Compact Fravol edgebanders are versatile

Thermwood Corp. offers a new compact series of automatic edgebanders from Fravol. The Fravol BEE series of machines are constructed using a steel frame and designed to be compact, but versatile and easy to use, according to Thermwood.

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Product manager Jason Susnjara says this is a compact style of edgebander designed for small to medium professional woodworking shops. Rather than being a production-type machine, its glue-pot style makes it suitable for completing panels throughout the day. One of the major benefits is its ability to edgeband up to 3mm thick PVC edgebanding for heavier applications.

"The usual limit for edgebanding on this size machine is up to 2mm thick. Usually commercial casework companies use 3mm edgebanding, though it's sometimes in residential work," says Susnjara.

The edgebander runs on 3-phase power. It also comes equipped with a 2.2-lb., Teflon-lined glue pot, three pressure rollers, end-trimming unit, top/bottom trimming unit and a glue scraper. The working groups of the BEE are protected by a cabinet with large windows that provide excellent visibility inside. The machine sells for $19,000.

Fravol, an Italian manufacturer, has been building edge processing machines since 1993. Thermwood has partnered with Fravol to distribute the company's machines in the U.S. market. Fravol edgebanding machines are sold through the same distribution and dealer network that currently sells Thermwood CNC routers. Thermwood's technical service division will also service and support the Fravol machines.

"If you think about it, this is a perfect partnership," says Ken Susnjara, Thermwood's CEO, in a company press release. "Anyone processing sheet stock on a CNC router needs edgebanding equipment and anyone that uses edgebanding equipment will also likely benefit from a CNC router. It offers one-stop shopping and one organization to handle service and support for both major pieces of equipment. It just makes sense."

Contact: Thermwood Corp., P.O. Box 436, Dale, IN 47523. Tel: 812-937-4476. www.thermwood.com

This article originally appeared in the April 2010 issue.