Q: We have some 3-inch cherry squares that have end checks that may be as long as 4 inches. We used an end coating, but we still got these checks. I have attached a kiln schedule that our operator uses. What next?

Q: We manufacture hardwood furniture and the market is quite slow. Maybe you have some ideas to help us in a slow market? We have excess kiln capacity and wonder what you think about doing some custom kiln drying or drying lumber and selling KD lumber.

Q: We are getting a lot of chipped grain with our newly purchased (used) planer. Our knife angles seem okay. We are feeding at 45 fpm which is quite slow. Can you help?

Q: We make dining tables (two pieces with a leaf) that we send to Arizona. We are having trouble with a gap developing in Arizona at the edges of where the leaf joins the two permanent top pieces; the center of the leaf fits tightly. These tables are tight all along the joint when they leave Minnesota. Our plant is 40 to 45 percent RH, which seems to keep the tops in good shape here. The MC of the tops here in Minnesota is 5.2 percent MC, checked with a pin-type moisture meter. We store our tops before we finish them in an unheated warehouse. Could the cold have any effect?

Excellent red accent wood. Padauk is an excellent turning wood and is widely used for fancy turnery such as knife and tool handles. The bark yields a wonderful, bright red dye that was used for body coloring for religious festivals.

Q: I need to know what the difference is between black gum compared to sweet gum, and how do I identify black gum. I think I am getting black gum in my sweet gum and our customers do not want it.

Q: What's the ideal ambient temperature and humidity level for a veneer gluing operation? We've heard about 50 percent relative humidity, but we're having difficulty maintaining it; our workers don't like the warm temperatures. What's the ideal balance?

Q: What is a board foot? Also, I saw something about Doyle board feet -- what are they?