True 32; flow manufacturing. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Scribbles · 08-23-2009, 12:00 AM

Have any of you read it? I am not sure quite what to make of it, I read it tonight. A friend of mine has been bugging me to switch my shop over forever (he is not a profitable cabinetmaker, arm chair quarterback of sorts). I really believe in simplifying things, and making every step count but this seems like you are doing that but to the point you are sacrificing quality.

tccoggs · 08-23-2009, 12:24 AM

Its a great system for kitchen and bath cabinets. You will have some challenges trying to adapt it to custom stuff and that's where things get tough.

We found true32 to be more of a complete business philosophy, not just a cabinet making system. You can build an entire business around this philosophy, but the question will be if you really want to totally re-invent your existing business or not. In the end we developed our own flow manufacturing system that was better suit to our exisitng business, and just enhanced what we already did instead of replacing it.

Book is worth a read, and if you ever see them at a trade show, be sure to speak with Bob Buckley, heck of a nice guy.

**Gus Dering** · 08-23-2009, 12:47 AM

I have not read the book. But...

If you are interested in specializing in cabinetry, I believe you need a frameless system that works for you.

There are times when the client wants it and you'll need to deliver or pass. I choose deliver.

The most important aspect of frameless construction is a good line boring machine with two heads. Without the second head the drawer slides are a biotch to get right.

As long as you stay consistent you can just make up a system that works for you. Drilling the doors will always be a multiple of 32 mills just a matter of how far from the bottom to the first hinge.

Or you can go cnc and not worry about any of it.

Scribbles · 08-23-2009, 10:21 AM

I actually build my frameless cabinets very similar to the way I build my framed cabinets. When I started I was building cabinets in sections, but now build them modular. I very rarely build a box bigger than 36x36, I do my own installs and don’t want to pick up a box heaver than that. I need to come visit you for a few days Gus and you can show me the correct way to build a box. Or wane can.

**Gus Dering** · 08-23-2009, 04:08 PM

All we can show you is how easy it is with a cnc.

A frameless box or framed one only gets the required holes drilled. Two holes for a hinge, three for a slide, five for an adj shelf, plus construction holes.
The hinge is 4" from the top and bottom of the door unless I change it for some reason. The slide is at the right elevation. No extra hole to confuse anyone. Doors usually get drilled properly.
Not to mention there is a dado or rabbet for all mating parts.

The 32 mill system is essentially gone. The ghost or it is there but not the true 32 mill system you are asking about.

I'm afraid a visit will only force you into the cnc market.

But we love visitors and we never had an intern. Stop by when ever you want. If you are serious I'll set you up to come when we start a job so you can see the machine work it's magic.

**Leo G** · 08-23-2009, 05:13 PM

The only one I have ever read was Blum Pearls. Didn't sell me then. Especially since it was setup for production more than custom.

Scribbles · 08-23-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gus Dering

All we can show you is how easy it is with a cnc.

A frameless box or framed one only gets the required holes drilled. Two holes for a hinge, three for a slide, five for an adj shelf, plus construction holes.
The hinge is 4" from the top and bottom of the door unless I change it for some reason. The slide is at the right elevation. No extra hole to confuse anyone. Doors usually get drilled properly.
Not to mention there is a dado or rabbet for all mating parts.

The 32 mill system is essentially gone. The ghost or it is there but not the true 32 mill system you are asking about.

I'm afraid a visit will only force you into the cnc market.

But we love visitors and we never had an intern. Stop by when ever you want. If you are serious I'll set you up to come when we start a job so you can see the machine work it's magic.

I have actually been looking at used cnc's but I don’t have the income to afford the lumber to make it profitable. If you are not manufacturing 2-3 kitchens a month it is not worth it and I am nowhere near that level yet. I would really love to follow you through your full system, sales call, through manufacture. I am young enough I could pass as a personal assistant still, and I clean up well. I could spend a few days, even is was just a day or two a month over a couple months, not sure how many of your secrets you want to share though

If you ever want to set up a handrail division, I would be happy to return the favor, I have that business down to an art, but not many 10k+ stairs going up right now.