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April 8, 2013

Precision Cutting From Booker Timber

CNC Cutting,MDF — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:45 am

Our Operation

Booker Timber has a great heritage of making complex cuts to a wide range of different materials including plywood and MDF. This is where we specialise, since we have invested in both the state of the art CNC cutting machinery and the most knowledgeable staff to achieve an accuracy of 0.1 millimetres. Of course, powerful computers loaded with the right software enable us to very rapidly create and finalise your designs, improving our efficiency considerably. Theoretically, the software can handle any size of cutting sheet you desire, but the machines themselves are always destined to be physically limited. Nevertheless, we boast some of the largest CNC Beam saws in the United Kingdom being able to take plywood, chipboard, OSB, hardboard, MFC and MDF sheets up to 6 metres long by 4 metres wide and 90 mm thick. We can therefore accept a wide variety of different sheets for all sorts of different applications.

Experience And Optimisation

Due to our considerable experience with cutting, we have both the capacity to handle large orders and very bespoke ones. By investing in some of the best cutting software around we can also produce cuts very rapidly while minimising waste and thereby saving money. Ultimately, we will use fewer boards to fulfill your order than other companies which translates to a better deal for you. When we cut to size MDF, for instance, we typically very little left over and can therefore offer you very competitive prices, particularly for large orders.

We are also the full solution. If you want your cuts to then be packaged, labelled, plastic wrapped and strapped, we can do it all, and exactly as you desire. Being able to do all this in-house is a huge advantage to both of us since we have refined the processes so jobs run very quickly and smoothly, with the minimum of transportation or the likelihood of damage when fulfilling each aspect. Again, no matter how big your order is, we will be able to cope and deliver to the dates we set.

Our machines are also highly optimised and well maintained. These machines are built to be high precision while our team have the ability to program the software to the exact requirements of our clients. The blade configuration we employ as well as our quality control measures ensure that melamine faced panels remain chip free. Our CNC routers can accept boards with a size of 3050 mm by 1220 mm and can be drilled, grooved, shaped, chamfered and profiled.

Working With Us

We can adapt to your designs no matter what they are, no matter how rough or how detailed. By contacting us you will be able to understand how we work and what we offer. In the past we have taken roughly sketched ideas by hand and realised them in the best possible way. Typically, however, our clients usually send us designs in the file formats .dwg or .dxf. We take orders from a wide variety of different sectors from multinational businesses to small, local operations.

March 25, 2013

How to source the right wood for your needs

Cutting News,MDF — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 9:38 am

Wood is a key resource in a whole range of industries, but getting the right kind for the job is vital. Different woods will always have different properties so it’s important to choose wisely, and whether you’re after wood for industrial, trade or personal needs the same rules apply. The merchant you choose will be just as important to ensure you’ve got the experts on your side to accommodate your individual requirements, so here are a few points to bear in mind as you make your decision:

  • Decide on the properties required. Are you looking for a building material, wood for carpentry or perhaps something for a quick DIY job? These considerations will all come into it and will determine the species of wood you’ll need, so make sure to do your research to be certain your chosen wood can live up to expectations.
  • Know the drying method. It may not seem that important, but the drying method of timber can make all the difference to the usability and ease of handling—air dried wood is better for working by hand, although the potential downside is that it has a higher moisture content than kiln-dried timbers.
  • Consider the grade. All woods will come with different grades, with the grade being a clear reflection of quality. Higher grades will have fewer knots and will be a lot clearer, although you might be looking for a slightly lower grade with more character. Again, it all comes down to the specific reasons you need the wood.
  • Do they machine? Often, you’ll want to look for merchants that are able to offer a full machining and sheet cutting service, ensuring you’ll be getting a bespoke service as well as guaranteeing you’re left with the wood that’s perfect for your needs.
  • Environmental certification. With the increase in global deforestation, sourcing wood with full environmental certification will be high on the list of priorities for a lot of eco-conscious consumers. Ideally any supplier should be fully Chain of Custody certified, thereby ensuring you’re getting your wood from renewable and responsible sources.

    • These are just a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing the wood to suit your particular job, and of course it doesn’t stop there. Price will be another important consideration and delivery options will often come into it too, but if you’re looking for a supplier that can meet your criteria you’ve come to the right place.

    Here at Booker Timber we pride ourselves in offering all the timber, plywood sheets and cut to size MDF you could need to suit any and all applications, and with quality being our top priority you can be confident in getting the wood that will suit your every requirement. We offer a full machining service, are fully Chain of Custody certified and will always be available if you want to get advice from the experts, so make sure to get in touch and you’ll be one step closer to sourcing the right wood for your needs.

    March 11, 2013

    UK timber supply chain set to be revitalised

    Cutting News,Timber — Tags: — Booker Timber @ 9:34 am

    The UK’s timber supply chain has been somewhat slow over the last few years, but thanks to government plans this could soon change. A bold new incentive has been designed to revitalise the supply chain and deliver the boost that the system needs, with ministers teaming up with leaders in the industry to devise the Grown in Britain action plan.

    The plan explained

    The Grown in Britain plan has been developed in response to a report conducted by the Independent Panel on Forestry last year, which found that 80% of the wood used in the UK is imported whilst the private sector harvests just 40% of all available resources. This just shows that we’re not taking full advantage of the opportunities available to us to create a thriving wood industry in the UK so it’s no wonder the supply chain seems to have stalled, and it’s something the government hopes to change. That’s where the new strategy comes in.

    The initiative, set up by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will implement a number of factors intended to regenerate and revitalise the supply chain. It’s already received backing by the Confederation for Forest Industries with ministers highlighting the economic and environmental benefits that can be gleaned from it—improving the supply chain and generating more wood from our forests could enable us to meet fuel and construction requirements by using material from our own shores, with a few additional benefits being:

    • The wood fuel market alone has the potential to generate some £1billion for the economy
    • Thousands of new jobs can be created—as many as 15,000 by 2020
    • Wood is 24 times more efficient as a building material than steel and could save 0.9 tonnes of CO2 per cubic meter
    • A vibrant woodland industry results in more green spaces which, in turn, could help reduce air pollution, carbon emissions and even healthcare costs

    This move couldn’t have come at a better time. The UK has come under the spotlight in the last few months in light of the horsemeat scandal, with the supply chain in food production becoming increasingly blurred as suppliers from Europe get involved. This isn’t something we want in the forestry industry, and with there now being a clear (and consumer-led) desire for all manufacturing areas to focus on home-grown products it’s great to see the Grown in Britain campaign taking hold.

    It makes sound economic, environmental and even social sense for the government to concentrate on this most important of areas, and here at Booker Timber we fully support the move and look forward to seeing the results of this regeneration. Of course, in the meantime you’re still going to want to get your wood from an approved source, so why not get in touch? We’re a leading timber merchant in the UK and are proud to be Chain of Custody certified, bringing you hardwood, softwood, chipboard and cut to size plywood of all kinds with clear emphasis on maintaining quality and environmental standards, so get in touch with the experts as you wait to see the results of this new initiative.

    February 25, 2013

    New Controls to Guard Against Tree Pests and Diseases

    Cutting News,Timber — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:24 am

    Environment Secretary Owen Paterson announced in January that there would be tighter controls of the importing of native tree species from the EU, in the government’s latest bid to protect against disease and pests.

    And the new rules on importation of sweet chestnut, oak, plane and ash trees from EU trees are now in force. They mean that plant health inspectors will be able to conduct very targeted inspections, and trace saplings if there are any concerns that a disease or pest may be present.

    Equally, any business which imports tree plants, and the buyers who purchase them, will have confidence that any issues will be spotted at an early stage.

    The controls bring EU imports into line with trees entering outside the EU, under which importers need to tell the relevant authorities:

  • Where they trees originated
  • The species
  • The trees’ destination

    • Inspectors are then able to assess risk, and decide whether testing is required.

    Clearly, the new controls mark a departure from the current situation – whereby single market rules mean the authorities are not aware of what trees are entering the UK from EU member states.

    Own Paterson said: “We have learned from the recent situation with ash tree dieback the importance of acting quickly and finding out where infected trees may be. These new controls should make a real contribution in preventing diseases from establishing themselves in the first place.”

    At the same time, a Plant Health Task Force report is anticipated before the summer. Chaired by Chief Scientific Adviser at Defra Ian Boyd. It has already produced an interim report, in which it recommends:

  • The development of a risk register for tree health
  • The establishment of an expert system to quickly provide information on tree and plant health

    • The new scheme also comes after an informal consultation with key groups such as the NFU and the Horticultural Trade Association.

    Of course, if you are buying wood-based products, you can also do your part by choosing an ethical timber merchant which prioritises environmental concerns.

    Booker Timber is one such merchant.

    What Booker Timber Offers

    At Booker Timber, our marketplace is the UK’s industrial sector, and the regional DIY and trade markets in the North West.

    As well as offering an extensive selection of timber-based products, from chipboard to marine plywood, our nationwide specialist sheet material cutting, routering and machining service is second to none.

    And we offer all customers a number of great benefits, including:

  • Competitive machining and supply prices
  • Our staff are highly experience, and very able to answer any questions you may have
  • We can supply and machine, or cut products you have sourced elsewhere
  • Stringent quality control to make sure your order is completed to exactly what you need
  • We can package up your order in any way you choose – or deliver it to you
  • We can handle all sizes of order
  • Chain of Custody certified to prove that we source our timber sustainably and responsibly.

    • There’s more on our website.

    February 11, 2013

    New EU Timber Laws on Way

    CNC Cutting — Tags: , , — Booker Timber @ 9:22 am

    New European rules, to come into force on March 3, will ban the selling of illegally harvested timber or timber products and outline how those who trade on the EU market will need to comply.

    The new legislation covers a wide selection of goods, from solid wood products to plywood and sheets for veneering. And the rules are the first in Europe to halt the illegal timber trade, although a similar law is already in place to cover the market in the United States.

    In Britain, organisations such as the National Measurement Office (NMO) will be responsible for checking compliance with the new legislation, and imposing penalties for failures to comply.

    The British Woodworking Federation, which has published a six-page guide to the legislation for members, said: “Any joinery company buying and selling timber products from within the EU market, or importing, will be affected by the new law, although by how much will vary.

    “In some cases, compliance may just be a question of recording sales and purchases, in others, more complex systems could be needed to reduce any potential risk of selling illegal timber or timber products.”

    Merchants are being encouraged to make themselves familiar with the new legislation, and how their responsibilities could change once it becomes law. At the same time, further clarification is due to be made over the next few months as to what exactly businesses need to do, as fresh information from the relevant authorities and monitoring organisations becomes available.

    Environmental Guarantees from Booker Timber

    At Booker Timber, we’re an independent timber merchant’s, supplying the UK’s industrial sector nationwide, along with regional DIY and trade customers across

    the North West.

    With our state of the art cutting equipment, we offer a specialist sheet material cutting, routering and machining service, whether you need cnc cutting, cut to

    size chipboard or anything else.

    And because we have had Chain of Custody certification since 2008, you can use us safe in the knowledge that the trees used to make our products are replaced or allowed to regenerate in a natural way, while parts of the forest are left completely alone to protect rare plants and animals.

    All wood is tracked, from forest to store, and Chain of Custody is the only wood certification scheme approved by organisations such as Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the Woodland Trust.

    Buy a Chain of Custody certified product with confidence that sustainably managed forests are being promoted.

    So, at a time when the EU is clamping down on illegally harvested timber products, environmental concerns have never been more important.

    But, whether you need cut to size MDF, machined hardwood or melamine faced chipboard, make us your first port of call, safe in the knowledge that what you are buying is environmentally sound.

    Learn more about our products and machining facilities online today.

    January 28, 2013

    Sourcing the perfect timber for home improvements

    CNC Cutting,Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 12:47 pm

    If you’re in need of cut to size plywood and other materials to help you complete a property extension, you’re not alone. Many firms and individuals around the country are seeking timber for the purposes of revamping real estate in this way.

    Thankfully, getting hold of the necessary products is now easy. Here at Booker Timber we specialise in offering plywood sheets and other forms of wood.

    New rules

    You might be welcoming a move by the government to relax the red tape associated with building conservatories and extensions. Last month, the coalition administration announced that anyone looking to enhance their properties through measures such as building conservatories or extensions will not be subject to any rules requiring them to carry out additional building works on other parts of their homes.

    Proposals for ‘consequential improvements’, whereby work conducted on one part of a residence would trigger a requirement to carry out energy efficiency improvement works throughout, have been halted. The government decided that this would deter many consumers from having any work done in the first place.

    Straightforward

    Commenting on the thinking behind the move, communities secretary Eric Pickles said: “Having consulted carefully, the government has noted the potential danger that introducing consequential improvements would, in fact, discourage people from undertaking home improvements.

    “This measure ensures that it will remain straightforward for hard-working homeowners to undertake small-scale home improvements and conservatories.”

    Demand for timber to rise?

    This development may lead to a rise in demand for certain kinds of timber. After all, if more people are encouraged to engage in domestic revamps, the quantity of wood required will go up.

    Come to us

    By sourcing your timber from us, you can rest assured you will benefit from excellent quality and accurate results without breaking the bank in the process. We specialise in supplying the industrial sector nationwide, as well as the trade and DIY sectors in the north-west.

    We offer a vast array of timber-related products and pride ourselves on providing the perfect solutions to challenging requests.

    Our facilities

    One of the reasons why we’re able to achieve such impressive results concerns the fact that we have a hugely impressive production facility that combines the latest and most impressive CNC machinery with powerful software.

    Indeed, our CNC Beam saws are among the biggest in the UK and we are able to cut to within 0.1mm accuracy.

    Take your pick

    Also, we offer an impressive selection of materials. You can choose from MDF, chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard and melamine faced chipboard. We can even cut plasterboard and most types of plastic panels.

    To find out more about how we operate and to discover whether or not we have the ideal solutions for your project, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone or email.

    When it comes to MDF sheets and other timber products, you can see us as your one-stop-shop. We won’t let you down.

    January 14, 2013

    Precision cut timber

    Timber — Tags: , — Booker Timber @ 12:40 pm

    When you’re on the lookout for a timber merchant to provide you with cut-to-size wood to use in projects, accuracy may be foremost on your mind.

    After all, if you ask for timber in certain shapes and sizes and the materials you receive don’t quite conform to your requests, you can encounter a range of problems. In the worst cases, you may not be able to use the wood at all, while in others you might find that you have to waste your time cutting the timber to the right size yourself.

    Use the experts

    The good news is, there’s a simple way to avoid these potentially costly and time consuming difficulties. By coming to us here at Booker Timber, you can rest assured that you’ll get exactly what you ask for.

    This might help you complete projects on time and to the necessary high standards. It could also bring your stress levels down.

    What makes us different?

    There are a number of ways in which we stand out from the crowd. For example, we have invested in state of the art CNC machinery and we also use powerful software. This impressive combination enables us to produce accurate and efficient solutions within no time.

    Our CNC Beam saws are among the biggest in the whole of the country and we have the capacity and skill to handle and cut sheets up to six metres long and four metres wide, with board thicknesses of up to 90mm. Meanwhile, we can cut to within 0.1mm accuracy.

    Variety

    It’s not only in terms of precision that we’re leaders of the pack. We also offer an impressive choice of timber products. We can cut or router MDF, chipboard, plywood, orientated strand board, hardboard and melamine faced chipboard. Also, our saws will cut plasterboard and most types of plastic panels.

    Saving you cash

    Of course, accuracy isn’t the only issue you’re likely to focus on. You might also want to source superb value materials. Again, we’re perfectly placed to help. Our optimisation software will calculate the most efficient way to cut boards where different sizes are required. This means we can reduce wastage and minimise the number of boards required.

    Particularly now when times are tough and everyone is counting their pennies, saving cash may be especially important.

    A flexible approach

    Regardless of the scale of your order, we will be able to help. Our services are available to everyone, from large companies to enthusiastic DIYers.

    The full low-down

    If you think we may be able to help you and are keen to find out more about the services we offer, just take a look around our website. You can get the full low-down about the techniques and machines we use to create such impressive results.

    You can also get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone or email. Whether you’re in need of cut to size chipboard, cut to size plywood or anything else, we may well be perfectly placed to assist you.

    November 26, 2012

    Why it makes sense to order timber from us

    Sheets — Booker Timber @ 3:04 pm

    When you’re on the lookout for a provider of timber and sheet cutting services, you’ll no doubt want to ensure you find a firm you can have complete confidence in.

    After all, it doesn’t matter how skilled and hard working you are, you might not be able to meet your customers’ expectations if you don’t have access to the right wood at the right time. Here at Booker Timber we appreciate the importance of this issue and we go out of our way to provide a superb standard of materials.

    Precision

    One of the issues that may be forefront on your mind when you’re searching for the right merchant is accuracy. When you ask for wood of certain dimensions, it’s incredibly frustrating to receive imprecise sections that don’t fit your brief.

    This could cause you delays, mean you incur extra expenses and prevent you from fulfilling your obligations to your customers. In the past, you might have been less than thrilled by the standard of cutting services on offer.

    However, by coming to us, you can kiss goodbye to these worries. We are able to cut timber to within 0.1mm and will be able to perfectly meet your requests.

    Flexibility

    Also, we offer an impressive level of choice in terms of materials and sizes. Thanks to our large-scale production facilities, we’re able to cut timber sections as big as 5,400mm in length, 4,000mm in width and 90mm in thickness. Our beam saws are some of the largest in the UK and they are capable of cutting shapes from sheet material, chamfering and drilling.

    Also, we offer anti-slip boards with a choice of mesh, hexagon or circular patterned phenolic faced surfaces in various sizes.

    This may permit you greater freedom when you’re coming up with products to offer to your customers.

    Green credentials

    Meanwhile, when you’re ordering cut to size chipboard and other forms of timber, you might want to be sure that the wood is produced in a sustainable way. After all, consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of environmental issues, so it’s important that you demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the planet.

    We can proudly state that we achieved Chain of Custody certified status in 2008, enabling us to offer chain of custody for forested timber from well managed forests.

    More info

    Chain of Custody certified forests are managed to ensure long-term timber supplies while also protecting the environment and the lives of forest-dependent communities..

    The full story

    If you like what you’ve read about us so far and think we might be able to provide you with the cut to size plywood and other products you need, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and helpful team by phone or email.

    November 12, 2012

    Timber is an increasingly common feature in UK gardens

    Timber — Tags: — Booker Timber @ 9:50 am

    Over recent years, there has been an increase in demand for plywood sheets and other forms of timber for use in gardens. This is because the popularity of wooden garden features has risen and now many outdoor areas feature an array of these goods.

    For example, timber is used in raised beds, items of furniture and decking, as well as sheds and other outdoor buildings.

    No surprise

    It’s no real surprise that interest in wooden products like this has increased. Homeowners are keen to ensure that they get optimum usage from their gardens and by investing in additional furniture, ornamental goods and decking, they can do precisely this.

    Also, using products like this can make outdoor spaces easier to maintain. For busy consumers who don’t have time for lots of gardening, this can be ideal. They can keep this part of their properties in impressive shape without spending hours and hours working on them.

    Meeting demand

    If you’re to meet consumer demand for wooden garden products, you’ll need a timber merchant you can rely on.

    This is where we come in. Here at Booker Timber we’re experts when it comes to wood and should have exactly what you’re after. You can have complete confidence in our precision cutting services and you can also benefit from impressive levels of customer service.

    Value for money

    In addition, we offer impressive value for money and this may be especially important now. Consumers and businesses are operating on tight budgets, so in order to attract interest in your goods and services, you may have to ensure you’re at the top of your game.

    As part of this, it’s crucial to provide competitive prices. Unless you’re able to woo customers in this way, you might lose out to rival organisations.

    We ensure that our marine plywood and other materials are competitively priced because we appreciate the importance of this issue.

    Accuracy is key

    Of course, cost isn’t the only factor you need to consider. You’re no doubt after high quality and precisely cut timber as well. We cut to within 0.1mm accuracy, meaning you can have complete confidence in the dimensions of our wood.

    Our large computerised robotic routers can cut shapes from sheet material, chamfering and drilling and we have some of the largest beam saws in the UK. When it comes to accurate timber cutting, our services cannot be surpassed.

    More info

    So, if you’re keen to continue cashing in on consumer appetites for timber garden products and want a merchant that can sell you exactly what you need, when you need it, you’ve come to the right place. We’re passionate about offering the best possible service and know all there is to know about wood.

    For more information, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team either by phone or email. We’re on hand to answer your queries.

    With our help, you should find you can more than meet your customers’ expectations.

    October 26, 2012

    UK Still a Nation of DIY Enthusiasts

    Uncategorized — Booker Timber @ 2:03 pm

    The humble garden shed full of well-oiled tools, knowing how to rewire a plug, enjoying the bliss of a well-balanced set of shelves – the UK has always been a nation of DIY enthusiasts, and the current economic tough times are doing nothing to dampen our spirits!
    As a timber merchant, we typically deal with larger consignments and bulk orders, but our doors are always open to any of the UK’s thousands of DIY enthusiasts looking to improve their homes. We’ve got everything from plywood sheets to cut to size MDF. So, as a DIY fan, how can you stay safe?

     

    DIY and Accidents
    Our commercial clients are lucky to have the backing of the watchful Health & Safety Executive (HSE) The HSE are responsible for overseeing Health & Safety protocols in various industries in the UK, including agriculture, construction and even our own machine cutting services.
    According to AXA, around 71% of Brits engage in a little (or a lot!) of DIY around national holidays like Easter and the summer holidays. The insurer went on to say the risk of accidents doesn’t put hardy DIY fans off, with the most common maladies being spills, broken furniture and unintended holes being created in walls and ceilings.
    The HSE say they want their resources to be available to DIY enthusiasts as well as professional bodies. The likes of ongoing campaigns – Shattered Lives (fall safety), Better Gas Safe than Sorry, Asbestos: The Hidden Killer, etc – are aimed at professionals but include free online resources that can be accessed by anyone.

     

    Women and DIY
    Skilled trade is always a great feather in the cap, and it seems the women of Britain are getting savvy to DIY skills. Female enrolment in DIY workshops and professional courses has seen a five-fold increase over the past eighteen months. Courses like plastering, plumbing and tiling are proving to be exceptionally popular with women from all backgrounds. Some are looking to become more self-sufficient, some want to pursue a new career.
    According to B&Q, female attendance on their DIY courses has risen by 92%. A B&Q spokeswoman told the Daily Mail,
    “Whether it’s to save money, avoid being ripped off or to just increase confidence around the home, women are skilling up.”

     

    The Value of DIY
    For most Brits, DIY is about the passion of creating a home rather than the value that could be added to a property. An HSBC survey revealed the home improvements that really could add value to the home, and few of them are small jobs. However, 75% of experts questioned said a quick, simple paint job – repairing chips in doorframe gloss paint, repainting the front door, etc – could improve your chances of selling.

    Brits love home improvements. Whether we’re building a new birdhouse form scratch or redoing a dated décor, the love affair of the UK with DIY looks set to flourish through tough economic times.

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