THE BUSINESS SIDE OF WOODWORKING
PM #40063056
www.woodindustry.ca
WINTER 2021
MAKING THE MOST OF SPACE CNC TRIFECTA
INVENTORY IS KING
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
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WINTER 2021
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FEATURES 12
Inventory is king
18
The trifecta of a CNC router
26
The right tool for the job
Panel processing
Weight, speed, and vacuum holding A cut above the rest
COLUMNS 10 Employer Considerations
Mandating COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace
21
A digital revolution
30
Getting the most from every panel
An alternative pathway to innovation Using CLT off-cuts
DEPARTMENTS 4
From the Editor
34
Product Showcase
37
Stats & Facts
Innovation is the key to success
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF WOODWORKING www.woodindustry.ca
Photo credit: Arbutus Furniture & Closets
PM #40063056
Vol. 17, No. 4
CONTENTS
WINTER 2021
MAKING THE MOST OF SPACE CNC TRIFECTA
INVENTORY IS KING
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
FROM THE EDITOR
INNOVATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
Grace Tatigian
CO-PUBLISHER
Jason Krulicki
jasonk@mediaedge.ca EDITOR
THE PANDEMIC HAS been a big challenge for businesses; it has forced us to reexamine how we do everything. If you keep up with our e-digest, you’ll know that wood product sales are down, we’re in a period of little growth for the goods-producing sector, and that labour underutilization remains elevated. So how is it that every week I’m talking to people whose businesses are booming? It seems like everyone is winning awards or investing huge sums into their organizations. What sets these companies apart is their willingness to embrace innovation. Everyone I speak to says some version of the old adage that complacency is the enemy of progress. Innovation comes in many different forms. The most successful companies around have used this paradigm shift to their advantage to automate, streamline, and revolutionize their processes. It’s not just about changing, but also reducing - waste, time, and materials - to get the best results. That kind of optimization can happen in any number of places. In this issue, we highlight companies using off-cuts, eliminating unnecessary steps, and cutting out low-quality tools. While making these kinds of changes can seem daunting (and sometimes expensive), planning is what can make all the difference. We need to think about the future, not only for our industry but for many more reasons. Patrick Christie, TWIG Organizer and Wood Design Consultant, tells us that “we have to let go of the dominant narrative leftover from the Industrial Revolution and look more widely at what factors impact people, the environment, culture, and the economy.” These kinds of changes are good for the environment and the work environment. It’s so important for companies to offer good jobs that appeal to the best candidates because it’s dedicated, hard-working people that are the ones driving innovation. Speaking of new, we have some great pieces from new contributors in this issue: everything from articles on company profiles to producing tools. If you have a pitch, an idea, or content you want us to share, please let us know. We would love to learn more about what you’re doing and how we can work together. We can discuss whether your content is better suited for our print or online platform. Regardless of whether you want to contribute regularly or just one time, we can make something work. We hope you enjoy what you’ve read so far and are inspired to jump into the conversation. Not a writer? No problem; that’s what editors are for. We’re more than happy to work with you to find the best way to tell your story. Our e-digest is where we share the latest news, updates, and timesensitive information. That might be awards finalist profiles, association updates, and news on available government funding.
CO-PUBLISHER
Mike Neeb
miken@mediaedge.ca ART DIRECTOR
Grace Tatigian
Annette Carlucci
PRESIDENT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
gracet@mediaedge.ca
Kevin Brown
kevinb@mediaedge.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER
Rachel Selbie
rachels@mediaedge.ca
Published by
annettec@mediaedge.ca
Thuy Huynh
roxyh@mediaedge.ca
CIRCULATION
circulation@mediaedge.ca
Wood Industry is published four times annually, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, for the secondar y wood products manufacturing and marketing industries in Canada. Subscriptions are free to qualified participants in Canada’s secondar y wood processing industr y. Subscribe at w w w. woodindustr y.ca. Paid subscriptions rates: $40 to Canad ian addresses, $60 U.S. and foreign, $20 student rate. Please mail payment to Wood Industr y, 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 For subscription inquiries, e-mail circulation@mediaedge.ca © 2021 by MediaEdge Communications All rights reserved. MediaEdge Communications and Wood Industry disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. The opinions of the columnists and writers are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Wood Industry or MediaEdge Communications
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FILINGS
Bradley McKinney named executive director of IWPA
The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) named Bradley McKinney to serve as the organisation’s new executive director. International Wood Products Association is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing nearly 200 companies and trade associations engaged in importing hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. McKinney brings a broad range of experience to IWPA, with a strong background in government affairs and public policy from his experience in public and private sectors focusing on international trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. “We are very enthusiastic about the hiring of Bradley McKinney and the smooth transition in leadership of IWPA,” says IWPA President Michael Schultz Floor and Decor. “Brad brings a successful track record across both the legislative and executive branches of the federal government in addition to his private sector experience. This unique perspective will serve our association well as we tackle the many challenges and opportunities before us.” McKinney most recently served as Vice President of Economic Security and Operations for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Before this, he served as Chief of Staff for the International Trade Administration at the US Department of Commerce.
AWMAC BC Above and Beyond Awards
On September 23, AWMAC BC announced their 2021 Awards of 6 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
Excellence Winners; this included both companies and individuals. Menza Bouwman from Door Painters and Kevin Tierney from Benchmark Architectural Woodworking received the Above and Beyond Award. Shane Senger from Formations was recognized for being sales rep of the year, and McKillican was recognized for being Supplier of the Year. The organization also recognized three design students from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and three from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The student who won first place from BCIT was Lindsay Tourigny. Emily Peterson and Karen Briggs both received honourable mentions. The student who won first place from Kwantlen was Isaac Valle. Alexandra Ramsey and Hannah Bernardez both received honourable mentions. Categories for companies included: commercial over $500K, commercial under $500K, export, and private residences.
Xavier LeBlanc named new vice president of window solutions at Rehau
Rehau announced that Xavier LeBlanc has joined the company as vice president of window solutions for the Americas region, reporting directly to the CEO of Rehau Americas, Dr. Thomas Troeger. LeBlanc will lead the business division and drive the company’s window, door, and hardware product lines. LeBlanc has worked in the building materials manufacturing industry for 20 years and has a proven track record in market-share growth and profitable sales for established and new product lines. Most recently, he was director of strategy and business development for CertainTeed. “Xavier has worked with executive teams to expand their product portfolios, penetrate new markets and lead new strategic directions,” said Troeger. “We are pleased to welcome Xavier to Rehau, and I am confident his broad range of
experience in business development, product management, and marketing will play a key role in keeping our window solutions division at the forefront of emerging trends.” LeBlanc earned his MBA from the Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University and holds a master’s degree in marketing from Science-Po University in France. “I am honored to join the dedicated and passionate team at Rehau and to help build on the solid foundation toward continued growth and innovation that the window solutions division has been developing for decades,” stated LeBlanc.
Koch Machinery welcomes Trevor Williams as new VP
Since the beginning of August, Trevor Williams has been with Koch as the new Vice President. Williams has been with the Koch Group for over a year, where he used the time to dive deeper into Koch’s portfolio and its specialty machines. “We are pleased to welcome Trevor to the team,” said Christian Koch. “His high sales and technical competence, his assertiveness as well as his ability to work in a team are optimal characteristics for this role.” Williams replaces Hans Meier, who played a crucial part in developing Koch in the US market. For over 35 years, he was the face of Koch and pushed the company’s growth and success. Williams is originally from South Africa, where he has spent the last 29 in the woodworking industry. He most recently worked at the largest Woodworking machinery supplier in South Africa: Austro (PTY) LTD representing many Italian, German, and Austrian brands. He has extensive experience in the industry both from a sales and technical side, having represented several leading German brands, including Koch, in the South African market before his tender at Austro.
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FILINGS
GreenFirst Announces Michael Mitchell’s Appointment to the Board of Directors
GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Mitchell to the Board of Directors. GreenFirst is a forest-first business focused on environmentally sustainable forest management and lumber production. We believe that sustainable forest planting and harvesting, coupled with the longterm green advantage of lumber, provide GreenFirst with significant cyclical and secular benefits in building products. GreenFirst’s long-term vision is to be a leader in the global forestry industry. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am very pleased to welcome Michael to the board. Michael brings to the Board valuable insights obtained through his extensive experience in the financial industry, including investing, capital allocation, finance, and financial analysis of public companies,” said Paul Rivett, Chairman of the Board. Mitchell has extensive experience as an institutional investor, asset manager, board advisor, founder, and operator. He has been investing in both public and private markets for multiple decades, most recently as a Partner at Locust Wood Capital. He retired in 2019 after approximately nine years with the firm in analytical positions in the consumer, industrial, real estate, and media industries.
New AWMAC ON Life members
The Ontario chapter of the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada recently announced two new AWMAC ON Life Members. After 33 years at Blum, Kevin Tratt retired as President and General 8 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
Manager of Blum Canada in December 2021 and has been a huge supporter of both AWMAC Ontario Chapter and AWMAC National. Vince Parolin, earlier this year, retired as General Manager of Art Magic Carpentry. Vince started at Art Magic in 1981 and during that time served as President of AWMAC Ontario Chapter and President of AWMAC National.
WMS Rescheduled
The Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, initially scheduled for November 4-6, was postponed due to concerns over the pandemic, according to Tim Fixmer, president and CEO of CCI Canada, organizers of the event. Fixmer said WMS is rescheduled for February 24-26, 2022. “The health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors is our utmost concern,” said Fixmer. “And the uncertainty created by the pandemic made going forward in November impossible.” The announcement of the new dates follows action by the Ontario government to ease restrictions on capacity limits for many indoor settings, including convention facilities. Over the last several months, COVID vaccination rates have steadily climbed in Ontario while COVID positivity rates have declined. For more than four decades, WMS has connected Canada’s woodworking professionals with the world’s most prominent machinery manufacturers and suppliers. WMS 2019 attracted attendees from nine Canadian provinces and two territories. The 2019 edition featured 75,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 175 exhibitors. “We are committed to WMS for the long haul and for the good of the Canadian woodworking industry,” said Fixmer. “We believe the International Centre is still our best venue for WMS, now and in the future.”
New Holz-her sales specialist
Weinig Holz-Her Canada welcomes Eric Sorbonne as their Holz-Her Sales Specialist for Eastern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. This role is essential to the company’s success as it provides product knowledge and sales support to the woodworking industry in that area. Sorbonne brings over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing supply industry to Weinig Holz-Her Canada. During his successful tenure within the woodworking industry, he has helped develop strong business models, increased topline performance, and supported product development in many positions. Sorbonne, based in Chambly, Quebec, joins the Weinig Holz-Her Canadian team as they expand their sales, service, and administration staff. “We are very excited to welcome Eric. He brings a focus on customer relationship quality to our sales team and will provide market-growth opportunities in his area,” stated Ken Ellston, Director of Sales and Service Weinig Holz-Her Canada.
Weekly E-digest
Are you looking for more updates like these? The latest news items, popular products, and regular columns? The Wood Industry weekly e-digest comes out every Wednesday, filled with need-to-know information about technology, law, and more. We have profiles on the best in the business in manufacturing and design to inspire and motivate you. Think you have something to contribute to the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Please send us an email at gracet@ mediaedge.ca so we can chat about the best way to share your thoughts and opinions with the community. Even if you don’t have news to share, you should still sign up for the weekly e-digest at www.woodindustry.ca/ subscribe-to-our-industry-e-news/. Available in both English and French, we share stories about the Wood Industry from across the country.
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COLUMN
EMPLOYER CONSIDERATIONS Mandating COVID-19 vaccines in the workplace
By Julia Chumak, Articling Student at Lawrence Lawrence Stevenson LLP
A
s the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine increases, employers across Ontario find themselves grappling with the question of what to do if their employees do not receive the vaccine. For example, are employers entitled to mandate vaccines? Can employers ask an employee to disclose their vaccination status? This article explores some considerations which employers should bear in mind when faced with these questions. Nevertheless, COVID-19 vaccination policies in the workplace are an unprecedented and evolving issue. As such, we recommend consulting with experienced employment law lawyers to assess your unique business needs.
10 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
As a starting point, employers should be mindful of their general duty to take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their employees from workplace hazards. This duty became especially relevant during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the widespread availability of vaccines, employers began implementing COVID-19 related safety measures at work. For instance, employers have facilitated remote workstations, provided personal protective equipment to employees, mandated masks in the office, and integrated plexiglass barriers and hand sanitizing stations. Presently, employers are considering whether COVID-19 vaccines should be integrated, in some form, within their workplace policies, as part of their general duty to ensure
COLUMN
worker safety. This shift seems mainly due to the increasing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine and the growing societal expectation that eligible persons should be vaccinated. In addition to the duty to keep employees safe from workplace hazards, employers also have an obligation under Ontario’s Human Rights Code to provide accommodation to their employees for various rights related to protected grounds under the Code. For example, age, gender, disability, and/or creed constitute protected grounds. As such, employers may discover that an employee cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine because of a protected ground under the Code. Employers should also consider the impact that their intended policies will have on Code-protected rights. Therefore, when drafting and
implementing a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy or rapid COVID-19 testing requirement, employers will have to balance respecting their employees’ legal rights against their duty to keep their employees safe from the COVID-19 virus. Rapid antigen tests have become readily available for purchase by individuals who may be asymptomatic but require proof of a negative COVID-19 test. In fact, Ontario has started seeing employers and businesses utilizing the technology for employees and students who are unvaccinated but require a negative COVID-19 test to attend work or school in person. In certain situations, rapid antigen testing may be a viable option to manage the conflicting employer-side obligations and employee-side rights referenced above.
It must be emphasized that the rules, policies, directions, and laws pertaining to COVID-19 are constantly evolving as new information becomes available. Moreover, many of these mandates are unsettled or untested by the courts, and as such, there is an absence of clear guidance on this issue. Finally, there may be effective strategies available to employers to manage employees that are unwilling to abide by COVID-19 vaccination policies. Still, these strategies will be specific to each business and each employee. As a result, we reiterate our recommendation that employers consult experienced employment law lawyers before acting, as they will be able to independently assess the relevant concerns and unique business circumstances in each case.
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COLUMN
INVENTORY IS KING Panel processing By Grace Tatigian
T
he possibilities with Thermally Fused Laminate can far extend those than natural wood.
“Humidity can warp natural wood, but TFL is engineered to exist in such an environment without any defects,” said Robert Scarimbolo, VP of Sales and Marketing at M2M Panel Processing Solutions Inc. M2M Panel Processing Solutions Inc. is a B2B supplier of made-tomeasure cabinet fronts and components for the woodworking industry. It was founded by three partners who have pioneered market trends, product development, and technology in the woodworking industry since the 1990s. They are widely recognized as pioneers of laser and seamless edge band applications in North America; their products are made to worldclass European standards.
12 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
“It can resemble real wood veneers without having to worry about what can go wrong,” he explained. “Or when a customer wants a black panel, if you use natural wood, you’re going to see every single imperfection. You don’t have that problem with TFL.” Some people like that look, but for others who are going for a clean-cut or contemporary style, TFL is a better option, particularly when it comes to something as precise as cabinetmaking. I chatted with Scarimbolo about the latest technology in panel processing. He was quick to point out that acquiring new technology is the easiest part. Learning how to use it, maintaining it, and keeping it up to date are the really challenging parts of owning a sophisticated piece of equipment.
“Technology changes faster than we can adapt, which is why when you invest in a machine, it’s important to get to know it and use it properly,” Scarimbolo explained. I wanted to know his thoughts on adhesive versus laser edge banding. Often, people seem to fall into one camp or the other. Scarimbolo described it as a bit of a love/hate relationship. “I don’t think one is better than the other. Both are unique; both need the right finesse,” he said. “Machinery salespeople push trends, but when it comes down to it visually, they’re about equal.” M2M offers both techniques. “We don’t use EVA glues anymore, only PUR. But not all glues are created equal,” Scarimbolo explained. “We’ve been gathering data for over ten years of edge processing. There is no one solution for everything.” He pointed out how many factors can impact adhesives, everything from climate to altitude. Something that might
be tried and true in Europe won’t work in North America. Humidity levels can affect not only the curing time but also the durability of the product. It’s so sensitive to the environment that they have to carefully schedule when they use which equipment on the shop floor. Usually, they run the laser edge bander in the morning and work with adhesives in the afternoon. “Laser edge banding is completely different,” he pointed out. “It’s definitely the dominant technique, and people like it because it’s anti-microbial - which is great for kitchens and bathrooms - and certain materials work best with a laser edge. But you can’t just run a laser over everything; it partly depends on the colour.” Scarimbolo pointed out that most companies don’t offer both techniques. M2M is unusual in this respect. “The big advantage to being able to do both is that you can have a greater inventory because you can do more things,” Scarimbolo explained. “True, it makes the products more expensive, but that’s because we’ve made the investment in the technology to be able to offer a greater variety. Inventory is king.” But it isn’t just about the technology they use in the shop; it’s also about the technology that runs the business. “So many companies are stuck in the stone ages. A lot of companies still take orders over fax,” he said. “We developed a portal for online ordering, and it’s changed our business. We get 90% of our orders come between the hours of 10:00 PM and 2:30 AM. That’s when most small business owners have the time to place their orders.” Scarimbolo admitted that they used to be one of those companies stuck in the Stone Age and that introducing this software caused a ripple effect. Not only did it help them become more customer-friendly, but it helped ease the company into the world of digital marketing and finding a better way of showcasing their products. “I foresee wood becoming more of a luxury product,” he said. “TFL has the longevity that people are looking for.”
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FEATURE
PRODUCING TOOLS FOR THE WOODWORKING INDUSTRY A 21st century perspective
By Simon Manns, General Manager, Tool Division of United Grinding North America
Tool manufacturing in progress
14 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
FEATURE
T
he perfect woodworking cutting tool means something different to every customer. Unlike metalworking, woodworking cutting tools are usually unique to an application, so their variations are endless. Woodworking customers change products and product lines frequently to keep up with ever-shifting consumer and end-user trends. To supply the cutting tools and related services their customers require, toolmakers must possess an arsenal of capabilities very different from the ones they had when their shops first opened for business.
“To deliver the highest quality products to the woodworking industry and new segments, we have to be advancing in our machining technology,” said Jens Schulz, President of Leuco. “To gain access to a market, and not just copy competitor’s products, we have to bring innovation and utilize innovative equipment.” Leuco is one of the world’s largest suppliers of carbide and diamondtipped machine tools for wood and plastic processing. A wealth of ideas and technical know-how have been the heart of Leuco since the beginning. The product range includes circular saw blades, hoggers, bore-type and shank-type cutters, drills, clamping systems, and inserts. Sharpening service, application consulting, and service packages bundled under “Tool management” complete the spectrum. As lumber supply catches up with current demand, a potential boom is on the horizon for wood processors. There was never a better time for manufacturers of their cutting tools to update perspective on responding with maximum flexibility to what will come in the door. While woodworkers will always require reliability and extended service life for their machine tools, the landscape has changed in significant ways that have spilled over to the shops manufacturing those tools.
What is different today from 20 years ago? The type of wood materials being cut, the circumstances surrounding production, and the workforce’s skillsets have shifted substantially in that time. In a more sustainable business model, woodworking tool manufacturers would have all the right technologies to produce a tool design, program the grinding machine, simulate a prototype, and make a cutting tool in one seamless undertaking. The good news is: they can have these technologies right now. CHALLENGE: PRODUCE NEW TOOLS FOR NEW MATERIALS IN RECORD TIME
With business conditions forever in flux, cutting tool producers know that the days of being a commodity supplier to the woodworking industry are behind them. A customer base that is constantly setting trends for wood and wood-based products needs its tool producers to be partners – helping them meet and exceed their expectations for producing parts quickly, parts that are cleanly cut using tools that perform consistently, accurately, and reliably over a long service life. But today’s wood and wood-like materials are more exotic and are using composites unheard of in the past. www.woodindustry.ca 15
FEATURE
LEFT: Boring bits TOP: Tool manufacturing in progress BOTTOM: Turning wooden stair balusters
Woodworkers explore alternative materials like never before, implement new performance laminates, and use new finish and surface treatments. After they come up with new material, they want to cut it right now, which means going from tool concept to production in shorter time frames. But machining these newer materials is often frontier territory. Woodworking cutting tool producers have to apply abstract and innovative thinking to every challenge and do it in record time. The only way to be that responsive – even within 24 hours if the customer requests it – is if the tool manufacturer can produce a design, verify the capabilities to deliver it, and give the customer a preview of what they will get and how it will perform, in advance. Sometimes this process might need to occur without ever touching a grinding machine or being in the same building with it. 16 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
For this scenario to have a happy ending, toolmakers need to harness the ingenuity that can be programmed into grinding machines with software. Whether the material is MDM, melamine, laminated particleboard, or plywood with rubber laminated in the middle of it, programmable CNC machines and proprietary software developed by leading grinding experts give toolmakers the functionality to work without risk to achieve customer objectives. “The Tool Studio simulation is one of our customers’ favorite features. For instance, when we set up a compression router bit, the wheels are set and programmed, and the 3D simulation begins,” said Justin Harris, Engineer and Carbide Supervisor at Leuco. “The simulation shows the tool being ground as it comes out correctly, with no runout and no breakage. The customer is
satisfied with our products before even receiving the tool in hand.” CHALLENGE: DESIGN TOOLS REQUIRING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES, TOLERANCES, AND CUT QUALITY
Custom tools, increasingly a more significant percentage of a shop’s overall production mix, require complex tool surface geometries, tight tolerances, and cleaner cuts. Achieving more aggressive design features in a tool intended to produce parts from newer wood-like materials is one of the biggest challenges that woodworking toolmakers face. For these tools, solutions for controlling excess heat transfer use and optimizing chip removal to prevent clogging will be needed. With software, G-codes can be selected manually to direct a grinder’s movement more precisely without hours of guesswork and costly material waste.
FEATURE
“CUSTOM TOOLS REQUIRE COMPLEX TOOL SURFACE GEOMETRIES, TIGHT TOLERANCES, AND CLEANER CUTS.” “When we have a challenge in front of us, and we want to make tool geometry changes, that’s where Tool Studio software comes into play,” said Misenheimer. “We can make changes on the computer before any blank is ever put in any chuck. It allows us to create a special tool in a short time frame, and it reduces scrap. Before Tool Studio, we would be up until the wee hours of the morning, failure after failure. Those days are gone.” A tool design must balance precision and quality with the equally important machining efficiency and uptime. Grinding machine OEMs can show the way to achieve this and increase value per operation. It can be eye-opening to consider just how much room there is in an operation to streamline the grinding process, or more specifically, the non-grinding tasks preceding and surrounding it. State-of-the-art machine hardware and software combines ease of programming feeds and speeds with the ability to produce highly complex geometries in one clamping. It can simulate the wheel grinding carbide or eroding PCD or other super-hard materials from the blank to produce a unique tool. A grinding machine can offer built-in automatic wheel changers and dressing units. The machine can be programmed to start the grinding process closer to the part and utilize in-process probing, further reducing cycle times for increased productivity.
When processing edges and tips with PCD, grinding and eroding functions can even be combined in the same machine. The result is that running good tools in 15 minutes vs. an hour becomes a realistic scenario. The market also offers automation solutions integrated into gantry robots, palletized part loaders that can run 1,500 pieces in a single pass, and vision inspection systems. The potential to take cutting tool production to unprecedented levels is there today.
the best of their abilities. For instance, having a workforce with no background in G-code can be overcome with pre-programmed feeds and speeds in a simple operator interface. On the opposite side of the spectrum, newly minted trade school graduates with a general understanding of CAD/CAM can branch out and quickly become proficient in Tool Studio applications to design and program the CNC grinding process.
CHALLENGE: BRING YOUR A-GAME DESPITE THE SKILLS GAP
SOLUTION: LEVERAGE ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND APPLICATIONS EXPERTISE
This brings us to the elephant in the room: the state of the available workforce. The continuing downturn in workers trained for a tool cutting environment would be problematic were it not for advances in production automation. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, almost 9 of every 10 hours spent on activities performed by workers in manufacturing production occupations can be converted to automation. New levels of productivity and growth are within reach with automation, especially since machine tool OEMs offer standard options for automation implementation with increasing functionality and flexibility for woodworking toolmakers, such as tool changing and machine tending. Training and setup to get new operators up and running quickly is all part of the value. Current employees can be used with a resource like Tool Studio to
Do any of the above challenges describe your situation? Have you thought about how to lower your cost per part, reduce cycle time, expand your know-how to match what you see going on around you? Pain points that woodworking cutting tool manufacturers face today can be converted to competitive advantages tomorrow. United Grinding North America offers customers the professional training needed for the most basic to the most advanced skill levels within a facility. Courses range from general grinding, operation, and programming to customized training. But what we really want to help you do is assess the limits of your capabilities today and then push them further to serve your trendsetting customers best – and still be poised for the industry developments that you haven’t even thought about. www.woodindustry.ca 17
THE TRIFECTA OF A CNC ROUTER Weight, speed, and vacuum holding By Alex Colic, CNC Product Manager at Akhurst Machinery
WEIGHT
TOP: CNC vacuum BOTTOM: Under the hood of a CNC vacuum
18 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
Researching CNC routers can be a daunting task for many. There is a wide range of models available, and it takes time to decipher all the differences. However, there are really two main areas where CNC routers differ: features and size when it comes down to it. There are apparent tables or capacity-sized differences when discussing size, but differences in machine construction are also distinct. For instance, Anderson manufactures a wide range of CNC routers ranging in weight from 3000 kg to over 30000 kg. So why the wide range in machine weight and models? It all comes down to matching the right machine with the daily production requirements. The key factor in cutting speed is not router horsepower or the cutting tool. These both play a role, but the most crucial consideration is the weight and design of the machine structure. Omnitech Selexx machines are produced with a cast iron gantry, and cast-iron mounting plates are known for their vibration-damping properties. Vibration plays a factor in cut quality, cutting speed, and cutter life. An accumulation of vibrational energy without adequate dissipation can result in an increased amplitude of vibration. Excessive vibration will result in rapid cutter wear, poor cut quality, excessive wear on bearings and machine components. Many CNC manufacturers will use aluminum for their backing plate and some for their gantry. One of the reasons is that aluminum is lighter,
FEATURE
RELATIVE DAMPING CAPACITY
CNC control touch screen
thus requiring smaller servo drives to move it. However, as illustrated above, it is not ideal for vibration damping. Therefore, utilizing machines with aluminum Top advantages of heavy-duty machine construction: • Superior vibration damping • Faster cutting speeds • Increased tooling life resulting in significantly reduced expenses • Increase bearing and component life • Precision cut quality
and other non-damping materials will require reduced cutting speeds to prevent vibration and, in turn, required cut quality. The result is reduced production, greatly increased tooling costs, reduced cut quality, and shorter machine component life. A straightforward method to identify vibration while cutting with a CNC router is to listen to it simply. The louder the bit is during a cutter operation indicates, the more it vibrates. The exceptionally high damping capacity of the heavier cast iron is one of the most valuable qualities of this material. For this reason, it is ideally suited for machine bases, gantries, and sup-
MATERIAL
X104
Gray iron, course flake
100-500
Gray iron, fine flake
20-100
Ductile iron
5-20
Malleable iron
8-15
Armco iron
5
Eutectoid steel
4
White iron
2-4
Aluminum
0.4
Source: Atlas Foundry Company Inc: Mechanical Properties of Gray Iron – Damping Capacity
ports. The damping capacity of cast iron is considerably greater than that of steel and aluminum. Machine selection is key in matching the right CNC router to your needs. For example, if you are looking for a machine to cut solid wood components utilizing large diameter tooling, there is more potential for vibration. Thus, it would be best to have a heavier machine to handle this job and dampen the vibration. Likewise, if you are looking for maximum cutting speeds while nesting at, say, 50 m/min, you need a machine with the weight and structure to handle this day in and day out. Matching the right machine with heavier built construction and heavy-duty servo drives allows you to achieve all the above resulting in a machine with more uptime, greater production, and significant cost saving. SPEED
CNC tooling
Typically, when you’re trying to make things last, you take it easy on them. The harder you push it, the faster it will decline. However, the opposite is true for CNC routers and tooling. Through our www.woodindustry.ca 19
FEATURE extensive data accumulated from our vast installation base, we have determined that producing an optimum chip load will extend the life of your cutter. If you want to extend your cutter life, you need to produce an optimum chip load. Most CNC operations use a ⅜” or ½” compression spiral bit to cut out parts on a nested-based CNC router, and the spindle RPM is between 18,000 and 21,000 and cutting 20 to 50 meters per minute. Machine acceleration determines the actual speed achieved to establish proper chip load. By feeding slower, you will be overcutting, which creates heat, and heat breaks down the cutter edge, causing it to dull rapidly. To achieve faster feed rates, you need to have axis servo drives large enough to move the machine’s mass at a rapid speed. As you can imagine, you need to accelerate quickly to achieve a programmed feed rate before changing directions. Lighter machines with less horsepower can be programmed to a certain cutting speed but will never have enough power to reach the programmed speed.
Tips for optimum vacuum flow: 1 / Use lower quality 1" or ¾" MDF as the vacuum will flow better; never use LFD (flows too much) or HDF (doesn’t flow enough). 2 / Surface both sides of the MDF before using it to remove the shiny surface to open up the pores. 3/ Use recessed nylon screws to hold your MDF sheet in place on the machine table; this limits the need to flip the sheet when it starts to cup. If not using screws to secure the MDF sheet, watch for cupping and flip the sheet when the vacuum can no longer pull the corners down. 4/ When replacing your MDF sheet, check that the table gasket is in the grooves and replace if the gasket remains flat and is no longer round. 5/ Limit cut-through on your material to 0.1mm to eliminate any deep grooving where the vacuum can escape. 6 / Set your small part size automatic onion skinning parameters correctly for narrow and/or small square area pieces. 7 / Surface the spoilboard after approximately 20 to 25 sheets; the more it is grooved, the more vacuum you will lose, especially on smaller parts. 8 / Ensure the spoilboard is completely covered if you are only machining a half sheet, for example. Use an offcut or piece of laminate to cover the exposed areas. Remember, this can be a significant source of leaks. 9 / Clean vacuum pump filters regularly, daily, weekly, or when you notice at what frequency they are clogging; clogged filters can quickly affect holding ability. 10/ Don’t have your vacuum pump too far away from the machine, and ensure the lines are as straight as possible to maximize vacuum flow with as little friction as possible.
VACUUM HOLDING
One may not immediately understand how proper vacuum hold-down can affect productivity on your CNC router. If an operator notices parts moving during cutting operations, they tend to slow the machine down to reduce the side force on the part. There are a few issues that arise from this decision. First, you immediately slow down your production, limiting the number of pieces you can cut in a day. Second, cutters will begin to break down quicker the slower you cut, as this will create friction. This increased friction will cause heat, which will break down the cutting edge. This leads to significantly increased costs for router bits, and as explained earlier, this amount can be pretty staggering. As the cutter dulls further, this can also cause parts to move, which compounds the issues. When looking at efficient vacuum tables, you need to look “under the hood” to determine how airflow goes from the table through the pump. Anderson and Omnitech CNC routers employ a large 20 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
plenum or void under the entire table zones. For instance, on the Omnitech Selexx series, two large diameter pipes are going to both zones of the vacuum table (4×8 or 5×10). This pipe goes directly to the plenum and does not pass through any other dispersal valves. This results in the optimum flow of vacuum with the absolute minimal restriction. On other CNC routers, the vacuum pump is typically connected to a disbursement valve with small diameter hoses coming out of it and going to numerous cavities under the table. Where Omnitech typically generates around 55 CFM from the hole on the table, other CNCs with small diameter hoses only generate about 11 CFM. Pic-
ture drinking a Slurpee from a standard straw and then getting a proper widemouth straw. It’s far more efficient. In summary, with an optimized and efficient vacuum table, you can hold smaller parts at top speeds, leading to greater productivity and longer cutter life, with fewer rejects. When purchasing a CNC router, look at how the vacuum system is designed rather than only the size or quantity of vacuum pumps. Most single table operations should only require a single 9 HP Becker vacuum pump. If you are quoted more than a single pump, you need to ask questions as to why? Most likely, they are compensating for a table that is not as efficient.
COLUMN
A DIGITAL REVOLUTION An alternative pathway to innovation
By Patrick Christie, TWIG Organizer and Wood Design Consultant
T
he pathway to innovation today cannot only be driven by faster/ sharper/thinner/lighter/less. We have to let go of the dominant narrative leftover from the Industrial Revolution and look more widely at what factors impact people, the environment, culture, and the economy. As we know, the Industrial Revolution was very mechanistic components laid in sequence to each other to perform a repetitive task. A thing was broken down into its different parts, and new methods were invented in order to make things at a higher rate and volume. Well, we got really good at that, and we are maxed out. The dial is turned well past 11, Old Growth forests have been decimated, and we are stuck in a mode of production from 100 plus years ago. So how do we get out of this? Well, the post-pandemic world might start to shine a light on what’s possible. Within 100 years, there has been such an explosion of new technologies that have created new product categories altogether and vastly improved the capabilities of the machines birthed in the Industrial Revolution. Many of these technologies are completely invisible to the human eye and only experienced through touch screen technology and operated via a distributed computing network. Before the pandemic, only a portion of interactions took place via Zoom; now, it’s part of human nature. Because we were forced to do things differently, we have an industry that can connect with more competence using today’s technology. We have heard numerous stories from our community on how this has positively impacted their way of doing business. At TWIG, we agree, as we now can meet monthly with folks from across BC and beyond, and people can prioritize family needs and still pop in for a couple of hours from the comfort of their homes.
Businesses connecting through the TWIG network.
In March 2019, the organizing team got together and asked ourselves how we might keep going, given that our primary function of OTB was to meet in person, eat food, have drinks, and listen to someone tell their story about wood. At this point, we had already started to try new things like the lead organizers Barbara and Ian moved on, and Jason and I stepped in to lead. We had one season of events in collaboration with the Emily Carr Material Matters lab, highlighting people working at the intersection of digital technologies and traditional materials - or New-Craft. We decided to reconfigure OTB by first rebranding as TWIG and to move everything online, including a purpose-built website, establishing groups on LinkedIn, and creating monthly events through Zoom. This pandemic has shown that we can do things differently, and when we all got together to talk about the future of TWIG, our conversation was more about a longer-term vision and not just until the pandemic was over. With this transition
to an online format, we have been able to keep connected and have increased the connections in the industry. As the Industrial Revolution invented new ways to convert raw materials into goods, the Digital Revolution brought new ways to connect over distances and through networks, platforms, and interfaces. The pathway forward is more about how we work with what we have and the efficiencies that come from an overall utilization of resources within a network or a cluster of people working together. Innovation, in this case, is not something you drive towards but a result of the right conditions. Ones that foster relationship building, new connections, learning, and skill-building and that support people with budding ideas to produce new growth in the industry. This article is the second in a fivepart series exploring how TWIG offers an alternative pathway to innovation that values humans, resources, and the economy. www.woodindustry.ca 21
Custom cabinetry and furniture by Arbutus Furniture & Closets
C
hris Cornish purchased Arbutus Furniture & Closets in 2018. This 35-yearold company offers the design, manufacturing, and installation of custom furniture and storage and storage solutions in the residential, commercial
and institutional markets. Currently a staff of 16, they are actively recruiting to add more members to their production and installation teams to help them meet the growing needs of their customers. The company has a fairly evenly distributed market between their Interior Design and Homebuilder partners, direct to consumers and contract work with Developers and Landlords on large multi-family projects. 22 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
WHAT IS ARBUTUS KNOWN FOR?
Cornish will tell you that Arbutus has built a reputation for delivering innovative custom designs and quality products at fair prices.
But Cornish firmly believes his company’s primary strength is its people. Between this and their innovative storage solutions, we asked Cornish to share more about his company.
PROFILE
MAKING THE MOST OF SPACE IF YOU WANT IT, ARBUTUS BUILDS IT By Sandra Wood
CKCA: What are your strengths? What do you think your company is known for? CORNISH: We produce a high-quality, competitively priced product delivered with care and attention. We have team members who care about the products we deliver, and they genuinely care about our customers’ satisfaction. We stand by everything we build and pride ourselves on pleasing our customers. As a result, we have tremendous loyalty from our team, some of whom have been with us for 20 years. The same can be said for our loyal customers, in some cases spanning three generations in the same family.
LIVING IN PLACE CKCA: With the trend towards Living in Place, people are improving their homes, and storage is increasingly important; what trends are you seeing, and how is this impacting your business? CORNISH: Living in Place is a term that is coming up more frequently. Our designers provide simple solutions for customers looking to improve their living spaces’ functionality, convenience, and efficiency. We have an incredible array of tools, devices, and technologies to help our clients live more comfortably in their spaces: integrated lighting in storage areas with motion detectors or
remote control, easy to use blind corner solutions, servo-assisted drawer slides, push-to-open mechanisms, and flap stays with gas springs, to name a few. We also provide clients with motorized blinds and solar shading solutions to increase their spaces’ comfort and energy efficiency. TRENDS IN STORAGE CKCA: What other trends are you seeing? CORNISH: The unexpected “working
from home” dynamic we saw in 2020 and the focus on spending more time at home sparked a surge in projects creating home gyms and hybrid spaces to accommodate studies and hobbies, inwww.woodindustry.ca 23
PROFILE
Custom walk-in closet by Arbutus Furniture & Closets
cluding recreational areas. Many clients finally tackled their garages, improving their storage for off-season items, tools, yard maintenance equipment, sports gear, bikes, skis, and adapting these spaces into multi-purpose rooms. One of our favourite recent projects was in Whistler. Our clients created custom personal storage for each family member - racks and hooks for all of their sports equipment - plus an “après lounge” with a clever secure bar with a fold-down table concealed in one of the cabinets. Immediately, their garage became the envy of the neighbourhood, and the obvious destination for postmountain libations. CKCA: What is the most popular storage system requested from clients and why? CORNISH: By far, our most frequent request is for converting a spare bedroom into a multi-purpose space with a wall bed, custom storage units, and a desk for a work-from-home setup. MAXIMIZING SPACE CKCA: What do you think kitchen cabinet manufacturers should consider building 24 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
that can help them adapt to the new demands in storage? CORNISH: We have always had compact “convenience” desks in kitchens; however, building more robust and functional workstations adjacent to kitchens has become more common. They integrate charging stations, under cabinet lighting, grommets, pull-out mechanisms for printers, whiteboards, and tack boards, utilizing every square inch. As customers demand more functionality and efficiency out of their homes, we have to maximize all the rooms in the house. CKCA: What challenges do you face as a business? CORNISH: Looking forward, we are facing multiple challenges. Staffing is becoming more complex, particularly in Vancouver, where the cost of living is very high, causing wage pressures. We also see mounting price increases from suppliers all across the board. Just last week, one of our TFL sup-
pliers advised of an overnight price increase of 30%. We are still feeling the effects of supply chain disruptions, and we expect to have continued shipping issues over the short to medium term in the future. As a company, we are proud of what we have achieved, and we are excited to continue on our path of customer and employee satisfaction. OUR INDUSTRY KNOWS THEIR SPACE INTIMATELY
CKCA is pleased to have Arbutus Furniture & Closets as a member. In the kitchen cabinet industry, many manufacturers build far beyond just the kitchen space and create many other functional rooms in the home. One could say that our industry gets to know the area they work with intimately. The trend towards better storage and multifunctional space presents unique opportunities to keep our industry innovating and driving forward. We wish Arbutus Furniture & Closets continued success!
CKCA Members strive for quality, professionalism, and innovation. For more profiles like these and many other benefits, consider becoming a CKCA member!
The National Event for Canada’s Wood Industry
February 24-26, 2022 | International Centre | Mississauga (Toronto), CA
WMS is the professional woodworking show for all of Canada WMS has connected Canada’s professional woodworking industry with the world’s most prominent machinery manufacturers, material suppliers, hardware companies and other services and products for more than four decades. Can’t miss WMS 2022 features: • WMS Live – On-the-show-floor presentation stage offering free education sessions to attendees on a range of timely manufacturing, technology and other hot topics. • Bustling Expo Floor - With more than 65,000 square feet filled with major machinery manufacturers, distributors, and materials, software and supply companies, you are sure to discover something you could use for your shop. • Happy Hour Events – The first two days of the show will conclude with an opportunity to unwind with a drink and talk shop with fellow attendees. NOTE TO PARTICIPANTS: Effective September 25, 2021 capacity limits were increased in many indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required including conference and convention centers. Audiences will be increased to up to 50 percent capacity or 10,000 people (whichever is less) for indoor events. To reserve exhibit space: Rich Widick | WMS Sales rwidick@heiexpo.com (630) 929-7918
Register Now February 24-26, 2022
WMSCanada.ca
For general conference and show information: Harry Urban | Woodworking Network harry.urban@woodworkingnetwork.com (708) 373-4344
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB A cut above the rest By Grace Tatigian
26 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
FEATURE
R
ight now, the biggest trend in tooling systems is automation. “A few years ago, I anticipated a labour shortage coming,” said Lisa Goulet, President of Aiguisatek. “So, we started to make our whole process technological six or seven years ago.”
Aiguisatek offers the most complete solution for the maintenance of cutting tools in the industry. Their philosophy is to provide customers with services that ensure optimal tool quality, profitability, reliability, and durability - essential for any manufacturer. They consistently seek solutions that suit their client requirements and are committed to providing customized and valuable service in the sharpening and equipment fields. Part of that means having high-tech, reliable machinery in their own shop to provide the best service. This means automation. People are always worried about jobs disappearing due to automation, but it seems more like automation is filling roles that are difficult to hire for. It also improves productivity, consistency and creates other jobs that are more appealing to job seekers. While Goulet foresaw the labour shortage coming, there’s no way she could have predicted the pandemic. At the height of COVID restrictions, Aiguisatek suffered a 30% loss. Not all their manufacturing customers were considered essential, and therefore not all of their customers were operational. Their losses likely would have been more if they didn’t have automated solutions. “Since our staff had to stay home, we took on the challenge of keeping production low with two people, which we nonetheless succeeded in thanks to automated production with Vollmer grinding technology,” said Goulet. The Vollmer CHD 270 grinding machine with its ND 250 loader al-
Jonathan Riberdy, Vice-President of Aiguisatek, discussing with customer on shop floor
www.woodindustry.ca 27
FEATURE
TOP: Vollmer machines at work at Aiguisatek BOTTOM: Jonathan Riberdy, Vice-President of Aiguisatek, and Lisa Goulet, President of Aiguisatek
lowed for unmanned manufacturing and machining of carbide circular saw blades around the clock. The loading carriages of the ND 250 robotic system can accommodate up to 450 saw blades with a maximum load of 1.5 tons. And soon, they’ll have another machine that can run 24/7 as they’re investing in a new PDC machine.
It only makes sense that if the millwork industry is progressing towards automation, companies like Aiguisatek that count woodworkers as their clients should do the same. “We’re looking to automate everything we can in the future,” said Goulet. “It brings the performance of tooling up. We want to optimize tools for our customers.”
Optimization is essential, and it’s also the biggest challenge. When I asked if people knew what they were doing wrong, the answer was a resounding ‘no.’ Jonathan Riberdy, Vice-President, was full of stories of companies making costly mistakes. “I was doing a site visit for a counter manufacturer, and I was walking along the production line. I was just listening to a sawblade, and I knew something was wrong,” said Riberdy. “So, I asked him if he had read all the information about the blade because what he had on there - it wasn’t even cutting.” The customer was hesitant because the recommended blade was 40% more expensive than his current model. He didn’t realize that increased costs on the invoice would save them tons more in production costs. When you consider what it costs in lost production time, repairs, and manpower, it adds up quickly. “We did the math and changing the blades on that machine saved them about $15000 per year, per blade,” explained Riberdy. “And that machine alone had four blades.” He likened a mistake like that to putting cheap tires on a sports car. Investing in higher-quality blades for cutting systems can make all the difference. Almost all the routers and saw blades Aiguisatek sells are Canadian-made. It’s always been that way since Goulet’s father started the company 35 years ago. “You can’t always see the value on your invoice, but when you see the results, there’s no doubt,” said Riberdy. “It’s not just about the blade; it’s about the technical expertise and the solutions we provide.”
“OPTIMIZATION IS ESSENTIAL, AND IT’S ALSO THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE.” 28 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
SAVE THE DATE!
2022 SIBO is back. Make plans to return to the Quebec woodworking industry’s largest event in 2022. Engage with vendors featuring the latest in woodworking technology, hardware, tooling, software, materials and much more. SIBO 2022 will take your business to a new level. Learn from your peers and experts in educational sessions dedicated to best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and management. SIBO partners with major industry associations and institutions to deliver a stellar line-up of curriculum.
Le SIBO est de retour. Faites des plans pour revenir à l’événement le plus important de l’industrie du bois au Québec en 2022. Rencontrez des fournisseurs qui vous présenteront les plus grandes technologies du bois, du matériel, de l’outillage, des logiciels, des matériaux et bien plus encore. Le SIBO 2022 fera passer votre entreprise à un niveau supérieur. Apprenez de vos pairs et des experts lors de sessions éducatives consacrées aux meilleures pratiques en matière de fabrication, de marketing et de gestion. Le SIBO s’associe à des associations et institutions industrielles majeures pour proposer un programme éducatif exceptionnel.
Réservez la date! October 27-29, 2022 Le 27-29 octobre, 2022 Centrexpo Cogeco 550, rue Saint-Amant Drummondville, Québec J2C 6Z3 Show Hours/Horaire: Thursday/jeudi 10:00 - 17:00 Friday/vendredi 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday/samedi 10:00 - 15:00 Host Hotel/Hôtel hôte: Hôtel Grand Times 530, rue Saint-Amant Drummondville, Québec 819-474-5555 grandtimeshotel.com For more information Pour de plus renseignements Contact us / Contactez-nous Richard Widick, Hall Erickson Téléphone: 630-434-7779 Courriel: sibo@heiexpo.com Site internet: siboexpo.ca
siboexpo.ca
COLUMN
GETTING THE MOST FROM EVERY PANEL Using CLT off-cuts
By Sarah Hicks, Marketing and Communications Manager at Element5
TOP LEFT: Working with CLT off-cuts TOP RIGHT: Shelves made from CLT off-cuts BOTTOM LEFT: Window opening as a source for a CLT off-cut BOTTOM RIGHT: Counter made from CLT off-cut
C
ross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing for the construction industry uses standard dimension lumber and adhesives to create solid, monolithic timber panels of varying thicknesses. At Element5, we use SPF lumber to create CLT “billets” that can be as large as 16m long by 3.5m 30 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
wide. From these raw billets, we cut out the individual structural components of a building (floors, roofs, walls, stairwells, and elevator cores, etc.). The process can be likened to cutting donuts from a rolled-out piece of dough. Of course, in the case of CLT, the ‘donut cutter’ is a massive CNC machine with
an overhead 5-axis bridge with a variety of tools that includes a chainsaw, routers, and sawblades that range up to 800 mm in diameter. The CNC machine enables us to achieve any cut that we need to for a given design. At a minimum, we trim the four raw edges of the billet square.
COLUMN
THESE RELATIVELY LARGE BLOCKS OF SOLID WOOD ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO FURNITURE, STAIRS, AND OTHER FEATURE ELEMENTS. Suppose the full-sized panel is not required for a building. In that case, we cut out the smaller panels based on how they have been optimally nested in the billet and then execute any details the engineering department has incorporated into the design. These detailed cuts include pre-drilled holes and slots for connections, as well as windows, doors, and openings for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. This form of off-site manufacturing is valued because it improves the construction process’s efficiency, both in terms of human resources and material resources. But as efficient as CLT manufacturing is, that doesn’t mean it is a waste-free process. Fortunately, wood ‘waste’ is desirable and can be easily streamed into
secondary uses. The sawdust we generate, for example, is collected by a waste management company and repurposed as animal bedding. This particular outcome is possible because the adhesives we use do not emit VOCs. Naturally, the intended beneficiaries of this clean technology are the human occupants of our buildings because our mass timber buildings are healthier and offer superior indoor air quality. Still, this high standard also means our wood waste is entirely safe for animals too. One of the more interesting by-products of our process is the off-cuts – or to pick up on the donut analogy again, the donut holes – that are removed from the panels when we create window and door openings. These relatively large blocks
of solid wood are being transformed into furniture, stairs, and other feature elements. They are often incorporated into the mass timber buildings from which they’ve been cut. This effort adds value, reduces waste, and helps realize the greatest possible benefit from each panel that we press. MCH, one of the talented designbuild companies we work with, regularly finds creative uses for the CLT off-cuts from their builds. This innovative, sustainable practice of maximizing downstream value, combined with clean manufacturing technologies and responsibly sourced lumber inputs, results in low carbon buildings and products that optimize the use of our forest resources.
CNC Dowel Inserting machines
THE ULTIMATE
Visit our website to Compare models
WOOD SCREW Specifically engineered for manufacturing cabinetry and solid wood furniture. Coloured installation screws AVAILABLE Visit us at WMS 2021 in booth #1410
(519) 279-4044
www.wood-maxx.ca sales@wood-maxx.ca Distributor inquiries welcome
800-369-5746 | pillarmachine.com | Made in the USA www.woodindustry.ca 31
EVENTS
KBIS
This is our Super Bowl By Grace Tatigian
L
ast issue, we were looking forward to WMS, and unfortunately, that was rescheduled for February. So this issue, we’re choosing to stay optimistic and looking forward to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). I chatted with Show Director Jason McGraw about what we can expect, as well as the unexpected. We spoke about COVID concerns, particularly in Florida, but McGraw was confident. “About 80% of B2B trade show attendees are vaccinated,” explained McGraw. “And besides that, the vaccination rate in Orange County, Florida is almost 70%.” While that information is reassuring, they’re not just going to be counting on vaccination rates. “We’re still evaluating our health and safety measures. Our goal is to create the safest environment that we possibly can, going above and beyond CDC guidelines,” he explained. “But it’s a very personal decision, whether or not people feel like they’re ready to travel and go to a trade show.” So McGraw does want to have options for people who aren’t up for travel and crowds just yet. This year, KBIS is introducing 32 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
some hybrid components to the show. This helps everyone, not just the people who can’t get to Florida for the show. This way, people can come back to the content they missed after the show is over, they can share it with the others in their office, or they can rewatch some of the more valuable presentations. While the online components are a big added benefit, McGraw knows this can’t replace the in-person experience. “About a third of our attendees are new every year,” he explained. “And you get something from being there that you don’t get online. The networking, the connections - people are eager to get back to that. Someone once said to me, ‘this is our Super Bowl.’ This event is important to people in this industry.” The KBIS 2022 expo will include over 380,500 square feet and feature an expected 450 exhibitors; more than 40 new exhibitors will occupy nearly 20,000 square feet of the show. More than 85 global brands will also be present, showcasing unique and unusual products not typically found at the Orlando event. This includes four new pavilions that are more relevant than ever.
EVENTS
Healthy Living: In the face of a global health crisis, the quality of the spaces where we live is more important than ever. The pavilion will focus on products and conversations around stress-free and sustainable living and the more profound connection with nature happening in the home, and how to integrate responsible renovation into your business practice. Connected Living: The need for increased human interaction, information access, and a connection with nature are just a few examples of how connected living impacts design. The pavilion will focus on new technology innovation solutions and the essential conversations and relationships between manufacturers, design pros, and home technology integrators. Global Connect: This new pavilion is bringing the international
stage together at KBIS Virtual. It will feature networking lounges and provocative programming, including a keynote address on the Four Pillars of the Caring Economy, Behind the Brand talks on Euro trends, and the European edition of the always popular Global Design Bites.
ICFF: This pavilion will be the place to find edgy, unique,
one-of-a-kind, and compelling kitchen and bath products from manufacturers not typically at KBIS. Exclusive stage programming will be curated by Design Milk celebrating the individual makers and established producers, all with one common focus on “High Design.” Registration for KBIS is open, and the event will take place from February 8 to 10, 2022, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Introducing
MANUAL AIRSPRAY GUNS 3 atomization & aircap technologies High spraying quality for viscous products Ergonomic and robust design SAMES-KREMLIN.COM | 800.450.0655 CAN | 800.573.5554 USA | SKUS.MARKETING@SAMES-KREMLIN.COM www.woodindustry.ca 33
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
UV-I Cefla’s UV-I solves the need to depend on photoinitiators to cure 100% UV lacquers by utilising an inert atmosphere in which oxygen is replaced by nitrogen. Oxygen is an obstacle that hinders the crosslinking process resulting in a need for photoinitiators. These are expensive and harmful to the environment, so the inert curing process cuts processrelated costs and improves process sustainability. Less photoinitiator also means crosslinking is possible for even thinner coating layers than is customary today, which means cutting lacquer costs. Return on investment depends mainly on the reduced dependency on costly photoinitiators but also comes from a more efficient process with lower energy costs.
Osync With C.R Onsund’s Osync, all of your compatible machinery and auxiliary equipment like dust collection or automation systems can be accessed 24/7 by any desktop, tablet, or mobile device. This means that if you are on vacation but still want to keep an eye on the shop, just log onto your phone to view which machines are running, their cycle times, part counts, productivity levels, and so much more. This connectivity between your machinery, Osync enabled devices, and your personnel is one of the many ways Osync helps owners and managers get a better look into their shop’s operations, no matter where you are.
Pouch Cell Batteries Dewalt is the world’s first major power tool brand to use pouch cell batteries designed for the construction industry. Features and benefits include: 50% more power enabling broad application capabilities and fast performance with cordless tools, 25% more compact and 15% lighter, designed to provide tool maneuverability, high precision, and reduced fatigue when used in tight workspaces, Twice the lifespan, providing the user benefit of more overall investment value. The groundbreaking dependable lithium-ion battery pack represents a new threshold of cordless power tool performance, helping to further realize the full potential of the cordless jobsite of the future.
Spektra™ Spektra™ bits feature a nACo® nano-composite coating with an extreme nano-hardness and heat resistance. With a brilliant distinctivelytinted coloring nACo provides additional improvements in four critical aspects of router tooling. NACo coating is a micro-thin ceramic coating that enables the tool’s cutting edge to retain crucial sharpness and lubricity. This provides longevity and produces cutting results of the highest quality. This coating prevents high heat and oxidation, which is detrimental to cutting tool performance. NACo offers approximately 4,500 Vickers for impressive solid hardness on cutting areas of the tool, increasing up to 2.5 times compared to uncoated bits.
GS2 - Glue Conveyer Holz-her’s 72 series CNC machining centers are distinguished particularly by their extreme machining dimensions and perfect cutting results, as well as high material removal rates. Generous machining dimensions for the console table with up to 7,200 mm in the X direction and 1,600 mm in the Y direction and a Z stroke of 565 mm provide for highly variable, custom machining on the 72 series CNC machines. The 72 series is completed by a versatile and comprehensive range of optional equipment to satisfy all desires, allowing each CNC machining center to be configured optimally for applications in the fields of furniture production, staircase construction, and machining solid wood.
Merivobox The idea behind Blum’s Merivobox platform is simple manufacturing and great variety. With just a few different components, manufacturers can create many variants, ranging from entrylevel to premium class. The assembly always stays the same, even with motion technologies such as Blumotion, Servodrive, or Tip-on Blumontion, with a sidestabiliser or an inner drawer. The cabinet is always drilled in the same way, and the manufacturer can then decide which solution to install. No work needs to be performed on the drawer base, and the drilling position of the front and the front fixing bracket always stays the same.
34 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
PRODUCT SHOWCASE Supermax Superbrush Brush Sander These easy-to-use machines come with an extremely low learning curve and offer many different features, including quick-change brush heads, infinitely variable brush, and conveyor speeds to allow for endless finish possibilities, and adjustable tension rollers to prevent stock slippage, and precision height adjustments. Busy Bee’s SuperBrush™ sanders come in sizes ranging from 24” to 49” with single and/or double brush head offerings to meet all your finishing needs. The SuperBrush has significant advantages over hand finishing: faster output, rework reduction, and greater surface consistency. SuperMax offers a wide variety of the SuperBrush Sanders to meet the many needs of any woodworking shop.
HCS-508 / HCS-610 Angle cut-off saws Holytek’s angle cut-off saws have either a 20” (HCS-508) or 24” diameter saw blade (HCS-610) included. It has a production capacity of up to 45 cuts per minute. The elevation of the blade and lowering of the saw guard is simultaneous, ensuring a safe cutting action, no matter the material used. The adjustable saw guard serves as a pneumatic clamp-on linear bearing for smooth and precise positioning. Features a limit switch on the access door for the immediate shutdown of the machine at the opening, thus providing protection and safety to the operator.
RT0701C compact router Makita USA’s RT0701C compact router is equipped with a powerful 1.25 HP variable speed motor that allows the user to adapt the speed - from 10,000 to 30,000 rpm - according to the type of application and material. It is also equipped with electronic speed control for smooth, soft start and constant speed at all times. Made from aluminum, the tool is lightweight and rugged. The shaft lock button allows for quick and easy bit change. This tool includes a ¼” collet, a straight guide, and a 13 mm wrench.
SMart with Level 6 The latest generation SM series Kaeser rotary screw compressors are equipped with the new Sigma 06 airend for even greater intake volume and efficiency and feature further-refined Sigma profile rotors. The result? Up to 13% reduced energy requirement. The internal Sigma Control 2 compressor controller is also another critical energy-efficiency component. A compressed air all-rounder is designed to provide exceptional versatility, particularly for medium-sized enterprises. This compressor provides a dependable source of quality compressed air and delivers a wide range of additional advantages. This tool is compact, reliable, and maintenance-friendly. It offers whisper-quiet performance and exceptional efficiency.
OMGA V235 double miter saw OMGA V 235 is the latest generation vertical Double Miter Saw from OMGA; the V 235 results from 30 years of experience in this field. This compact and powerful system comes equipped with all features and patented devices that OMGA designed throughout the years, such as the ProfilBlock clamping system or the popular patented Scaled Tables. The vertical travel system, along with its two powerful 2 HP motors, makes the V 235 the perfect choice for accuracy and toughness in various applications for the picture frame, cabinet, and millwork industries.
Sliding Table Panel Saw K4 The sliding table panel saw Hammer K4 perform is the luxury model among the Hammer circular saws and was developed to handle the most difficult tasks in woodworking. The machine is characterized by industrial quality components and the highest accuracy through innovative Felder systems. With the tilting saw blade unit and precision double guiding for precise angle and height adjustment, the K4 perform guarantees a new efficiency dimension. The built-in, electrically operated scoring saw blade with a Ø of 120 mm makes cuts even through materials with sensitive surfaces a breeze. www.woodindustry.ca 35
EVENTS
DECEMBER
MARCH
AUGUST
December 14, 2021 TWIG Monthly: Pitch Night 2 Online twigbc.ca/monthly
March 14-17, 2022 Fimma Fenavinho, Brazil fimma.com.br/index
August 23-26, 2022 IWF Atlanta Atlanta, GA www.iwfatlanta.com/
JANUARY
APRIL
SEPTEMBER
January 12, 2022 Top Government Grants For 2022 Online web.mentorworks.ca/wbn-2022-01-12-topgovernment-grants-for-2022
April 6-8, 2022 IWPA World of Wood Convention Orlando, FL www.iwpawood.org/events/EventDetails. aspx?id=1375022&group=
September 26, 2022 CKCA Regional Event - Ontario Waterloo, Ontario ckca.ca/event/ckca-regional-eventontario-2022/
January 17-23, 2022 imm cologne Cologne, Germany www.imm-cologne.com/
April 27-29, 2022 COFI Convention Vancouver, BC www.cofi.org/2022-convention/
January 24, 2022 TAP Wood Industry Cohort - Export Readiness Series Online www.wmco.ca/tap-program/
April 27-29, 2022 Wood Pro Expo & Closets Conference and Expo San Diego, CA www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ wood-pro-expo
FEBRUARY February 1-4, 2022 Eurobois 2022 Lyon, France www.eurobois.net/en February 8-10, 2022 KBIS Orlando, FL kbis.com/ February 24-26, 2022 WMS Mississauga, ON www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ woodworking-machinery-supplyconference-and-expo
JUNE June 9-12, 2022 AWMAC National Convention Calgary, AB awmac.com/national-convention/ convention-events/ June 16-18, 2022 CKCA National Forum Delta, PEI ckca.ca/event/national-forum-2022/
OCTOBER October 13-14, 2022 Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, PA www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ wood-pro-expo-lancaster October 27-29, 2022 SIBO: Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré Drummondville, QC woodworkingnetwork.com/events/salonindustriel-du-bois-ouvre
MARCH March 29-31, 2023 IWPA World of Wood Convention Savannah, GA www.iwpawood.org/events/EventDetails. aspx?id=1375024&group=
Dates and locations subject to change.
36 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
FACTS AND STATS
5.1 million It is projected that the revenue of millwork in Canada will amount to approximately 5.1 million by 2024. Source: Statistica
31.7% Sales of lumber, millwork, hardware, and other building supplies wholesalers increased substantially by 31.7% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Source: Statistica
84%
84% of small business owners want to see employers’ and employees’ EI premiums split equally. 9/10 small businesses would also welcome measures like refunding EI over-contributions, which currently are added to the EI account instead of being returned to them on their annual tax return, as is the case for employees. Source: Canadian Federation for Independent Businesses
3.5%
2.7 million
Retail e-commerce rose from 3.5% of total retail sales in 2019 to 5.9% in 2020. In last December alone, online sales were up by more than 2/3 year-over-year to $4.7 billion. Almost 1/5 of businesses are likely to permanently increase their online sales capacity once the pandemic is over.
It is projected that the revenue of wood kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturing in Canada will amount to approximately 2.7 million by 2024.
Source: Statistica
Source: Statistics Canada
19,695
28.9%
19,695 Red Seal carpenters received the CERB at least once over the course of the pandemic.
Vacancies in the manufacturing sector increased by 28.9% in the second quarter of 2021.
Source: Statistics Canada
Source: Statistics Canada www.woodindustry.ca 37
FACTS AND STATS
4.5 million
2.1X
Office furniture manufacturing in Canada is projected to amount to approximately 4.5 million by 2024.
The home furniture market is anticipated to add 2.1X value by 2031 as compared to 2021.
Source: Statista
509.8 billion The global market value of furniture was estimated to be worth 509.8 billion in 2020 and is forecast to reach about 650.7 billion by 2027.
Source: Statista
Source: Statistica
3/4
$10,000
Almost 3/4 of Canadian homeowners are planning to improve their homes in 2021. The most popular projects will be outdoor work, including landscaping and decks, at 54%. In second place is bathroom renovations (32%), followed by kitchens (23%).
Nearly half of the surveyed Canadian homeowners planned to spend up to $10,000 on home renovations in 2021. Almost a quarter of homeowners had more expensive plans, with anticipated spending of up to $25,000.
Source: Homestars Source: Statista
68% The price of lumber increased by 68% between March 2020 and March 2021. Softwood lumber (11.9%), veneer and plywood (20.1%), and reconstituted wood products, which include medium-density fibreboard, (11.6%), all increased.
819 There were 819 micro wood kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturing establishments in Canada at the end of 2020, each employing 1-4 employees. Source: Statistics Canada
38 WOOD INDUSTRY WINTER 2021
Source: Statistica
#BeAwesome |Growing your business, together.
CABINET VISION - Authorized Hexagon Reseller-
Discover the New CABINET VISION. Because your software should feel like a perfect fit. Every shop is different. Your tools should be too. From initial conception to final production, CABINET VISION is customizable. That means you start by picking a core industry (or two) and add in the capabilities that suit you best. Rock-solid core capabilities. Tons of design multipliers to choose from. Imagine what the possibilities could mean to your daily work! WEB-CAB is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that will optimize your shop by allowing you to track, document, and control your operations.
WEB-CAB
Easy implementation that will have your new system up and running in 5 days. Reduces unnecessary communication between departments by 80%. Helps train new staff in less than 1 hour. Reduces assembly time by 50%. 99% of shipments completed on time. ROI within 3 – 6 months.
VORTEK SPACES
VORTEK Spaces is an amazing, easy-to-use interactive and 3D visualization platform for your sales team. Designers and architects can use their favorite CAD software to design, then use VORTEK Spaces to help sell the concept. Imagine giving your customers the ability to truly perceive space and depth, explore interior designs, and better envision the surface materials of their projects. Use VORTEK Spaces to create stunning personalized videos and other media to inspire and immerse your customers.
LEICA LASER
Leica Laser Measurement systems capture multiple accurate 3D measurements from a single location, dramatically improving the efficiency of common measuring tasks. Select the right Leica DISTO™ laser for your needs and take advantage of the ultimate measuring precision. We have recently added the Lino L2P5G for highly accurate installations & detailed interior tasks.
See you at WMS | We'll be the Big Green Booth. | Email us at info@planitcanada.ca | Visit planitcanada.ca
OPENING LIFTING SLIDING STORING… ALL FROM SALICE
For every type of movement… the answer is Salice. A comprehensive range of products that combines excellence in research-based design and technical expertise to provide solutions for every cabinetry application. -Hinges & mounting plates -Lift systems -Sliding systems -Runners & drawers -Kitchen & closet accessories
www.salicecanada.com