The antique technology was the first saw made by Wilhelm Altendorf in 1906 and was on show to mark the company’s first century in business.
The old table was also used to demonstrate just how far the business has come, as a contrast to its latest developments, including the new computer control system for its F45 Elmo models. The aim behind this was to make control more user friendly and the system features a 12in display, the largest, says Altendorf, used on any sliding table saw. The controls are touch-screen, with all adjustable areas of the machine highlighted.
“We also wanted to bring frequently used functions out from the depths of the controller menus and into the daylight,” said Altendorf managing director Andreas Ploeger. “We did this by putting them on a toolbar at the bottom of the screen.” The functions, he added, include incremental dimensions, grooves, bevel ripping with oversize allowance and cutting sequences.
He maintained that the F45 Elmo could give the user a 50% productivity boost over a standard table saw.
