Grabex Windows has installed a new Weinig Cube four-sided planer to meet rapidly rising demand for its timber-framed products.
Previously Grabex was a PVCu window maker, but decided to start using wood, for its bespoke engineered doors and conservatories, as well as windows in 2010. Its range includes redwood, sapele and oak, and other species as required.
Since then, according to owner Michael Grabowski, sales have taken off and the company needed rapidly to increase its processing capacity.
Grabex was already using CNC machinery due to its production flexibility, rapid changeover capability and minimum downturn, so, said Mr Grabowski, the Cube was an obvious choice.
“We already have experienced CNC operators and saw the Weinig Cube as the ideal machine for our needs,” he said. “It’s 10 times faster than conventional machines and compact – factory space costs are at a premium and every square metre used adds to product cost.”
According to Weinig, the 260x160mm specification Cube “reinvents planing”. Its EasyLock tool system only requires knife rather than whole tool changes and it is billed as very simple to use, featuring new laser measuring, set-up error-eliminating part recognition and automatic height and width adjustment. Its dust extraction hood is also said to require 60% less energy than conventional systems.
Mr Grabowski said Grabex operators took to it “like a duck to water”.
