CabinetMaker+FDM - December 2009

associated with wood dust exposure include dermatitis, allergic respiratory effects, mucosal and non-allergic respiratory effects, and cancer. Oak and beech are most associated with a rare form of nasal cancer. In addition, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recognizes wood dust as a “confirmed” human carcinogen and recommends a limit of 1 milligram per cubic meter (mg/m3) for hardwoods.

Nilfisk CFM, Dust collection system 610.647.6420 www.nilfiskcfm.com For more info:

Or go to CabinetMakerFDM.com

workers to wear dust masks, costing the company about $120 in disposable masks every three days. Since the new system was implemented, workers are no longer required nor need to wear the masks because the factory is so clean. “We recently had a visitor who commented that, even with 18 sanders going at once, there is no haze to obscure your vision.”

Wood dust was also harming the wood products. “Before Nilfisk, dust was everywhere and it would often collect on the sanders, then travel with the sandpaper causing swirl marks on the wood piece you were working on,” says Justin Boutin. The company would have to compensate by sanding more, which in turn created more dust. “It was an endless cycle.”

Saving time

Also, prior to purchasing the Nilfisk system, Oak Designs wasted valuable man-hours sweeping and manually vacuuming floors and equipment. The company estimates that it spent an average of five to 10 minutes cleaning after every shift and the dust was still a major nuisance.

In addition to saving time and labor on cleaning since adding the Nilfisk vacuum system, Oak Designs saves money on sandpaper. Wood dust clogged sandpaper, dulling it prematurely. “We went

through at least 10 boxes of sandpaper every three days, now a box lasts two or more weeks. At about $12 per box, we were wasting nearly $250 a week on paper.” Now the plant averages five times more use of the same sandpaper disc.

Maintaining a pristine factory is extremely important to Oak Designs. It im-

proves workflow, affects quality, and has a positive impact on employee morale.

“A dirty plant can slow people down. Without dust and debris or other hazards on the floor, things move smoother. Employees move quicker and are safer without obstructions or slippery, dusty surfaces,” says Justin Boutin. ❮

PACKAGE DELIVERED
PANELSAW EDGEBANDER BORING MACHINE

Laguna C45
Sliding table: 10 1/2'
Blade capacity: 12" to 16"
Arbor: 30mm
Main motor: 7. 5 HP 220v / 3-phase
RPM: 3200 / 4000 / 6000
Cut height 90°: 5. 1"
Cut height 45°: 3. 5"
Rip capacity: 50"
Scoring blade dia.: 125mm
Weight: 2,532 lbs.

Bandit 7200
Min. panel thickness: 1/2"
Max. panel thickness: 2"
Min. panel width: 2.75"
Min. edgebanding thickness: 0.4 mm
Max. edgebanding thickness: 5 mm
Feed speed: 35 fpm
Frequency converter: yes
Power requirements: 220v / 3-phase
Compressed air: 90 PSI 2 CFM
Weight: 1,990 lbs.