Author Works | Woodworking Network

Read More Articles by Rich Christianson

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

Make an appointment to see the Wood Dr. at WPE Lancaster

LANCASTER, Pa. – Gene Wengert, aka the Wood Dr., will deliver the keynote speech to open day two of Wood Pro Expo. Wengert’s presentation, free to all WPE attendees and exhibitors, is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 18.

By Rich Christianson, July 26, 2019 | 6:49 pm CDT

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

WCMA: The Source for Wood Components

LANCASTER, Pa. - The Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA) represents manufacturers of dimension and wood component products who can supply any component needed for cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork, closets, flooring, staircases, building materials, and decorative/specialty wood products made from hardwoods, softwoods, and a variety of engineered wood materials. WCMA member companies are located throughout the United States and Canada.

By Rich Christianson, July 26, 2019 | 2:35 pm CDT

WMS Products

TAWI to demo labor-saving vacuum lifts at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, ON - TAWI Canada, a provider of lifting solutions for the wood industry, will conduct hands-on demonstrations of its vacuum lifters at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo, Oct. 31- Nov. 2 in Mississauga, Ontario. TAWI says its vacuum lifters can be customized and adapted into every step of the wood processing workflow to support business needs. The Richmond Hill, Ontario-based company’s labor-saving and production-enhancing solutions include:

By Rich Christianson, July 26, 2019 | 11:23 am CDT

WMS Products

Richelieu to present 50 years of innovation at WMS

MISSISSAGUA, Ontario - Richelieu, a leading supplier for more than 50 years, will showcase its comprehensive lines of specialty hardware and complementary products to cabinetmakers and woodworkers at the 2019 Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the International Centre.

By Rich Christianson, July 25, 2019 | 6:31 pm CDT

Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

Jet, Powermatic and Extrema among Blue Ball Machine's offerings

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Blue Ball Machine Company Inc. will continue the year-long celebration of its 135th anniversary at Wood Pro Expo, Oct. 17-18 at the Spooky Nook Sports Center in Lancaster, Pa. The family-owned business distributes woodworking equipment and supplies. Included are the full lines of Jet, Powermatic and Extrema equipment, plus an extensive lineup of router bits, bandsaw blades, sandpaper, and accessories needed by woodworking professionals or hobbyists.

By Rich Christianson, July 23, 2019 | 11:47 am CDT

Canadian News

Canadian housing starts surge

OTTAWA, Ontario -- Housing starts in Canada reached 245,657 units in June, up 26 percent from 196,809 units in May, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The spike in seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts for all of Canada was led a 31 percent increase of multi-dwelling urban home starts to 185,804. Meanwhile, single-detached urban starts increased 8 percent to 48,434 units, CMHC reported.

By Rich Christianson, July 22, 2019 | 1:33 pm CDT

Canadian News

Giving back a shared trait of Canada’s three 40 Under 40 honorees

LAS VEGAS -- The Wood Industry 40 Under 40 class of 2019 includes three Canadians. Each of them is lauded by their peers for exuberating passion and dedication to their organizations and to the industry at large.

By Rich Christianson, July 22, 2019 | 11:24 am CDT

WMS Products

Padsmore will exhibit suction pads that alert operator of vacuum issues at WMS 2019

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Padsmore Inc. of Pickering, Ontario, is returning to the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo and will demonstrate its block system equipped with a vacuum-indicating sensor. WNS 2019 will take place Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the International Centre.

By Rich Christianson, July 14, 2019 | 3:44 pm CDT

WMS Products

Prémoulé to showcase countertops, doors and more at WMS 2019

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Prémoulé, a leading manufacturer of countertops, custom cabinet doors and components, will display a representative sampling of its extensive production capabilities at of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo (WMS), Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Prémoulé operates six plants in eastern Canada, enabling the company to efficiently deliver products to customers throughout North America. Among the products Prémoulé will exhibit at WMS booth #1068 include:

By Rich Christianson, July 14, 2019 | 1:05 pm CDT

WMS Products

FS Tool/FS Cruing to present trio of high-performance tooling at WMS 2019

MISSISSAUGA -- FS Tool/FS Cruing, a full-service manufacturer of cutting tools for woodworking, plastics, composites and metals, will highlight three distinctive product groupings at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo, Canada’s premier woodworking event.

The wide array of products the company will display at WMS booth #2321 includes:

FS Tool’s Lineage XLC technology extends tool life

By Rich Christianson, July 10, 2019 | 9:49 am CDT