While only a young company, Oakwood Joinery has a clearly defined target market. The company specialises in traditional, solid joinery methods using feature timbers and custom designs.
Managing Director Andrew Markwart has a hands on role in all areas of the company, this includes everything from the final design to ensuring the quality of the construction is up to Oakwoods high standards.
Today, working both with interior designers and the end user allows Andrew to put his signature style to all the companies pieces – when pressed Andrew describes this style as ‘classic styling with a modern outlook’ This is evident in the pieces he has produced, all are very contemporary, but have a timeless look that will never go out of style.
How has the company achieved this in such a short time frame?
With his extensive experience in manufacturing, Andrew knows versatile, reliable methods of manufacturing are critical. The main features of the companies’ machine shop are an SCM sliding table saw and an SCM automated edgebander.
The edgebander is the most recent addition, and is one that has made a considerable difference in the workshop. It’s the newest machine available from the SCM group, allowing fully automated control. In the past, tape changeovers were a time consuming process, now, this is all done without lifting the machine hood.
It’s a foolproof system that allows Oakwood to create their one off designs quickly and efficiently. As Andrew said ‘It saves us time, making us more competitive – we don’t need to touch the panel off the back of the machine, its perfect no matter what we set up for.’
This perfect finish can be attributed not only to the control system, but also to SCM’s tilting trimmer design. The machine makes heavy use of cast iron - this high quality method of construction reduces vibration within the machine. In addition to this both scraping and buffing units are standard. The effect of all these features is evident when you see the finished panel.
Andrew’s next project is the planned release of a signature range of furniture, which can be purchased as is, or customers can use as inspiration for their own, custom made pieces.
Oakwood Joinery is located in Mitchell, ACT and can be contacted on (02) 6242 5414. The SCM range of machinery is available from Gabbett Machinery.
