Abstract: A system for defining and making wooden panels and similar items for furniture includes the following in sequence: a first station for loading an unworked piece of defined thickness (S.sub.h) onto a second station for cutting the unworked piece lengthways into two or more strip elements of equal width (LR.sub.hi); a third station for working the leading end and the trailing end of each strip element as it moves forward so that the strip elements can then be glued together end to end in sequence to form a continuous strip of strip elements and a fourth station where the continuous strip is cut crossways into a plurality of unworked panel strips whose length (LU.sub.hij) is defined by a sum of multiples of the panels needed to make a unit required or programmed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic apparatus for machining panels or similar articles and, particularly, for drilling and milling them in accordance with the "Folding" system. With this apparatus, the panel to be machined is carried by conveyor means, in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis, towards drilling and milling devices placed one after the other, the latter being able to mill the panel transversely with respect to the direction in which it moves forward. The operation of the drilling and milling devices takes place contemporaneously in unison, controlled by a feeler device located after the milling devices, which is able to perceive the presence of milling in the panel and to consequently cause the panel to halt and to be in the exact position necessary for the aforementioned drilling and milling devices.