Archispec: Crafting Oversized Doors and Windows
"We've been busy," says Ward. "We now serve an upper-end niche almost based purely on our ability to create oversized doors and windows. We use quality timber and cutting-edge technology to make units that open up dramatic views for our clients – instead of forcing them to settle for North American 6'-wide sliding doors. We use some appropriate American hardware from Baldwin and Hagar, but mostly employ European hardware to give our customers what they want. We've done extensive product testing at the Forest Products Lab at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and at the Quast Consulting and Testing lab in Wausau, Wisconsin. Under the careful eyes of professionals with extensive wood researching experience, we have seen our products consistently outperform those of our competitors."
In order to begin manufacturing the large-format, European-designed hardwood windows and doors, Archispec required several specialty machines from around the world. A second-hand, large-scale Tannewitz band saw (formerly in service on a U.S. Navy ship) was acquired for the re-sawing of 12/4ths (or 3"+) timber. To retrieve a second-hand Okoma multi-purpose CNC window production unit, the Archispec team had to embark on a trip to Germany to secure the purchase. Lastly, an Italian-made, large-format pneumatic glue press was acquired to handle all oversized structures.
Archispec's primary timber supplier is Paxton Lumber of Chicago. Archispec's most sourced materials are African mahogany and red and white oak from the Midwest. Paxton regularly ships their lengths ranging from eight to 20 feet. However, the journey from raw material to finished product is anything but simple. The steps involve re-sawing, precise planning, careful and accurate assembly of multiple spindles, profiling, cutting components, and finally, programming the Okoma. When the
Frequently asked questions
What types of wood does Archispec use for its oversized doors and windows?+
Archispec primarily uses African mahogany and red and white oak sourced from the Midwest. Their main timber supplier is Paxton Lumber of Chicago, which ships lengths ranging from eight to 20 feet.
What specialty machinery does Archispec use to manufacture large-format windows and doors?+
Archispec uses a second-hand large-scale Tannewitz band saw (formerly used on a U.S. Navy ship) for re-sawing 12/4ths timber, an Okoma multi-purpose CNC window production unit sourced from Germany, and an Italian-made large-format pneumatic glue press for oversized structures.
What hardware does Archispec use on its oversized doors and windows?+
Archispec uses some American hardware from Baldwin and Hagar, but primarily employs European hardware to meet customer preferences for European-designed units.
Where has Archispec tested its window and door products?+
Archispec has conducted extensive product testing at the Forest Products Lab at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and at the Quast Consulting and Testing lab in Wausau, Wisconsin. Their products have consistently outperformed competitors under professional wood research evaluation.
Why did Archispec focus on oversized doors and windows as a niche?+
Archispec serves an upper-end niche by creating oversized units that open up dramatic views for clients, rather than limiting them to standard North American 6-foot-wide sliding doors. They combine quality timber with cutting-edge technology to achieve this.
What is the manufacturing process for Archispec's oversized windows and doors?+
The process involves re-sawing the raw timber, precise planning, careful and accurate assembly of multiple spindles, profiling, cutting components, and programming the Okoma CNC unit.