FDMC Red Book February 2025

Troubleshooting tips to help ensure quality cuts of lumber.

Whether you use a pinless or pin type, a wood moisture meter will allow you to get your wood to the right moisture content so that it’s stable before you build.

Dovetail joints are commonly used in constructing drawers, cabinets, furniture, and other fine woodworking projects.

1. Mortise before tenonIt’s the quintessential order of operations in woodworking, and it’s nearly always true. Usually, you’ll cut the mortise first, then size the tenon to fit. There are good reasons for this rule too. If you’re making the mortise with a hollow chisel mortiser or router, the bit will be a nominal size. If you’re using a 3/8-inch bit, it’s easier to cut a 3/8-inch wide mortise. Cutting the tenon on a table saw with a dado blade is much easier, rather than adjusting the tenon thickness to fit the mortise.

Match your CNC to your shop size, what you make, and your business goals.

1 Get a firsthand user review.Visit an existing user and get a firsthand account of the machine.2 See it complete a job from start to finish.This is the best way to understand how the machine works.3 Plan for the adoption process.Make sure you have someone who is trained to operate the machinery and is able to complete a job.

Some simple checks and adjustments is often all it takes to return your machine to square.

Here are some tips and strategies to ensure your tooling lasts and delivers the speed and quality you expect.

Exploring PUR adhesive, zero glue line technology, and premium edgebanders.

The selection of cutting tools chosen for the application is critical to maximize tool life and achieving the best possible surface finish.

The spindle is a machine’s heart. But just like the human heart, it is only a part of a system. Servo and ball screws, variable frequency drives, air-supply quality, can impact spindle health. If you are having unusual problems with your spindle or machine, call an expert. But, some problems you can diagnose.

The Wood Doctor discusses how to choose the correct blade for radial arm and other saws.

Since there is no guaranteed method for keeping moisture out of wood, appropriate design measures must be taken to ensure dimensional stability. The following examples are some of the construction methods that can reduce dimensional change in particleboard and MDF products.

Roll coaters are used to apply hot melts or cold glues evenly onto a variety of substrates. If you notice excessive, uneven or insufficient amounts of adhesive or coatings applied, it can be due to worn or damaged rolls. Here’s how to check them.

Depending on how a log is cut, strikingly different visual effects can be achieved with the wood’s grain and characteristics. Information provided by the Decorative Hardwoods Association identifies six principal methods of cutting veneer are: rotary, quarter slicing, plain slicing, rift cut, half-round and lengthwise slicing.

Sanding on any surface takes practice and patience.

Cost-effective and efficient, the film build equals the powder coating applied onto the heat-sensitive substrate.

Benefits of vertical spraying include reduced material handling and ergonomic advantages.

Crystal Cabinet Works improved its quality and efficiency with the addition of a six-head automated Weber sanding machine.

If you’re not sure whether your wide belt sanding issues are due to static, here are the main issues that you could indicate this issue.

Findings from a survey of 1,620 U.S. homeowners on Houzz about their recent or planned kitchen renovation projects reveal some interesting trends.

Woodworkers can complete many aspects of joinery using traditional tools, such as chisels, table saws, and bandsaws. The following are some of the most common basic techniques for joining pieces: 

The Closets State of the Industry 2025 report reveals the industry is experiencing growth and evolving to meet modern demands and experimenting with the latest technology. This survey by Closets & Organized Storage magazine captures the pulse of this multi-billion-dollar market and gives insight into where it’s headed. Following is a summary of consumer demand for accessories, materials, and technology upgrades.

Designers share their insights into trending design, finishes, and the crucial role of collaboration in the industry.

A modern, tech-enabled supply chain is crucial for success in the wood products manufacturing business.

The client, a company experiencing continuous growth, planned to invest in a new production plant on its existing site to align with its growth strategy. However, during the concept phase, it became apparent that the initial investment costs for the planned new building would significantly exceed its budget.

A company experiencing continuous growth, planned to invest in a new production plant, on its existing site, in an effort to align with its growth strategy. However, during the concept phase, it became apparent that the initial investment costs for the planned new building would significantly exceed its budget. This prompted the need for another planning loop.