Q. We have a machining problem. As we machine a piece, it is good until the last half inch. At this end, we all too often get a piece that chips out all the way to the end. Where should we look?

Q. We have been buying steamed walnut, but the latest batches seem to have more color variation and the sapwood is really white. I know that the company steams the walnut, but what is the reason for this poorer color?

Q. We have some lumber that we planed on our two-headed planer. We are certain that the lumber was flat going and coming out. We then stacked the lumber and now about four weeks later, we are seeing a lot of pieces that are bowed. In fact, within the stack, all are bowed the same direction…ends down and center up. Where should we look?

Q. We are confused about the best and most accurate way to measure the MC of dry lumber that we purchase and that we also dry ourselves. Can you help?

Q. I was looking at historic yield data for our company and see a slow trend toward lower yield. Without visiting our facility, can you guess what it is? I have a suspicion that the lumber grades have changed.

A look at symptoms, causes and cures for a variety of problems.

What is the best species for wood exposed to the elements on a house, shutters, window sash, etc.? Is one type of pine better? How come old sash without paint lasts longer than modern sash with paint?

Can dry humidity in a home cause oak furniture to face check or crack? These are within the wood pieces and not at the glue joint.

Q. We bought some lumber and it is a bit too high in MC, probably because it was stored incorrectly. How do we lower the MC safely?

Q. As we look at improvements in our cabinet operation, we seem to believe that improvements in yield are much more valuable than improvements in the cost of labor or machinery. Does this make sense to you?