What We Can Do
With a network of associates and partner organisations throughout North America and Europe, CAWP is able to keep on top of the latest developments in secondary wood processing technology and the new manufacturing techniques that accompany them. Generous support from a wide range of machinery manufacturers and distributors has ensured that our 10,000 square foot advanced wood processing lab continues to reflect the state of the art in terms of manufacturing equipment.
CAWP instructor Robert Fuerst has done in-plant training with a wide range of wood products manufacturers. Robert has extensive experience as a project manager and supervisor for various cabinetry and furniture production plants in Germany, with projects ranging from the production of cabinetry, windows and doors, to the restoration of historical buildings. He is currently a Faculty member in the UBC Department of Wood Science, where he teaches courses in secondary wood processing and furniture manufacturing.
Robert leads several continuing education courses for CAWP, and his comprehensive knowledge of machinery and advanced production techniques has earned his training courses an excellent reputation throughout Canada and beyond. He and other CAWP associates are available to assist with the following types of training:
General Wood Machining Training
- Hands-on training covering common profiling, cutting, drilling and sanding machinery;
- Panel saw
- Shaper training
- Band saw training
- Wide belt sander training
- Thickness planer training
- Jointer training
- Explanation of all machine components, their function and correct operation
- Safety and tooling aspects of each machine
- Planning production flows and conducting feasibility studies
- Limitations, advantages and best applications for each machine
- Lean manufacturing training and optimising production efficiency
- Minimising downtime, waste reduction
- Quality considerations
Specialised wood machining training
- Hands-on training on machinery including edgebander training, double end tenoner training, four sided planer, moulder training, CNC router training, RF gluing training – explanation of major machine components, correct operation, troubleshooting
- Window & door manufacturing training
- Production process improvement and optimisation
- Machinery and technology options
- Time studies
- Tooling decisions
- Hardware selection and use
- European cabinet making training
- Correct operation of machinery
- Designing an efficient production process
- Design considerations and implications for production
- Hardware selection and use
- Veneering techniques and technology training
- Selecting materials
- Panel manufacturing techniques
- Explanation and operation of veneer press, stitcher, guillotine and others
- Troubleshooting and advanced applications
In recent years in-plant training has been conducted at companies such as Stilewood International, Unison Windows, and Dynamic Windows and Doors. In-plant training starts by identifying and focussing on problem areas, such as certain machine centres. The instructor typically works with small groups of 6 to 8 people at a time, teaching them correct methods of operation, safety guidelines, troubleshooting and maintenance strategies.
Client companies have been quick to see the results – citing benefits such as increased productivity, less need for rework, and better quality overall. Less measurable outcomes (but nevertheless visible) include increased employee motivation and participation in product improvement and development.
Overall, the training initiatives that have been most successful have been those that are part of a long-term plan for employee skills development. This is another area in which CAWP can assist.
For more information on how CAWP might assist your organisation, please contact Jason Chiu.