One such product was the Valu-Vision, an automated saw the size of a single-car garage that uses cameras and wheels to cut wood. Built by North Carolina-based Weinig Group, the Valu-Vision uses five cameras as well as other sensors to evaluate and measure wood before cutting it. The machine then uses a series of wheels and routers to move the board into position to be cut.
The system also allows a woodworker to make changes in dimension or cut of a piece of wood with an LED pen instead of keying the changes in on a keyboard. It's a more intuitive way of working.
The machine can process and slice up to 15 boards per minute, and can handle a variety of different materials without a worker having to manually reprogram the machine.
Weinig president Chris Aiken, who has worked in the wood industry for more than 20 years, said products like the Valu-Vision increase the work capacity and accuracy of smaller woodworking shops, allowing them to better compete with foreign companies and chains like Home Depot and Lowe's.
The Valu-Vision machine is marketed to small and mid-sized companies looking to expand their output.
An estimated 26,000 people attended the four-day Atlanta event, which ended Aug. 26, considered to be one of the largest woodworking shows. IWF returns in 2008 and will be again held in Atlanta.
