2022 Thermwood Dealer Conference and Awards Dinner

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, May 11, 2022

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Dealer Conference, CNC Automation, AAI, Rind Routing, Process & Production Equipment, 2022

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We recently held our 2022 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN. The purpose of this annual event is to get all of our domestic and international dealers together in informative sessions to discuss sales strategies and also to present the exciting changes and new products we plan to release in the next year.

Awards Dinner and Fun

Of course, the conference isn't all work and no play!  It also gives everyone a chance to socialize and catch up on news, as well as the opportunity to award our top sellers special prizes at the awards dinner!

Huge Pork Chop during Thermwood 2019 Dealer Awards Dinner
Yum!  Huge pork chop at the Thermwood Dealer Awards Dinner


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Thermwood Dealers and Personnel enjoying the awards ceremony


Top Sales Awards for 2021 

For 2021, our top dealership was Automation Associates, Inc.  Second and third places went to CNC Automation and Process & Production Equipment.  The award for top International Sales went to Rind Routing out of South Africa.  Congratulations, guys!

First Place - 2021 Sales

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Pictured above are: (l-r) Mark Drone (Automation Associates, Inc) and Jason Susnjara (Executive VP for Thermwood).


 Second Place - 2021 Sales

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Pictured above are: (l-r) Mike Iubelt (International Account Manager for Thermwood - accepting the award for CNC Automation) and Jason Susnjara (Executive VP for Thermwood).


 Third Place - 2021 Sales

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Pictured above (l-r) are: Kevin Varwig (Process & Production Equipment) and Jason Susnjara (Executive VP for Thermwood).


 Top International Dealer - 2021 Sales

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Pictured above are: (l-r) Mike Iubelt (International Account Manager for Thermwood - accepting the award for Rayno Von Schlicht (Rind Routing Services - South Africa) and Jason Susnjara (Executive VP for Thermwood).

2018 Thermwood Dealer Conference and Awards Dinner

Posted by Duane Marrett on Thu, May 03, 2018

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Dealer Conference, CNC Automation, AAI, CNC Solutions, 2018, AIL

Thermwood Dealers participate in the 2018 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN

We recently held our 2018 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN. The purpose of this annual event is to get all of our domestic and international dealers together in informative sessions to discuss sales strategies and also to present the exciting changes and new products we plan to release in the next year.

Of course, the conference isn't all work and no play!  It also gives everyone a chance to socialize and catch up on news, as well as the opportunity to award our top sellers special prizes at the awards dinner. 

socializing_3

A group of Thermwood dealers share a laugh before the 2017 Top Sales Announcements

Huge Pork Chop during Thermwood 2018 Dealer Awards Dinner

Yum!  Huge pork chop at the Thermwood Dealer Awards Dinner

This year, our top dealership was Automation Associates, Inc.  Second and third places went to Aera International, LLC and CNC Automation.  The award for the dealership with the Most Improved Sales for 2017 went to Aera International, LLC.  The award for top International Sales went to CAM Automatizacion out of Mexico.  Congratulations, guys!


First Place - 2017 Sales

1st Place AAI

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Mark Drone (Automation Associates, Inc) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


 Second Place - 2017 Sales

2nd Place AIL

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Timur Arslanoglu (Aera International, LLC) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


 Third Place - 2017 Sales

3rd Place CNC Automation

Pictured above (l-r) are: Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Andrew Legault (CNC Automation), Bob Law (CNC Automation) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


 Most Improved Dealer Sales for 2017

Most Improved - AIL

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Timur Arslanoglu (Aera International, LLC) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


 Top International Dealer - 2017 Sales

Top International Sales - CAM Automatizacion

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Pablo Macias (CAM Automatizacion) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


LSAM Demonstration

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers attend an LSAM demonstration during the 2018 Dealer Conference.

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers attend an LSAM demonstration during the 2018 Dealer Conference.

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers attend an LSAM demonstration during the 2018 Dealer Conference.


 Factory Tour - LSAM Machines Under Construction

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers view several LSAM machines currently under construction.

Touring several new LSAM's under construction

Touring several new LSAM's under construction

Touring several new LSAM's under construction

 

2017 Thermwood Dealer Conference and Awards Dinner

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, May 26, 2017

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Dealer Conference, CNC Automation, Tech Con, AAI, 2017, CNC Solutions, Thermwood India

Thermwood Personnel and Dealers during the 2017 Dealer Conference

We recently held our 2017 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN. The purpose of this annual event is to get all of our domestic and international dealers together in round-table informative sessions to discuss sales strategies and also to present the exciting changes and new products we plan to release in the next year.

Of course, the conference isn't all work and no play!  It also gives everyone a chance to socialize and catch up on news, as well as the opportunity to award our top sellers special prizes at the awards dinner. 

Huge Pork Chop during Thermwood 2017 Dealer Awards Dinner

Yum!  Huge pork chop at the Thermwood Dealer Awards Dinner

This year, our top dealership was Automation Associates, Inc.  Second and third places went to Tech Con, Inc. and CNC Automation.  The award for the dealership with the Most Improved Sales for 2016 went to CNC Solutions, LLC.  The award for top International Sales went to Thermwood India.  Congratulations, guys!


1st Place AAI

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Mark Drone (Automation Associates, Inc) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


2nd Place Tech Con

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Glenn Suss (Tech Con) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


3rd Place CNC Automation

Pictured above (l-r) are: Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Andrew Legault (CNC Automation) and Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood) Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


Most Improved - CNC Solutions

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Phil Marker (CNC Solutions) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


Top International Sales - Thermwood India

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Kishore Dabhade and Vishnu Dabhade (Thermwood India) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


Cut Center Demonstration

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers attend a Cut Center demonstration during the 2017 Dealer Conference.

2017 Dealer Conference Training

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers during the 2017 Dealer Conference.

See the Award-Winning Thermwood Cut Center at WMS Toronto!

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Oct 21, 2015

Tags: Announcements, Trade Shows, Cut Ready, Cut Center, AutoProcessor, CNC Automation, WMS Show

The 2015 WMS Show (November 5th-7th) promises to be an exciting opportunity to visit Toronto and see the very latest technology from Thermwood! 

Like the award winning Thermwood Cut Center (make virtually anything a cabinet shop would want to make - with no programming), as well as the AutoProcessor 5'x10' (a high-speed, automatic load/unload, heavy-duty CNC routing system for nested based feed through machining).

CNC AutomationPlease come and visit us at CNC Automation booth #2013. Click this link (use promo code CNCAUT15) to obtain passes to the show on behalf of CNC Automation (exclusive Canadian Thermwood dealer).

Cut Center

Thermwood Cut Ready Cut Center

Operate as a Cut Center with No Programming

With the award-winning Thermwood Cut Center, there are no computers or design software. Everything is already in the machine. There is no programming. The cut center doesn’t need a computer to tell it how to move because it already knows how to make cabinets. Just tell it what you want to make, and it does it - it is that simple!  

Operate as a CNC Router with CNC Access

If you want to operate the Cut Center as a CNC Router, you can. With CNC Access, you can operate the Cut Center as a CNC router in the traditional manner, running programs generated with virtually any CNC software.  Plus, (using eCabinet Systems software and following specific design protocols), you can custom design products and add them to the Cut Center libraries and then those items can be machined by the Cut Center with no further programming. 

AutoProcessor

Thermwood AutoProcessor 5'x10' CNC RouterThe AutoProcessor 5'x10' is a high-speed, automatic load/unload, heavy-duty CNC routing system for nested based feed through machining.  It is used in nested based production of cabinets, closets and custom furniture. 

An In-Depth Look at the Cut Center

Posted by Duane Marrett on Wed, Nov 05, 2014

Tags: Thermwood, CNC Router, Cut Ready, Cut Center, CNC Automation, No Programming, Open House

Thermwood’s new Cut Ready - Cut Center works much differently than a CNC router.  In this post we take an in-depth look at some of the distinctions:

CNC Router

A CNC router operates in a sophisticated technical environment. Computers and sophisticated design software are used to design cabinets, layout kitchens and create the CNC programs needed to make those kitchens. An operating environment has developed around these capabilities that the industry has become accustomed to. It takes a highly-skilled and trained operator to program and operate these machines.

Cut Center

First, there are no computers or design software. Everything is already in the machine. There is no programming. The cut center doesn’t need a computer to tell it how to move because it already knows how to make cabinets. To understand how this approach fits into the operating structure of a shop you must first realize that cut centers have been designed for cabinetmakers who are already running a successful business and simply want to make what they are doing more efficient with the least disruption possible. They don’t want to change from woodworkers to computer programmers but they would like to make their products faster, better and at lower cost. 

How Does This Work? 

The cut center works through a large touch screen which essentially performs three functions. First, it allows you to adjust settings that tell the machine how you want to work, plus it watches routine maintenance and tooling. 

The other two areas are picking what you want to make and actually making it. 

To pick what you want you have to know what you want. If a shop is operating, they have already developed some way of determining what they need to make. Some may do it by hand, other might use software or drawings or whatever works today. The cut center doesn’t mess with this area. Whatever you are doing today is what you will do with the cut center. 

-Choosing What to Make

Easily choose what you want to make on the Cut CenterOnce you know what you want and the sizes you need, picking it is intuitive and easy. Pretty much anyone can do it the first time, even if they have never seen the machine before. You do need to know how you want your cabinets made, but you don’t need to know anything about the machine. You will group all the cabinets you want to make into a job which the machine will nest together and cut. If you want, you can create a job but not necessarily run it right away, which is probably what most people will do. When you create a job and process it, the machine will tell you how many sheets of each material you will need and how long it will take to cut all the parts. This information can be quite useful when you are working with a customer and developing a quote. 

-Running the Job

Once you are ready, it is simply a matter of calling up the job and running it. Going back to the list of material, it not only tells you what material you will need but also tells you in what order the materials will be needed. You can print this out and use it as a pick list to load the handling carts. The Cut Ready Cut Center comes with two tilt carts that make it easy to retrieve and stage the material for a job. While you are working off of one you can be picking material for the next job. 

Once the cabinet boxes are complete, you can make drawers, doors and drawer fronts. These are easy. Simply select the type of drawer and the door and drawer front designs you want and tell it to make them for your job. If you don’t want to use the machine for your doors and drawers the machine will print out a list of sizes for you. 

-Stopping a Job

Another interesting aspect is that you can stop a job between sheets at any point and then finish it later. This is great when you go home at night or if you have to work in a “hot” job in the middle of regular production.  

-Familiar but Different 

Some of the operations of the machine would be familiar to anyone who has operated a CNC router but a number of areas are different. 

Let’s start with loading. First, the cut center manages the vacuum system. It turns the pump on and off and turns vacuum to the table on and off. When you are told to load a sheet, it pumps air through the table, sort of like an air hockey table, to make it easier to slide the sheet. It also uses special sensors that detect when the sheet is tight against the location stops. When this happens, the machine turns off the float air, turns on vacuum and drops the location stops, all automatically. 

-Using the Clicker

Another difference is the “clicker”, which is a fob-like device you wear around your neck. The silicone cord necklace for the clicker uses magnetic catches so if it gets caught it simply pulls off. This clicker is used to communicate with the machine so you don’t have to go back to the control every time you want to do something. It also allows you to stop the machine when it is cutting, so you don’t need to stay near the stop button while the machine is running. When you get used to the position sensors and the clicker, things that were awkward before become simple, natural and easy. 

-Flipping the Sheet

The flipper on the Cut Center makes flipping sheets a snapThere is a major difference in the way the cut center handles parts that need to be machined on both sides (more complex pieces like closets or cabinets made from single sided material often require machining on both sides). 

CNC routers generally cut the front side, cut the parts out and then machine the back side one part at a time. Not only is this difficult, but it can be confusing and is prone to error.   

The cut center takes a different approach. It starts by loading the sheet, back side up and doing the back side machining first, on the whole sheet. It then flips the sheet over and machines the front side. When the parts are cut out, they are complete, front and back. A really unique feature of the cut center is that it has a “flipper” on the front of the machine that flips the sheet over, so this process is really easy. Just slide the sheet into a clamp located just off the front of the table and the clamp grips the sheet and rotates it 180 degrees, all within the confines of the table. When you first load your sheet, if the backside is not up, you can use the flipper to fix that too. 

-Tooling is Managed For You

The Cut Center Manages Tooling for youTooling is also handled differently with a cut center. The machine manages tooling so you don’t have to. It uses standard “Cut Ready” tools. Each tool is numbered and has a “Chuck Line” showing how far to insert the tool into the tool holder. When a tool needs to be changed, the machine brings it to you and tells you which tool bit to insert. It then measures both the length and diameter of the new tool and adjusts all the tooling parameters. If you load the wrong bit by accident, it will know and will bring it back and ask you to fix it. 

Since the machine knows when a tool is changed, it also knows how long that tool lasted. After a while, it knows about how long each tool will last in your operation and will warn you when a tool nears its historical life. This can prevent cutting scrap parts because of dull tools. 

-Vacuum Hold Down

Another area that needs attention is vacuum hold down and waste board management. The “waste board” is a quarter inch thick board that sits on top of the table board. As parts are cut, shallow channels are cut into the waste board and eventually it needs to be resurfaced. Resurfacing is a simple automatic process that can be performed, even in the middle of a job. The machine keeps track of cuts in the waste board and warns you when it needs to be resurfaced. It may even require that you resurface it if it knows that parts on the next sheet will move. 

Final Thoughts

While this doesn’t cover every aspect of running a cut center, it should give you a flavor of what it is like to run this next generation of cabinet machines. They are flexible, easy and require a lot less technical skill and training. This almost makes cabinetmaking fun again.

Where to See

You can see and get hands-on experience with the IWF Challengers Award Winning Cut Center when it makes its Canadian debut November 6th and 7th at the CNC Automation Open House.  You can also contact us here at Thermwood to arrange a free personal and interactive demonstration here at our Dale, IN headquarters.  


Click for More Info on the Thermwood Cut Center

 

CNC Automation Open House

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Wed, Oct 08, 2014

Tags: Thermwood, Nested Base, 3 Axis, CNC Router, Cut Ready, Cut Center, CNC Automation, Live Demonstrations

 

Open-House_Invite_Page_1Open-House_Invite_Page_2

Click to Register for the 2014 CNC Automation Open House!

 

2014 Thermwood Dealer Conference

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Apr 11, 2014

Tags: Thermwood, Announcements, Dealer Conference, CNC Automation, 2014, Tech Con, CAM Automatizacion, AAI

We recently held our 2014 Dealer Conference at our headquarters in Dale, IN. The purpose of this annual event is to get all of our domestic and international dealers together in round-table informative sessions to discuss sales strategies and also to present the exciting changes and new products we plan to release in the next year.

Of course, the conference isn't all work and no play!  It also gives everyone a chance to socialize and catch up on news, as well as the opportunity to award our top sellers special prizes at the awards dinner. 

This year, our top dealership was Tech Con.  Second and third places went to Automation Associates, Inc and CNC Automation out of Canada.  The award for the dealership with the Most Improved Sales for 2013 went to Thomas F. O’Brien, Inc.  The award for top International Sales went to CAM Automatizacion out of Mexico.  Congratulations, guys!


Thermwood Dealer Tech Con

Pictured above are: (l-r) Robert Vollmer (Tech Con), Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood) and Glenn Suss (Tech Con).


Thermwood Dealer Automation Associates

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Mark Drone (Automation Associates, Inc) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


Thermwood Dealer CNC Automation

Pictured above (l-r) are: Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Andrew Legault (CNC Automation), Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood) and Bob Law (CNC Automation).


Thomas F. O’Brien, Inc. Thermwood Dealer

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Thomas O'Brien (Thomas F. O’Brien, Inc.) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


CAM Automatizacion Thermwood Dealer

Pictured above are: (l-r) Dennis Palmer (VP Sales for Thermwood), Pablo Macias (CAM Automatizacion) and Jason Susnjara (VP Marketing for Thermwood).


Thermwood Dealer Conference 2014

Thermwood personnel, domestic and international dealers socialize after hours during the 2014 Dealer Conference.

 

CNC Automation and Habitat For Humanity work together at WMS

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Tue, Aug 30, 2011

Tags: Thermwood, Woodworking, Nested Base, CNC Router, CNC Automation, WMS, Canada, Habitat for Humanity, WMS Show

Habitat for Humanity will be the beneficiary of CNC Automation's technology and generosity at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo (WMS) October 27-29.

The St. Zotique, QC-based company plans to make and assemble parts into residential casegoods at its exhibit booth throughout the three-day show, taking place for the first time ever at the Direct Energy Centre. The casegoods will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Restore in Ontario.

 

CNC Automation hatches grand plans for WMS

Making this live production possible are three production lines that CNC Automation will have in operation during WMS. They include:

Solid Wood Processing, CNC's newest division, will showcase Kentwood moulders and Ironwood classical woodworking equipment to manufacture five-piece wood cabinet doors.

Panel Processing, including Thermwood CNC nested-based routers, Omal drill and dowel insertion equipment and a panel saw, will produce case good components.

Spray Finishing & Sanding, featuring Timesavers calibration sanders, Loewer finishing sanders and Makor water-based spray systems, will be used to finish the solid wood parts. 

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In addition, CNC Automation is finalizing plans for a tour of Toronto-area woodworking facilities to take place on Wednesday, October 26, the day before the show opens. To assist out-of-town customers, the company has secured a block of rooms at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel conveniently located to the Direct Energy Centere.

 "We are extremely excited to see the change in venue of the WMS show," said Daniel Comeau vice president, general manager of CNC Automation. "The move to downtown Toronto has injected the market with a new enthusiasm in this important Canadian event. The WMS show is an important part of the Canadian marketplace. Canadian manufacturers deserve and should expect a "locally" based and focused showcase of products featuring the newest technologies."

"CNC Automation is committed to all of our customers Canada wide," Comeau added. "The WMS event provides us the opportunity to express this commitment to the Canadian marketplace. As a Canadian machinery dealer, we owe it to our Canadian customers to provide a Canadian event where they can view the latest technology and be exposed to new ideas that are important to their future growth and prosperity."

Please visit CNC Automation's booth at WMS in Toronto.  Booth #'s are 129 and 1504.

For more information please visit www.cncautomation.com (800.421.5955) or www.thermwood.com (800.533.6901)

 


WMS 2011 Hotel and Transportation Information from Thermwood

Posted by Duane Marrett on Fri, Aug 19, 2011

Tags: Thermwood, Woodworking, Trade Shows, Technology, CNC Automation, Canada, WMS Show, Hotel Information

Thermwood's Canadian distributor, CNC Automation, will be exhibiting at this year's WMS Show on October 27th-29th in Toronto, Canada. 

We have secured room deals at the Fairmont York Royal Hotel - just steps away from the best nightlife, dining, shopping and other great venues Toronto has to offer.

There are also several great options for direct transportation to the show from the Fairmont - no need to worry about driving yourself there!

Please click the photo below or this link for more information.

WMS 2011 Hotel and Transportation Information

CNC Automation Holds Open House Event on June 10 - 11, 2010

Posted by Jason Susnjara on Thu, May 20, 2010

Tags: Thermwood, eCabinet Systems, CNC, CNC Routers, 3 Axis, Announcements, CabinetShop, Technology, nested based, Closet, edgebander, panel processing, 20-20, CNC Automation, Fravol, Canada, solid wood processing, sanders, Makor, Timesavers, Loewer, Omal, Giben

CNC Automation is holding an open house event on June 10 and 11, 2010 from 9 am to 5 pm both days at its St. Zotique, Que., headquarters.

 


The event marks the official launch of the company's new Canadian Solid Wood Technology Division as well as the Kentwood by Stiles program of woodworking machinery. A number of machines will be in operation during the event, including a Kentwood 6 heard moulder, a Kentwood Profile Grinder and a Kentwood Multiple Rip Saw. In addition, Stiles solid wood experts will be on hand both event days.

On the panel processing side, CNC Automation has announced it will have a complete nested based manufacturing cell in operation. The cell will consist of a Thermwood CNC router, Fravol & Lange edgebanders (straight and contour), Omal dowel drilling and inserting machine as well as a Giben computerized panel saw. 

The open house will also feature finishing solutions in operation including Timesavers Wide Belt sanders, Loewer profile and moulding finishing sanders as well as a Makor surface staining and coating machine.

Representatives from hardware, software, tooling and dust collector manufacturers will also be on hand to address application questions.

For more information, visit cncautomation.com