Course Menu

• Back to Main Menu
• Lesson 1 – Introduction
• Lesson 2 – Safety Procedures
• Lesson 3 – Pre-Operational Checks
• Lesson 4 – Operating the Finger Joiner
• Lesson 5 – Operating the Laminate Press
• Lesson 6 – Monitoring the Laminate Deck
• Lesson 7 – Size Changes
• Lesson 8 – Quality Control
• Lesson 9 – When Down,Do
• Lesson 10 – Post-Operational Checks
• Lesson 11 – Competency Quiz

Lesson 4: Operating the Finger Jointer

Overview

Operating the Finger Jointer workstation requires a thorough understanding of how to safely run and monitor the machine. The Finger Jointer cuts precise finger joints into timber, applies glue, and prepares the timber for joining and pressing. This lesson will walk you through the complete process of operating the Finger Jointer, from starting the machine to monitoring the glue application and ensuring the timber is properly processed for further production.

By the end of this lesson, you will know how to:

1. Operate the Finger Jointer efficiently.
2. Monitor the cutting and gluing processes.
3. Identify and resolve common issues that arise during operation.

Pre-Operation Checks

Before operating the Finger Jointer, it is critical to ensure that all pre-operational checks have been completed. This includes machine inspections, safety checks, and ensuring that the workstation is clear of obstructions.

1. Complete Pre-Operational Safety Checks:

   • Inspect the machine for any visible damage or wear, especially the cutter heads and glue applicators.
   • Verify that all safety guards and interlocks are in place.
   • Ensure that the emergency stop (E-stop) buttons are functional.
   • Check the Photo Electric (PE) eyes on conveyors for cleanliness and functionality.
   • Make sure that all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection.

2. Apply Release Agent:

   • Apply a release agent to all conveyor belts and glue drip trays to prevent glue from sticking and causing blockages during production.

3. Check Materials:

   • Ensure that the timber to be processed meets the job specifications and is free of major defects that could affect the cutting and gluing process.

Step-by-Step Process for Operating the Finger Jointer

Step 1: Machine Start-Up

Starting the Finger Jointer involves setting up the machine based on the product size, ensuring the area is clear, and initiating automatic or manual operation depending on the requirements of the task.

1. Power On the Finger Jointer:

   • Turn the key switch on the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) control panel to power on the machine. Ensure that the safety door is closed and that the start-up sequence is fully completed.

2. Set Product Size:

   • On the HMI, navigate to the Running Setup screen.
   • Select the appropriate product size for the timber (e.g., 90×35 or 100×25). The correct settings must be chosen based on the job requirements.
   • Confirm that the correct timber size is selected by pressing OK.

3. Clear the Process:

   • Ensure that there is no leftover timber in the cutting zone. If necessary, clear any debris using the Clear All Process option on the HMI under Maintain Diagnosis > Process Monitor.

4. Run the Machine in Auto Mode:

   • Turn the key switch to Auto Mode.
   • Press Auto Running to begin automatic operation. In Auto Mode, the timber will be fed through the Finger Jointer, and the machine will cut and glue the timber automatically.
   • Monitor the conveyor system to ensure that timber is fed correctly and that there are no jams.

Step 2: Monitoring the Cutting Process

Once the Finger Jointer is running, you will need to monitor the cutting process to ensure that the machine is producing high-quality finger joints and that the timber is moving smoothly through the system.

1. Monitor Cutter Heads:

   • The cutter heads are responsible for creating the finger joints in the timber. Continuously monitor the cutter heads to ensure they are operating smoothly and producing clean cuts.
   • If you notice any issues such as rough or uneven cuts, stop the machine and inspect the cutter heads for damage or dullness. The cutter heads may need to be adjusted or replaced if they are not performing correctly.

2. Check for Timber Defects:

   • Ensure that the timber being processed is free of major defects such as large knots or splits that could affect the quality of the finger joints. Remove any defective pieces from the production line if necessary.

Step 3: Glue Application

Once the timber has been cut, PUR glue is applied to the ends of the finger joints to prepare the timber for joining. Proper glue application is crucial for creating strong joints that will hold up under pressure.

1. Monitor Glue Applicator:

   • The glue applicator applies a precise amount of PUR glue to the timber. Ensure that the glue is being applied evenly and that there is no excess glue buildup.
   • If there is an issue with the glue flow, check the glue applicator for blockages or malfunctions. Clean the applicator as needed to ensure proper glue distribution.

2. Check Glue Coverage:

   • Regularly inspect the timber as it passes through the glue station to ensure that glue is being applied consistently and that there is sufficient squeeze-out (the small bead of glue visible at the joint) during the joining process.

3. Maintain Safe Handling:

   • Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and a respirator, when working with glue. Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for glue and any waste materials generated during the process.

Step 4: Auto Flipper and Timber Joining

After glue application, the Auto Flipper flips the timber to prepare it for joining. You will need to monitor this step to ensure that the timber is aligned correctly and that the glue joints are secure.

1. Monitor Auto Flipper:

   • The Auto Flipper automatically flips the timber to align the glued ends. Ensure that the timber is flipping correctly and that there are no jams or misalignments.
   • If the flipper does not function as expected, stop the machine and inspect the flipper mechanism for any obstructions or malfunctions.

2. Timber Alignment:

   • Ensure that the timber pieces are properly aligned as they are flipped and joined. Misaligned timber can lead to weak joints or defective laminates, which must be removed and reprocessed.

Step 5: Handling Common Issues

During operation, you may encounter issues that affect the production process. The most common problems include uneven cuts, insufficient glue application, or timber jams. Knowing how to troubleshoot these issues is essential for maintaining efficiency.

1. Uneven Cuts:

   • If the timber is not being cut evenly, check the alignment of the cutter heads. Adjust the cutter head settings if necessary or replace them if they are dull.

2. Insufficient Glue Coverage:

   • If you notice a lack of glue coverage on the timber, check the glue applicator for blockages and ensure that the glue flow is set to the correct rate.

3. Timber Jams:

   • If the timber becomes jammed in the machine, stop the machine immediately using the E-stop. Remove the jammed timber and inspect the conveyor system for blockages or misalignments.

Conclusion

Operating the Finger Jointer requires attention to detail and continuous monitoring of the cutting, gluing, and flipping processes. By following these steps, you will ensure that the timber is processed efficiently and with the highest level of quality. Stay vigilant during operation, monitor for common issues, and address problems quickly to prevent production delays.

The next lessons will cover quality control checks and how to manage size changes. Always prioritize safety by following the proper procedures and wearing the necessary PPE.

Monitoring Feed Consistency:

Step 1: Monitor the feed rollers as they guide the laminates into the planer. Ensure that the rollers maintain a firm grip on the laminates without causing slippage or misalignment.

Step 2: Adjust the feed speed using the Feed Speed Dial on the control panel if necessary. The speed should be set based on the type of laminate and the desired surface finish.

4.2.2 Monitoring the Process

Process Monitoring:

Step 1: Continuously monitor the planer’s operation by observing the laminates as they pass through the machine. Look for signs of improper cutting, such as rough surfaces, uneven thickness, or any visible defects.

Step 2: Listen for unusual noises that may indicate issues with the knives, rollers, or other components. Any unusual sounds should be investigated immediately to prevent potential damage to the machine or the laminates.

Adjusting Planer Settings:

Step 1: If you notice any inconsistencies in the laminate finish, pause the operation and make necessary adjustments to the cutter heads, feed rollers, or other settings. This may include adjusting the pressure of the rollers or re-aligning the cutters.

Step 2: Use the touchscreen control panel to make fine adjustments to the planer settings. Ensure that these adjustments are based on observed issues and are aimed at improving the laminate quality.

Quality checks are essential to ensure that laminates produced by the High-Speed Planer (HSP) meet the required specifications. Operators and wood machinists are responsible for conducting these checks at regular intervals, particularly during size changes or every 4th press load. Any issues outside the set tolerances must be escalated and resolved to maintain production quality.

1. Lamella Thickness Check

• How to Perform: Use calibrated Vernier calipers to measure four points along both sides of the lamella.
• Frequency: Every size change or every 4th press load.
• Target and Tolerance: Target is -0mm to +0.2mm.
• Action if Out of Range:
  • Make thickness adjustments via the console if needed.
  • Escalation: If console adjustments cannot resolve the issue, immediately stop production and inform the wood machinist and supervisor.
  • Further notify the Supervisor and EWP Quality Coordinator if undersized material is frequently observed.

2. Lamella Width Check

• How to Perform: Use calibrated Vernier calipers to measure four points along the width of the lamella.
• Frequency: Every size change or every 4th press load.
• Action if Out of Range:
  • Inform the wood machinist of any width issues before using the console to make minor adjustments.
  • Escalation: If the console cannot solve the issue, cease production and notify the supervisor and wood machinists. Further action is required if undersized material continues to appear.

3. Lamella Squareness Check

• How to Perform: Use a square to measure four points along the lamella’s width, checking for gaps between the square and the lamella.
• Frequency: Every size change or every 4th press load.
• Target and Tolerance: Maximum tolerance is 0.1mm per 100mm of width.
• Action if Out of Range:
  • Adjust the planer head installation to ensure even planing and check for knife wear.
  • Escalation: If adjusting the head and replacing the knives doesn’t solve the issue, stop production and notify maintenance to inspect the planer and check bed levels.

4. Correct Cut Amount (Top and Bottom)

• How to Perform: Mark the center of a test board, then measure the distance from the center to the top and bottom. After planing, remeasure and calculate the differences to ensure consistency.
• Frequency: Every size change or every 4th press load.
• Target and Tolerance: ±0.5mm.
• Action if Out of Range:
  • Adjustments should be made via the bottom head infeed plate.
  • Escalation: If adjustments don’t resolve the issue, cease production and notify the supervisor. A head change or full realignment of the planer may be required.

5. Riptec Finish Check

• How to Perform: Visually inspect the length of the planed lamella to ensure the riptec finish is straight and even.
• Frequency: Every size change or every 4th press load.
• Action if Out of Range:
  • Check for waves or thick/thin points in the riptec finish.
  • Escalation: If issues are present, stop production and notify the wood machinist and supervisor. Cutter adjustment or replacement may be necessary.

Escalation Process

If any of the above checks reveal issues that cannot be resolved through standard console adjustments or minor corrective actions, escalate the issue by:

• Stopping production immediately.
• Notifying the wood machinist and supervisor of the problem.
• If the issue is recurring (e.g., frequent undersized material), report it to the EWP Quality Coordinator for further investigation and adjustments at the infeed grading station.

These quality checks help ensure that all products processed through the HSP meet the required specifications, maintaining high standards and avoiding defects in the final laminated beams. Operators are responsible for performing these checks diligently and escalating any issues promptly to avoid production downtime or compromised quality.

4.2.3 Addressing Common Issues

Dealing with Planer Jams:

Step 1: If a jam occurs, immediately stop the planer using the Emergency Stop (E-STOP) button. Never attempt to clear a jam while the machine is running.

Step 2: Carefully clear the jam by removing any obstructing laminates or debris. Check the feed rollers and infeed area for any issues that may have caused the jam, such as misalignment or foreign objects.

Managing Poor Surface Finish:

Step 1: If laminates emerge with a poor surface finish, inspect the knives and cutter heads for sharpness and alignment. Dull or misaligned knives can cause rough surfaces.

Step 2: Adjust the planer settings to increase the quality of the cut, which may involve lowering the feed speed or adjusting the pressure of the feed rollers.

Handling Inconsistent Laminate Size:

Step 1: If the laminate thickness or width is inconsistent, pause the operation and re-calibrate the planer. Run additional test pieces to ensure that the adjustments have corrected the issue.

Step 2: Document any persistent issues and report them to your supervisor or maintenance team for further investigation.