For many people in the industry, woodworking machinery is likely the biggest investment they will make - and most definitely one they will not be making very frequently. This leaves very little room to learn by trial and error. Experts from Stiles Machinery Inc. - one of the world's largest independent distributors of advanced CNC equipment for processing wood panels, solid wood, wood composites, plastic, glass, stone, and other materials - talked to us about various aspects of machinery purchase.
Q: What is the benefit of good CNC machines in the woodworking industry?
A: Tasks once done manually can now be accomplished with the push of a button or a mouse click, allowing sophisticated software applications and CNC machines to work hand-in-hand with traditional craftsmanship and artistry. The wide product selection these days makes it all the more important to find the right solution to fit your needs, and to select the best application, brand, and machine type.
Q: Why is preventive maintenance and service important?
A: Downtime is expensive. That's why preventive maintenance and service is important. A routine maintenance program is a wise investment that can minimize repair costs and keep your production running smoothly. For a successful woodworking business, it is vital to set up a program to troubleshoot and solve potential problems before they disrupt production. Equipment must be inspected and regular maintenance performed regularly. A routine maintenance program can also reduce short and long-term operating costs.
Q: What are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to machine maintenance?
A: It is very important to monitor service cycles based on how much your equipment is being utilized. Maintenance inspection should be done as suggested by the machine manufacturer. The entire machine should be checked (including mechanics, pneumatics and electronics) using the manufacturer's checklist and manufacturing specifications. The machine should also be carefully tested for early detection of possible failures resulting from wear, material fatigue or incorrect settings. Routine adjustments and minor repairs should be performed as well. When performed thoroughly, at the end of the inspection, you should receive a written report of basic settings, wear status, functional and safety characteristics. This report may also include recommendations for replacement parts and service work.
Q: What is the benefit of regular servicing and maintenance?
A: Regular servicing and maintenance assists early detection of malfunctions due to wear. It reduces your operation's downtime. Through proper servicing and maintenance of your machine, you can maximize its performance for increased output as well. A good inspection can tell you what parts are soon to fail or are currently causing quality issues, so you can order them in advance and avoid unnecessary or emergency shipping costs.
Q: What is your advice on the purchase of used equipment?
A: Before you acquire any used machinery, ensure that you get all the technical details and age of the machine. We always encourage you to inspect or operate a used machine prior to purchase, or review photos and request a 30-day trial. Though it is fairly difficult to provide a fair market value for used equipment without personal knowledge of the machine's operating condition, a good consultant can assist you in making an informed decision. If you have recently purchased a used machine, regardless of the brand, it is important to get it inspected by a professional who can help bring it to proper working order and provide replacement parts.
© Timber Design & Technology 2012
