Quality Cabinets Boosted Productivity By Optimizing Raw Material
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Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

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Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

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Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

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Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

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Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

Click on the image to open

Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

Click on the image to open

Photo By Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI)

Quality is a byword for large custom cabinetmaker Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI). Based in New Holland, PA, QCCI has made a name for itself producing “furniture-like” cabinets with a luxurious look and feel.

Known for its craftsmanship, QCCI has grown significantly since Martin Weaver founded the cabinet firm in 1968. Today, 118 employees work at the 126,000-square-foot facility, producing high-end cabinetry for every room in the home.

QCCI uses a combination of technology and old-world craftsmanship in the production process while creating a diverse range of cabinetry styles, including traditional, transitional, and even historically-correct period pieces. A sustainable manufacturer, the company’s products are certified under the KCMA’s Environmental Stewardship Program.

“The thing that sets QCCI apart is that we truly are a custom manufacturer, making anything our dealers and designers dream,” says John Fischer, QCCI door assembly supervisor. “We work closely with our suppliers to have the finest raw materials to make our cabinetry from nearly any species of wood.”

Optimizing Precision

Key to the company’s productivity, and profitability, has been its ability to optimize the raw material usage and increase efficiency. Aiding QCCI in this endeavor has been the longtime use of TigerStop equipment in the plant.

QCCI purchased its first TigerStop in 1994 after seeing it at a woodworking show. Once installed on an Omega double miter saw, “We immediately saw improved accuracy in our cutting and an increase in production,” Fischer says.

The company now has eight TigerStops in use in the facility. “Since all parts for the door and moulding are cut using a TigerStop, all pieces are exact. When making a multi-panel wainscot with center stile and rails, all parts must be exact for a proper fit.” Also, Fischer adds, “By being accurate we have less rework, which leads to less waste.

“Now our cutlists are computer generated,” he continues. “We start with the largest size , and the cutoff from the largest stiles still are able to be used for a smaller stile or rail. When we are done cutting, only a minimal amount of small length material is left.”

Three of the TigerStops incorporate the TigerGauge interface for linear positioning and cutting of inset moulding. Used in conjunction with Accurate Technology’s ProPanel, it allows for the precise setting of the gauge requirements, positioning of the wood and cutting, all in one sequence. “Since introducing this factor to the TigerStop, the time it takes us to apply moulding to the doors or fit to an interior opening has been cut in half,” Fischer adds.

Door measurements can either be manually entered into the TigerStop or downloaded from a computer generated cutlist. “We also use the TigerStop with the ProPanel to fit mullions in our mullion doors to ensure a tight fit. Other areas in our shop that use the TigerStop include our Front Department for making face frames,” says Fischer.

“Using the exact measurements in the shop, to a thousandths of an inch versus 1/16th of an inch with a tape scale, makes the overall cabinet much more accurate,” he continues. “It also allows spacing for door openings to be tighter, minimizing rework”

Along with TigerStop, the machinery in QCCI’s shop includes: a Busellato CNC router, Holz-Her edgebander, Kundig and Timesavers sanders, a Voorwood shape/sand machine, Unique stile and rail machines, and a Martin sliding table saw.

QCCI sells its cabinetry through more than 100 dealers in the continental United States, and even one in Bermuda. “TigerStop has been a key component in our efficiency, and in helping us create the most beautiful homes in the world,” Fischer adds.

For more information on Quality Custom Cabinetry Inc. (QCCI), visit QCCI.com, and on TigerStop positioning and optimizing equipment, visit TigerStop.com.

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About the author
Jo-Ann Kaiser

Jo-Ann Kaiser has been covering the woodworking industry for 31+ years. She is a contributing editor for the Woodworking Network and has been writing the Wood of the Month column since its inception in 1986.