CNC CUTTING SERVICES

CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. It's a manufacturing process where the machine is controlled by a computer to precisely shape materials.  

Here's a breakdown:

• The Computer is in Control: Instead of a person manually guiding tools, a computer with pre-programmed instructions directs the machine.  

• Precision and Automation: This allows for very accurate and consistent production of parts, often with complex designs.  

• Versatile Applications: CNC is used across industries to create everything from metal parts and plastic components to intricate wood carvings.

Think of it like a highly skilled robot craftsman, taking digital designs and turning them into physical objects with incredible precision!

2D CNC Routing:

• Movement: The cutting tool primarily moves in two axes (X and Y), like drawing on a flat surface. The Z-axis (up and down) is mainly used to set the depth of the cut.  

• Applications: Ideal for flat designs with consistent depth, like signs, panels, engraving, and cutting out shapes from sheet materials. Think of it like a cookie cutter for wood or plastic.

• Simpler Programming: 2D routing generally involves simpler programming and less complex tool paths.

3D CNC Routing:

• Movement: The cutting tool moves in all three axes (X, Y, and Z) simultaneously. This allows for intricate carving and shaping in three dimensions.  

• Applications: Used for creating complex shapes with varying depths, such as sculptures, molds, furniture parts with curved surfaces, and detailed carvings. Imagine sculpting a bowl or a statue.  

• More Complex Programming: 3D routing requires more sophisticated programming to control the tool's movement in all three dimensions.

We operate a Felder Format-4 profit H80:

• Type: The Format-4 profit H80 is a CNC machining center. This means it's a versatile machine capable of various tasks, primarily routing and some milling operations.

• Capabilities: It's designed for processing wood, plastics, and potentially some light metals, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.

• Features:

  • 4-axis machining: Allowing for complex 3D shapes and potentially some angled cuts.

  • Automatic tool changer: For efficient switching between different cutting tools.

  • Vacuum table: To securely hold materials in place during cutting.

How this relates to your project:

• Material compatibility: If your project is made of wood, plastic, or a similar material, the H80 is likely a good fit.

• Complexity: 4-axis configuration can handle both 2D and more complex 3D designs.

• Size: The H80 can cut jumbo size boards - easily handling Egger boards.

The CNC can handle a variety of materials including:

WOOD:

• Solid wood (hardwood and softwood)

• Plywood

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

• Particleboard

• Veneered boards

PLASTIC:

• Acrylics

• PVC

• ABS

• Foams

OTHER MATERIALS - SOFT METALS:

• Aluminium, Brass, Zinc - however, CNC routing metals requires specific tooling and may be limited in thickness and complexity.

Due to fluctuating material costs, we don't publish a price list. For an accurate quote, we'll source the most current pricing and secure the best possible rate for your chosen materials.

Yes, you're welcome to supply your own materials. However, we cannot be responsible for their condition upon arrival, any damage during transit, or the material's inherent quality.

We design and draw on SOLIDWORKS which can accept a variety of drawing file formats.

Supported file formats 

• DXF: Drawing Exchange Format

• DWG: Drawing format

• AI: Adobe Illustrator format

• PSD: Adobe Photoshop format

• X_T: Parasolid format

• SAT: ACIS format

• 3D XML: 3D XML files

• 3DPDF: 3DPDF export options

• Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor files

• CADKEY: CADKEY files

Yes, we can design and draw your project for you. Please contact us with as much detail as possible about your requirements, including dimensions, materials, and any sketches or inspiration images you might have. We can then discuss design fees and create the necessary drawings for your project.

These are two very important questions! But unfortunately, we can't give you exact costs or timelines without more information about your project. Here's why:

• Cost depends on complexity: The more complex your design, the more time it will take to create the drawings, and the higher the design fee will be. More complex designs take longer to manufacture. Simple projects will naturally be less expensive.

• Timeline varies: The time it takes to complete the design and manufacture the project also depends on its complexity, our current workload, and the number of revisions required. A simple design might be turned around quickly, while a more intricate one will take longer.

To get a price and timeline:

1. Contact us with details: The best way to get an accurate estimate is to contact us directly with as much information as possible about your project. This includes:

   • A description of what you want to create

   • Dimensions (length, width, height, etc.)

   • Materials you'd like to use

   • Any sketches, images, or examples you have

   • Your desired timeline (if you have one)

2. We'll provide a quote: Once we have this information, we can assess the project's scope and provide you with a personalised quote for the design work and an estimated timeline for completion.

Edgebanding gives raw panel edges, like those on MDF or MFC, a finished, professional look. Thin strips of material, called edge banding, are applied using a specialised edgebanding machine. This process creates a neat, protective border, enhancing both the appearance and durability of furniture and cabinetry. Edgebanding conceals the core material, protects it from moisture and damage, and provides a clean, seamless edge. It's essential for achieving the modern, polished aesthetic desired in today's kitchens, bathrooms, and other interior spaces.

You can edgeband a wide variety of materials, primarily those used in furniture and cabinetry. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Wood-based panels:

  • MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This is a very popular choice for edgebanding as it has a smooth surface and is easy to work with.  

  • Plywood: Edgebanding plywood gives it a more finished look and protects the exposed layers of wood.  

  • Particleboard: Similar to MDF, particleboard benefits from edgebanding to improve its appearance and durability.  

  • Veneered boards: These boards have a thin layer of real wood veneer on top of a core material, and edgebanding helps to match the veneer and create a seamless look.  

• Plastics:

  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC edgebanding is durable, moisture-resistant, and comes in a wide range of colors and finishes. It's often used in kitchens and bathrooms.  

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is another type of plastic edgebanding that is known for its impact resistance and high-temperature endurance.  

  • Acrylics: Edgebanding can be used on acrylic sheets to create a clean and polished edge.  

• Other materials:

  • Melamine: Melamine edgebanding provides a smooth, durable surface and is often used on cabinets.  

  • Laminates: High-pressure laminates can be used as edgebanding to match the surface of the panel.  

  • Solid wood: Thin strips of solid wood can be used as edgebanding for a high-end look.

Wood:

• Solid wood: Any type of wood, including hardwoods and softwoods, can be spray finished with stains, sealers, lacquers, varnishes, and paints.  

• Plywood: Spray finishing plywood creates a smooth, even finish and protects the layers of wood.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): MDF is a popular choice for spray finishing due to its smooth surface and consistent density.  

• Particleboard: Similar to MDF, particleboard can be spray finished to improve its appearance and durability.  

• Veneered boards: Spray finishing veneered boards helps to create a seamless look and adds a protective layer to the veneer.

We use 2 different types of spraying systems:

HVLP (which stands for High Volume Low Pressure) spraying, is a technique that uses a high volume of air at low pressure to create a fine, even spray with minimal overspray and high transfer efficiency. This results in a smooth, high-quality finish with less material waste and a cleaner work environment.

Air-assisted airless spraying combines the speed and efficiency of airless with the finer finish quality of air spraying. It's a versatile technique that offers a good balance between speed, efficiency, and finish quality, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Our air supply is provided by a powerful Kaeser HPC Airtower 11, ensuring consistent and reliable pressure for all our spraying needs. This robust equipment allows us to handle even demanding projects with ease.

Why we choose to work with waterborne products:

• Environmentally Friendly: Waterborne products have significantly lower levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional solvent-based finishes. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air and can contribute to air pollution and health problems. By using waterborne products, we reduce our impact on the environment.  

• Healthier for Workers: Because they contain fewer VOCs, waterborne products are also healthier for our team to work with. This creates a safer and more comfortable work environment.  

• Excellent Finish Quality: Modern waterborne products can achieve the same, if not better, finish quality as solvent-based products. They provide a smooth, even coat with excellent colour retention and durability.

• Lower Flammability: Waterborne products are generally less flammable than solvent-based products, making them safer to handle and store.  

• Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up after using waterborne products is much easier. We can simply use water instead of harsh solvents, which is better for both the environment and our equipment.  

By choosing waterborne products, we demonstrate our commitment to both quality and environmental responsibility.

Yes, we can! We have extensive experience in colour matching and can accurately match a wide range of colours and finishes.

Here's how we can help you achieve the perfect colour:

• Provide a sample: The best way to ensure an accurate match is to provide us with a physical sample of the colour you want. This could be a piece of fabric, a photo, or even an object with the desired colour (the sample needs to be at least the size of a 50 pence piece).

• Specify the colour code: If you know the specific colour code (e.g., RAL, Pantone, NCS) we can use that to mix the paint.

• Name your colour: We can colour match any of the leading brands; Coat, Dulux, Farrow and Ball, Fired Earth, Lick, Little Greene, Mylands, Paper and Paints and YesColours to name a few.

• Test samples: We can provide test samples on your chosen material so you can see the colour and finish before we commit to spraying the entire project. This allows for adjustments and fine-tuning to ensure a perfect match.

We take pride in our ability to match colours accurately and consistently, and we're confident that we can help you achieve the exact look you're after.

Yes, we do! We offer comprehensive assembly and installation services for the projects we manufacture. Our experienced team can handle:

• On-site assembly: If your project involves large or complex components, we can assemble them on-site to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

• Installation of cabinetry and furniture: We can install kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and other furniture items with precision and care.

• Final adjustments and finishing touches: We'll make sure everything is level, aligned, and perfectly finished for a flawless result.

Our assembly and installation services are designed to provide a complete and hassle-free experience for our clients. We take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship, ensuring that your project is installed to the highest standards. When requesting a quote, please specify whether you require assembly and/or installation services.

We split the payment of the project into 2 parts. We charge 50% upfront, invoiced once you’re happy with the quote and the scope of the project and cost have been agreed by both parties. And then the final 50% upon completion of the project (either at collection or installation of the project).

There are three options for receiving your completed project:

1. Delivery: We can deliver your order to you for an additional fee.

2. Collection: You're welcome to collect your order from our workshop.

3. Arrange your own transport: You can arrange for your own courier or transport to collect and deliver your order.

Absolutely! We welcome workshop visits, but please note that these are by appointment only. We're open weekdays from 7am to 5pm, but closed on weekends. Visiting our workshop is a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand how your project will be crafted and to gain a deeper understanding of our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.