When the founder of Tools For Schools started the business in 1977, there was only one objective, and that was to keep his clients happy by keeping their tools sharp.
Pre 1970s, foundries were the backbone of Australia’s manufacturing industry, and construction and engineering companies relied on the pre-historic method of casting to provide the essential materials to create our roads, townships and water ways.
Amcast Foundry, a major employer in Ballarat, Victoria, was bought by a huge consortium in 1977, and our founder David Thomas was a part owner and his share was sold. So, having iron in his veins, David set up a small but humble sharpening service shop to keep the local gardeners, cooks and timber mills in business. An essential service meant demand gained momentum, and a growing business was required to keep David’s 2 daughters and 5 sons occupied.
The business experienced ups and downs over many years, but has grown to become a supplier of tools and materials to schools right across Australia, while maintaining the small family business characteristics that care deeply for their customers. In fact, the sharpening service is still going today!
Jerry Thomas, the 3rd generation business director who started on the factory floor sharpening saws and tools after school and has worked his way up through the business, says "We still use some of the original machines to sharpen tools, it was built to last in those days and it reflects Grandpa’s appreciation and standard of quality which runs through the business today".
Having experience with timber mills for over 40 years and understanding the quality of timber produced in Australia and New Zealand and select parts around the globe is invaluable.
Having sharp de-barkers to dress the logs and sharp blades to size the logs is crucial to providing a quality finished product that students can produce the finest project with. It would then only be natural for the descendants of David Thomas to be passionate about the quality of a finished product that a sharp tool has produced. Then it happened. When design and technology teachers started asking for quality materials for their students, the team sprang into action to source a reputable brand of material that would meet their request.
The quality of timber selected from the finest mills in the green hills of Rotorua New Zealand is found, and Grange Timbers provides an offering of only the finest grades of pine that can be found across the globe. The Grange Timbers range is carefully hand picked by trained mill specialists to give the students the consistent finish and perfection they need to obtain best results.
Another commitment from Grange Timbers is to provide only FSC approved timber, giving teachers, students and parents peace of mind that all timber is being sustainably and ethically sourced. Having the FSC certification is a great step forward in giving our students satisfaction that the impact they are making on the environment is having an equalising effect.
“It’s not the case with all suppliers. It’s worth asking your current timber supplier if it’s FSC approved timber, you’d be surprised how much is being sold at the moment that isn’t sustainably sourced.” – Brad Yow, SAI Global.
As Australians, it’s in our best interests to ensure that we respect the forests of our world. It’s only ethical, that whatever is removed from the environment is put back in an equal form. That’s why we only insist on Forest Stewardship Council approved mills and growers.
Traditionally, treated pine in schools has been frowned upon in recent years. The chemicals required to treat pine to protect it from rot and moisture is nasty and not recommended in schools. The Copper Chrome Arsenic treatment required to preserve pine is the common process to treat wood, which gives it that familiar green colour. It’s ideal when in place, but to work with it (cut and sand it as you would for a school project) is when those dangerous chemicals are released and can cause harm.
Gen3 Treated Timber is a thermally modified pine that replaces treated pine. The unique process involves warming the timber in a kiln to 280 degrees Celsius, which opens the pores of the timber and releases the moisture.
Upon cooling, the timber returns to its original form and shape but has an attractive brown hue to it. The result? Gen3 pine with equivalent protection properties to H3 treated pine. This unique treatment process has been used since the 1990s, and the applications of this timber are unlimited and can be used for decking, carports, outdoor furniture, flooring and ceilings due to it’s stability and strength.
With moisture content of less than 7%, Gen3 is a fantastic alternative for students wishing to master their outdoor barbecue cabinet to enjoy with their friends, or a table and chairs set for their parent’s garden.
For student projects, Grange Timbers provides the most reliable and consistent quality there is to be found in the world. Add that to an FSC approved supplier and you’re finishing with class.
1800 852 211
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