Nested base or traditional flow panel processing and dowel construction

The debate regarding the various pros and cons of nested-base vs. traditional flow-base panel processing continues to preoccupy the industry, although in many cases it is not so much an argument about the absolute best system for every circumstance, as it is about the best system relative to the type, size and production requirements of the each individual company.  However, while this debate goes on between the two approaches, there is little doubt that both systems can benefit greatly with the positioning of a combination drilling/gluing/dowel inserting machine between the parts processing and the parts assembly sectors of their different operations.  No matter how efficient, lean, or flexible each  of these two approaches are for producing parts, all of the advantages ofeither system can be completely squandered to the labor-intensive and craftsman-oriented inefficiencies of blind-dado or screw assembly, and the inherent bottlenecks that these assembly methods cause.

Furthermore, each of these methods requires additional steps or more reliance of the individual quality standards of each assembler to produce a quality product within specified tolerances and produced at a profitable rate.  A doweled cabinet goes together (and stays together) with a quick three-dimensional accuracy that simply can not be matched with any other type of assembly, and it does not require the post-laminating of exposed surfaces to cover screw heads
to present, professional appearance. Together with a suitable case clamp, the doweled cabinet provides a better quality cabinet, assembled with reduced labor and requiring no secondary post laminating for a faster through-put.

Whether the goal is the lean flexibility of small batch JIT delivery afforded by nested base processing, or the large-scale volume efficiencies of flow-based manufacturing, optimum results are best achieved in conjunction with the use of a CNC drilling, gluing and dowel insertion machine. Without these niche machines, it’s hurry up and wait world.  With them, the key word is “shipped”. CNC dowel boring at http://www.tritec.com/woodworking-machines/dgi-2009.html