Jessica Cooper, Edge Bander Engineer @ Edge Assist
I’ve seen some things in my time as an edge bander engineer that would make your hair stand on end.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jessica Cooper, an Edge Bander Engineer at Edge Assist. Her passion for problem-solving shines through in her work. Let's dive into Jessica's world of edge banding and discover how she's shaping the future of furniture manufacturing.
Jessica, your journey from physics to edge banding is fascinating. How did you get started in this field?
I was lucky enough to work inside my fathers company. He had 2 edgebanders, 3 cnc’s, and 2 beam saws. I had a fascination with learning as much as I could.
We would call out such engineers for repairs and I always felt I could do that, I could repair for the company and I was lucky enough to grow into this role.
I will never forget my younger self turning up to work and my father, who was a businessman, wanting things done then and there, asking me to look at the edgebander as it was playing up. I felt a sense of pride but also I felt needed.
This promoted me to become who I am and seek and further career in this industry, once I qualified and went on the road it never stopped and I have always felt so lucky to have such a rewarding career.
Walk us through a typical day in your life as an edge bander engineer.
My typical day is generally waking up early, grabbing that cup of coffee and setting off for a long drive, I always say I have two jobs - driving to site and being on site.
What's the most common issue you encounter when setting up edge banding machines?
Main issue I encounter is a setup issue, depending on the knowledge of the machines by the operators. This is general and the most common for me, sometimes I can help over the phone and this is always a win when I can, however buying a second hand machine comes with no setup and no training given by the manufacturer. When we think we may be getting a bargain in the long run it's always best to check with an engineer on the machine to buy and the nest start up machine.
Passing knowledge onto others - the edgebanders are such a complex machine, so when setting up it is sometimes hard to explain everything in the space of a day or two. It's so much information for anyone new to take in, however I am always on the end of a phone or text.
Can you share a recent tricky problem you solved? I'm curious about how you apply your physics knowledge to these challenges. 😃
I would say 50% of repairs can be tricky to repair, the most common problem I have is the bottom edge is perfect but the top is not, all boards have different thickness to them so sometimes its moving that fence from 18.00 to 17.98 to increase the top tooling.
Can you share some details about, let’s say, gluepot maintenance?
Glue pots are tricky - keep them clean with taking the old glue out every ten heats up and don't over boil the glue - always check with the glue manufacturer of the machine for the perfect burning point.
What's your favorite part of being an edge bander engineer?
Watching brand new companies grow - having that smile on customers face’s once the machine is fixed and production is back up and running, no loss of profit for their company as another happy soul!
Any funny stories from your years on the job? I bet you've seen some interesting situations!
Funny eniugh, just recently I went to a job were the main chain (belt had actually snapped) this was a second hand machine and unfortunately the tension was torqued to tight, it was a shame but it certainly shocked me as this is not a common problem.
Last year just before Christmas (different story!) I was working away and the lights went off…… I thought: Oooo, ok, power cut. No, I was locked in and they all left for the weekend.
I had to call the owner to let him know i needed letting out!
How has edge banding technology changed since you started? It must be exciting to see the field evolve.
It truly is, the technology used today is becoming more software and remote access then operator control.
Where do you see the edge banding industry heading in the next few years?
I see it advancing massively on the glue units. I see one particular company evolving on the glue units however I'm not allowed to say anymore, although I wish I could.
How do you stay up-to-date with new edge banding techniques?
I'm quite lucky to be involved with a few manufacturers who are lovely and wanting me to advance my training while promoting the companies, these companies I truly believe want the nest for customers.
What's one tool you can't live without in your work?
🔧 10mm spanner and socket set, my grippers and allen keys for sure! Those I will use pretty much everyday!
Can you tell what’s the preferred edge banding machine?
I'm a BIG fan of Holzher due to the glue jet system - however they are all good in their own right, some great machines out there of entry level and industrial level - before buying I would say always check in with an engineer as they can advise the best machine for you.
What are the core services you provide and if you can tell me more about the machinery manufacturers that you are providing your services for.
I provide for all edgebanders, all edgebanders are tricky in their own right. Once I have discussed the problem over the phone with a customer, if I can fix it, I will be there.
Sometimes I will have to revert the customer back to the manufacturer, this is due to the machine being under warranty.
My services include anything from a breakdown to service to training. I provide these services on all aspects of the woodworking industry relating to edgebanders.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in this field?
Listen to the experience of much more experienced engineers, they will pass down all the knowledge they have.
They have been there, seen it and done it. Don't be smart and not ask for help, we are all learning everyday.
What's the biggest mistake you see furniture makers make with edge banding?
Cleaning - housekeeping needs to become a must. If you keep the machines clean they will last you the test of time. Truly!
What's the strangest request you've gotten from a client?
The funnest and strongest request was once I got onto a site I was asked if I could wash the edgebander like I would a car, I was really confused however I cleaned and reset this edgebander up but I didn't wash it like a car 😹
How do you balance work and life when you're always on call for clients?
A work life balance can be hard but I take it day by day! I try to focus on today and not 6 months from now.
You mentioned training other engineers and technicians. What's your approach to teaching complex concepts?
To remember we all learn differently, some like to write it down and some like to be hands on, we all learn in our own way.
As long as you are smiling by the end then I'm happy.
How does your background in physics influence your problem-solving in edge banding?
Without Physics I don't think I would be able to pull apart the machine in my mind and resolve the problem at hand. Physics in engineering is the blessing for my mind.
If you weren't doing this, what other career would you have chosen?
Oo, I have no idea, if i'm honest possible the first formula one female driver!
What's been the most rewarding project you've worked on at Edge Assist?
Going to Italy and learning from a very talented engineer, I think that changed my life to be given such a chance.
Jessica, what's your vision for the future of edge banding technology?
My vision for the future.. Hmm, I would like to see things become less more complicated than they need to be.
Any final words of wisdom for our readers interested in engineering or the furniture industry?
Yes, to any young engineers keep going and keep asking for help, push, push and push. Always thank your family for getting you where you are, we may not realize it at the time but they are our biggest support even from afar.
I truly thank my father for my career ❤️
Where can our readers reach out? Do you have a website or blog where you share info about your services?
I have a LinkedIn account and also Instagram, but I guess in this industry this is work of mouth, my phone is always on for anyone that needs help and advice.
Finally, I have asked Jessica to share some images related to her work for the context of this blog post.
