Read More Articles by Bill Esler

Profile picture for user billesler
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.

Project Gallery

A Wide Variety of Wooden Wedding Rings

A bentwood ring featuring deep rosewood with a p;air of 14 karat yellow gold bands and a natural grey maple inlay by Allan and Elizabeth Hill; a walnut band with birch liner byGustave Reyes. Here are a small sampling of wedding and casual-wear rings from sources around North America. 
By Bill Esler, August 17, 2015 | 10:12 pm CDT
SImply-Wood-Kauri-Birch.jpg

Management

With Luxe Wood Wedding Rings Couples Make a Statement

Complex and highly finished wood wedding rings, some featuring mixed species such as ebony with maple trim, often inlaid with gold and jewels, seem to be trending among soon-to-be married couples. Companies making them find buyers willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for these diminutive wood products.
By Bill Esler, August 17, 2015 | 7:17 pm CDT
Benchdog-Collective.JPG

Management

Weekly Watch: Masco Jobs, U.S. Factories, Millennial Woodworkers

This week we're watching the help wanted at Masco, specifically, 17 openings posted at bizjousnals.com for Home Depot and Lowe's field sales representatives, but also internet specialists and Spokes safety manager in Fort Myers, FL, among other job listings. Also on our watch, U.S. factories, which are expanding manufacturing capacity and re-opening mothballed plants in multiple industries, including wood. And what about Millennial woodworkers?
By Bill Esler, August 14, 2015 | 4:15 pm CDT
King-Plastics-Sawhor.jpg

AWFS Plastics Program

Four Tips on Tooling for Plastics

King Plastic says its polymer sheets work like wood, and can be easily fabricated using standard woodworking tools. A new fabrication guide includes general tooling information, CNC guidelines, cleaning and general care information.
By Bill Esler, August 13, 2015 | 9:20 am CDT
APA-InsideView-Project-Floorsa.jpg

Panel Supply

USDA Builds Model Home with APA Engineered Wood Group

The Inside View House, now under construction with the USDA Forest Products Laboratory and the APA Engineered Wood Association by Beechen & Dill Homes, shows how OSB can be part of design plans to replace some joists and studs, among other wall and floor framing methods that save energy, speed installation, and reduce waste.
By Bill Esler, August 12, 2015 | 2:16 pm CDT
White-House-Plintha.jpg

Woodworking Industry News

Historic Pine Plinth Could Sell for $500,000

A pine wood component discarded during a remodeling job will go on auction, and could sell for $500,000. The plinth has special significance because it is the last piece of original millwork from a White House remodeling job completed in 1817 - a restoration after the British torched the building in 1812.
By Bill Esler, August 11, 2015 | 4:54 pm CDT
3M-Adhesives.jpg

Video

3M Says Its Water-based Adhesive Could Be Game Changer

3M has developed a new water-based product called Fast Tack Water Based Adhesive 1000NF. Many customers from industries like furniture manufacturing and woodworking would prefer water-based adhesives, but these products have often been perceived as offering inferior speed or inferior strength. 3M's Lyle White says Fast Tack adhesive solves these problems. It was shown at AWFS Fair 2015.
By Bill Esler, August 11, 2015 | 10:42 am CDT
WMC, Women in Workforce

WMS News

Wood Manufacturing Council Helps Place Young Women in Trades

Graduates of the Wood Manufacturing Council’s (WMC) “Women in Non-Traditional Trades” program found ready employment in Moncton, NB, with nine of the ten who completed the training joining firms in the area. An update on the program will be presented at the Wood Machinery & Supplies Show in Toronto, Nov. 5-7 at the International Centre.
By Bill Esler, August 10, 2015 | 11:34 am CDT