Woodworking Network Blogs

Senate Passes Currency Manipulation Bill: Where Do You Stand?

Karen Koenig — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:33:29 GMT

By almost a 2:1 margin, the Senate last week passed the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011, which should crack down on China’s artificial under-valuation of its currency and level the playing field for U.S. companies. The measure now goes before the House, where support is mixed.

Winter Wood Coating Tips From Tillamook

Bernie Bottens — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:02:50 GMT

For those who use water-borne coatings, the use of additives isn’t always the most productive. With the arrival of cooler weather, let’s take a look at what my friend from Tillamook, which is on the Oregon Coast and is known for cheese, dairies and cool coastal weather, taught me.

You Can Star in a Wood Publishing Event

Bill Esler — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:57:40 GMT

Vote for the best in Custom Woodworking with Design Portfolio Awards; then view the winners in a special digital edition, published in December 2011 by WoodworkingNetwork.com

The Importance of Networking

Karen Koenig — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:42:35 GMT

When every dollar counts, networking can become your best form of marketing. Not only can this lead to sales opportunities for your company, but it also allows for the sharing of ideas to improve production — and profits— in business.

Your Sales Program Sucks

Rick Hill — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:02:20 GMT

Regional sales promotions do not have the same impact as they did a decade ago as a result of increased market knowledge.

Requiring Unionization Posters Violates Employer Rights

Rich Christianson — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:54:27 GMT

I don’t have a problem with government protecting the rights of workers to unionize but I do have a problem with the feds requiring businesses to promote unionization.

Wood Primer: Two Sides to the Story

Bernie Bottens — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:26:55 GMT

Primer should be an interface between bare wood and the color coat. They should stick to the wood and they should allow the color coat to stick to them.

Custom Woodwork Bidders: Aim High

Bill Esler — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:47:04 GMT

Wroxton Millworks says it has succeeded by staying focused on its niche. When I read about the wood firm a few days ago, it was clear that the niche is one with some business activity bubbling in it.

My Career at Mill's Pride: From Joy to Sorrow

Jeff Krider — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:54:34 GMT

I was very fortunate to have stumbled into my position as assistant sales manager of Mill's Pride's outlet store in 1991. Blown away by virtually every aspect of working for this company. But I could tell from day one after Macso brought their people in that they had no idea that RTA cabinet manufacturing methods differed from those at their beloved Kraftmaid.

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Gibson Guitar Raids Show Need for Lacey Act Reform

Mike Italiano — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:41:29 GMT

The recent raid resulted in much greater support for the National Consensus Lacey Defense to Liability Standard, which can provide the needed certainty for all sellers of wood globally in the supply chain, while greatly increasing Lacey Act compliance.

Woodworking Project Incentives: A Bribe or Gift?

Rick Hill — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:50:07 GMT

A good way to reward customers, who refer friends, is to first write them a thank-you note for the help. If the referral turns into business, and you want to send more than just a thank-you note, make it a non-monetary gift, like a dinner coupon or a donation to their favorite charity.

Voice Your View on Hardwood Checkoff

Karen Koenig — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:45:30 GMT

Within the next few weeks, the USDA is expected to publish the Hardwood Checkoff draft for 60-day comment, with an industry vote expected to take place by March 2012. While debate continues over the fee structure and other components of the initiative, I challenge anyone to say that the hard-hit hardwood industry doesn’t need a program of this type to provide funding for promotion, education and research efforts.

Gibson Guitar Raid: The Lacey Act Runs Amok

Rich Christianson — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:15:11 GMT

The Gibson Guitar saga is bar none the strangest and most intriguing tangle of events I have followed in my 26 years covering the woodworking industry. The image of gun-toting federal marshals swooping down on a wood products plant, especially one of Gibson’s renown, is surreal to say the least.

Table Saw Safety: How Safe Is Safe Enough?

Rich Christianson — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:14:01 GMT

Woodworking Network readers chime in about the possibility of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requiring table saw manufacturers to incorporate the SawStop safety device in their products.

Think Like an Auto Body Repairman

Bernie Bottens — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:55:08 GMT

Primers are designed to do a number of things including being an interface between the bare wood and the color coat.

Wood Ceilings & Walls: Better Than Plasterboard?

Bill Esler — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:39:44 GMT

A wood-based contemporary room - ceiling, floors, and walls - that eliminates drywall grows more practical with two recent innovations from manufacturers Sauder and DIRRT.

Tool Time Bernie

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:33:21 GMT

I admit it. I love tools. Call me Tool Time Bernie if you want. It’s true! The right tool for the job is more delicious to me than a hamburger.

Excessive Rules Can Hinder Woodworking Sales

Rick Hill — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:12:32 GMT

Don't let excessive rules become a roadblock. Take a look at your sales policies, warranties and hiring practices, eliminate the ones that hinder service and you will see more sales.

Congress Cracks Down on China's Currency Manipulation

Karen Koenig — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:20:24 GMT

A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation that it says will crack down on China’s artificial under-valuation of its currency and attempt to level the playing field for U.S. importers and exporters.

Architectural Woodworker Says Buy American Needs Reform

Vincent Barraza — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:24:00 GMT

The CEO of California-based AWC tells how the current Buy American Act has failed his company, and why it needs to be amended.

Wood Coatings Are Often Less Opaque Than We Think

Bernie Bottens — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:35:30 GMT

Wood coatings are less opaque than we think they are that's why a primer should always be used first, and the primer coat must be pristine because it is the white of the primer that helps creates the final color.

Pop-up Wood Structures: A Business Opportunity?

Bill Esler — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:42:46 GMT

Pop-up wood structures could mean business opportunities, including temporary retail

Increase Wood Project Sales with Visual Examples

Rick Hill — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:53:29 GMT

Many woodworkers are detail oriented artists that can figure out construction in their heads but when explaining projects to customers, we often get caught up in "The Measurement Cycle".

Obama’s Easing of EPA Chokehold Good for Industry

Karen Koenig — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:50:29 GMT

Wood industry groups are among those breathing a little easier now that President Obama has shelved the EPA’s recent attempts to overhaul ozone standards.

Scenes from China

Karen Koenig — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:18:47 GMT

Last week I provided a look at the manufacturing technology being used at seven of China’s large furniture factories. Today’s blog is a short photo-essay of some of the sights we saw in and around Hong Kong and Mainland China.

‘Housing Is Not a Fad’ nor Are Wood Products

Rich Christianson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:57:27 GMT

The combination of population growth, first-time home buyers, pent-up demand, the desire of some for a second residence and the retirement of aging homes deemed beyond remodeling will help contribute to the next building boom.

Certified Cabinetmaking Education at Closets Expo 2011

Dave Grulke — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 18:11:26 GMT

The Custom Cabinet Conference Feb. 23-25 in Charlotte, NC will have an outstanding line up of Cabinet Maker Assn. (CMA) speakers delivering timely and informative sessions on technical and management topics. And starting with the Charlotte event, all CMA educational sessions earn Continuing Education Unit CEU credits toward CMA certifications.

Avoiding Cubicle Faux Pas and Other Office Tips