CWB July 2010

Despite the downturn, IWF exhibitors and show managers are positioning the August 25-28 IWF International Woodworking Fair with innovative equipment, supplies and educational programs.

A Spanish guitar designer, has created the world’s first “serviced” archtop guitar kit creating the wood parts with complex contours from spruce and maple, using a Techno CNC router.

Almost everything in that picture is prefabricated — the only thing that isn’t is the classical ogee crown backer that we made in the shop.” Quite an admission from a master craftsman custom woodworker and cabinetmaker. But for Chip Yawney, owner of A Cut Above LLC, Custom Woodworking & Design, Jessup, MD, use of prefabricated components — in this case sourced from La Crosse, WI-based WalzCraft — was very practical in this two-room Springdale Estates office in Clarksville, MD. “Clearly you can see how much prefabricated componentry is in there,” says Yawney. “I built the cabinet boxes and made the crown backer and shelving — largely this was a prefabricated project.”

Colonial Saw Co. has introduced two new vertical panel saws: the Swiss-made Striebig Control and Evolution models. Seen at the big spring Xylexpo wood industry exhibition in Milan, Italy, these two saws are similar in appearance and share a number of automated features, including touch screen color display panel, the ability to upload cutlists, and a laser light cutting guide.

Each time someone asks, “What do you do?” it’s an opportunity for you to build your Word Of Mouth Woodworking Business. If you are not ready with a strong statement — one that creates a memorable mental picture of your company — you could miss future custom cabinetry and interiors jobs.

Aspot check at CareerBuilder.com shows dozens of job openings at cabinetry and architectural millwork firms. As the recovery edges forward, the competition for qualified labor will spike. A contract offer rejected by 96 cabinetry workers last month reflects increased worker confidence in their job security. You won’t walk out if you can quickly be replaced.

See the woodworking equipment and wood working machines that were featured in the July 2010 issue of Custom Woodworking Business magazine.

Luxe wood interiors match massive factory built homes. Video shows trucks departing as Beverly Hills closes Sunset Boulevard for million-dollar prefabricated Irontown Homes delivers.