FDMC Red Book April 2017
The Red Book provides tips and other best practices for all facets of woodworking. Included are articles on:
• solid wood machining and materials • panel processing • cutting tool optimization • gluing and pressing operations, laminates and veneer • sanding and finishing • wood components, hardware and assembly tips and trends • plant production needs, including safety information, software utilization, dust collection and wood waste utilization.
Also online at Red Book are: new machinery and supply products, a directory of manufacturers and exclusive suppliers, downloadable specification charts, plus a listing of industry associations, government agencies and resources, and woodworking education sites.
In This Issue
Wood machining FAQs
What woodworkers need to know to optimize their machining. Here are some frequently asked questions on machining wood.
By
Gene Wengert,
April 7, 2017 | 5:35 pm CDT
Identifying fingerjoint problems
The preparation of joints as well as the adhesive itself plays a critical role in the quality of fingerjointed products.
Getting the most from your moulder
From aligning shoes beneath the bed plate, to using software for clues to knife wear, here are some tips to optimize the moulder operation in both production and custom woodshops.
Identifying four common cuts of wood
A look at the four common cuts:
Rotary: The log is centered in the lathe and turned against a knife blade at a slight angle following the growth rings, producing a multi-patterned grain. Less expensive than sliced patterns, this is ideal for large surface applications where a broad grain pattern will suffice.
Solving erratic cuts on the ripsaw
Getting erratic cuts on your straightline ripsaw? Here are two possible reasons why.
1 Your material is cut in an irregular manner, with the stock “snaking” through the machine.
Woodworking innovations: Looking back toward the future
A look at past, present and future technology developments in the woodworking industry.
CNC router FAQs: What you need to know
Some frequently asked questions about CNC routers used in woodworking.
Quick cut on panel saws
Panel sizing and optimization is going through a transition. For many companies, this involves moving from large batch processing to small batches or batch one sizes.
Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)
Aggregates: The forgotten tool
Get to know all the angles on this valuable woodworking tool.
Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)
Saw blade FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about saw blades and the cutting of wood and other materials.
Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)
Some basics on bits
If you see a decrease in surface finish quality decreases, you see a need to increase the horsepower in order to cut, or there’s an increase in noise level, it may mean that your bit is dull.
Gluing, Laminating & Veneering
Unwrapping the mystery behind 3D laminating
Let's talk chambers: 3D laminating and its essential components.
Gluing, Laminating & Veneering
Common veneer matches
Here is a brief overview of three common matches. Click on the corresponding links for detailed information.
Book match: The most common match, alternating leaves of veneer are turned over, so that the adjacent leaves are opened like the pages of a book. It yields symmetry, with visually prominent features. Read: Six things to learn about book match veneer.
Gluing, Laminating & Veneering
How to prevent warp in flat surfaced panels
Warp is seldom a problem with composite panels when care is taken.
To prevent warp in flat laminated panels:
1. Store panels and laminates in reasonably uniform, protected warehouse conditions, avoiding extremes in temperature and humidity
2. Balance the overlay sheets by type and weight, and ensure they are evenly conditioned. The ideal is 70F (±5) and 35% (±5) RH for one week.
3. Be sure the grain and machine direction of the paper run the same way on both sides of the substrate.
How does the Lacey Act affect panel products? Three USDA FAQs
While it is understood the Lacey Act regulates imports and exports of endangered hardwoods and softwoods, aspects of the law govern engineered panel as well, explains the USDA at its Lacey Act website. Here are three FAQs.
By
Bill Esler,
March 22, 2017 | 3:06 pm CDT
The most overlooked orbital sanding issue
The 5" random orbital sander is an essential part of most woodworking facilities. The tool allows rapid removal of material to create a flat surface that is ready to accept stain or coatings. But their shortcomings are well known.
By
Adam West,
December 14, 2016 | 3:07 pm CST
Troubleshooting spray finishing problems
Here are six common spray problems that can occur when finishing cabinets, furniture and other wood products, and how to solve them.
Sanding machine FAQs
Sanding machines are an essential piece of equipment in every woodworking shop. Below are some frequently asked questions about this woodshop workhorse.
5 Trends that will shape the architectural millwork industry in 2017
Commercial environments in particular are seeking creative pantries, cabinetry, shelving, storage, banquettes, seating, reception desks, lounge or collaboration areas, and feature walls, says Joe Patrovich, the director of pre-construction and engineering at Modworxx, New York.
What's hot in kitchen & bath design trends
Kitchens and baths represent a $134 billion industry. According to research released by the National Kitchen & Bath Assn. (NKBA), more than 10 percent of American homeowners did a kitchen or bath remodeling project last year at a market price of $85 billion. The kitchen and bath market for new construction is $48.6 billion.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
April 5, 2017 | 1:21 pm CDT
Components, Hardware & Assembly
Solving parts breakage & screw issues
Q We are experiencing breakage in walnut cut-to-size chair legs, somewhat like honeycomb and straight across. Can you advise?
A What you have is “brash wood.” There are three causes. The first is due to the wood being much lighter in weight than normal. This is caused by very slow growth in porous woods. Light weight is also caused by the formation of tension wood (hardwoods) or compression wood (softwoods) within the tree.
By
Gene Wengert,
March 31, 2017 | 2:40 pm CDT
Components, Hardware & Assembly
How to use video to generate business
Incorporating video into your marketing strategy is becoming increasingly essential. Video is the future and if you are not doing it, you are falling behind, says Designer Denise Butchko, Butchko & Co. Research from Cisco Systems reveals that two-thirds of mobile data is video and pictures. Whether for education or entertainment, this is how people consume content, she notes.
By
Michaelle Bradford,
April 5, 2017 | 2:52 pm CDT
Woodworking shop hazards & how to prevent them
Safety tips for the plant to protect your woodworking business.
Methods for metering moisture in wood products
Moisture meters are essential tools for avoiding wood problems such as shrinking, warping and cupping. A look at the pros and cons of pin and pinless meters.
The 70 percent solution: CAD/CAM connected to CNC is missing something
Making CAD/CAM connect to CNC machines - as powerful as that solution may be - still leaves whole system as an island of automation.
By
Mick Peters,
January 31, 2017 | 12:38 pm CST
The Next Leap Forward: Connecting all the dots on wood production workflow
Most changes in wood manufacturing result in only incremental improvement. On rare occasions, technology takes a leap forward, usually first implemented by top tier manufacturers, years before smaller companies could afford the investment. But the next leap is immediately accessible to all shops.
By
Mick Peters,
December 19, 2016 | 9:59 am CST
Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)
Can speed and accuracy in machining be maximized without compromise?
Cutting tools that can stand up to the rigorous demand of today’s advanced machining technology and production requirements, including repeatable accuracy and safety protocols, can help manufacturers eliminate manufacturing inefficiencies, ultimately lowering production expense, and increasing output and overall revenue.
