Best Practices Guide | Woodworking Network

Best Practices Guide

Magazine

Keep your buckets full

Thinking about business stages as “buckets” helps to narrow focus, allowing improvement in each phase of your company.

By Tim Coleman, May 15, 2026 | 9:20 am CDT

Plant Production & Software

Managed transportation: Cost solution for woodworking manufacturers facing rising material prices

When margins are already compressed by material price swings, carrying transportation inefficiencies quietly erodes profitability in ways that are easy to overlook but hard to recover from. Managed transportation gives woodworking manufacturers a structured way to address that problem.

By Nate Schwandt, April 29, 2026 | 11:12 am CDT

Components, Hardware & Assembly

How hardware can impact performance and efficiency

Exploring the impact of high-quality hardware on product lifespan and aesthetic appeal.

By Justin Schmitt, April 21, 2026 | 8:37 am CDT

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Twitter

Lean Manufacturing

We are all doing lean wrong

See the difference when a lean team truly internalizes continuous improvement.

By Brad Cairns, July 8, 2025 | 7:39 am CDT

Closets

When voicemail and email become the hiding spot

Many in sales “hide” behind emails and texts to avoid rejection, but consistent follow-up attempts are crucial for effective communication and a stronger client relationship.

By Tim Coleman, July 1, 2025 | 10:14 pm CDT

Management

Beyond the build: Woodworkers adapt to housing market swings

An exclusive report on housing trends and the impact on woodworkers’ spending. The study also provides a 16-year perspective.

By Urs Buehlmann, Matt Bumgardner and Karen Koenig, June 30, 2025 | 4:02 pm CDT

Components, Hardware & Assembly

The importance of superior hardware on end-user satisfaction and efficiency

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, where consumer expectations are ever-changing, the integration of superior hardware into products is crucial for enhancing reliability, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction.

By Justin Schmitt, June 24, 2025 | 11:03 am CDT

Lean Manufacturing

The #1 biggest cash waster in your factory

If you want to stop leaking cash, you need to prevent one thing from happening.

By Brad Cairns, June 3, 2025 | 8:45 am CDT

Wood Dr

What’s the difference between sapwood and heartwood?

Wood Doctor also answers questions about powder post beetles, surface checks in white oak, and what is pith.

By Gene Wengert, June 3, 2025 | 8:22 am CDT

Pricing Survey

How to get your price

It’s one thing to set profitable prices, but ensuring you are paid that price is another.

By William Sampson, June 2, 2025 | 10:06 am CDT

Opinion

Tariffs are raising your production costs — here’s how to win

Over time, we’ve become a disposable society — even in woodworking production. Instead of maintaining and servicing tools, we’re often quicker to toss them out and buy new ones.

By Ron Migedt, May 12, 2025 | 9:28 am CDT

Wood Dr

Solving the mystery of cracked tabletops

The Wood Doctor also answers questions on the red in red oak, controlling carpenter bees, and cracks in Eastern white pine.

By Gene Wengert, May 9, 2025 | 12:35 pm CDT

Lean Manufacturing

Lean journey: Carts or conveyors?

Unless you experiment yourself, you might miss improvement opportunities.

By Brad Cairns, May 7, 2025 | 1:37 pm CDT