Mark Richey Woodworking upgrades high-tech edge-banding machine

Mark Richey Woodworking and WallGoldfinger Furniture has replaced its 14-year-old edgebander with a newer model capable of increased automation.

An edgebander is a large, high-tech machine that applies veneer, laminate, vinyl, PVC, and solid wood up to 1 inch thick onto the edge of composite panels.

In Mark Richey Woodworking’s case, the edge-banding machine pre-mills the edge of the panel to open pores for better adhesive, it heats up and applies adhesive to panel edges, uses pressure to firmly press edge banding to the panel, trims off excessive banding so panels and edge banding are perfectly flush, shapes edges, and cleans finished edges in a variety of fashions considering the material, shares Mark Richey Woodworking Production Manager Chris Plante and Chief Operating Officer Greg Porfido.

“The beauty of an edge bander is that it’s a symphony of activity … all while the panel is moving,” says Greg. “It’s a critical piece of equipment.”

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Used for architectural panels, the machine is far more efficient than hand applying edge banding with an iron and adhesive, allowing a much greater volume of work to be completed by fewer people with reduced physical strain.

The company’s new edgebander – delivered and installed on July 10 by a professional company using forklifts to carefully maneuver the large equipment into place – differs from the old by having increased automation.

The new machine features servo-driven motors to automatically adjust cutting heads as compared to the old machine’s manual adjustment, Chris notes. This update means faster production times for the bustling woodshop.

“We are most excited about the set-up time being cut in half,” Chris says.

The new machine additionally can do thicker solid wood edges, Greg notes.

Enjoy some footage of the machine replacement in Mark Richey’s high-tech, 105,000-square-foot shop in Newburyport, Mass.

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Mark Richey Woodworking, a company committed to sustainable practices, is hopeful that its old machine will find a new home at another millwork shop.

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