In the realm of woodworking and cabinet manufacturing, efficiency is king. One question that frequently arises among shop owners looking to optimise their production line is whether an edgebander return conveyor is a worthwhile investment. The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on your specific production needs, equipment specifications, and workspace constraints.
When an Edgebander Return Conveyor Makes Sense
High-Speed Production Environments
Yes, a return conveyor is worthwhile if you operate a higher-speed, longer edgebander where production is bottlenecked by operator limitations. In these scenarios:
- Your edgebander is capable of processing panels at a speed that outpaces a single operator’s ability to manage both feeding and collection
- You currently employ a second operator at the outfeed station
- The return conveyor can eliminate the need for this second position, providing significant labor cost savings
High-performance edgebanders can process material quickly, but this advantage is negated if an operator must continuously walk back and forth to retrieve finished panels. A return conveyor creates a continuous workflow, allowing one person to handle the entire operation from a single position.
When to Skip the Return Conveyor Investment
Smaller Operations with Standard Equipment
No, a return conveyor may not be justified if you’re running a shorter, lower-speed edgebander where:
- A single operator can maintain optimal production pace
- The time lost in retrieving panels from the outfeed is minimal
- You typically process multiple panels in sequence (2-3 at a time)
- The operator can efficiently manage the feed and collection cycle without significant downtime
In these scenarios, the substantial investment in a return conveyor might not deliver sufficient productivity gains to justify the cost.
The Space Consideration: A Critical Factor
Another key consideration in the return conveyor equation is floor space. This factor can be decisive for many workshops:
- Total Footprint: While the overall space requirement is similar with or without a return system
- Flexibility: Without a return conveyor, the space behind your edgebander remains available for other uses when the machine isn’t running
- Permanent Allocation: With a return conveyor, that space is permanently dedicated, even when the edgebander is idle
For shops where square footage is at a premium, this flexibility can be invaluable. The ability to use the space behind your edgebander for other operations during different production phases might outweigh the efficiency gains of a return system.
Making the Right Decision for Your Operation
To determine if a return conveyor is right for your setup, consider:
- Production Volume: Higher volumes typically benefit more from return conveyors
- Labor Costs: Calculate the savings from potentially eliminating a position
- Equipment Capabilities: Match your conveyor decision to your edgebander’s speed potential
- Workshop Layout: Assess if you can permanently dedicate the required floor space
- Growth Plans: Consider future production increases that might change your needs
Conclusion
The decision to invest in an edgebander return conveyor isn’t one-size-fits-all. For high-volume operations with advanced equipment, the productivity gains and labor savings can make it an excellent investment. For smaller shops or those with space constraints, the traditional setup may remain the most practical solution.
Carefully assess your current workflow, identify bottlenecks, and analyse potential efficiency improvements before making this significant investment. The right choice will align with your specific production requirements, space constraints, and long-term business objectives.
Still unsure about what’s right for your workshop? Our team at LEDA Machinery has helped hundreds of woodworking professionals optimise their production setup. We’re happy to discuss your specific needs and provide guidance—no pressure, just practical advice from industry experts who understand your challenges. Feel free to reach out when you’re ready to explore your options.
