A Cloudy Day in the Park
It was bound to happen — some law that could put a damper on your company picnic. Who would have thought it! Before you schedule your next company event, make sure you aren’t in line for a lawsuit.

Inspecting Incoming Lumber: What Are You Bringing into Your Rough Mill?
How good was the last load of lumber that went through your rough mill? What you “expect” is not always what you get. What you “inspect” can increase yields and reduce costs. Dr. Fred Lamb gives a short course in lumber inspection.

New Desiccant Helps Exotic Wood Stack Up to Shipping Menace
Transporting wood through varying temperatures and climates can cause substantial damage due to moisture. To control its losses, this Florida-based hardwood flooring company found a cost-effective way to control humidity in shipping containers coming from Brazil.

Success by Design: How to find a good furniture designer
It takes more than putting pen to paper to bring profitability to a company’s bottom line these days. Designers must be culturally aware and technically savvy. Before you hire a designer, check out these qualifications needed for today’s high tech production lines and successful retail floor sales.

Factory Floor: Changing Temperatures Can Affect PUR Drying Times
Changing seasons can play havoc with polyurethane reactive adhesives (PUR). It happened at Othmar Klem, a furniture manufacturer. Hot melts wouldn’t work for the thicker edgebands and PUR would work — or not— according to the season. Different glues with different viscosities and drying times have helped get the problem under control.

The Invariable Aesthetic: Leather
Leather is “hot” stuff in seating these days and sales are rising. Competition, in some cases, is bringing leather prices down making it more affordable for the demanding consumer market. Manufacturers discuss the changing leather market and what they look for in a quality product.

From the Basement to the Rose Garden
From basement entrepreneur as a teen, to head of an $8.1 million company with104 employees, Lyndon Furniture’s David Allard is honored at the White House and reveals his small business steps to success.

Expect Downtime and Training Costs When Investing in Software
Software for woodworking functions saves time, labor and guesswork. But it still takes research and planning to make sure what you buy is the right software to buy. Training is also key. Here are some check points for making software decisions.

Lift Tables and Conveyors Reduce Worker Injuries
It should be obvious, but many plants are still using muscle and brawn to lift, move and tug. Investment in the proper equipment can save a company more than money, headaches and loss of workers. Did we mention the safety (read that OSHA) factor?

Computer Integration Increases Production by 350 Percent
Cabinet manufacturer Viacon is boosting production by 350 percent with a heavy investment in CNC technology— a buying decision that meant the difference between upward mobility or stagnation in an overflow capacity environment. They discovered even more benefits.

How to Get a Durable Brushed Finish
This Maine-based high-end custom kitchen cabinet maker has a customer who wants a brushed look to cabinetry. But getting the desired look with the desired durability has been a problem. Industry gives him some suggestions for getting both.