

Recently installed is a new Genisis 

E80 briquetting machine to 

allow the production of briquettes 

to be used for both industrial and 

domestic use. 

The machine delivered and 

commissioned produces an 80 

mm diameter briquette, and was 

supplied complete with a refrigeration 

cooling unit, allowing 24 

hour production, if required, along 

with an additional hopper, which 

is fed directly by a waste transfer 

conveyor. The machine has a load 

level detection sensor allowing it 

to work automatically along with 

an automatic bagging unit, allowing 

the machine to produce briquettes 

self sufficiently. 

The briquetting machine was 

supplied by J & C O’Meara Ltd of 

Stockport. 

J & C O’Meara Ltd 

Tel 01704 893109 

Email 

sales@jcomeara.fsnet.co.uk 

ukwoodworkingmachinery.co.uk 

RICHARD Burbidge, a leading 

supplier of timber stair parts, 

decorative mouldings and outdoor 

balustrading, is using a 

Combi-CB four-way forklift to 

speed up materials handling 

procedures at its manufacturing 

facility and headquarters in Oswestry. 

This compact Combilift 

model has also contributed to 

much more efficient use of storage 

space in the warehouse 

feeding the production area. 

Richard Burbidge was looking for 

a truck that could handle a mix of 

pallets and long loads, and manufacturing 

engineer Mark Chorlton 

and his team evaluated a wide 

range of options before settling on 

the 2.5 t capacity Combi-CB. 

“Its manouevrability, versatility 

to work indoors and out, together 

with the counterbalance design 

were deciding factors,” says Mark. 

The diesel powered model has 

side shift as standard, and a 4.9 m 

triplex mast due to limited headroom. 

An optional hydraulic fork positioner 

was also fitted: this allows 

for quick adjustments of the forks 

from inside the cab to fit the varying 

sizes of loads such as pallets, 8 ft 

long stillages and packs of board. 

Picking and storing product has 

been further speeded up by the 

CB’s ability to turn on its axis: once 

in the aisle, the driver can move 

loads from one side of the racking 

to another by turning 180°, eliminating 

time-consuming travel in 

and out of the racking. “The truck’s 

capability to ‘turn on a sixpence’ as 

well as its ability to access floor 

level storage has boosted productivity 

at a busy site,” says Mark. “In 

short, the Combi-CB has become 

an integral part of our operations 

and we would be stuck without it.” 

Combilift Ltd 

Tel 07968 490051 

Email info@combilift.com 

www.combilift.com 


W10 UPDATE 

Pre register now! 

VISITORS to the W10 Working 

with Wood exhibition (NEC 3-6 

October) can now pre-register on 

line at www.w10exhibition.com 

Registration online is quicker 

and easier than ever this year. W10 

asks you for only minimal information 

and and within a couple of 

clicks you are registered and ready 

to attend. 

You will receive regular updates 

before the show, highlighting exhibitors 

across the range, and 

you’ll get fast track entry to the 

show on the day. 

Free parking, catalogues and 

entry to the event are all part of 

the service to visitors. 

If you’ve been to the W exhibitions, 

previously Woodmex and 

ASFI events, before, then you’ll expect 

the full span of suppliers to 

manufacturers working with 

wood. Visitors to W10 will certainly 

see that — plus many new exhibitors 

from across the world. 

Exhibitions have an important 

part to play in the new economic 

climate and W10 has been structured 

with this in mind. The emphasis 

for W10 is on face to face 

contact with potential new suppliers 

able to help you improve the 

bottom line of your business. 

Now is the time to take a day to 

look at the opportunities for your 

business to find new materials, 

technology, methods and capa - 

bilities. At W10, the vast range of 

exhibitors will be keen to help 

your business compete — and 

you can meet them face to face. 

This exhibition, believed to be 

the only UK national event for 

manufacturers working with 

wood, takes place every two years. 

Its location at the NEC is ideal for 

access from across the UK with 

great road, rail and air links. Be 

sure to pre-register today. 

W10 

Tel 01629 530998 

Email sales@w10exhibition.com 

www.w10exhibition.com 


NEWS 

Variomat chosen by Manchester College 

THE WEINIG Variomat moulder, 

with memory system and fast 

setting using PowerLock HSK 

tooling on the side heads, has 

become the minimum ‘startingup’ 

standard in all sectors of the 

industry for today’s requirements, 

because it incorporates 

the key technical features 

needed. 

The Manchester College has recently 

installed one to meet the 

modern training needs of wood 

machinists, for many of the woodworking 

manufacturers who are 

installing new technology moulders, 

including well known large 

com panies in the Greater Manchester 

area and further afield. 

Technology in the industry has 

moved on quickly and the need 

for training the workforce in the 

new techniques is paramount, to 

get the optimum benefits from 

new investments. In the case of a 

moulder, features that provide 

faster throughput are: minimum 

downtime in setting up; quick 

change over tooling and related 

machine features; absolute accuracy 

and repeatability; and a high 

standard of surface finish. These 

are essential to meet customer demands 

and that’s precisely what 

the Variomat offers at a surprisingly 

attractive price, particularly 

for first time buyers and colleges, 

where budgets are restricted. 

Says Tony Wood, tutor at Manchester 

College, School of Building, 

“Once woodworking manufacturers 

have invested in new 

Tony Wood (left), tutor at Manchester College, School of Building, during a training session on the 

Weinig Variomat moulder. Inset: David Hill (left), Weinig representative, with Tony Wood, showing 

PowerLock HSK tooling. 

Students at Manchester College, operating the Weinig Variomat moulder. 

technology moulders, they then 

have to train their workforce to 

use the machines. 

“Colleges are normally their first 

port of call, so we had to make a decision 

to keep pace with demands 

and provide a state-of-the-art 

wood machining training facility. 

“We decided on the Weinig Variomat 

because its technology 

gives us the versatile and up-todate 

facilities necessary to train, 

using technically advanced machinery 

and tooling. Since, we 

have had a very positive response 

and interest from the industry in 

attracting more students for our 

Diploma courses, NVQ programmes 

and our short ‘tailored’ 

courses in wood machining.” 

The user-friendly Variomat has 

five moulding heads as standard 

and a memory system of up to 99 

dimensions. It features HSK Power - 

Lock tooling on two side heads, 

with conventional cutter heads on 

the three others, making it extremely 

versatile. The memory system 

stores all measurements of 

work pieces when they are first set 

up so that their dimensions can be 

recalled thereafter at any time, in 

seconds, for reproduction. Imagine 

the time saved when hundreds of 

profiles are memorised and can be 

recalled without setting up time! 

The HSK tooling is much lighter 

and easy to handle. It can be removed 

and replaced in seconds 

and, along with savings in setting 

up time, it reduces downtime and 

speeds up production considerably. 

The Variomat and other advanced 

technology Weinig moulder 

models are used widely in the 

UK joinery and furniture industry, 

and operator training will ensure 

maximum production — believed 

to be ten times more than by 

using conventional machinery. 

Sound operator training pays dividends 

in the long run. 

Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd 

Tel 01235 557600 

Email sales@weinig.co.uk 

www.weinig.co.uk 


NEWS 

Lightweight top that ‘fits on top’ fits marine 

lifestyle 

A GRANITE Transformations 

worktop surface, known as the 

top that fits on top, is normally 

associated with kitchen 

makeovers on dry land. 

Yet the material’s comparatively 

light weight and flexibility make it 

equally suitable for marine applications, 

where its outstanding resistance 

to stains, spills, scratches 

and heat should enable the diamond-polished 

finish to withstand 

the toughest conditions afloat. 

Retired decorator and former 

deputy headteacher, John and 

Joan Hodgson, chose Trend R, 

Granite Transformations’ luxurious 

granite mix, for the galley of the 

recently-built narrowboat, the material 

fitting beautifully over the 

original laminate worktops. The 

work was carried out quickly and 

unobtrusively by Granite Transformations’ 

Nottinghamshire showroom, 

in Newark, which also 

performed a similar galley 

makeover on a 60 ft yacht owned 

by a retired boatbuilder, around 

the same time. 

“With its hi tech blend of finest 

Italian granite and around 5% 

polyester resin, this material is far 

lighter and slimmer than granite 

slab or engineered stone, yet 

offers the same, if not superior, 

technical performance,” says local 

GT franchise owner, Ian Floyde. 

“Flexing on a boat can cause 

cracking, which would certainly be 

a problem with natural stone, but 

our material has excellent flexural 

strength. There can also be a ballast 

issue if there is too much 

weight on one side of the boat, although 

again our agglomerate is 

two thirds lighter than granite 

slab. There are no maintenance 

problems either, with no need for 

regular sealing to prevent odours 

and staining.” 

For John and Joan Hodgson, 

their galley surfaces and splashbacks 

will need to retain their 

good looks for years to come, because 

they have actually sold their 

home and plan to live on the narrowboat 

full time. After more than 

20 years of canal boating, either 

renting or through shared ownership, 

they finally took the plunge 

recently and invested in a 60 ft 

long x 7 ft wide steel shell, then 

had it fitted out in luxurious American 

Ash, by Manchester specialists, 

Crown Narrowboats. 

The boat’s name is Tagine 

Queen, because Joan had a penchant 

for lamb tagine when visiting 

a particular canalside pub and 

was nicknamed that by the landlady. 

She and John also had a hankering 

from granite worktops in 

the galley, but the cost would 

have taken them over budget. 

Later, however, a boatbuilder told 

them about ‘the top that fits on 

top’, its affordability and practicality, 

so the distinctive look and appeal 

of Italian granite was 

suddenly feasible. 

The Tagine Queen’s exterior is 

painted in eau de nil and meadow 

green (and regularly maintained 

by ex-professional painter John), 

so the worktops are in another 

shade of green, Verde Olivia. Described 

appropriately by the designer 

as ‘resembling a mountain 

stream at twilight’, it features 

flecks of black and copper floating 

on a bed of dark mossy greens and 

complements the galley’s light ash 

woodwork perfectly. 

The two 8 ft x 2 ft and 5 ft x 2 ft 

countertops were measured up 

and templated by a GT technician, 

then made off-site at the Newark 

workshops, before being fitted in 

less than a day, with no mess, ripping 

out or disruption. 

“Apart from access and a relatively 

confined workspace, it was a 

perfectly straightforward job,” says 

Ian Floyde. “We just had to bring 

the slabs in through a narrowboat 

window.” 

Granite Transformations 

Tel 0800 822 3410 

Email enquiries@ 

granitetransformations.co.uk 

www.granitetransformations.co.uk 


NEWS 

Upgraded tool change facility for AXYZ routers 

OWNERS of AXYZ CNC routers 

now have the benefit of a larger 

(up to 21-station) automatic 

tool change (ATC) facility to accommodate 

work in the furniture 

production, joinery and 

industrial woodworking sectors 

that have multiple tooling 

requirements. 

The AXYZ 4008, in particular, is 

a preferred routing solution for 

these industries, with numerous 

installations testifying to its highperformance 

and reliability that is 

founded on the same robust components 

as the larger and heavier 

AXYZ machines. 

The AXYZ 4008 has a processing 

area of 2,440 mm (length) by 

1,466 mm (width). The enlarged 

ATC facility, incorporating an S- 

mouse automatic tool tip calibration 

sensor, provides an easy and 

convenient way of handling jobs 

requiring multiple tooling functions 

based on a choice of either a 

seven- or 21-station carousel style 

system. The router is of a steel and 

aluminium CNC-machined construction 

incorporating a 5 hp Elite 

spindle and zoned vacuum bed. 

Other key features of the router 

include the new AXYZ A2MC machine 

controller that accepts industry-standard 

G-code programs 

from virtually all CAD/CAM systems. 

It claims to offer the highest 

level of machine control capabilities 

currently available and delivers 

much smoother and faster 

motion based on S-Curve (Seven 

Drying rack & spray table 

Segment Velocity) trajectories. For 

processing large 3D files, a DNC 

drip feed interface is also available. 

The machine also features a 

fully functional AXYZ controller 

with over 75 operator-pro - 

grammable functions, extended 

Z-axis height and multiple spindle 

options (including quick-release 

tooling). 

AXYZ International 

Tel 01902 375600 

Email sales@axyz.co.uk 

www.axyz.co.uk 

GIBBS SandTech has introduced 

its latest design Expander Rack 

and a budget Spray Table. 

The expander rack is robust in 

design and built in Hertfordshire by 

the Gibbs manufacturing arm. 

Standard racks are available from 

stock and special designs are also 

available, and can often be delivered 

within five days. 

The expander rack opens up to 

1,480 mm and closes up to 300 

mm, allowing it to be stored when 

not in use. The budget spray table 

is adjustable in height and has a 

large rotating top frame. 

Gibbs SandTech Ltd 

01920 822404 

Email info@gibbsfinishing.com 

www.gibbsfinishing.com 


STAIRS: DESIGN & MANUFACTURE 

Staircase manufacture: from start to finish 

STAIRCASES are taken for 

granted, but the staircase is at 

the heart and centrepiece of the 

period and the modern home. 

The earliest staircases, such as 

the spiral staircases used in castles, 

were made of stone. In the early 

1300s people started to make 

staircases from timber, usually 

using native hardwoods. Oak became 

the material of choice, being 

cheaper and easier to craft, and a 

longer lasting hardwood. 

The golden age of oak staircases 

with extravagant carved patterns 

were made in the 15th 

century, when the local talented 

craftsmen would show off their 

artistic talents by carving geometrical 

shapes, heads, faces, leaves 

and fruit on newel posts and 

wooden splats (a flat spindle). 

In the late 1600s, the Jacobean/ 

Stuart era, the attitudes and tastes 

of architects and designers became 

more sophisticated. Staircases were 

lighter in colour and used turned 

wooden spindles in place of the old 

wooden splats to support the 

handrail. Sophisticated turned patterns 

and the barley twist, flute and 

reeded designs were used and 

would have been turned on a 

treadle lathe, relying on the skills of 

the skilled craftsman’s eye to judge 

when the spindle was the correct 

diameter and shape. 

In the Georgian era, the closedstring 

staircase with carved balusters, 

newel posts and classic carved 

spindles with a continuous diagonal 

board masking the steps was 

supplemented by the open string 

for main staircases. 

This design became more popular 

and introduced an airier, more 

elegant feel, with a string that revealed 

the profile of the treads and 

risers, rather than hiding them. 

The turned and carved balusters/spindles 

of the first half of the 

century were usually placed two or 

three to a step. 

The traditional design of stair 

Locatelli Macchine MK-CNC 

parts: balustrade, newel posts and 

spindles, has continued through 

the years. Spiral staircases also became 

very popular because of 

their compactness: they could be 

made of wood, concrete or metal. 

Timber is still the preferred material 

for the treads and stair parts 

and, although in some cases the 

whole staircase may be built of 

timber, in others it forms the 

upper layer only. MDF, concrete, 

metal and, in some cases, glass, 

are used as alternatives. 

Machinery has advanced over 

the years and the majority of staircases 

and staircase components are 

produced on sophisticated high 

production machinery. Holztechnik 

Machinery Services can supply a 

full complement of machinery to 

manufacture all staircase components 

from start to finish. 

The Holzmann Maschinen 

VS20/5PM and the VS25/5PM four 

sided planer/moulder with the option 

of a fifth universal spindle will 

machine the handrail, the base-rail 

and the timber blanks for newel 

posts up to 120 mm square. The 

5th universal spindle will rotate 

360° around the workpiece and is 

ideal for almost every type and 

shape of profile; these strong and 

versatile machines have a maximum 

working dimension of 180/ 

120 mm and 230/120 mm with 

two feed speeds of 6/12 m/min. 

The staircase stringers can be 

machined for the tread and riser 

on a Heian CNC router type 

NC131-PMC. This machine can be 

configured with different table 

sizes. The most common size for 

staircase manufacturing is 1,300 x 

5,000 mm. This machine is 

equipped with an automatic tool 

changing system with carousels to 

take from 8-16 tools. 

For the more complicated staircase 

designs, spiral staircase 

handrails and balustrades and the 

manufacture of complex handrail 

fittings such as volutes, up ramps, 

horizontal corners, newel corners, 

newel rail joints and handrail end 

pieces, a five-axis CNC machine 

will be required. The Heian NC151- 

MC five-axis machine with rigid 

Heian CNC router NC131-PMC 

construction ensures extremely 

demanding free-form machining 

for all staircase components. The 

NC151-MC will machine all the 

above handrail/balustrade components 

and when the spindle is 

locked in the vertical position, the 

machine will also machine the 

stringers for the tread and riser. 

Staircase spindles and the 

newel posts can be turned on a 

Locatelli Macchine woodturning 

lathe. Locatelli has three woodturning 

lathes in its range of machinery 

suitable for manu - 

facturing turned spindles and 

newel posts: the Locatelli Multimatik 

MK-CC Copia and the Multimatik 

MK SE-CC, which are 

hydro-copy lathes, and the MK- 

CNC Multimatik CNC program - 

mable lathe. The machines are 

available in working lengths up to 

1,600 mm with a maximum working 

diameter of 220 mm and 300 

mm. Old and new spindle designs 

can be manufactured on the machines 

by either using an original 

spindle from a staircase or a metal 

or wooden template or, in the case 

of the Multimatik CNC lathe, designing 

the spindle on a CAD software 

programme and transferring 

the programme to the machine. 

All the above machinery can be 

used for mass production and bespoke 

staircase designs. 

Holztechnik Machinery Services 

Tel 0800 112 3928 

Email holzmachineryuk@ 

btconnect.com 

www.woodworking.uk.com 



JMS aids expansion at Ridon Joinery 

SOUTHAMPTON based Ridon 

Joinery, a family owned company, 

was established in 1977 

by Phil and Janet Prewitt. Joined 

by their son, Jason, and daughter, 

Keri, they offer traditional 

craftsmanship with cutting 

edge technology to provide a 

wide range of services, including 

shop fitting, kitchens, windows, 

doors, staircases, bespoke 

furniture and custom 

joinery for listed buildings. 

Phil is now responsible for the office 

and Jason heads up the production 

team. Their philosophy is based 

on providing solutions for customers, 

from design of items right 

through to choice of material and 

the quality of the finished product. 

Describing itself as a medium 

sized company, Ridon Joinery employs 

26 people including joiners, 

machinists, fitters and admin staff. 

The company believes its success 

is down to its attention to detail 

and customer service: however, 

the introduction of Joinerysoft’s 

Joinery Management Software 

(JMS) three years ago has revolutionised 

its efficiency in the office. 

Phil says, “The software has definitely 

contributed to us winning 

work, because it makes us look 

more professional in our approach 

to producing the work.” 

Providing a total solution for 

joinery companies, JMS helps joiners 

design, quote, produce and invoice 

bespoke joinery. More than 

just a pricing package, it provides 

detailed drawings and specifications 

for the customer to approve, 

while production sheets provide 

drawings and cutting lists for machinists 

and joiners. JMS generated 

supplier reports can be faxed 

straight through to timber merchants 

or glaziers for each job, or 

simply used to check stock levels. 

Familiar with software, albeit 

from the plastics industry, Phil was 

frustrated by its limitations and inability 

to design bespoke joinery. 

Reading about JMS in the trade 

press, he knew instantly that this 

was the way forward. His only concern 

was how easy it was to use. 

Recommendations by other joiners 

convinced him to have a personal 

demo and resulted in him 

purchasing JMS there and then. 

The biggest advantage of 

Joinerysoft, as far as Phil is concerned, 

is his ability to design windows 

and doors quickly to customer 

specifications. Unusual requests or 

items to match listed buildings are 

the company’s speciality. JMS 

quotes provide not only drawings 

but detailed specifications so customers 

can clearly see the timber, 

glass or fittings used before approval. 

He confirms, “As well as having 

standard windows and doors 

within JMS, it is the convenience of 

being able to design my own or 

whatever the customer wants that I 

find most useful.” He adds, “Showing 

a picture of a shaped door or 3D 

staircase is much easier to explain 

than verbally or hand drawn.” 

JMS is capable of creating any 

joinery item, from casement windows, 

sliding sash, doors and doorframes, 

stairs, screens, gates and 

any other joinery item within Bill of 

Materials. Within JMS you can build 

up your own catalogue of materials, 

costs, timber and styles, allowing it 

to be adapted to suit your needs. 

JMS has speeded up work at 

Ridon Joinery. Phil claims that 

quoting/estimating is now up to 

75% quicker. He says, “Recently in 

just one morning I priced £600,000 

of work for 287 sliding sashes/ 

boxed windows. By hand that 

would have taken me a week. The 

job involved matching existing 

windows in a listed Victorian building 

over five stories tall. With lamb’s 

tongue mouldings, circular windows 

and some windows at 2.5 m 

tall, it was a job that other companies 

had refused to quote on.” 

Despite his lack of experience 

on computers, Phil has found JMS 

easy to use. He can design a staircase 

and gothic windows for 

churches with shaped sashes, fan 

lights and glazing bars, but admits 

to still not being able to email! 

The team behind JMS at Joinerysoft 

employs joiners to both 

design the programme and also 

provide technical support. This 

means that not only is the programme 

intuitive to joiners’ needs, 

but the terminology is all familiar. 

“Receiving two days training 

with Joinerysoft was very helpful,” 

says Phil, “and the customer service 

team is always on hand to answer 

questions, no matter how small.” He 

adds, “JMS is such a nice program to 

use. It doesn’t penalise you if you 

make a mistake. You can’t mess it 

up. If I can use it, anyone can.” 

Joinerysoft support also utilise 

LogMeIn software to look at a 

problem on your computer and 

either remotely put it right or explain 

how to do something. 

Passing information on to the 

next generation with Joinerysoft is 

so much easier. Phil explains, “I put a 

joiner who had never used joinery 

software before in front of JMS and 

showed him what to do. Leaving 

him for an hour while I attended a 

client on site, he was able to design 

a window, door and sash, all without 

previous experience of JMS.” 

Phil confirms, “Joinerysoft has 

similar values to ourselves and is 

very customer orientated. JMS has 

helped us to grow and taken the 

stress out of paperwork. I would 

not be able to cope with all the 

work on my own in the office if it 

wasn’t for JMS.” 

Ridon Joinery 

Tel 023 8063 5722 

Email jason@ridon-joinery.co.uk 

www.ridon-joinery.co.uk 

Joinerysoft Ltd 

Tel 01608 643302 

Email enquiries@joinerysoft.com 

www.joinerysoft.com 



Adding dimension to signs with ArtCAM 

Step 1: Vector selection for area clearance. 

Step 2: Sign created using ArtCAM’s area clearance strategy. 

Step 3: Three dimensional text created using the bevel carving 

tool. 

Step 4: Creating 3 dimensional text using a V-bit cutting tool. 

DELCAM’S ArtCAM 2010 is a 

leading CADCAM (Computer 

Aided Design and Manufacturing) 

software range for the sign - 

age industry and has been used 

to create a range of sign age 

such as: modular, custom-made, 

bulk, inlaid and light boxes. 

It comprises the entry-level Art- 

CAM Express for users new to CNC 

machining, ArtCAM Insignia for 

production machining and Art- 

CAM Pro for more complex design 

and manufacturing. 

Sign-makers can begin their flat 

or three dimensional designs directly 

in ArtCAM or if they choose, 

they can first sketch their ideas on 

paper or design the piece in a familiar 

CAD package, which can 

then be scanned or imported directly 

into the software. 

Once satisfied with the design, 

the sign-maker can then select the 

tools he/she plans to use for machining 

from ArtCAM’s extensive 

tool database. 

Working with these tools selections, 

ArtCAM’s range of advanced 

machining strategies allows the 

sign-maker to then calculate the 

fastest and most efficient machining 

method possible. 

Here we will look at some of the 

2D machining strategies that are 

available across the range to create 

three dimensional effects. 

Starting with a vector based 

(line) design the sign maker can 

immediately begin adding dimension 

to their sign. (Step 1) 

With the use of ArtCAM’s area 

clearance strategy, the user can 

rapidly and efficiently remove the 

bulk of material between selected 

vector artwork. 

This recess can be deep as the 

user chooses to make the text (in 

this instance the words ‘Saw Mill’) 

as prominent as required. This 2D 

toolpath can then be quickly simulated 

to enable the user to not 

only see how it will look machined 

but also to give them the opportunity 

to make any required alterations 

prior to machining. (Step 2) 

The Saw Mill text now has a flat 

raised surface, however to transform 

this sign into something 

more visually pleasing, ArtCAM’s 

bevel carving tool can then be run 

over the text to create a bevelled 

edge. Again, as with every toolpath, 

this can then be simulated to 

ensure that the user is entirely satisfied 

with the design. (Step 3) 

Another effective and commonly 

used 2D machining strategy 

used by ArtCAM sign makers 

worldwide is the V-bit carving tool. 

This strategy runs a ‘V bit’ tool 

along the selected vector, in this 

instance the word reception, to 

create a crisp V shape as it cuts 

into the material. (Step 4) 

As with most signs, the designer 

also needs to take into consideration 

how the sign will be 

mounted or displayed. For this, 

ArtCAM’s drilling tool is ideal. The 

user needs only to make sure that 

they have circles in their 2D artwork 

where the holes need to be 

drilled. Using the drilling tool, Art- 

CAM calculates the central point 

that the chosen machine tool, eg 

an end mill, will machine into. 

Again, this is where ArtCAM’s 

simulation becomes invaluable as 

the user can then see if the tool 

has drilled deep enough into the 

material. 

Once the decorative work has 

been added to the sign, its basic 

shape needs to be cut out from 

the piece of material. To do this 

ArtCAM has the 2D profiling tool, 

which will cut around the edge of 

a chosen vector. 

A common issue for many signmakers 

is the sign moving free as it 

is cut from the material block. 

To prevent this, ArtCAM provides 

the user with the ability to 

create ‘bridges’, in their preferred 

location and material thickness, in 

order to hold the sign in place. 

These can then be removed once 

the overall shape has been cut out. 

(Step 5) 

Before any machining data is 

sent to the machine, the user can 

simulate the entire design and 

view their sign in a range of materials 

and wood textures, and in different 

resolutions, so that they can 

see the finished piece more 

clearly; and rotate the sign to see it 

from multiple angles or see the actual 

toolpath over the design. 

To save the toolpaths, ArtCAM 

will format all toolpaths to work 

with the user’s specific CNC or RP 

machine. All the user has to do is 

select their machine from a comprehensive 

pull-down menu and 

then ArtCAM will create the required 

output file. 

The toolpath is then ready to 

load onto the machine. (Step 6) 

Delcam Plc 

Tel 0121 683 1000 

Email info@artcam.com 

www.artcam.com 

Page 12 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface June/July 2010 

▲


▲ 

Step 5: Creating ‘bridges’. 

Windowmaker software at Fensterbau 

WINDOWMAKER Software exhibited at Fensterbau 

for the 24th time earlier this year. 

Managing director, Goronwy Jones, has been to 

all 24 events and is a big fan of the trade show. 

“Fensterbau has helped us to achieve our global 

customer base across more than 60 countries. It is 

the most international of the exhibitions that we 

participate in and provides the best opportunity for 

meeting up with customers from far-away lands. 

This year we met companies from 21 different 

countries,” he said. 

The focus of the stand was on the latest Windowmaker 

ERP product. Windowmaker ERP is promoted 

as an “iBob” solution: the acronym stands for 

“integrated Best of Breed”. This is because it seamlessly 

integrates the Windowmaker geometrical product configurator and 

window production optimisation technology into the Dynamics ERP 

products from Microsoft. 

Mr Jones explains, “Achieving a single integrated IT system to run your 

company no longer involves compromises. You really can combine the 

best of both worlds: ERP and window software.” 

The company was also demonstrating the results of a new partnership 

with Uni_Link of Belgium. 

Windowmaker already offers links to 85 different models of window 

machinery. By partnering with Uni_Link of Belgium and integrating its 

technologies, the ‘Link to Uni_Link’ has, in effect, added dozens of aluminium 

machining centres to the list. It allows for operation macros to 

be defined and reviewed visually on the screen. For fabricators, this 

means that additional machining centres can be implemented via standard 

machinery drives. This avoids the delays of reprogramming macros 

and link software, thereby saving valuable time and resources. 

Windowmaker Software ● Tel 0120 8390 4931 

Email info@windowmaker.com ● www.windowmaker.com 

Step 6: Simulation of the finished piece with toolpaths showing. 


SHOW REPORT 

Busellato and Casadei at Technodomus 

SHOWING jointly at the Italian 

Technodomus exhibition at 

Rimini with Casadei in April, 

Busellato displayed a broad and 

largely redesigned range of CNC 

workcentres. 

Many of the workcentre options 

have been re-engineered to better 

address the needs of the current 

generation of smaller, independent 

panel and joinery shops, according 

to UK distributor IWM, 

whose managing director, Ian 

Brown, attended the show for 

2010. 

Busellato launched its new Jet 

Star 5 entry-level CNC workcentre, 

which offers very simple configuration 

of a highly flexible 2,486 x 

1,256 mm panel nesting table plus 

new automatic tool pre-setting for 

full optimisation of cutting depths. 

Technical pre-launch research 

for the new Jet Star 5 by Busellato 

has led to the development of 

some new features for improved 

working of timber and panels on 

this new generation of CNC workcentre 

systems, which can now be 

equipped with full automatic 

panel handling at both infeed and 

outfeed stages. 

Jet Optima C21 by Busellato 

was shown with a re-designed 

machine frame to further reduce 

overall dimensions for use in 

smaller factories and craftsman 

workshops. 

New QinX operating software 

introduces full five-axis working 

Busellato and Casadei showed jointly at Technodomus in 2010. 

New from Busellato is the Jet Star 5, a 5 x axis entry level workcentre. 

on an entry-level machine. The 

very versatile Jet Optima has been 

reborn for the production of 

doors, windows and furniture on 

today’s smaller and more agile 

joinery shop floors. 

The new Jet Optima C21 shown 

at Technodomus was equipped 

with two five-position fixed tool 

changers on one side of the machine 

in addition to the 10-position 

auto changer on the beam 

plus an additional double tool 

changer position for bigger and 

heavier work-pieces. Increased 

tool storage now available makes 

the Jet Optima C21 quicker and 

easier to reset and to switch more 

quickly from panel to door or solid 

wood machining — ideal upgrades 

for today’s smaller batch 

working needs. 

IWM’s Ian Brown also reports a 

new spindle moulder model from 

Casadei launched under the 

model type F 235 A (for automatic) 

with fixed spindles and full numeric 

controls. The machine is 

equipped with new computer 

controls and an LCD screen for 

working in all axes on the machine 

in standard form. 

The new model at the exhibition 

was equipped with two controlled 

axes plus automatic 

spindle fence positioning in relation 

to cutter-head diameter and 

spindle height settings. 

The new ‘Rapid’ table was 

launched on the F 235 A at the 

show and features a suspended 

swing arm to enable quicker and 

more efficient working of the 

spindle fence — this is now part of 

the standard specifiation of the 

machine, which features fully controlled 

axes. 

Alternative models of Casadei’s 

new spindle moulder are also 

equipped with electro-spindles 

and inverters so that cutter-head 

rotation speeds can be auto - 

matically computer-numerically 

controlled. 

International Woodworking 

Machines (IWM) 

Tel 07944 108747 

Email 

ibrown@iwmachines.co.uk 


SHOW REPORT 

Technical innovation by SCM at Technodomus 

SCM Group UK had booked over 120 customers 

and staff on flights to see SCM Group’s latest machine 

innovations at the Technodomus Exhibition 

in Rimini. But then came the Icelandic 

Volcano Saga and therefore all flights were cancelled 

from the UK. However, SCM UK’s managing 

director, Gabriele de Col, did manage to obtain a 

flight and attend the last two days of the show. 

He comments, “It was very disappointing after all 

the time and effort put in to organise the visits, as 

everyone was looking forward to a successful experience. 

However, when I eventually arrived at 

the SCM Group stand at the Rimini Fiera, I was very impressed. The stand was 

magnificent, probably the best machinery stand I have ever seen, with a superb presentation 

of the Group’s huge product range and the latest technological advances that have been made during the recent re-organisation.” Some of the 

many innovative machines exhibited at Technodomus by the SCM Group are described below. 

The L’Invincibile SI 6500 Sliding Table Panel Saw features a 150 mm cutting height with new micrometric adjustment for the stops complete with 

LCD readout and a new stops locking device for the cutting of solid wood with edges. The machine composition includes Ultracut optimisation software 

and cutting sequence management, a wireless squaring fence with three LCD readouts for stop positions linked via wireless technology and a 

‘Full Support’ mobile frame for angular cutting. See our Saws feature on page 20 for more information. 

New automatic planer moulders introduced included the Superset NT PL composition 5 (above). This is a 5-spindle automatic throughfeed moulder 

of the latest generation for planing and profiling of door components. It guarantees high flexibility and ease of use thanks to an electronic control 

with touch-screen display. HSK 85S tool chucks 

enable high flexibility and optimum finishing quality. 

The main features include vertical tool holder 

spindles with HSK technology, MOBILE 10 electronic 

control, electronic axes for working unit positioning 

and a work piece return system. The Superset NT PL is perfect 

for window and door components, shaped 

beads and mouldings. 

The Olimpic K 800 T-R2 edge bander is 

completely electronically controlled, so has 

the Orion 110 control system available as a standard feature 

on all versions (StarTouch optional feature), an inline 

trimming unit with two vertical working positions, a 

rounding unit with two motors and four working positions 

(ABS+ three different thin thicknesses), a nebuliser for the 

edge finishing and a glue scraper derived from the higher level machine 

models.Advantages include a sturdy and reliable industrial type structure 

and base, increased productivity thanks to the 11 or 16 m/min panel feed 

speed, also when rounding, and integration into the NetLine process, which manages the design, the programming and the furniture production in 

all machining. The Olimpic K800 can edge band panels up to 60 mm thick and with an 8 mm edging thickness, which can be increased to 12 mm. 

The tenacity and expertise of the SCM Group research and development team resulted in the development of a series of new solutions, all concentrated 

on the Accord range (illustrated below). The new design increases precision and flexibility, reduces down times and makes the machining 

centre very simple to use. Accord 40 has a new mobile gantry-style structure, which allows greater machining precision. The new machining heads 

are powerful and reliable, with from three to five interpolating axes, their performance catering for any production requirements. There are new chainstyle 

tool magazines able to hold up to 48 large tools, with a ‘changer shuttle’ which 

allows Accord to change the tool in just five seconds. Manual, guided or automatic, 

the new bar table is easy to use, with extremely fast set-up times. It 

can be configured to use suction cups or clamps to lock down any type of 

work piece, always maintaining maximum locking safety levels. 

The big new feature of the Accord 40 is that all of the hold-down supports 

(suction cups or clamps) are independently driven, allowing great flexibility 

during use. Last but not least, to protect the operator and guarantee 

low environmental impact, systems for protection and shavings recovery 

were designed for all of the machining heads and tools. 


Tel 0115 977 0044 

Email scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com 

www.scmgb.co.uk 


SHOW REPORT 

REHAU hosts ZOW academy event 

UK BASED furniture designers 

and manufacturers who didn’t 

make it to this year’s ZOW exhibition 

were able to find out exactly 

what they missed from 

REHAU via two special event 

held at the company’s Ross on 

Wye Academy. 

REHAU hosted the events on 25 

March and 14 April to give existing 

and potential customers the opportunity 

to see the latest furniture 

component trends from REHAU, 

which were released at the show, in 

particular the new innovation in 

laser technology used in edgeband 

processing. 

Allison Tucker, Business Team 

Manager for REHAU’s Furniture 

Products, said: “The theme of 

REHAU’s stand at ZOW was ‘Making 

your ideas work’ with REHAU inviting 

visitors to the stand to tell us 

their ideas so that we could show 

how they could be turned to reality. 

“We replicated this at our UK 

event, with customers being invited 

to see how our design innovation 

and processing technology 

could help them bring even the 

most radical designs to the market 

place.” 

At the Academy event, REHAU 

displayed RAUKANTEX Laser Edge, 

a new generation of edging materials 

developed by REHAU to deliver 

a flawless moulded look when 

applied to narrow board surfaces. 

A new laser welding process delivered 

in conjunction with leading 

machinery specialists Homag and 

IMA allows the edgeband to be applied 

with no requirement for adhesive 

and the guarantee of no 

visible glue line. 

REHAU also demonstrated its Express 

Collection of edgebands 

available from stock and stylish 

RAUVOLET tambour door solutions 

in metallic and glass finishes. 

Following on from ZOW, it focussed 

on how, by choosing a complete 

REHAU system for furniture 

components, customers can 

achieve a perfect match throughout 

their design scheme from tambour 

doors to wall seals, 

edgebands and plinth covers. 

REHAU’s Training Academy is 

fully equipped with both meeting 

rooms and hands on demonstration 

areas so delegates at the event 

were able to see and feel the new 

products for themselves and saw 

demonstrations of how they are 

applied. 

REHAU 

Tel 01989 762732 

Email Roshni.Patel@rehau.com 

www.rehau.com 

Top: REHAU RAUKANTEX 

Express Collection. 

Middle: REHAU RAUVOLET 

tambour doors. 

Left: Visitors at REHAU’s stand 

at ZOW were impressed by 

the products on display. 


SHOW REPORT 

Successful One2One for Biesse Group UK 

BIESSE Group UK opened its 

doors from June 8th-10th for its 

One2One, described by the 

company as “more than an inhouse 

show”. The events included 

seminars and an 

emphasis on environmentally 

responsible manufacturing as 

well as demonstrations of machinery 

for both panel and joinery 

processing industries. 

Over £500,000 worth of sales 

were completed as a consequence 

of the show, including the Biesse - 

Sand Regal 330 sander, which was 

sold to On-Wood Products, based 

in Harlow, Essex. More details on 

the installation of this top-of-therange 

industrial sander will follow 

in a later issue. 

The trade press were invited to 

attend the event on Wednesday 

June 9th, and Steve Bulmer, managing 

director of Biesse Group UK, 

demonstrated to us the capabilities 

of some of Biesse’s latest technology, 

and explained Biesse’s 

Green Project, the latest generation 

of machinery that have been 

designed by Biesse to cause less 

pollution by optimising the work 

process and sharply reduce excess 

energy consumption and CO2 

emissions, not only saving energy, 

but also cost savings for the user. 

The famous Biesse technology 

now includes the very concept of 

ecology, just as the word TECHNOL- 

OGY includes the word ECOLOGY. 

During our tour, the trade press 

were given demonstrations on a 

variety of machines, including the 

Rover A 4.55, a CNC machining 

centre which can be set up to 

work on both panel and joinery 

applications. We were shown a 

joinery application, where the internal 

frame and joints on a sash 

window were machined, to the 

point where the frame was ready 

for gluing. The demonstration was 

carried out by Richard Fathers, a 

senior technician with Biesse specialising 

in joinery. 

BiesseArtech Akron 440 edgebander 

Fully automatic positioning of 

the beds through Biesse’s Electronic 

Positioning System (EPS) 

meant that, once Richard had 

loaded the appropriate programme 

onto the machine, positioned 

the planed timber correctly 

at the beginning of the run and 

started the machine, he needed to 

take no further action until the 

cycle was complete. 

We were then shown the Biesse - 

Artech Akron 440, an entry level 

edgebander which boasts the 

same motors as the larger Akron 

edgebanders; the only difference 

between the Akron 440 and the 

larger BiesseEdge models is speed. 

The demonstration of the 

Akron 440 was undertaken by Carl 

Mullins, who is a senior engineer 

at Biesse. Carl conducted a 

demonstration using high gloss 

panels. First the edge was applied 

and then corner rounding was carried 

out. The glue line was completely 

invisible, and the corner 

rounding appeared perfect upon 

visual inspection. During processing, 

the high gloss panel had been 

covered by a protective film. The 

working was so precise that the 

film was unaffected by the edgebanding 

process, and could be 

peeled off, leaving behind a perfectly 

edged panel. 

Mr Bulmer very much sees 

Biesse as a company that offers solutions, 

commenting, “Selling machinery 

is like a consultancy; you 

are invited in by a customer to 

help solve a problem.” He sees 

service as extending from the intiial 

consultation, to assess a customer’s 

requirements, to servicing 

the resulting machine 15 years 

down the line. 

He spoke about the event and 

informed the press that Biesse 

were “Very pleased with the response 

to the event and have preregistrations 

of 150 participants.” 

Mr Bulmer continued, “Orders 

have also been placed, which is always 

a bonus, but the prime purpose 

of the One2One is for 

customers who may not know us 

to experience what kind of company 

we are. We want potential 

customers to look deep inside 

Biesse UK, meet the team, see the 

spares and experience the support 

systems that we have in place. 

“Ultimately we are a facilitator 

for them to make pro duct to the 

highest standards all the time. This 

can only be achieved through caring 

and professional service, 

which we now pride ourselves 

upon.” 

All in all, Biesse’s June One2One 

proved to be a highly successful 

event, with over 100 customers in 

attendance. The company is already 

planning a follow up event 

for the autumn. 

Biesse Group UK 

Tel 01327 300366 

Email info@biesse.co.uk 

www.biesse.co.uk 



High performance Makita chainsaws work 

carefully through the Chagos archipelago 

ON many of the islands that constitute 

the Chagos Archipelago, 

situated in the middle of the Indian 

Ocean, powerful Makita 

chainsaws are being used to fell 

dense coconut plantations no 

longer farmed by a population 

that was relocated during the 

late 1960s. 

In an opportunity to save this 

precious natural environment, 

where wildlife is abundant and the 

tropical marine environment has 

the world’s largest coral atoll, the 

aim is to create a conservation 

area comparable with the Galapagos 

or Great Barrier Reef. The coral 

is pristine due to its isolated and 

unpolluted location. 

The islands, some 55 of them 

ranging in size but still tiny, belong 

to the British Government. The 

largest island, Diego Garcia, is inhabited 

with British and US military 

and the islands occupy no more 

than eight square miles in an area 

of a quarter of a million square 

miles of the planet’s cleanest seas 

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 

Used 

Wadkin GC220 5 Head Planer Moulder 

Steton BS740 Power Band Resaw CE 2005 

Wadkin LS Pin Router with compound table 

Wadkin PAR 300 x 100 mm Four Side Planer 

Stromab RS650 Radial Arm C/c Saw 2003 CE 

Wadkin BSW 20” Rip Saw DC brake 

Wadkin BRA350 Cross Cut Saw DC brake 

Wadkin BRA400 Long Arm Cross Cut Saw DC brake 

Wadkin WLCS 900mm Combi Belt Sander 

Meber SQ400 16” Bandsaw 

Wadkin JY Bobbin Sander 

Wadkin BZB 24” and 30” Bandsaw 

Elcon 135R Vertical Panel Saw 

Dominion FM 12” x 4” 4 Head Planer Moulder 

Dominion BM Heavy Duty Chisel Mortiser 

Sedgwick 571 Chisel Mortiser CE as new 

Dominion BX 4 Head Tenoner DC Brakes 

Multico TM3 2 Single End Tenoner 

Wadkin BAO/S 12” x 7” Planer Thicknesser DC brake 

Biesse Rover 18 CNC Machining Centre CE 

DMP 4000 Post Forming Machine CE 

Samco S40N 16” x 9” Thicknesser DC brake 

SCM Unitech Vertical CNC Borer CE 

Wadkin UR Pin Router with Invert Drive 

Robinson WR/T 24” x 9” Planer Thicknesser DC brake 

Over 70 new and used machines in stock 

For our full list, please check out our web site 

www.n-m-o.com 

Datum Tools Ltd 

Tel 01892 667800 www.flipstop.com 

and it is here that a home is provided 

to 25% of the Earth’s fish 

species. It is a responsibility of the 

military personnel to safeguard the 

area, which is mostly protected, 

from poachers, visitors and invasive 

species or other interference. 

The islands are rich in other 

ways and are estimated to support 

several thousand pairs of breeding 

seabirds: over 30 seabird species 

have so far been recorded. Many 

of the islands are literally teeming 

with them. There are, however, islands 

which are silent and offer no 

sanctuary to nesting birds. Europeans 

first came to these islands in 

the 16th Century, and in time the 

natural and precious hardwood 

forests were replaced with the coconut, 

which presents an inhospsitable 

nesting environment for 

bird wildlife. 

Added to this is the invasion of 

rats when the islands were inhabited 

and, even now, are still prevalent 

and have devastating effects 

on seabirds, both ground and tree 

nesting. On the previously inhabited 

rat-infested islands, which are 

the largest islands, there are no 

nesting birds. As part of a conservation 

programme, the coconut 

plantations will be gradually replaced 

with the indigenous hardwoods 

— a continuous thinning 

programme is underway which can 

only take place over decades to 

avoid rapid erosion of the islands. 

Makita chainsaws, already the 

choice of the MoD, have been selected 

for their robustness and capacity 

to operate in demanding 

conditions. 

The Makita DCS500 chainsaw 

has a 50cc 2-stroke low emission 

engine with electronic ignition 

that runs on unleaded fuel and 

generates 3.3 hp and ample 

torque to drive the 3 /8 in semi chisel 

chain over the 45 cm long 

chain bar. 

Weighing just 5.5 kg, this 

powerful chainsaw has an 

automatic chain brake and 

two mass anti-vibration 

hand grips mounted on 

spring loaded fulcrums, 

which effectively separate 

the motor drive from the 

handles to protect the operator 

from vibrations when 

the machine is in use. The 

machines will be supplied 

with professional protective 

chainsaw gloves, trousers, 

helmets and boots. 

The initiative is being carried 

out by the Chagos Conservation 

Trust (CCT). 

Makita (UK) Ltd 

Tel 01908 211678 

Email 

leads@makitauk.com 

www.makitauk.com 



Permabond Laminates sticks with Striebig for third vertical 

panel saw 

A STRIEBIG Evolution vertical 

panel saw bought by bespoke 

laminate fabricators Perma bond 

Laminates has helped boost output 

at the company, which has 

been using the Swiss-made machines 

for nearly 30 years. 

Its latest Striebig Evolution 

model sizes all the sheets of raw 

materials used in the production 

processes, which range from MDF 

and MFC to black resin Compact 

laminate. The Evolution produces 

accurate and smooth cuts on all the 

materials, from 4 mm thick MDF up 

to 55 mm thick fire doors made of 

chipboard with a solid timber core. 

It is the third Striebig saw to have 

been bought by the Nottingham 

fabricator since 1983. The Evolution 

replaced a second-hand Standard 

III model, which was eight years old 

when purchased in 2001, and 

which took the place of a basic 

Standard model that Permabond 

has been using for 18 years. 

The Evolution has numerous automated features, making it what is believed to be the most efficient manually operated saw available. The latest 

version incorporates a touch screen control panel with an innovative programmable system for even easier operation. This “Touch and Saw” system 

function allows safe and trouble free operation, with the 7.5” colour display visualising all functions. 

Working to an accuracy of 0.01 mm, it has a powerful, high-torque 5.5 kW motor (7.5 hp). Standard equipment includes a digital measuring system 

on both axes, automatic saw beam locking with cutting point identification, laser-assisted indication of the horizontal cut, automatic plunge and 

withdrawal operation of the saw unit, and a highly effective TRK extraction system. 

The version chosen by Permabond was the Evolution 6224. It is the largest model in the series with a maximum cutting area of 5,300 mm x 2,240 

mm and a maximum cutting depth of 80 mm. In addition to the Evolution’s high level of standard specification, a wide range of options is available, 

including a scoring saw, to allow a machine to be tailored to a customer’s exact requirements. 

Permabond Laminates’ director Dave Boag said: “With so much work going through the 

factory we needed to update our saw to help us increase throughput. As both our previous 

Striebig models were so reliable, we didn’t think of switching to any other make. It’s the accuracy 

and build quality of Striebig saws that we like. There are lots of vertical panel saws 

out there and although they all look very nice, they don’t all deliver like a Striebig does.” 

He highlighted several features of the Evolution’s specification that are proving particularly 

valuable in speeding up panel sizing. 

“The saw’s air operation means that it’s a very smooth machine to use and the digital readout 

is always spot on, reducing manual errors. Also, the new fence system lets us cut narrower 

strips more quickly than we were able to do before.” 

Another reason Permabond has relied on Striebig for its panel sizing for so long is the quality 

of service provided by the manufacturer’s exclusive UK agent, TM Machinery Sales. 

“If we have a problem, which is very rare, or need a replacement part, they always respond 

quickly, which is important as we can’t afford to have the saw lying idle,” said Mr Boag. “You 

can’t fault TM for their engineers’ product knowledge or their great after-sales service.” 

Established in 1973, Permabond Laminates is one of the UK’s major bespoke laminate fabricators 

and installers. It offers a total service from the simplest of flat panels to post formed 

sections, using all available laminates and core materials. 

Its product range includes custom built units and furniture; kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms; 

post formed tops; panels and edges; solid surface worktops; fire doors and frames; cubicles; 

IT benching; wall boarding systems and column cases. 

TM Machinery’s sales director, Matt Pearce, said: “It’s hugely satisfying to know that a company 

of the stature of Permabond Laminates has relied on Striebig for its panel sizing for 

nearly 30 years. They have repeatedly upgraded models in terms of specification, while it’s 

The latest Evolution and Control vertical panel 

saws feature Striebig's innovative "touch and 

saw" operating system. A fingertip touch is all 

that's needed to operate all of the saws' functions. 

The Striebig Evolution vertical panel saw that has helped boost production at Permabond Laminates. 

worth pointing out that the Standard III they recently replaced is now in use elsewhere.” 

Striebig saws are suitable for cutting practically all sheet materials, such as wood-based 

panels, plaster board, plastics and aluminium panels. 

TM Machinery Sales Ltd 

Tel 0116 271 7155 ● Email sales@tmservices.co.uk ● www.tmpartnership.co.uk 



SCM: Full range of sliding table and beam panel saws 

SCM is a world leading manufacturer of woodworking and panel processing machinery, 

and its range of sliding table panel saws and panel beam saws is renowned. 

SCM circular panel saws allow the operator to cut out error-free mitre cuts and/or cuts 

with a tilted blade. The Nova, Class and L’Invincibile ranges now come complete 

with a 400 mm diameter sawblade that will provide a 

cutting capa city of 140 mm with the blade 

at 0° and 97 mm with the blade tilting at 

45°. SCM offers an additional 10 mm cutting 

capacity at 0° and 5 mm at 45°, and all 

this with an unchanged diameter of both the 

saw blade and the tool holder spindle. The maximum 

cutting capacity is guaranteed in normal 

working conditions with the scoring blade mounted 

and ready for operation: this means it is unnecessary to 

stop machining in order to unlock the scoring blade. 

For L’Invincibile machines and those with Full Support Frame, SCM has created a new option which uses a wireless device to connect the control, the 

digital display of the Full Support angle and the three digital displays of the stops on the squaring fence. Every time the operator tilts the Full Support 

Frame on the work piece, the digital display automatically shows the positions of the stops on the squaring fence for the actual cuts to be made on the 

panel. The operator no longer has to use the control for calculations, nor does he need to carry out test cuts to check the exact position of the stops. 

SCM Sigma Impact 107 Auto 

panel beam saw 

Specially designed for small and medium-sized furniture 

manufacturing companies, the new SCM Sigma Impact 

107 panel beam saw can machine chipboard, laminates, 

MDF, wood and wood-based panels in dimensional 

sizes up to 4,500 mm in length and 4,300 mm 

wide. SCM guarantees rapid and precise axis movement 

of 0-150 m/min on the blade carriage feed and return and 

0-120 m/min on the pusher utilising brushless motors. Ideal 

ergonomics are provided by the remote control panel. The 

machine’s cyclical speed is ensured by empowered automatic 

detection standards featuring panel length, 

width and thickness photocells. The immediate blade 

changeover system with a pneumatic selector allows 

the blade to be changed quickly, without using keys or 

having to unscrew tools. 

The saw blade has a self-learning upstroke feature 

consisting of a bar which automatically reads the height 

of the pack and calibrates the height of the saw accordingly. The beam saw can 

be incorporated into Netline production cells. The Sigma Impact 107 panel saw has a new design and a robust structure and its shape and framework 

have been carefully designed to ensure any vibration is absorbed by the ground. No maintenance is required for the saw carriage and pusher. Optionally, 

grooving and slotting of panels can be carried out and a label printer can be supplied for panel recognition. 

The WINCUT operator interface, which is part of the standard Sigma Impact 107 supply kit, has completely new graphics, making the panel saw commands 

easy to understand, even for less expert operators. 

Gabbiani, the specialist panel beam saw manufacturer within the SCM Group and part of the newly created Furniture Division, offers the new 

Galaxy T3 single beam panel saws, featuring the very latest technology with the new Flexcut device. This is Gabbiani’s high-end range and is aimed 

at manufacturers who specify perfect quality panel sizing on both single panels and packs of panels. Fast cycle times ensure high throughput rates 

and a high level of customisation ensures that the same machine model can be tailored to a wide variety of differing requirements. 

A very strong machine base and reliable components ensure a long, productive life cycle for the Galaxy T3. The machine is based around the modular 

FLEXCUT system, which consists of mobile units with grippers which can be excluded individually, thus making it possible to handle highly complex 

cutting patterns in very short cycle times. 

Gabbiani has also redesigned the major components at the heart of this panel saw. The saw carriage 

now ensures even greater cutting precision. Carriage movements are even faster 

thanks to the drive units and the smooth-running recirculating ball screws. Cutting dimensions 

from 3,200 mm x 3,200 mm up to 5,600 mm x 5,600 

mm are available with blade projections of 110 mm, 130 mm 

and 145 mm. The machine bed has a single upright fitted with 

THK slideways for the sawblade carriage, which has been redesigned 

to support intensive, heavy duty use on three working 

shifts/day. Speeds of 170 m/min are standard. 

The pusher and pressure units have also been redesigned to 

ensure smooth movements, precision positioning and optimised 

sawdust extraction. The pusher feed speeds is 

135 m/min. The WINCUT interface is very user-friendly, 

as is the OTTIMO optimisation program. 

The design of the new Galaxy range also incorporates 

technical developments suggested by customers. The Galaxy 

T3 is also backed by Gabbiani’s expertise acquired over nearly 50 

years at the forefront of technological innovation in panel beam saws. 


Tel 0115 977 0044 

Email scmgroupuk@scmgroup.com ● www.scmgb.co.uk 

SCM L’Invincibile 

sliding table panel saw 

SI6500 

with Angular 

Full Support 

Gabbiani Galaxy T3 

panel beam saw 



Schelling looks to 

the future in Milan 

PRODUCTIVITY determines the 

everyday life of industry. To this 

end, Schelling continues to provide 

trendsetting innovations in 

the field of cut-to-size saws. 

Once again, the Xylexpo Milan 

2010 gave Schelling the opportunity 

to assure both customers and 

potential customers of the current 

high-tech developments being 

produced by Schelling. 

Intelligent third-phase cut software 

Schelling’s leading pressure beam 

saw fh 6 has already proved itself 

to the challenging market, and its 

powerful and productive nature 

has justified its automation 

concept. 

The completely new system for 

automatic generation of thirdphase 

cuts can be fully integrated 

into the machine control without 

the need for additional machine 

components. This also allows existing 

systems to be equipped to 

the most up-to-date technical 

standards. 

Never has remnant management 

been so simple 

The new XBoB remnant management 

programme is a sensation, 

according to the company, and 

visitors to the Xylexpo experienced 

its operation live. The system 

allows full automation of the 

collection, storage and disposal of 

cutting remnants. XBoB assigns a 

box number to each board remnant, 

which can be attached as a 

label to the component, and can 

then be arranged in the corresponding 

storage compartment. 

Fully automatic labelling of plates 

A further new development is the 

fully automatic labelling of components. 

With automatically 

loaded cut-to-size saws, single 

plates are fully labelled before cutting 

begins. 

As the process is synchronised 

with the processing of preceding 

plates, the overall procedure does 

not experience delays. 

The new area storage system: plate 

handling, ideally suited to the saw 

The new Schelling area storage 

system provides the customer 

with the technology for board cutting 

and handling from a single 

source. 

When co-ordinated together, 

the new storage system and the 

first-class Schelling saw provide 

cutting technology at the highest 

level. 

Perfect simulation 

A supremely important part of industrial 

production is calculating 

system capabilities. The new simulation 

software from Schelling calculates 

the exact procesing times 

of systems at the planning stage, 

allowing production to be adjusted 

precisely, without undersizing or 

oversizing future production. 

These new developments are 

allowing the Austrian firm, 

Schelling, to profile itself not only 

as a market leader, but also as an 

innovation leader in the sector. 

Consistent client-orientation 

leads to solutions which make the 

cutting and handling of plates 

ever more productive and more 

straightforward. 

Schelling UK Ltd 

Tel 01937 586340 

Email info@schelling.co.uk 

www.schelling.co.uk 

ATKINSON WALKER 

(SAWS) LIMITED 

Manufacturers of industrial quality tungsten carbide tipped 

(TCT) circular saw blades 

Website: www.atkinson-walker-saws.co.uk 

Sales Team: 

phone 0114 275 2121 

fax 0114 275 1676 

email sales@atkinson-walker-saws.co.uk 

TRADE 

DISCOUNTS 

Mention this 

advert for an 

extra 5% 

new customer 

discount (ref: PW07) 

providing good quality, 

high value blades, 

excellent customer service 

and free technical advice 

We know the saw blade business better than anyone else 



Altendorf selected 

H. SHAWYER & Sons Ltd, much 

respected manufacturers of high 

quality architectural wood veneer 

panels and flush doors, has 

recently taken delivery of the latest 

Altendorf F45 with Options 

Pack III sliding table panel saw. 

The sale was successfully negotiated 

by leading Altendorf agent, 

John Burnett, of J. Burnett Engineers, 

who also installed and commissioned 

the new saw. 

Shawyers offers a totally professional 

service to an extensive and 

varied market, with customers 

ranging from shopfitters, joinery 

manufacturers, interior designers 

and bespoke furniture and cabinet 

makers, right across the UK. 

Paul and David Shawyer first 

met John Burnett around 15 years 

ago when he began servicing the 

company’s wide-belt sander. At 

that time the company was using 

a 1980s Altendorf F45 saw and 

continued to do so until the decision 

was taken to upgrade to a 

new saw. By this time, John Burnett 

had become an established 

Altendorf sales agent. 

“We had been very satisfied 

with the performance of our F45 

saw over the years,” said David 

Shawyer, “particularly with the 

quality and accuracy of cut. 

“We sought John Burnett’s advice 

and he suggested that the new 

Altendorf F45 with Options Pack III 

would be eminently suitable for the 

type of work that we undertake.” 

Works manager, Dave Andrews, 

appreciates the strength of the F45 

III and the excellence and accuracy 

of cut. He also likes the new facility 

when performing grooving out of 

the boards. He added: “What was 

really important was the fact that 

we could specify our new saw to 

totally suit our particular needs.” 

J. Burnett Engineers 

Tel 01844 345750 

email 

burnettengineers@btconnect.com 

Atkinson-Walker extends TCT range 

John Burnett (left) and Dave Andrews, pictured with the new 

F45 III sliding table panel saw, in Shawyers’ Enfield factory. 

THE CORE business of Atkinson-Walker (Saws) is 

the production of high quality industrial TCT circular 

saw blades (up to 1,000 mm in diameter). The 

company now offers narrow kerf ripping blades, 

noise-reduced blades, food processing blades and 

additional specifications of non-ferrous blades. 

Atkinson-Walker is confident that the price of its TCT 

blades matches, and probably exceeds, any other European-manufactured 

blades, and the blades have the 

added advantage of being Made in Sheffield. The combination 

of laser cutting, the best materials available, 

modern manufacturing techniques and traditional saw 

making skills achieve consistent high quality. 

With 85 years’ of expertise in the industry, the company 

offers exceptional technical advice and supplies 

blades for all circular sawing machines with the flexibility 

to meet individual requirements for pinholes, expansion 

slots, copper plugs and bore sizes. The company 

also manufactures blades to individual customer specifications 

using its in-house CAD/CAM design facility. 

Managing director, Chris Walker, says, “To meet our 

customers’ needs for technical information, we have 

revised our catalogue to list blades by application and 

also diameter (in the index), and provide technical advice 

on the choice of correct tooth angle and geo - 

metry for various cutting needs.” 

Atkinson-Walker (Saws) Ltd 

Tel 0114 275 2121 

Email sales@atkinson-walker-saws.co.uk 

www.atkinson-walker-saws.co.uk 

Productive 

AT XYLEXPO in May, Wood-Mizer 

demonstrated its latest innovations, 

including the MP100, a 

moulder-planer attachment 

which can be fitted to the company’s 

smaller mills and is expected 

to attract interest 

amongst log buildings producers. 

Logs and cants can be planed or 

moulded to unlimited lengths and 

the attachment can be installed on 

small model LT15 or LT10 band 

sawmills. Four straight (or shaped) 

blades produce a smooth surface 

to fit logs together. Changing 

blades is simple and configured 

blades can be fitted to produce 

beams, columns and other shaped 

wooden products. 

Also on show, the LT20B sawmill 

combines the attributes of two of 

Wood-Mizer’s mills, one small, the 

other small-to-medium, without 

costing as much as the larger, and 

which now has remote control! 

Roman Frontczak, Wood-Mizer 

R&D engineering manager, says: 

“We analysed applications and 

user comments about our small 

LT15 series and came up with a 

new bed or main frame.” 

The LT20B bed maintains 

Wood-Mizer’s patented construction 

but now consists of 2 m sections 

that allow selection of 

cutting lengths. A new screwjack 

improves tapered log levelling. 

Bed legs are adjustable for easy assembly. 

Log ramps and a manual 

winch are optional extras. 

The LT20B combines the modularity 

of the LT15 with the accuracy 

and equipment of the LT20 and 

LT40 series. The LT20B bed smoothly 

adjusts and logs are easily levelled. 

The new mill has the cutting head 

of the LT20 series with 11 kW electric 

up/down feed, ‘Setworks’ and an 

optional debarker. 

Wood-Mizer UK 

Tel 01622 813201 

Email info@woodmizer.co.uk 

www.woodmizer.co.uk 



Furniture Linoleum: a fantastic finishing touch 

FORBO Furniture Linoleum is a 

high quality award winning surface 

finish used to create beautifully 

designed furniture and 

panelling in every type of commercial, 

retail, hospitality and 

residential environment. 

Renowned for its elegance and 

durability, this exceptionally versatile, 

natural finish can be used 

on desktops, shops and reception 

counters, cupboards, interior 

doors, chairs, dividing walls and all 

types of panelling where a distinctive 

decorative surface is required. 

The combination of a matt surface 

and a warm, soft finish de livers 

a genuinely individual look to furnishings 

and fittings, and the array 

of colours and textures offered in 

the two ranges, Desktop® and Walton 

Crocodiles, provides the creative 

manufacturer with a wide 

range of aesthetic design options. 

Forbo Furniture Linoleum is actually 

made up of three separate Desktop® is offered in twenty colourways to suit a wide range of applications (above and below left). 

layers. The base is impregnated 

paper (Desktop®) or jute (Walton 

Right: the delicate pattern of Walton Crocodiles. 

Crocodiles). A layer of linoleum granulate consisting of oxidised linseed oil and rosin, to which 

wood flour and pigments have been added, is rolled onto the base using a calendar. Finally, 

a water-based, cross-linked acrylic finish is applied to protect the surface while maintaining 

the special feel of linoleum. Made from renewable, natural raw materials, Furniture Linoleum 

is biologically degradable and does not harm the environment at any stage in its life. 

From a manufacturing point of view, Forbo Furniture Linoleum is flexible and easy to apply 

horizontally and vertically, as well as to curved surfaces and organic shapes. It can be used 

in conjunction with MDF, chipboard and plywood and is suitable for manual and industrial 

installation. In general, no additional protective treatments are required, but where desired, 

an additional coat (eg, a UV-resistant PU finish) can be applied. 

Furniture Linoleum provides an attractive, natural and tactile finish with improved scratch 

and stain resisting properties 

and colours that will not fade. 

The all-natural composition 

and Forbo’s special finish ensure 

that Furniture Linoleum is 

naturally anti-static. This helps 

to prevent dust or dirt from 

sticking to it and ensures the 

material remains unblemished 

and clean. Another benefit is 

that fingerprints do not show. 

DeskTop® consists of 20 elegant, 

classic and modern 

colours including a new contemporary 

cream and anthracite, 

several new, more outspoken colours and a number of darker options that take 

their cue from wood tones and leather. There are also fresh and stylish colours to be 

found alongside warm colours and natural tones used in classic contemporary furniture. 

The four Walton Crocodiles mono-chromatic designs are embossed with a delicate 

crocodile pattern that results in appealing light reflections and patterns. The neutral 

colours take their cue from leather and this range is often used in horizontal and vertical 

applications, as well as on curved surfaces. Walton Crocodiles has a jute backing (like 

Forbo’s Marmoleum floor covering) and is especially suitable for heavy-use surfaces such 

as counters and baseboards. It can also be combined with floor installations. 

Forbo Furniture Linoleum is widely recognised for its exceptional combination of aesthetic 

and practical properties and holds numerous prestigious awards, including the 

Red Dot design award, the award for Good Industrial Design and the Interzum Award. 

Forbo Flooring Systems ● Tel 0844 822 3929 

Email info.flooring.uk@forbo.com ● www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/moreinfo 



Bellissimo keeps it clean 

in the kitchen 

THE CLEAN lines of a top-end European kitchen are now within reach of a wider audience, 

thanks to Bellissimo’s genuinely handle-free Treviso range in 50 solid colour and 

woodgrain foils. 

It is now possible to achieve a solid wall of units, uncluttered by handles — a style associated 

with more expensive painted options. What’s more, the handle-free style is offered in bespoke 

sizes and a choice of gloss and matt finishes. Bellissimo can also supply matching 

corner posts to complete the look. The quality feel is further enhanced with the use of 

22 mm door thicknesses as opposed to the standard 18 mm. 

“Up until now, foil attempts at the handle-free look have involved compromises,” says Bellissimo 

managing director, Warnock Watson. “Some form of visible handle was always needed 

where appliances were involved, and a shorter door had to be specified for other units to accommodate 

the hidden metal handle which was still always required. This also caused problems 

in providing soft-close on narrower units. 

“All these issues have been addressed with Treviso. It’s a tremendous boost for designers.” 

Bellissimo 

Tel 01772 696959 ● Email warnock.ktw@btconnect.com 

National contract 

81°? No problem! 

THE STEGHERR GLS NC angle trimming saw is an ideal bead processing 

unit for window and door manufacturing where beads are 

required to be cut accurately to length with mitred or angled cuts. 

The standard GLS model is able to produce beads with fixed angles; 

the saw unit is positioned by pneumatics to the preset angles with the 

bead length determined by the NC pusher. The GLS model can be enhanced 

with the fitting of servo drives to both the saw cutting angle and 

cutting speed. With the servo drives fitted, the angle setting of the machine 

can be programmed to cut varying angles on either end of the 

beads, and the cutting speed can be controlled to allow perfect cutting 

in most materials including solid wood, MDF, aluminium and synthetic 

materials. On request, the GLS can be supplied with the ability for cutting 

angles up to ±81°. 

The new GLS-2 machine has set new standards for flexible bead production 

with the ability to produce varying angles in both planes using 

only one saw unit. An example of this is the production of a vertical glazing 

bead where one end is cut to 45° to mitre to the top bead and the 

other end is cut to 9° to scribe over the bottom bead. The GLS-2 is also 

able to cut compound angles and if required angles greater than 45° can 

be accommodated. 

The work piece is fed and positioned by the NC pusher and the component 

programme can be manually entered on the controller or downloaded 

from an office PC using most window manufacturing software 

programmes. Both machines can be automated by the fitting of vertical 

or horizontal feeders and motorised out feed systems, giving a cost effective 

and efficient bead production cell. By visiting the web site at 

www.stegherr.net you can view videos of both GLS machines working. 

Full information is available from John Penny Woodworking 

Machinery Ltd. 

ROSEBERRY Joinery Ltd in Middlesbrough 

has been awarded 

FSC chain of custody certification 

with BM TRADA Certification 

Ltd. 

Specialists in bespoke joinery for 

both commercial and domestic 

projects, Roseberry Joinery has 

been able to fulfil a national contract 

as a result. The company’s 

service includes not only manufacture 

but also design, finishing and 

installation. Its 5,000 ft 2 premises 

incorporates a machine shop, assembly 

and finishing facility. 

Partner, Alex Stewart, said, “As 

well as offering peace of mind to 

our customers that we are sourcing 

timber for their prestige contracts 

responsibly, FSC certification ensures 

that we are able to compete 

with larger companies nationwide. 

“Although the quality of our 

work speaks for itself and we enjoy 

a high level of repeat business, 

chain of custody certification is essential 

to demonstrate our commitment 

to environmental issues 

now and in the future.” 

BM TRADA 

Tel 01494 569700 

www.bmtrada.com 

John Penny Woodworking 

Machinery Ltd 

Tel 01235 531700 

Email john.penny@btconnect.com 



Catalogue and online database for REHAU 

Express Collection 

REHAU has launched an online 

database for its Express collection 

of furniture edgebands to 

coincide with the launch of a 

comprehensive new, full colour 

catalogue. Via www.rehau.co.uk 

Pause for thought 

customers can now search online 

for the edgeband they require, 

either by REHAU product 

line, by variant number or by 

board match, ensuring that customers 

can always find the perfect 

REHAU product for any 

application. 

Alternatively, customers can use 

REHAU’s new 340 page catalogue, 

which is packed with inspirational 

images showing REHAU’s standard 

Express range in real life installations 

as well as complete technical 

and ordering information. 

Allison Tucker, Business Team 

Manager for REHAU’s Furniture 

Products, said: “Both the catalogue 

and the online database are very 

user friendly and are designed to 

ensure that customers can identify 

the right product from our Express 

range quickly and easily, whether 

they are at their desk or working 

remotely online. The catalogue, 

which is available free to all REHAU 

customers on request, is set to become 

a real bible for manu - 

facturers, contractors and 

designers and even includes full 

listings of REHAU’s edgeband processing 

tools, accessories and coordinating 

products such as 

tambour doors, plinth covers and 

wall seal profiles.” 

Both the catalogue and online 

database can be used by customers 

ordering via REHAU’s online 

ordering portal accessible via 

www.rehau.co.uk 

The REHAU Express collection 

consists of a wide range of edgebands 

available on short lead 

times and in flexible quantities. 

REHAU 

Tel 01989 762732 

Email Roshni.Patel@rehau.com 

www.rehau.co.uk 

Recycled materials 

OBERFLEX real high pressure 

laminate, exclusively distributed 

in the UK by Abet Ltd, has 

made a great impact at the Norfolk 

and Norwich Millennium Library 

in Norwich. 

As part of an expansion programme 

in 2009 to create more 

public space, the Obersound 5.5 

acoustic panelling has been used 

to clad the walls of the enlarged 

area. This complements the Obersound 

originally used in the library’s 

construction in 2001. 

Obersound 5.5 is a collection of 

compact grade self-supporting 

high pressure laminate created by 

consultancy 5.5 Designers. Obersound 

is supplied as completed 

ready-to-use panels which have 

been covered with a real wood veneer 

from PEFC managed sources. 

This gives them the aesthetic 

beauty of a real wood finish but 

with the performance and durability 

of high pressure laminate. As 

a result they feature a tough, low 

maintenance surface which is 

abrasion, impact and scratch resistant 

and also resistant to UV 

light and chemical products. 

Abet Laminati 

Tel 020 7473 6915 

www.abetuk.com 

COMPOSED of 75% recycled raw 

materials, including mirrors, 

glass, porcelain and crystallised 

ashes, the stunning range of 

ECO by Cosentino worktops are 

available in a beautiful array of 

colours. 

Achieved through state-of-theart 

technology, the worktops are 

extremely durable with a high 

stain, scratch and scorch resistance. 

ECO by Cosentino is composed 

of 75% post-industrial and postconsumer 

recycled raw material, 

including mirrors salvaged from 

houses, buildings and factories; 

glass from windows and bottles; 

granulated glass from consumer 

recycling practices; porcelain from 

china, tiles, sinks, toilets and decorative 

items; and industrial furnace 

residuals from factories in the 

form of crystallised ashes. 

At launch, ECO by Cosentino is 

available in a sophisticated colour 

palette totalling 10 individual designer 

colours, including Polar Cap 

(illustrated). It is available in a 

polished finish. 

Cosentino 

Tel 08700 118 788 

www.ecobycosentino.com 



FSC certified veneered Medite MDF from Galtee 

FROM this spring, Galtee Veneer Bonding Ltd is offering locally manufactured veneered 

Medite MDF. This new veneered product, initially available in American white oak and 

black walnut, is FSC certified and priced commercially and competitively — without 

the premium price tag. 

Since its inception in 1985, Galtee Veneer has become a high volume veneering plant supplying 

veneered MDF through its dealer network within the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

Based in County Limerick in the south of Ireland, Galtee’s veneered product is used in applications 

from contract fit-out and shopfitting to bespoke and commercial furniture making 

and interior design, as well as value-added products which use veneered MDF as a base material, 

such as contract furniture and interior wall panelling. 

With Medite’s manufacturing plant in Clonmel only an hour from Galtee’s in Ballylanders, 

Medite is the company’s main supplier for the large range of MDF panel types and sizes demanded 

by a diverse market, and the only brand of MDF which enables Galtee new veneered 

MDF product to meet the FSC’s certification standard. 

Sean Ryan, managing director of Galtee Veneer, said, “In combination with Medite and the 

excellent face properties and per formance qualities of its Premier MDF with veneer, our new 

FSC certified veneered product is versatile and meets both the purchase protocols and competitive 

pricing demanded by specifiers, alleviating concerns about chain of custody and 

making the decision to use our new product much easier.” 

Medite Europe Ltd is part of Coillte Panel Products, owned by Coillte, the Irish forestry and forest 

products company. Recognised as the benchmark for quality, consistency and performance in 

MDF, as well as being FSC certified, Medite continues to lead the market in technical innovation. 

Marketing 

and business 

development 

director, Geoff 

Rhodes, said: 

“Our customers continually demand that we provide panels which meet 

the highest international standards. In response to this, all Medite MDF 

products are not only FSC certified as standard, but also from January 

this year all our products are CARB 2 compliant; a ‘best in class’ regulation 

from California restricting formaldehyde emissions. As such, Galtee’s 

new veneered Medite panels are unique in the certification and compliance 

they hold and the quality of the product. All of this is underpinned 

by the understanding that there is a need for clients, architects, designers 

and contractors to have access to these products without the barrier 

of a prohibitive cost.” 

Galtee Veneer ● 00353 62 46855 ● www.galteewood.net 

Medite Europe Ltd ● 01322 424900 ● www.medite-europe.com 

Bespoke design from Blue Diamond solves supply problems 

TOUGH Furniture designs and manufactures furniture with the strength and durability 

to cope with challenging situations. 

The furniture has an outstanding record for its resistance to careless or abusive treatment, 

and is supplied to special schools, children’s homes, respite care, psychiatric and mental 

health provision, detox/rehab units and bail hostels throughout the country. 

Furniture that is used in challenging situations requires fittings that are designed and manufactured 

to withstand rough treatment. So when Tough Furniture was advised that an existing 

supplier was making a door handle obsolete, the company turned to Blue Diamond to 

design and source a modified component. Tough Furniture was already sourcing a number 

of parts from Blue Diamond including a special double cranked door hinge and various plastic 

moulded components, so the company was familiar with Blue Diamond’s ability to rapidly 

re-engineer and source engineering components in a variety of materials. 

The door handle is made of matt nickel-plated die-cast zinc and consists of a base and 

top. It is a key component, which is used on many types of drawers and cupboards. Tough Furniture 

needed a replacement to be sourced very quickly and samples were provided to Blue 

Diamond to be reverse engineered, to ensure dimensional, material and performance specifications 

of matching quality. As part of this process, Blue Diamond modified the component 

to meet the customer’s specification and evaluated every aspect of the design to 

provide the most cost effective solution. Blue Diamond used its rapid prototyping system to 

deliver samples, which allowed Tough Furniture to fully test the design and specification of 

the handle and agree any modifications that were needed. 

By choosing appropriate companies from its quality-assessed suppliers, Blue Diamond can 

match the quantity requirements to the capacity available. Quality is guaranteed by Blue Diamond’s 

Quality Management System, which complies with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008. 

Blue Diamond Technologies Ltd 

Tel 023 8025 8966 ● Email bdsales@rolwey.com ● www.blue-diamond.co.uk 

The Touch Furniture door handle reverse engineered 

by Blue Diamond. 



Asbestos: Britain’s biggest industrial killer 

A JOINER from West Lothian has 

told how he is coming to terms 

with the fact that he has fallen 

victim to Britain’s biggest industrial 

killer — asbestos. 

John Greig, who lives in Whitburn, 

spent more than a decade as 

a wood worker on the railway 

coaches in Glasgow during the 50s 

and early 60s. When metal 

coaches were introduced, John 

worked on the coaches ripping 

out the asbestos lagging by hand. 

Little did he know that this exposure 

to asbestos would eventually 

lead to mesothelioma, a terminal 

cancer of the lungs. 

Like many tradesmen at the time, 

John worked with asbestos and 

never knew the risks. No protective 

equipment or clothing was provided 

or used until later years — 

when the danger was well known. 

John retired from his career as a 

woodworker/joiner when he was 65, 

yet still full of energy he took on a 

part time job in the local supermarket, 

working until he was 72 years. 

John’s first symptom of the 

deadly disease was a chesty 

cough. Aged 74 years, John was 

diagnosed with mesothelioma — 

this was over 50 years after his initial 

exposure to the deadly substance, 

asbestos. He was given 

10-14 months to live. Mesothelioma 

can take anywhere from 15 

to 60 years before it becomes active 

and starts attacking the external 

lining of the lungs. The 

majority of sufferers die within 

one or two years of being diagnosed. 

In the early stages of his diagnosis 

in 2005, John underwent 

several operations to remove fluid 

from his lungs, the last one in 

Since 2008, the Health & Safety Executive has run an 

asbestos awareness campaign aimed at protecting 

tradesmen and craftsmen from harm. 

We support this campaign: this case study has been 

supplied to us by the HSE. 

2008. “I looked like Spiderman 

with tubes coming out of me; they 

removed four litres of fluid on one 

particular occasion. 

“What happens with mesothelioma 

is that you are drowning on 

dry land. There is no cure for it — 

your lungs are just closing up all 

the time. It’s horrible to see x-rays 

of your lungs getting blacker and 

blacker — that makes it real.” 

John explained that his wife 

and family were devastated with 

the news of his illness. His main 

worry following his diagnosis was 

to make sure that all his paperwork 

and business was in order 

before he died. 

Nearly five years after his diagnosis 

John, now 78 years, explains 

the effect the illness has had on his 

life: “You just can’t do what you’d 

like to do. I can’t fly any more and 

I am very tired. I loved walking, but 

now my limit is walking 100 yards 

very slowly. 

“You have to adapt and find 

ways to do things that you used to 

take for granted, like bending 

down and going up the stairs. 

Tying my shoe laces was too much 

of an effort and all of my shoes are 

now the slip on type. … You get 

annoyed at yourself because you 

can’t do what you used to do. But 

you’ve got to make light of it. You 

can’t let it get to you.” 

John and his late wife, Mary, 

loved to spend time with their 

friends and family, and take holidays 

abroad. Following his diagnosis 

with mesothelioma John could 

no longer travel — and despite his 

encouragement, his wife never 

took another holiday because she 

was too scared to leave him. 

John would like to pay tribute 

to the outstanding work of Clydesdale 

Action on Asbestos Support 

Group, whose support he is very 

grateful for. He is now an active 

member of the group, campaigning 

to raise awareness of asbestos 

and providing one-to-one support 

to those struggling to come to 

terms with their diagnosis of 

mesothelioma. 

John summarises his motivation 

to the cause: “What’s past is 

past but you can do something 

about tomorrow.” 

He has a very strong message 

for the tradesmen of today and in 

particular to those just starting out 

on their career: “Asbestos is something 

you don’t see and it took me 

40 years before I displayed symptoms 

and discovered I had 

mesothelioma. Please learn from 

my story. Don’t be fooled by asbestos, 

don’t be macho. Nothing 

can make up for your health but 

you don’t realise that when you 

are young. Be careful, use the correct 

equipment and remember 

the dangers. Listen to the messages 

of this campaign.” 

John is backing the Health & 

Safety Executive’s national campaign 

called “Asbestos — The Hidden 

Killer”. The campaign has been 

running successfully since 2008 

and aims to raise awareness 

among tradesmen of the risks 

posed by asbestos by emphasising 

the hard-hitting fact that every 

week on average 20 tradesmen 

die from this Hidden Killer. 

Health & Safety Executive 

Tel 0845 345 0055 

www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/ 

hiddenkiller/index.htm 

Landmark ruling changes outlook for asbestos cases 

THOUSANDS of victims of asbestos 

could claim compensation 

after a landmark ruling 

changed the way cases are 

judged. 

Widow, Della Sabin, was 

awarded £100,000 at the Royal 

Courts of Justice London — in the 

case of Sabin v British Railway 

Board (Residuary) Ltd — in December 

after the death of her husband 

Leslie to asbestosis three years 

previously. 

Leslie had worked as a lorry 

driver in the 1950s, delivering asbestos 

from Wigan rail depot to 

Turner & Newall’s Hindley Green 

plant. He was exposed to asbestos 

from the hessian sacks in which the 

material was stored. 

Leslie was diagnosed with asbestosis 

in 2004 and his widow 

took up his fight for justice after 

Leslie lost his battle with the condition 

in 2006. 

Barrister Simon Kilvington, of 18 

St John Street Chambers, acted in 

the case and said this will set a 

precedent for future asbestos-related 

claims. 

“It was an important case as defendants 

previously relied on the 

Llandough Hospital research, stating 

20 million fibres of asbestos 

had to be found in lung tissue to 

conclude whether the material had 

caused the disease. The figure was 

set following research in industries 

where exposure was high. 

“An American expert, Dr Roggli, 

gave evidence much lower levels of 

asbestos in the lungs are sufficient 

to attribute the disease to the exposure. 

“Judge Justice Swift agreed with 

the evidence asbestos fibres could 

have cleared from the body in the 

years following Leslie’s exposure 

and said the Cardiff laboratory 

benchmark was ‘probably significantly 

too high’. 

“This effectively lowered the bar 

for a claimant with a case of asbestosis 

and also lung cancer cases 

where the level of asbestos fibres in 

the lungs is a factor.” 

Leslie Sabin died 40 years after 

his exposure to asbestos. As many 

as 28 million fibres may have 

‘cleared’ from his body in that time, 

the court heard. 

The British Railways Board accepted 

a breach of duty in exposing 

Leslie to asbestos. 

Asbestosis is one of a number of 

asbestos-related conditions, with 

mesothelioma and lung cancer 

cases also attributed to the material. 

18 St John Street Chambers 

Tel 0161 278 1800 

Email jhammond@18sjs.com 

www.18sjs.com 



Dustraction completes major duct reworking 

project for JELD-WEN at Melton Mowbray 

ARCHITECTURAL joinery manufacturer 

JELD-WEN is strategically 

closing its quayside factory 

site in Lowestoft and relocating 

the manufacture of timber windows, 

patio door frames and 

staircases to existing sites in 

Melton Mowbray. 

Dustraction won the contract to 

re-configure the extraction layout 

at the new factory and to link major 

joinery plant in line with JELD-WEN 

management’s very high standards 

of waste management. 

Production engineer, Andrew 

Ellwood, says: “We are planning a 

phased closure of the Lowestoft 

site over the next few months — 

changes in our timber supply 

chain make the quayside location 

redundant; the site is also much 

larger than we now need and is 

therefore an overhead too many. 

We are bringing in sustainable European 

redwood timbers under 

contract with a new and exclusive 

Swedish supplier and this will now 

come into Hull and go out to the 

factories on an as-needed basis. 

“The Lowestoft factory was a 

former Boulton & Paul site which 

we acquired in 1999 and it focused 

mainly on mill work, producing 

standard-sized window and door 

components. But the old highthroughput 

techniques of the 

20th century are out of date now. 

Our product offering is increasingly 

bespoke and so we are pursuing 

ever smaller batch sizes, and 

investing in more flexible machinery. 

Like everyone in the current 

climate, we have to make savings 

and maximise resources whenever 

and wherever we can.” 

JELD-WEN’s status as a worldclass 

architectural joinery manufacturer 

is, in part, dependent on 

responsible environmental stewardship 

which includes the company’s 

approaches to energy 

efficiency through natural resources, 

air and water emissions, 

indoor air quality in the working 

environment plus manufacturing 

waste management and recycling. 

JELD-WEN is one of Britain’s most 

forward thinking users of sustainable 

timber resources and is dedicated 

to the maximisation of waste 

Three Dustrax No. 66 heavy duty paddle-blade, vee-belt driven 

fans are powered by two 110 kW and one 90 kW motors. 

Three main duct runs, each measuring 1,000 mm in diameter and 

running externally for approximately 100 metres. 

Dustraction attends the new 

Melton Mowbray site of 

JELD-WEN with crane to 

move long ductwork sections. 

as a valuable bio fuel resource. 

Dustraction’s Steve Matuska 

said: “On this project there are 

three main duct runs, each measuring 

1,000 mm in diameter and 

running externally for approximately 

100 metres before entering 

the main building, at which point 

they disperse to pick up with various 

machines. The ducting is manufactured 

to Dustraction’s Class A 

aerodynamically efficient design 

and to exacting quality standards 

and all is supported for rigid, vibration-free 

operation in order to 

shift approximately 10,000 tonnes 

of wood waste annually.” 

The three Dustrax No. 66 heavy 

duty paddle-blade, vee-belt driven 

fans are powered by two 110 kW 

and one 90 kW motors and each 

incorporates a control panel with 

soft starts to discharge waste directly 

into two large filters, each incorporating 

over 100 filter sleeves. 

Waste is then discharged directly 

to two 40 ft trailers for recycling. 

The JELD-WEN legend began in 

Oregon in the United States in 

1960 and the Group now employs 

20,000 people worldwide: the UK 

company, with its HQ factory in 

Sheffield, is on-track, says Andrew 

Ellwood, to become Britain’s number 

one manufacturer of key architectural 

joinery products. A 

decade ago, JELD-WEN acquired 

the John Carr and Boulton & Paul 

brands and the group is now operating 

from five factories across 

the UK. 

While the Quayside site at Lowestoft 

will cease to operate under 

the JELD-WEN banner during the 

summer of 2010, output at the 

two main Melton Mowbray factories 

is set to rise ‘exponentially’ and 

will make a major contribution towards 

the market share targets of 

the company’s board in Sheffield. 

And Dustraction too is now playing 

its part in the waste management 

and sustainability ambitions 

of the JELD-WEN manufacturing 

team further South in Melton 

Mowbray. 

Dustraction Ltd 

Tel 0116 271 3212 

Email 

steve.matuska@dustraction.co.uk 

www.dustraction.co.uk 



Improved dust extraction and control for Vale (UK) Ltd 

LEADING retail fit-out specialist, 

Vale (UK) Ltd, has recently contracted 

Dust Control Systems 

Ltd to install a new energy-efficient 

dust extraction system at 

its workshops in Prescot on 

Merseyside. 

The privately-owned company, 

which employs 65 people, provides 

a comprehensive refurbishment 

and fit-out service for major 

retail outlets. Mostly operating as 

principal contractor, Vale (UK) has 

an impressive client list of high 

street names including Tesco, 

Matalan, McDonalds, Dunelm Mill 

and the Co-operative Group. 

Contracts are varied, from stripout 

and refit projects to large store 

conversions, often requiring installation 

of mezzanine floors. 

Both standard and bespoke joinery 

is produced in a purpose built 

10,000 ft 2 workshop, which is 

equipped with a wide range of 

modern woodworking machinery. 

Vale (UK) is a long-standing customer 

of DCS and, following a decision 

to invest further in new 

state-of-the-art woodworking machinery, 

the firm had no hesitation 

in calling in DCS to evaluate the 

changing extraction requirements. 

Sales director of DCS Ltd, 

Melvyn Bathgate, says: “Although 

Vale’s 18-year-old DCS ‘E-Series’ filter 

was still working well, it was 

unable to cope with the additional 

demands of a high performance 

CNC router and new table panel 

saw. We successfully proposed an 

externally-located, high-efficiency 

modular filter, designed to handle 

an airflow capacity of 12,000 

m 3 /hr. The complete installation, 

which includes a low-noise main 

Prevention better than cure 

GRECON is a market leader in 

the supply and installation of 

Spark Detection and Extinguishing 

Systems in dust extraction 

filters and storage silos. 

Used in over 30,000 applications 

worldwide, in a variety of industries, 

the GreCon system is believed 

to be the most effective means of 

extinguishing ignition sources in 

dust extraction ducts before a fire 

or explosion can occur. 

Alternative fire sprinkler and explosion 

suppression reacts once either 

a fire/explosion has ignited 

and therefore can only limit the 

damage caused. The GreCon system 

will prevent ignition of both 

fires and explosions, so eliminating 

the consequent damage to plant, 

danger to personnel and loss of 

production. Ignition sources such 

as sparks, glowing embers, hot 

particles and burning material are 

extinguished without shutting 

down or interrupting production. 

Improvements in plant safety 

and insurance risk are important 

benefits, but the primary reason for 

installing a GreCon Spark Detection 

System is to prevent down time, so 

protecting production volume. 

GreCon Ltd 

Tel 0191 414 7200 

Email sales@grecon.org 

www.grecon.org 

High efficiency modular filter copes with 

varying loads of 

dust and chips 

at Vale (UK). 

extraction fan and ducting, also incorporates 

the DCS Dynamic Drive 

System, which automatically determines 

the precise extraction 

volumes required as woodworking 

machines come on and offline; 

adjusting the main fan speed 

accordingly. The system responds 

dynamically to meet demand, providing 

optimum extraction just 

when it’s needed.” 

At the heart of the extraction 

system, the modular filter is fitted 

with high performance polyester 

filter bags, which cope efficiently 

with varying loads of wood dust 

and chips. Collected waste is discharged 

‘pressure-free’ into a container 

housed beneath the filter. In 

addition, the system is designed 

to return warm filtered air back 

into the workshop to help reduce 

heating bills. 

Mike Kissack, general manager 

of Vale (UK), whose responsibilities 

also take in Health & Safety, says: 

“Everyone is pleased with the new 

extraction plant, which undoubtedly 

provides improved dust extraction 

and control whilst making 

considerable energy savings. But, 

most importantly, there is far less 

dust around the place; improving 

the quality of the working environment 

and creating a more 

comfortable atmosphere.” 

DCS Ltd 

Tel 0800 040 7116 

Email sales@DCSlimited.co.uk 

www.DCSlimited.co.uk 

The DCS Dynamic Drive System adjusts fan speed as machines 

come on and off-line. 



Ultima Furniture Systems purchases ASM/MODESTA 

low noise, energy saving dust extraction system 

INCREASED demand for Ultima 

Furniture Systems’ bespoke 

range of kitchens prompted 

managing director, Alf Ellis, to 

purchase another manufacturing 

facility and to equip it with 

the most advanced machinery 

available to manufacture bespoke 

kitchens quickly and economically 

without compro m- 

ising on quality. 

New machinery included a new 

beam saw, CNC routing and boring 

machine and a panel storage and 

sorting system that would complement 

the aforementioned machines, 

enabling panels of different 

colours and finishes to be located 

and machined automatically. 

A new laminating machine was 

also purchased, laminating board 

with various colours and textures 

to meet ever changing styles and 

colours that the public demand. 

Taking no chances with dust contamination, 

the new laminating 

line has been housed in an air conditioned, 

temperature controlled 

room, with access through rapidly 

opening and closing doors. 

With the new machinery and 

some existing machinery that had 

to be operational in the new manufacturing 

facility, Alf Ellis began to 

realise that the dust extraction filter 

he purchased at an auction 

would not cope with the volume 

and pressure required efficiently, so 

began the search for a new state of 

the art dust extraction system. 

ASM offered to show Ultima the 

dust extraction system the company 

had recently installed at Decorative 

Panels Furniture Ltd, as this 

was a similar size to their particular 

requirements. 

Before visiting the installation at 

DPF Ltd, Ultima drew up a specification 

on the dust extraction requirement 

in that the installation 

must be energy efficient, extremely 

quiet and automatic dampers must 

be installed on most machines to 

avoid extracting air when the machine 

was not in operation, and all 

electrical wiring to the fans and rotary 

valves, etc, must be included in 

the price. 

When visiting the DPF Ltd installation, 

Ultima was amazed how 

quiet the installation was: ASM explained 

that the ten fansets were integral 

to the filter, housed in the top 

section and enclosed by 3 mm plate, 

thus reducing the noise level compared 

to externally sited fansets. 

Shortly after the visit, Ultima ordered 

the ASM/MODESTA dust extraction 

system and waited to see 

if it lived up to the company’s very 

high expectations. The filter arrived 

six weeks later on two low loader 

vehicles pre-assembled in two 

halves and pre-wired, with a crane 

in position at 8.00 am. The filter was 

in position and the two halves assembled 

within four hours. 

Alf Ellis was delighted with the 

organisation of ASM and very complementary 

on the efficiency of the 

installation team. 

ASM continued to connect the 

filter to the production machinery 

using modular seam welded 

clipped together ducting from its 

standard range, and provided automatic 

pneumatic dampers on 

various machines as specified. 

MODESTA electrical engineers 

arrived on site from Holland and 

connected the pre-wired filter to 

the PLC control panel, taking three 

days, including commissioning of 

the complete extraction system, 

and the closed loop transport system 

to the wood waste storage silo. 

The total system took just two 

weeks to install from start to finish, 

and Ultima Furniture Systems Ltd 

never lost one day’s production, 

thanks to machinery being moved 

over a Bank Holiday period and the 

organisation and efficiency of ASM 

and MODESTA. 

“This state of the art dust extraction 

system is everything we expected, 

being quiet, energy 

efficient, extremely good extraction 

and although expensive, complements 

our multi million pound 

investment in our new manufacturing 

facility,” Mr Ellis concluded. 

ASM 

Tel 01274 693630 

Email sales@a-s-m.co.uk 

www.adamssheetmetal.co.uk 

www.grecon.org

June/July 2010 - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

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