LANCASTER, Pa. – Lean manufacturing kicked off day two at Wood Pro Expo. Mike Roth of Lean-Six-Sigma.com described value stream management, mapping the big picture, the need to start with a commitment to lean and the expected benefits of a lean deployment.

Mike Littlejohn of Vero Software and Cabinet Vision discussed practical advice for software users in a question-and-answer session with FDMC editor Will Sampson. He talked about different types of software for shops, and suggested that woodworkers shop for software as they would other products.

Mike Roth of Go-Lean-Six.com speaks on lean manufacturing at Wood Pro Expo.

The first Wood Pro Expo in Lancaster drew woodworkers to its new home during the second day of the exhibition.

A variety of equipment, supplies and services exhibitors met with local woodworkers and makers of cabinets, furniture and millwork at the Lancaster Host exhibit hall.

Greg Pilotti of Greg Pilotti Furniture described his hiring and retention strategies, and how he has dealt with his younger employees. Pilotti provided a great deal of information on his own experiences and his company, which makes high-end custom solid wood furniture, such as live-edge conference tables.

CNC tips and tricks was the subject of a presentation by Leland Thomasset of Taghkanic Woodworking. Thomasset provided hands-on practical information on solid carbide stock router bits, workpiece holding, and examples of unusual or difficult work that had been made on his company’s Omnitech CNC router. Thomasset was also speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Makers Association, which was an exhibitor at Wood Pro Expo and held their own plant tour event.

Lancaster County is home to many Amish woodworkers, but most of them are making traditional residential furniture. Steve Riehl of Knot & Ore spoke about his company’s startup as a manufacturer of contemporary solid wood furniture, incorporating live edges and metal components.

We’ll have more details on these presentation and a more detailed summary of Wood Pro Expo soon.