Looking to upgrade its CNC capabilities and introduce Lamello joinery, Yorkshire-based bespoke furniture manufacturer, Wood & Wire, recently invested in a HOMAG DRILLTEQ V-200. The machine has transformed the drilling and biscuiting process, improving speed, accuracy and production continuity.
About Wood & Wire
Based in Yorkshire, Wood & Wire is a team of designers and cabinet makers specialising in bespoke kitchens and furniture with a distinctive modernist, mid-century style. The company has been challenging the mass-produced furniture market for more than 10 years, combining its own designs with high-quality craftsmanship and carefully selected materials.
Precision is particularly important to Wood & Wire, with high standards applied throughout the manufacturing process to ensure its bespoke products are built to last.
A different approach to upgrading CNC capacity
Wood & Wire’s nesting machine had been in operation for around five years and was still running well, but concerns about its longevity prompted the company to start considering its options.
“It was running fine, but we had concerns about reliability,” explains Tim Shilitoe, Co-Director at Wood & Wire, “and we were keen to explore something more advanced.
“However, that nesting machine was still the latest model with no game changing upgrades from that supplier, so rather than duplicating it, we were advised to add a drilling machine to our production line instead.
“This would speed up face drilling but most importantly add end drilling and open up the possibility of automating the machining of Lamello biscuits, processes that were entirely manual at the time.”
Finding the right fit
Wood & Wire considered several machinery manufacturers before narrowing its focus.
“We looked at a few different brands including HOMAG and their DRILLTEQ V-200,” says Tim. “That one looked to be the best fit for us, especially in terms of footprint and its compatibility with Lamello biscuits, so we went into talks with HOMAG.
“Fortunately, a friend of ours was running two V-200s in their workshop, so we were able to visit and see the machines in a natural setting. It was plain to see just how good they were. With its minimal footprint, the V-200 is a well-designed, tight package machine that looks as good as it functions.”
The investment was also supported by a grant through West Yorkshire’s Business Productivity Service, which helps eligible businesses improve productivity through expert advice and funding for new equipment.
From CNC to assembly
Since its installation, the DRILLTEQ V-200 has significantly changed one of the key stages in Wood & Wire’s cabinet production. As Tim explains:
“It has significantly sped up the process of biscuiting and drilling of the ends, which was all a manual process beforehand. Now we can go straight from the CNC to assembly.”
The machine’s accuracy is equally important for a manufacturer working to such tight tolerances. “The accuracy is exceptional, which ensures a consistently high-quality output.”
Keeping production moving
Although the DRILLTEQ V-200 was introduced primarily to add dedicated drilling and biscuiting capability, it has also provided Wood & Wire with valuable production resilience.
“It was also brought in as a kind of back up,” explains Tim. “Our nesting machine is still in daily operation, and we still do the majority of panel CNCing on that, but now, if for any reason it goes down, production can still continue.”
Smooth installation and support
The success of this investment largely hinged on a smooth transition. For Wood & Wire, the experience has been positive from the initial discussions through to installation and aftercare.
“Adding the new machine prompted us to redesign our entire shop flow, which was quite stressful for us. Thankfully, HOMAG helped alleviate this with a smooth and well-organised installation,” assures Tim. “The equipment came with a steep learning curve, but HOMAG’s training got us up to speed. Even after they left, their team was readily available with phone support whenever we needed it.
“The UK team have been great from start to finish. Very professional and easy to deal with.”
Plenty of potential still to come
The DRILLTEQ V-200 is still relatively new to Wood & Wire’s workshop, and the company is yet to make full use of its capabilities.
For Tim, that represents an opportunity to develop the way the machine is used as the team becomes more familiar with it.
“A machine of this calibre certainly opens the opportunity to do other things. We’re not yet using it at its full potential, and we’re excited to do so.
“It’s still early days but we’re confident that the V-200 will be instrumental in the growth of our business.”
For more information or a demonstration of HOMAG machinery and software, contact HOMAG UK on 01332 856500, dialling option 4 for the sales department, or email [email protected].
