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HARDWOOD TIMBER SPECIALIST INVESTS IN A STRIEBIG
A leading hardwood timber stockist has increased sawing efficiency and
attracted extra business by upgrading to a Striebig Compact vertical
panel
model.
S.L. Hardwoods, of Croydon, claims to be the largest quality hardwood
supplier in South London, with a customer base ranging from hobbyists to
designers and small builders across the UK.
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| The Striebig Compact vertical panel saw cuts a 40mm thick piece of Zebrano at S.L. Hardwoods. |
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It stocks an extensive range of turning and carving blanks in a wide
variety
of exotic species, as well as sheet material that includes specialist
veneered panels. Because of its concern for the environment, it only
buys
timber from properly managed and sustainable resources.
Unlike most other specialist hardwood timber merchants it also has a
joinery
that produces purpose-made items such as windows and doors for the
building
trade.
The Compact 5207, with a cutting size of 4600 x 2070mm and a cutting
depth
of 60mm, is used chiefly to size sheet material required for customers
and
for use in the joinery.
Another task in which the versatile saw excels is straightening log sawn
lengths of timber board. It even cuts 650mm wide x 50mm thick hardwood
kitchen worktops to size, without them having to be moved once they have
been placed on the saw's frame.
The Compact replaced a 15-year-old saw that had accuracy problems plus a
heavy beam, which meant that sizing was increasingly taking far longer
than
necessary.
It features central support and small parts support over the entire
length
of the saw, making the cutting of small work pieces much easier. It was
supplied and installed by T.M. Machinery Sales of Leicester, Striebig's
exclusive UK dealer.
The business's owner, John Smith, said: "We needed a robust saw that
would
stand up to daily trade use. I looked closely at four different
manufacturers and opted for the Striebig because of its build quality,
accuracy, speed of set-up and ease of use."
Another point in its favour was the highly efficiency integral
extraction
which meets all EU regulations with dust levels kept to a minimum.
"We are very pleased with it," said Mr Smith. "It's around 30 per cent
quicker than using the old saw and gives us a clean, crisp and accurate
cut
every time. We often had to double cut before to get things right."
Experienced wood machinist Raj Patel is the saw's operator. As he used
the
old saw he is well qualified to point out the benefits provided by the
Striebig.
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| Wood machinist Raj Patel shows off the Compact's easy-to-change blades. |
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"It's a dream to use. Before, panels were coming off which were not 100%
square, which was a problem. The Striebig is also much quicker as
there's no
marking out needed anymore."
He also likes the way you can switch from the standard blade to a
scribing
blade in seconds, when cutting veneered panels. "All you have to do is
push
a lever. It used to be a ten minute job to change blades, and the
joiners
often had to fill in with wax because of the breakout caused."
The arrival of the saw has prompted the business to go out and actively
promote the benefits of its cutting service, something it did not do
before.
Mr Smith said: "Because we can now size panels more quickly it has
allowed
us to increase throughput, and customers don't have to wait around so
long
for their orders."
The forward-looking business is also taking full advantage of the latest
advances in communications as well as in machinery.
A staggering 95% of new business now comes from its web site
www.slhardwoods.co.uk which features a virtual shop. Local customers can
also place their sizing orders by email and collect the material after
it
has come of the Striebig.
Sales
enquiries to Matt Pearce, T.M. Machinery Sales
T: 0116 271 7155. F: 0116 271 5862
E: sales@tmservices.co.uk
W: www.tmpartnership.co.uk
Editorial enquiries to Stephen Barry Publicity.
Tel: 020 8341 6660. email: stephenbarry@clara.co.uk
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