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The Kromski factory is located about 5km from their home in Wolsztyn. A real country setting, as you can see. To the left you can see an addition added in 2007. Down the road in a separate facility is the finishing operation.
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| Wojtek Kromski has a degree in forestry and related wood industries. |
Daniel Kromski has a degree in art with a special emphisis on sculpture. It is Daniel's ability to consider an idea, draw it out and then to develop it into a finished product.
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It all begins with wood. Standing timber is purchased direct from landowners. The process starts many months before the wood is actually used in a product. Either from first hand knowledge of the area or from advertising locally, the Kromski personally select the timber, contract to have it harvested and rough cut into boards. It is then air dried to achieve the proper moisture content.
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Now the work begins. Each piece of wood in every product starts from a rough board. Laid out, cut dimensionally, worked by tools, machine and craftsmen, the wood takes shape. Almost all parts of a Kromski product has a design to it; rarely will you see just flat sides; there will be turns and embellishments to make the part and the finished product pleasing to the eye and a work of art. Pictured are Tomek and Maciej.
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Above left and center you see a process that is an everyday step in making products - turning of wood. Patterns are made for each part, correctly sized wood is inserted into the lathe and the shape takes place. Still chucked in the lathe the part is sanded smooth, giving each part a perfect surface for finishing. This is Tomek at the lathe and Lukasz doing band saw work.
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This is Henryk working at one the Kromski lathes. The very best craftsmen get the job of turning the many fancy parts that make up each product. For the most part, the employees are young but have many years of experience.
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Bobbins and flyers are constantly in production. No spinner ever has enough bobbins. The Kromskis have developed a sophisticated process for these and other parts that ensure consistency; bobbins from one wheel style will work on all other Kromski wheels.
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Pawel is the work manager in the mill. He has been with the Kromskis for a good number of years and knows all the equipment and procedures |
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Wojtek in the mill office. |
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New space in the addition to the factory is quickly used up. |
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Consistency, from one part to the next, from one part fitting with another, from one production run to the next, is essential. Though out the factory you will see templates, gigs, and tools to get the job done right. |
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| When you make a lot of spinning wheels, looms, niddy noddies, stool and hundreds for other parts and products, you also generate a lot of scrap. Nearly everything will be used from larger pieces to sawdust that is collected. Most of it will be heat generated for the factory, but also for the Kromski homes, which also use wood for their central heating systems. |
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The country setting doesn't stop many working from biking to work when the weather is good. |
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