Every second counts for medium-sized manufacturers in the cabinet door and woodworking sectors. When the pace increases on a Shaper/Sander or Single-End Tenoner, manually returning panels quickly becomes a loss of time… and efficiency.
That’s exactly why Doucet developed the Feedback Return Conveyor. Designed to meet the high-speed requirements of continuous feed operations on shapers/sanders, the Feedback helps increase productivity at a low cost while reducing manual handling and the risk of human error.
Compact, reliable, and efficient, the Feedback is specifically designed to integrate easily into an existing operating cell, maintaining a constant workflow.
This guide will help you understand its features, benefits, and key considerations before integrating a return conveyor into your sanding or profiling system.
I’m Simon Lambert, Territory Sales Manager at Doucet and proud team member since 2017. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I was Project Manager, then After-Sales Service Supervisor before taking on my current sales role.
This hands-on experience has given me a solid understanding of manufacturers’ technical challenges and efficiency goals. Through this guide, I’d like to share practical insights to help you choose the right solution for your production environment and performance objectives.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Product Description
- Who the Feedback Is Designed For — and Who It’s Not
- Key Advantages
- Why Invest in a Feedback Return Conveyor?
- Most Frequently Asked Questions Before Purchase
- Comparable Equipment and Competitor Analysis
- Expected Costs for a Feedback Return Conveyor
Designed to meet the high-speed demands of continuous feed sanding and profiling operations, the Feedback Return Conveyor boosts productivity at a low cost while reducing manual handling.
The Feedback model is available in two conveyor widths, 24" or 36", to accommodate different machine and part sizes. On the standard model, the receiving table is 36" long, while the return conveyor’s length matches that of the shaper/sander or profiler it serves.
Additional technical specifications and configuration options are available in the product sheet.
WHO THE FEEDBACK IS DESIGNED FOR — AND WHO IT’S NOT FOR
The Feedback is primarily designed for cabinet door manufacturers and medium-sized woodworking operations looking to improve the performance of their sanding or profiling lines.
Easy to integrate, it can be added to existing tables or conveyors, allowing manufacturers to boost productivity without a complete equipment overhaul.
On the other hand, for high-volume manufacturers producing 3,000 to 5,000 cabinet doors per day, several conveyors of this type would be required to sustain the pace.
For smaller, woodworking shops with low production volume, the cost-to-benefit ratio may not be as advantageous, given the automation level and floor space required.
Beyond allowing for increased run time of your shaper/sander, the Feedback permits the operating cell to run without adding another operator.
It’s a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution to reduce manual handling, accelerate part return, and maximize the output of shapers/sanders.
In most cases, the return on investment is achieved within six to twelve months, thanks to efficiency gains and lower labor costs.
WHY INVEST IN A FEEDBACK RETURN CONVEYOR?
Several factors can lead a company to consider adding a Feedback return conveyor to its operating cell. The decision often stems from a concrete need to improve daily performance and efficiency.
Here are the most common need observed in the field:
- Increase or optimize production, maintaining a constant pace without creating bottlenecks at the sander or profiler’s exit.
- Offset labor shortages or the difficulty of retaining an employee for a repetitive and less engaging task like manual return.
- Lower production costs and maximize line performance.
These issues represent daily challenges for many manufacturers and that’s precisely what the Feedback was designed to solve.
By automating the return of parts, it eliminates a time-consuming manual step while ensuring a smooth, continuous workflow.
MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING A FEEDBACK
Before investing in a return conveyor, many clients want to confirm technical details to ensure the Feedback matches their exact needs and production environment.
Here are the most common questions we receive:
What models are available based on the size of the doors we produce?
The Feedback is available in two widths, 24" and 36".
An extended model with a 60" receiving table is also available for larger parts.
Can we add options as needed?
Yes. You can integrate an additional infeed table with a 10-foot inclined return conveyor, including a removable wheeled section for easier repositioning.
Can the infeed section be customized?
Absolutely. The conveyor’s infeed section can be custom-engineered to match your specific machine and operating cell layout.
What materials can the Feedback handle?
The Feedback can be used with solid wood or MDF cabinet doors, ensuring safe and smooth transport.
How much floor space is required?
As with any additional equipment, the Feedback requires adequate floor space.
A member of our team can help evaluate your available area to ensure optimal integration into your production environment.
COMPARABLE EQUIPMENT AND COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Other Doucet options
The Feedback is a unique piece of equipment in Doucet’s lineup. No other model currently offers the same features or compatibility with shapers/sanders.
Depending on your specific needs, it’s possible to de-motorize a conveyor section to adapt its configuration to your existing operating cell.
Differences from competitors
Today, Doucet holds the largest market share for this type of return conveyor.
The Feedback has established itself as the most reliable and best-adapted solution for cabinet door manufacturers and woodworking operations.
Although a competitor offers a similar product, their system isn’t specifically optimized for the continuous feed mode of a shaper/sander. The Feedback stands out through its direct compatibility with production lines and the possibility of adding an inclined return conveyor, an exclusive option that reduces manual handling and improves ergonomics.
At Doucet, the manufacturing of return conveyors has been part of our core expertise for many years. This specialization has allowed us to develop a complete range of return conveyors, including the Feedback. Each designed to address specific productivity and efficiency needs on the production floor.
EXPECTED COSTS FOR A FEEDBACK RETURN CONVEYOR
The price of a Feedback return conveyor depends primarily on the size of the cabinet doors produced, and therefore on the conveyor width selected. Optional features, such as the inclined table, can also influence the total investment.
Indicative price range: between $18,000 and $30,000 USD, depending on the model and selected options.
No installation fees are required: the Feedback is designed for simple and quick setup. Clients can perform the installation themselves using the provided instructions.
Finally, as a mechanically simple and robust piece of equipment, the Feedback requires minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning and a few preventive checks are enough to ensure its durability and optimal performance.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the Feedback Return Conveyor is an affordable and quickly profitable investment for manufacturers looking to automate part return on their shapers or sanders without complicating their production line.
Designed for medium-sized cabinet door manufacturers and woodworking shops, it stands out for its ease of integration, reliability, and excellent an performance-to-price ratio.
Thanks to its robust design, flexible options, and low maintenance, the Feedback remains the market reference for those seeking a durable, efficient solution to optimize their production output.
QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION REQUEST
Do you have questions about this guide or the Feedback equipment?
Contact us today. Our team will be happy to assist you.
Three simple ways to reach us:
- Fill out our online Request for Quote form
- Email us at info@doucetinc.com
- Call us at 1-866-619-9965
With Doucet, every solution is designed to simplify your operations and drive your productivity forward.
Simon Lambert
Territory Sales Manager
