Single Notcher:DECISION MAKING CONSIDERATIONS, BY MATT MCCOLLEY.

BACKGROUND: 1. During the Systematic Plant Layout process for the woodshop, a running list of improvement recommendations was recorded, with mention made several times to the inadequacy of our current single notcher.

2. When machinery requirements to execute our most common tasks were considered, the need for a better single notcher rose to the top of the priority list.

3. The lengthy set-up time for the new double notcher precludes it’s use for low volume jobs that are not run on a weekly basis.

4. Our existing single notcher has been identified as a potential safety problem, as it requires the worker to push stock into the cutter head with the weight of their body.

5. Given these considerations, the President tasked the Engineering Manager to identify the most appropriate single notcher for our needs.

Types of machine1. Type of feed

1. Manual feed2. Hopper/Conveyor feed

2. Manual advance vs. pneumatic powered advance.

Three viable manufacturers identified:1. Baker2. Pallet Repair Systems (PRS)3. Universal Machinery Sales

(Excluded from consideration due to company considerations identified.)

Machine Features1. Motor HP (10, 15, 20)

2. Dust control and collection

3. Stringer size capacity (width & length)

4. Type of cutter head

5. Type of linear motion control

6. Actuation (2-hand, remote vs. local, shrouded vs. exposed)

7. Gaurding (shield vs. automatic door)

Baker PRS 20 HP 15 HP or 20 HP

HORSE POWER1. Existing single nother: 10 HP2. Baker: 20 HP3. PRS: 15 HP or 20 HP4. Main affect? Cycle Time

Dust collection

Dust CollectionBaker (sweep) PRS (chute)

Maximum Stock Size Baker PRS

width = 4-3/4” Width = 4-3/4”

Length = 104” w/ fence stop Length = ?? (smaller, can customize)

(unlimited without stop) ( unlimited without stop)

CUTTER HEAD BAKER uses Profile Tech PRL uses Econo Tool

(same as double notcher)

Linear Motion ControlBaker PRS

THK Linear Rails Cam Follower Bearings

Baker actuator (local, shrouded, 2 hands)

PRS (remote, exposed, 2 hands)

Baker safety: shield over top

Baker Safety: Pop-up plate

PRS safety: cover plate

Stock ClampingBaker (mechanical linkage to sliding plate)

Stock ClampingPRS (pneumatic pistons)