Anyone who has visited our Nottingham showroom knows we have a big SCM range available. In this latest blog, we explore who SCM are, why Daltons Wadkin partnered with them, and what you need to know about their vast range of world-leading machines…
The partnership that Daltons Wadkin has with SCM is one we’re particularly proud of.
Prior to that, for many years we were sole agents for the Wadkin classical range of woodworking machines which were manufactured in Leicester. After they went into administration towards the start of the millennium, we purchased the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and continued to manufacture key models within the Wadkin range.
However, while it fulfilled certain areas for our customers, our portfolio lacked coverage and choice for some key product areas.
That’s where our partnership with SCM comes in, how it started. We’ve always looked at SCM with respect (and perhaps even a little envy) when visiting large trade shows and exhibitions. Their product range is vast and the equipment they make, manufactured in Italy, is truly fantastic.
So, when we had the opportunity to work with SCM as one of their UK distributors a few years ago, it was something we jumped at with great enthusiasm. That relationship has only grown from strength to strength to the point where we are now a leading distributor and collaborate with SCM on larger machine projects.
In this latest blog, we’re taking a deeper dive into SCM, the multitude of machines they bring to the woodworking market, and the lengths our engineers go to in order to deliver the best support possible to our customers…
Firstly, who is SCM?
SCM is considered the leading producer of woodworking machines and solutions.
The manufacturer, which is based across three major production centres across Italy but has branches right across the world, has always had a strong commitment to offering its customers the best-in-class performance of quality and speed.
With a history dating back to 1935, the company produced its first machine in 1952, Over the last 70 years, its range has expanded to such breadth and depth that can’t be compared across the industry.
SCM’s production plants host guided tours that help to understand the production processes better. Their Technology Centres in Italy and around the world are always open to customers who wish to view the machines, participate in demonstrations and review feasibility studies and performance test results.
To us, at Daltons Wadkin, they are a business that stands out in the market because of their commitment to research and development, with a significant chunk of their turnover always being dedicated to making their products even better.
You can find out more about SCM here.
What type of machines is SCM renowned for?
As mentioned a few times already, SCM’s range of products is both vast and diverse.
That starts with entry-level machines and equipment for serious DIY aficionados while at the other end of the spectrum they have large-scale high production installations for the world’s leading furniture and solid wood manufacturers.
SCM also has everything in between and it is that area – the everything in between – that our team at Daltons Wadkin is most excited about.
This range of equipment from SCM falls into three main categories. These are:
- The SCM Minimax range – entry-level machines and equipment that is for the serious hobbyist and light industrial user
- The SCM Nova and Class range – the bread and butter machines that most joinery businesses would consider
- The SCM L’invincible range – the flagship models that SCM manufacture for each of their product ranges bringing the latest heavy-duty technological advances to the workshop
Across these three, there are different levels of woodworking machinery, covering the breadth of low, medium, and high production use in joinery workshops and similar settings.
How do the machines differ within those three categories?
Within each of these ranges, there are individual product types. This includes panel saws, spindle moulders, planers, thicknessers, combination machines and more.
You have all those different product types within each category and each category is catering for a different level of production. There are a lot of choices – in fact, almost countless.
The range in its entirety is massive. It’s hard to quantify. But there are over 100 different models across those three ranges and it’s not just made up of Classical machines.
Here at Daltons Wadkin, we also offer SCM wide belt sanders, edgebanders and other advanced technologies…
A closer look at how these machines differ
There were a few machines referenced above so let’s now take a closer look at those machine types and what they’re typically used for across the industry:
Panel saws
A panel saw is a machine that is built to cut large sheets of wood into smaller pieces or into a specific shape and size, all done via a circular saw blade. There are two types of this machine: horizontal and vertical.
Spindle moulders
A spindle moulder is a machine used for producing moulds, grooves, and joints that fit around the edges of materials. These machines come either with a fixed vertical or tilting shaft covering various diameters. You will often see these in any type of trade setting and are too big for a hobbyist’s workshop.
Planers and Thicknessers
While there a various types, a planer is a woodworking tool used to shave down surfaces in order to reduce the thickness and provide a smooth and even finish. Traditionally, planers used to be handheld tools but tech advancements mean modern power planers come with a planning platform that allows for more precise adjustments, which is controlled manually or via automation. Very similar, thicknessers are used to create flat timber boards that are of even thickness.
Wide belt sanders 
Wide belt sanders are the industry finishers. These versatile machines make use of a combination of contact drums and platens to finish and calibrate wood, paints, and veneers to a high standard. These industrial machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are equipped with different sanding units depending on specification.
Beam saws
One of the biggest types of models, these machines are used to cut huge logs into beams and timbers of differing sizes. Beam saws have a large circular blade that come in different sizes to match the job that needs to be done and like most of the above machines, the beam saw has advanced to a stage where automation has made them far more efficient. Many of these saws have semi-automatic adjustments but require manual input before any cut is made.
Which SCM machines prove to be most popular with our customers?
The panel saws, planers, and sanders have been proven really popular over the last couple of years.
As a result, we are increasing our stock, bringing in an enhanced SCM line-up of classical machines to our showroom which will ensure we’re offering good coverage and representing the SCM ranges Daltons Wadkin customers demand.
They feature very heavily at the moment and that’s only going to increase. As they say, watch this space.
A sneak behind that curtain at what SCM machines Daltons Wadkin is most excited about
The new Eye-S Control System coming. It’s an intuitive, high-end, operator interface with touchscreen control, allowing the machinist quick and easy access to all machine settings.
The Eye-S is an available option on the Class and L’Invincible range of machines, the spindle moulders and panel saws for example providing continuity of control from one machine to the next.
This is a big step towards Industry 4.0. Right now, that’s a buzzword floating around when we talk about the integration of man and machine and bringing the two closer together for huge business benefits.
Our commitment to delivering the best SCM support service in the UK
That statement is not one we express lightly. Daltons Wadkin isn’t the only dealer of SCM machinery. There are a number of dealers across the UK which sell the equipment.
So, why choose Daltons Wadkin over any other supplier? For us, it comes down to service and quality.
Our team of engineers pride themselves on delivering the best support service possible. Our team recently headed out to their base in Italy for an extensive training session that covers all the existing SCM product types.
For us, this is about making sure we have the right boots on the ground to be able to install and support these machines going forward and helping our customers maximise their investment.
Summary
SCM is a world leader in what they produce and Daltons Wadkin is proud to be one of its UK suppliers, supplying machines that are making a difference to joinery, woodworking, and manufacturing businesses up and down the country.
Is there an SCM machine here that has caught your eye? One that you think can help your business? If so, Call our team on 0115 986 5201 for friendly expert advice or reach out to us by using our contact form. Alternatively, why not see them in action for yourself, with a huge range available at our Nottingham-based showroom.
