Customer Feedback
Flat Table Dovetail System
To those interested:
For almost two years now, we've been using the Vortex dovetail drawer system. I
wanted to let you know how much easier this has made our dovetail drawer
operation.
We purchased a CR Onsrud Router and AlphaCAM design package to aid in several
aspects of our custom cabinet production several years ago. At that time, we
decided the Vortex tool system would fit well within our production process, and
chose to take the leap. Since we almost exclusively build custom cabinetry, the
drawer sizes can vary greatly from job to job. This made the nesting feature
difficult to use, unless we had a way to rather quickly create a vast library of
drawer parts, as well as a way to transfer certain file sizes and quantities to
a particular customer's folder. Through the use of variables and constraints
within AlphaCAM, we were able to create template files for the dovetail drawers
that can now be changed to fit the various parameters unique to a particular
job. We've now been using this process for nearly two years, and I'm happy to
say that it saves us time and gives a nicer looking drawer than when we routed
all the drawer parts by hand. The drawer parts come off the CR Onsrud router
amazingly precise and ready to assemble, although we choose to add a bullnose
roundover to the top edges. The overall process has saved us many, many shop
hours with only a small increase in design time.
I attached several pictures, but the real thrill is to see it run while
imagining cutting all those dovetails by hand (and with less precision).
Just thought you might enjoy!
Brad Lueger
Nordhus Woodworking
753 160th Rd.
Seneca , KS 66538
(785) 336-2054
P.S. Feel free to point potential customers in our direction for help with
setting up the nesting feature.
"XP" Xtreme Performance Compression Series
Just wanted to thank you for your recommendation on the new compression bit we
are using, tool #3189XP. This completely solved our laminate chipping problem on
a shallow dado groove. The small compression on this bit both cleared the waste
and gave us a perfect cut. Surprisingly also was the tool life on this bit,
which lasted 3 months of cutting high production, probably somewhere in the
neighborhood of 30,000 feet or more of double pass, single step grooves. That is
extraordinary for us, especially with the laminates being produced these days
(brittle and hard on tooling).
So thanks Lynn, another problem child in our operation solved!
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Thanks,
John Paul
"XP" Xtreme Performance Compression Series
We have been using a Biesse 7.40 FT for 5 years extensively and even though I've
tested other tools, I found one I like. I have been using Vortex's 3189 ever
since we bought the machine. When I first started cutting, we were getting 223
-243 sheets with this tool cutting 4x8 3/4 Plywood and 4x9 5/8 Melamine. Cabinet
parts is what we cut, but lots of drawer box parts too.
When I found out that Vortex was coming out with the XP Series, I immediately
ordered one. When it arrived I installed it and 260 sheets later it's cutting my
melamine just perfect with NO CHIPPING. I looked at the tool today, and it?s
showing no wear to the cutting edge but could not wait to write this review as I
feel we might hit 300-320 sheets. The grade of materials we use are above
average, but I do find trash in the plywood and melamine often but it gets cut
into sawdust. Eventually, when the chipping occurs, I'll send the tool back to
Vortex for them to sharpen, and hopefully add to this review when I test the
sharpened tool.
I placed another order today for some more but I don't think I'll need them for
a few days, nothing like brand new shiny cutters?.
Richard Morris
Charles' Cabinets, NC
