makers and specialist kitchen manufacturer established 25 years ago. The team of four specialises in “things you can’t get anywhere else”, Crispin Forster told Panel, Wood & Solid Surface: “one off and unusual designs, from super modern to extremely traditional.” The company benefits significantly from repeat business with clients with whom it has a good relationship.
In the Summer of 2017, Crispin needed to upscale his production. To do this, he purchased a Woodwelder and a clamping system from Alan Lamont of Lamont Clamping.
“A long standing commercial customer contacted us with a big contract, which involved a lot of hardwood frame and door construction for bars and commercial kitchens, in sapele, ash and beech. We already had a full order book, so we needed to completely change our methods of manufacture for this contract. The CNC work was outsourced, but all the frames were made in house. They had to be separately constructed and we had to know they would fit together perfectly. The Lamont system was really helpful as it keeps everything square. It was very important it was really, really accurate and that the guys in the workshop could use it with minimal training.
“I chose Lamont because of the clamping system he sold, and because of his phone manner. Alan has a big variety of different clamping systems and you could see he had really thought about applications. He knew the industry and knew what was required, and I was impressed with the quality. It was obvious he was a specialist, as soon as you start talking to him you know he knows what he is talking about and offers very good guarantees.
“We use the clamping system and Woodwelder a lot for panel door manufacturing and also for worktop manufacturing and, while the Woodwelder cannot be used for all worktops, for example oilier woods such as Iroko, it is very good for tulipwood, for example. However, really heavy worktops can be left in the clamp overnight: and the clamping system really is a panacea!
“The Woodwelder, which was very well priced, is very, very good for panel door and frame construction, as well as for dovetail drawers. We try and do as much as we can on it, to be honest, as it is easy to use. And with the Woodwelder, glue dries in minutes rather than hours. This is a significant time saver.
“Everyone in the workshop is an accomplished cabinet maker and can think for themselves, so we are continually improving our methods of working. One great advantage of the new system is that, if you are careful, you can clean the glue off the reverse side before it is completely dry. With traditional clamping methods, this is not possible.”
When asked if he would recommend the clamping system, the Woodwelder and the company, Crispin replied: “I would highly recommend it! I am very happy with the purchase and should have done it 15 years ago: that is my only regret.”
This article was first published in the April/May 2018 issue of Panel, Wood & Solid Surface.
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