Read More Articles by Bill Esler

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Bill Esler
ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

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Canadian News

Canada Celebrates National Forest Week Sept. 20-27, 2015

It's National Forest Week in Canada, which has 10 percent of the world's forests and employs 230,000. David Lindsay, CEO of Canada's Forest Products Association, calls "on all political parties to embrace enhanced international trade and strategic support for innovation for the forest sector so it can continue to compete internationally."
By Bill Esler, September 21, 2015 | 7:56 pm CDT

Architectural Products

3Form Fabricates Surfaces and Light for Architectural Clients

Base in Salt lake City, 3form is a design-driven architectural millwork materials solutions company that has two specialty brands in its portfolio - LightArt and Studio by 3form. All three are a unified group of committed people, creating breakthrough products.LightArt, a division of 3form, came to life when 3form was asked to design an 11' chandelier. By heat-forming translucent resin to make it malleable, the chandelier quickly came to life.
By Bill Esler, September 20, 2015 | 10:48 pm CDT

Project Gallery

Beetle Cabinet: Janis Straupe Shares the Project and 3D Plans

Janis Straupe, one of the most respected professionals in Latvia, has designed and made wooden design products for more than 30 years. His Beetle cabinet has gathered a lot of attention. The alder cabinet looks as though it were carved from a solid block.Fully modeled inside and out, it houses a warren of hidden drawers and storage compartments. Straupe has laminated strips of wood together to form a convincing whole - as though the piece was carved from a solid block.
By Bill Esler, September 20, 2015 | 1:49 pm CDT
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Project Gallery

Hidden Drawer Design Plan: Brian Grabski Shows and Sells

Brian Grabski, one of the most creative wood craftsman, is also an awesome communicator. He shares amazing videos and social media streams from his business at Designed and Made in Minneapolis. His Hidden Drawer project is a wonder to behold - even in video. How he offers the plans for you to replicate the device.
By Bill Esler, September 18, 2015 | 4:57 pm CDT
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Event Coverage

Carpenter Jen Netherwood Named Irwin Tool Tradesman Winner

Woodworking tools and a 2015 Ford F-150 Truck were awarded in IRWIN Tools 'Nominate a Tradesman' competition, which named Jen Netherwood winner in its first annual award that acknowledges outstanding tradesmen for their contributions within their field and community. Netherwood worked with local community colleges on a prison pre-apprenticeship program to keep the program running after funding was cut.
By Bill Esler, September 18, 2015 | 1:19 pm CDT