New Programmable 'Quick Set' Single End Tenoner From Saomad

To compliment their existing range of classical specification heavy duty 4 and 5 head joinery spec. single end tenoners, Saomad have recently introduced a new fully programmable model that reduces set up times thus making the machine very flexible for short production runs and one off’s. The UTP 150 ‘Quick Set’ is as standard fitted with cut off saw, top and bottom tenoning heads, and a vertical scribe head.

All the main axis that require adjustment are motorised and automatically positioned via the Siemens Simatic control unit. All the operator has to do is enter the required dimensions for the cut off saw horizontal position, shoulder length of top tenon and bottom tenon and finally vertical and horizontal position of the scribe head. This is then memorised and stored under a program name or number that when recalled and activated will set the heads to the required position in a matter of seconds, with no manual operator input other than adjusting the 2 pneumatic work piece clamps to suit the timber section to be machined. Table movement is manual although on request it can be motorised with variable programmable feed speed and automatic return to the operator. Another option is single 400mm long vertical scribe shaft. The UTP range has already enjoyed considerable success in the UK joinery industry with over 80 machines in operation. JJ Smith believe that the new ‘Quick Set’ model will appeal to the many window and door manufacturers who are looking for a simple to use, quick setting programmable single end tenoner that will help increase versatility and flexibility which is so critical in today’s modern workshops.

Comec Window Trickle Vent Slotting Machine

To meet the requirements of joinery companies who need a dedicated machine to produce the slots for trickle vents in the head section of window frames and patio doors, JJ Smith have recently introduced the Comec model MOU 2AF twin spindle single sided slot mortiser. The machine incorporates 2 x 1.8hp, 12000 rpm electro spindles with adjustable interaxis mounted on an oscillating carriage. The oscillation stroke is variable from 0-250mm meaning 2 off separate vent slots can be machined at the same time, or when the electro spindles are set to the required position on the carriage one long slot up to 500mm can be made.

If required the machine can be equipped with cutters up to 22mm in diameter that enables an additional slot to be made when the trickle vent needs to be recessed. Standard equipment includes an inclinable work table that enables the slots to be angled in the head section if so required, an inverter to control the oscillation speed of the carriage with mechanical digital readout for easy setting of the stroke, and PLC controlled working cycle. The machine is substantially built and so suitable for continuous production. With regards to production output an overall cycle time to produce 2 x 150mm long slots, 80mm deep is estimated at around 20 seconds.

S&S Bavaria Quick Setting Frame Clamp

S&S Clamps are a specialist German manufacturer of heavy duty, high quality hydraulic clamping equipment for windows and doors. They produce a wide range of manual, semi automatic and fully automatic vertical frame clamps along with horizontal clamps that are ideal for door production were wedge access is required. They can also manufacture special clamping machines to suit customers individual production requirements. One model in their range will be of particular interest to UK joinery manufacturers due to its quick setting features. The Bavaria clamp incorporates 3 vertical double acting electro hydraulic cylinders with a 1000mm stroke. This eliminates the need to manually set the height of each vertical clamp which is normally the case on most standard machines. Instead the clamp positions are automatically set by means of a push button on the control stand thus keeping set up times to a minimum. Once the desired size has been set, all clamping cylinders back off by approx. 100mm ready for the next frame to be loaded and clamped.

Alternatively the machine can be re-set for the next size of frame. The beam carrying the horizontal cylinders is manually positioned although on request it can be motorised and have an LED readout for the width position. Standard working sizes range from 3m x 2m up to 4m x 2.6m although different working capacities are available on request. Other options include additional vertical clamping beams, extra horizontal clamping cylinders and pendulum pressure plates for pointed or angled window frames. Also removable counter profile blocks can be supplied if frames already profiled need to be clamped. The S&S range of equipment is available from JJ Smith who also can supply other types of specialist clamping machinery suitable for a variety of different applications for joinery and furniture production.

Improve Glue Application To Window & Sash Joints

While many joinery manufacturers have been investing in the latest CNC machining technology to help increase productivity, one area in the window manufacturing process has lagged behind. Application of PVA adhesive to the window frame and sash joints has traditionally been done with either a brush of squeeze bottle. This method of glue application is time consuming, messy, wasteful and does not give a particularly even glue coverage to the joints themselves. Pizzi are a specialist manufacturer of gluing equipment and produce a range of competitively priced PVA glue application machinery specifically designed for applying adhesive to window and sash components. The 'P' series consists of three different models of machine with two heads, three heads, or four heads. The number of heads required depends on the type and quantity of frame and sash material to be glued. Each head is fitted with a removable and interchangeable nozzle that is specifically designed to suit the size and profile of the joint to be glued. The component is offered up to the nozzle and lightly pushes against it. This then automatically triggers the glue to be delivered to the nozzle outlets while at the same time the head unit retracts backwards giving an even and metered spread of adhesive across the joint face. The component is then removed. Both the pneumatic stroke movement of the head and the flow of glue can easily be regulated as required. For cleaning the heads are inclined into a water bath positioned directly below. In addition an optional integrated complete washing system can also be supplied. Pizzi glue applicators are widely used throughout Europe in both large and small window manufacturers and have the advantage of giving considerable savings in glue with reduced wastage, along with precise glue spreading to the correct areas thus resulting in a stronger joint. They are simple to use / maintain and only require a pneumatic supply to operate. Pizzi also manufacture a range of PVA glue feeder systems that can be connected to a wide variety of different nozzles to suit particular applications such as edge gluing, face gluing, dowel gluing etc. All nozzles are easily interchangeable.

Detail from an automatic glue spreading machine with three heads provided with nozzles for different types of tenons. To have a good operating of the glue spreading machine with or without stand support, it is necessary to fill the glue-feeder with 8kg of glue. The remaining room is for the compressed air which will allow the glue to be delivered pneumatically through the nozzles on the heads.

Latest Matrix 'Plus' Programmable Cross Cut Saw From Stromab

Using the expertise they have gained in the design and manufacture of over 800 programmable saws, Stromab have recently made a number of significant improvements to their already successful and popular range of Matrix programmable push fed cross cut saws The new Matrix 'Plus' range now feature as standard a new magnetic strip encoder along with rack and pinion drive to the pusher system. This is a much heavier duty system than the standard plastic toothed belt used in many pushers and helps guarantee maximum repeat cutting accuracy at the highest positioning speeds. To increase production output the pneumatic lifting pusher which was an option is now fitted as standard. With this feature it is possible for the operator to load on to the infeed table the timber ready for the next cutting cycle to commence as soon as the previous cutting cycle has been completed, with the pusher then ready to automatically lift and return to the start position.

In addition to the these new mechanical improvements the Matrix has new styling and improved guarding which totally encloses the rear of the infeed pusher. The machine remains very competitively priced and can still be specified in 4 versions from the Matrix 1 with programmed cutting lists through to the Matrix 4 with full optimisation, defecting and off-line programming facility. Infeed pusher capacities range from 3m to 10m, and heavy duty infeed and outfeed steel tables are used making the Matrix suitable for even the most demanding cutting applications. Saw units can be specified with a 500mm or 600mm blade diameter with motor sizes of 10 and 12.5hp respectively. Options include colour touch screen controller, windows based operating software, label printing and full infeed and outfeed handling systems. Stromab's UK agent JJ Smith believe that the Matrix will continue to be the market leader in programmable push fed cross cut saws and are confident that the 130 plus installations to date will continue to grow.

Comec MD Machining Centre

JJ Smith are pleased to announce the introduction of a new range of competitively priced CNC component machining centres manufactured by the Comec Group. The machines are ideal for the automatic boring, mortising and milling of a wide variety of components for chairs, beds, tables, garden furniture and general joinery. The MD 'Basic' is equipped with two CNC controlled horizontal electro spindles, the MD 'Classic' has two horizontal and one vertical spindle while the MD 'Plus' has an additional vertical spindle with drilling group and full interpolation of the axis as standard. Either a 2200mm or 3000mm X axis capacity can be specified. All machines incorporate the extremely simple user friendly programming interface with electronic templates and touch screen graphic controller enabling programs to be created in only a few minutes. All movements are on precision linear slideways with positioning speeds of up to 50 m/min. Thanks to the dual pneumatic clamping arrangements and double automatic sliding safety guards, tandem loading of each side of the worktable is possible thus maximising production output. As standard all models are equipped with a waste removal conveyor belt. Comec also offer customers the opportunity to customise machines to their own specific requirements for instance fitting an automatic hopper feed or a special clamping arrangement.

New ‘Beta’ Mortiser From Centauro
To add to their already extensive range of mortising machinery, Centauro have recently introduced the all new fully programmable 3 axis CNC model ‘BETA’ horizontal oscillating swing chisel mortiser for joinery production.



This all new design of machine has a fully automatic mortising and timber feeding sequence, were by the timber is held by gripper clamps and moved to the required position for mortising. No manual movement or handling of the timber component is required, other than loading and unloading.

Programming of the mortise slot position, depth, length and height, (including a haunch), is extremely simple thanks to the user friendly graphic colour touch screen controller. Up to 99 mortising programs can be memorised to the controller that has the added advantage of a USB key back up facility. Programming features include the possibility to regulate and individually memorise the Y axis cutting speed, and also the facility to take up to 3 cuts ‘woodpecker’ style, if producing a deep mortise slot.

All movements of the mortise head and gripper are via re-circulating ball and screw drive to give absolute precision and accuracy. In addition to the benefits of fully automatic operation, simple programming and eliminating the need for manual marking out, the mortise head chisel itself produces a very clean mortise slot. Optionally the machine can be equipped with a dedicated hollow chisel head for making small mortise holes for items such as glazing bars. This head is also fully programmed in to the main mortising sequence.

Centauro feel that this new model of machine will appeal to the many joinery and furniture manufacturers, who need to speed up and improve the accuracy and quality of their mortising operation. The machine will be on full demonstration at W6

Panhans Model Polypan 47

New Panhans model Polypan 47 automatic panel beam saw with integrated CNC machining bridge for vertical and horizontal drilling. A unique CNC controlled machine that incorporates the features of an automatic panel beam saw and a point to point borer in to one machine. It also has the added advantage of a programmable tilting saw unit to make angled or straight cuts. Using one operator it is possible on the Polypan 47 to cut to size all the sheet material then drill the parts as required without the need to transport and handle the material between 2 separate machines. All functions and programs for both operations are made from one common machine controller. Once the cutting operation is complete the rear gripper fence, with reference stop, collects the sized cut panel and delivers it to the required position on rear tables were it is held in position by vacuum cups. The overhead CNC controlled bridge with the drilling group then carries out the required boring program. Once complete the pusher delivers the sized and drilled panel to the operator at the front of the machine. On request the Polypan 47 can also be linked with the MLB loading system that allows the automatic lifting and transportation of the panels from a pack at either the left, right or rear of the machine and on to the back machine tables ready for the cutting operation to commence.

Stromab CT600

Following on from their hugely successful Matrix range of programmable cross cut saws, Stromab have recently introduced their new CT600 model that can produce both straight and angled cuts. The machine consists of heavy duty infeed tables with a programmable pusher with a capacity of up to 6200mm. The saw unit, which swivels, incorporates a 10hp main motor and 600mm dia blade. Programming is simple via a touch screen controller with the facility of remote programming of the cutting list with connection via a USB key. Optimisation software is supplied as standard while the cutting sequence, either straight or angled, is fully automatic.

Auer BL100-4 Notching Machine

JJ Smith are pleased to announce the introduction of Auer two way notching machines for the production of log cabin 'chalet' style joints.

The design of this type of high quality, extremely strong joint is becoming increasingly more popular in the UK in the construction of garden buildings, sheds, chalets, log cabins and swimming pool enclosures . Based in Austria Auer are a specialist manufacturer of this type of machine offering a range of semi automatic and fully automatic equipment. In its base format the machine is equipped with 2 x horizontal and 2 x vertical heads for producing a two way notch used in a standard joint. On request the machine can be equipped with an additional horizontal grooving cutter for making the slots in the end of the workpiece, an integrated cut off saw and a drilling device to make the through hole for a tie rod. For high level production an automated infeed can be supplied with a dedicated windows based software optimisation program and label printer. Alternatively a double ended machine for high volume production can be specified.

Balestrini Introduce NC Round End Tenoner

Balestrini the specialist manufacturer of machinery for the solid wood furniture industry have recently introduced the competitively priced Pico NC round end tenoner that eliminates the need for mechanical setting of the tenon size. Instead the tenon width, thickness and angle are all quickly and easily set through the dedicated operating software on the main machine controller. In addition it is now possible to create two different size tenons on each work table with different operating speeds to suit the size of tenon being produced and the type of timber being machined. All information can be memorised and freely edited as required. Thank’s to the NC control it is now also possible to produce a square end tenon. Once the program has been selected and the machine start cycle activated the operation is fully automatic. The Pico/CN has been designed for use in both small and industrial scale workshops where rapid set up times are required for short batch production or for producing bespoke components, samples or prototypes.If required matching slot mortises can be machined on the Balestrini twin table Micron model.

Solid Wood Rip Saws From Centauro.

The new SLG range of heavy duty automatic rip saws from Centauro have been specifically developed for the safe, quick and accurate rip cutting of large solid timber sections for the joinery, furniture and solid wood flooring markets.

The machine that can have cutting length capacities from 2500mm upto 8000mm are as standard fitted with a rear pusher fence, electronically programmed with 2 speeds, that can accurately position the section of timber to be cut. The maximum distance of the fence to the sawline is either 600, 900 or 1200mm. The saw carriage has a 15hp (20hp option) main motor and a 500mm diameter blade giving 160mm maximum height of cut. Speed is variable, upto 80 mt/min and is controlled by the operator using a foot pedal positioned along the length of the machine. If during the cutting cycle there is a need for the saw carriage to slow down due to the density or hardness of the timber (e.g cutting through a knot) the machine detects an increase in the cutting load and automatically slows down the speed of the saw carriage. An automatic bridge style guard with safety fingers encloses the cutting area for maximum safety. When it is necessary to make a cut on narrow material the optional pneumatic vertical clamping cylinders can be used that hold the timber in position while the saw is cutting. Other options include an overhead swinging arm control panel, a laser for the alignment of waney / uneven edge material and a device for controlling the length of cut. Centauro's UK agent will have an SL 5000 model on demonstration in our Liverpool showrooms from March 2005.

Long stroke universal cross cut saw

Heavy duty precision crosscut saw equipped with 5hp saw motor mounted on a rectangular carriage with 8 bearings and interchangeable wear slides. The saw is capable of straight, angled or compound angle cutting. An adjustable aluminium back fence is fitted as standard with the option to fit fence extensions (1000 / 2000 / 3000 / 4000mm lengths) with flip over stops either side of the saw. The saw is fitted with electro-magnetic braking and dust extraction outlets fitted on both the saw and back guards. Designed specifically to meet the requirements of cutting SIPS panels 1220mm wide. 560mm dia TCT saw blade. Straight cutting - 2000mm cutting capacity, 190mm depth of cut. Angled cutting - 1220mm width of board at 45 degrees, 190mm depth of cut. Tilted cutting - 2000mm width of board, 145mm depth of cut. Compound cutting (+/- 45 degrees) - 1220mm width of board, 145mm depth of cut. Dust extraction 2 off 150mm, 1 off 200mm outlets. Vertical pneumatic clamps.