FDMC March 2017
In This Issue
Hackberry: Try it, you'll like it!
The Wood Doctor describes the virtues and drawbacks of hackberry.
Closets Conference & Expo News
How to position panels on a CNC with no register pins
On the CNC in my shop, I don’t have pop-up pins to quickly set a 4 x 8 sheet in place.
Few changes in strong year for FDMC 300
Only a handful of changes and consolidations in the FDMC 300 for this past year as sales gain 5 percent.
Closets Conference & Expo News
Inter Ocean Cabinet will open its doors for plant tour in April
The energetic management style of Chris Farrell, president of Inter Ocean Cabinet Company, has made this architectural millwork firm 120 years young. By revitalizing computer management systems and tweaking materials handling and installation, the 48-employee shop in suburban Chicago is a model of efficiency.
Engineered wood and frame-grade panels provide backbone for upholstered furniture
Design flexibility and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing indoor air quality: sustainable North American engineered wood products help make upholstered furniture manufacturing more efficient, economical, and compliant with formaldehyde regulations.
Closets Conference & Expo News
Pros to share business strategies at Cabinets & Closets 2017
A day-long conference takes place April 11; and exposition takes place April 12-13, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center.
The 2017 Cabinets & Closets Conference will feature an all-star field of business management experts, from every walk of the industry.
Is it wood or concrete?
When you see the latest designs from JM Lifestyles, a custom shop in Randolph, New Jersey, the dramatic rustic-style tables, countertops, and sinks will definitely stop most woodworkers in their tracks. Craftspeople will ask typical questions about the wood species and how each piece is made. But most won’t even think of the real question they should be asking: Is it wood or concrete?
The answer is a marriage of concrete and high craftsmanship.
Bosch, SawStop officials react to ITC ban on Reaxx saw
While SawStop officials applauded a U.S. International Trade Commission decision blocking the import and sale of the Bosch Reaxx saw, Bosch officials are still holding out hope that presidential review will reverse the ruling.
Concluding a lengthy investigation, the ITC on January 27 ruled that the Bosch Reaxx saw violates two patents held by SawStop for technology designed to protect users from accidentally being cut by the saw. The ITC issued a cease-and-desist order banning Bosch from importing or selling the saws as well as any supporting parts in the United States.
EBC looks ahead from manufacturing hub
Executive Briefing Conference 2017 asks wood industry to rethink manufacturing.
Foam featherboards offer safety, performance
Over the years, I’ve used a lot of featherboards, and sometimes I should have used them when I didn’t.
Woodworking technology creates a community
In its first five years, ADX Portland has hosted some 4,000 users in the 14,000-square-foot facility, A place to share woodworking tools, knowledge and experience, the makerspace was founded by Kelley Roy.
Bright future for North American cabinet manufacturing
With new leadership on board, KCMA moves forward to meet the changing needs of today’s cabinet industry.
KCMA provides a platform for cabinet quality, consistency and advocacy
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Asssociation provides valuable services to its members, including advocacy and networking. Woodworking Network recently asked KCMA CEO Betsy Natz about the association’s role in advancing the industry and its plans for the future.
The strength behind certified cabinetry: ANSI/KCMA A161.1
A look at the ANSI/KCMA A161.1 Performance & Construction Standard for kitchen and vanity cabinets.
KCMA ESP: A benchmark for green stewardship
Kitchen cabinet manufacturers share how KCMA’s Environmental Stewardship Program helps the industry go green.
What concerns cabinet manufacturers? News & issues
A brief look at news and legislation affecting the U.S. cabinet manufacturing industry, as noted by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
Wood-Mode reflects on the changing cabinet landscape
Charter member Wood-Mode looks back on 62 years of industry evolution since joining the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
5 Reasons to join KCMA
Check out some of the benefits the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association offers to its members.
Website offers improved functionality
KCMA.org offers new visual features and easy access to information.
Plant tours highlight KCMA fall event
Conference offers education, networking and a firsthand look at best practices.
Cabinet industry converges at KCMA spring conference
KCMA members gain knowledge, network at the annual event.
Employing buffer management for continuous flow
If you google “Buffer Management” you will get a variety of results that focus mainly on buffers used to pad time for a task in project management or a deliberate amount time built into a project management timeline to facilitate nuances that might occur. That sounds a lot like waste to me, and it in no way captures the essence of this article and how you can employ buffer management to create continuous flow.
It takes more than optimism to move forward
As we near the end of the first quarter of 2017, I am still hearing mostly optimistic thoughts from people in the woodworking industry who I encounter daily. But I worry that too many take a passive approach to business, resigned to the ups and downs of an economy for which they have little control. That may be, but it still takes more than optimism to be successful.
Euro finishes come to America
Recent trends seen at such venues as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and the International Builder Show confirm an ongoing growth in premium European finishes for furniture, cabinets and other wood products. Those finishes range from ultra-high gloss to elegant satins. Capitalizing on the trend, Sherwin-Williams recently announced that it is offering Sayerlack brand finishes across the U.S.
Tusk handles called "irresponsible"
Editor: Your recent magazine cover (FDMC January 2017) showing two elephant tusks is incredibly irresponsible and only highlights how ignorant you and your staff are. Elephant populations are being wiped out and to display these tusks that only promote and further the desire to own ivory is so careless of you. I would expect better judgment as you must be educated and aware of this problem. Even if they are fake it is equally irresponsible. Do you not have any regard for these creatures?
I hope you exercise better judgment going forward.
Thanks.