Custom Shop
When most woodworking companies set out to improve product quality through machinery purchases, they often look to CNC and other automated machinery. The reverse is true for Suhr Guitars, Lake Elsinore, Calif. The company started in 1997 with only a Reichenbacher CNC machine for its wood processing production. But a discriminating clientele and increase in volume soon led partners John Suhr and Steve Smith to look for traditional machinery solutions to help the young business continue to grow.

Coponent Product Showcase
The Wood Component Manufacturers Association represents more than 140 manufacturers of dimension and wood component products. In the midst of a rapidly changing business climate, Modern Woodworking spoke with WCMA executive director Steve Lawser about the issues currently facing the component market, as well as the opportunities that outsourcing presents to various segments of the woodworking industry.

Finish Line
The finisher in the finishing department, or what is commonly referred to as “the other side of the black hole,” is always blamed for a poor look or asked to “just fix it.” The problem is not necessarily a finish defect, however. Actually, it probably is a production defect that the finish happens to enhance and make noticeable. If the defect had been corrected during production, there would be no need to “just fix it.”

Hot Gear
Get descriptions and request information about products from our participating companies.

International Technology
Industry leaders give us the lowdown on what innovations we can expect from international technology

IWF 2006 Category Breakdown
In the last installment of IWF Category Breakdown, we highlight machinery, products and supplies of interest to cabinet manufacturers.

IWF Challengers Award Finalists
The 2006 Challengers Award contest has been narrowed down to 22 finalists.
Here’s a look at some of the entrants still in the running for the woodworking industry’s top billing

IWF First Impressions
Meet these first-time exhibitors at IWF 2006.

Material Issues
Wary of a declining customer base due to overseas imports, Sanford, NC-based Tramway Veneers knew it was time to venture into new markets. Bringing new technology into its Sanford, NC-based plant has made that a reality.

Production Line
Cabinet manufacturing giant KraftMaid Cabinetry, Inc. in Middlefield, Ohio, engineered a material handling solution that has not only resulted in labor savings, but has also increased production efficiency and proved to be profitable.

Proving Ground
Joe Banner, Jr., of Banner’s Cabinets in Newland, N.C., knows a thing or two about staying power. His company was founded in 1942, and he is the third Banner man to own the family business. The company now employs 60 people and spreads out over 60,000 square feet.

Sanding Sense
Chalking a panel and analyzing chatter/belt splice marks

Supply Side
Abrasive costs can be a substantial part of any sanding operation, but abrasive manufacturers are hard at work to provide technologically advanced and longer-lasting products that can positively impact your bottom line.


Target Technology
Pre-show IWF 2006

Think Lean
Many of us cherish our “To Do” lists because it gives us a great sense of accomplishment to cross off the items as we continually add more and more to the list. Our days are consumed as we try to build momentum in our businesses by doing, doing, doing and doing more. The advertising theme, “Just do it,” has become the mantra of our management practice with numerous articles and books written on the virtues of action.

Trends
Today’s consumers are ever increasingly interested in personalizing their homes and spaces. And that’s what’s driving the use of laser technology by wood products manufacturers, says Cherie White, marketing manager for Universal Laser Systems.

Trends Extra
Woodworking equipment purchases cool slightly in 2005. While most categories held steady or increased, overall acquisitions of woodworking equipment decreased by 3 percent in 2005 over 2004 numbers. A healthy economy along with continuing strong housing and remodeling markets bode well for 2006 increased buying power.

Trends Wood Bits
Stiles Machinery introduces a new division focused on solutions for the solid wood industry. Solid Wood TechnologiesSM enables Stiles to provide machinery specifically designed to address the needs of this market.

Words of Wisdom
Yeah, we did ‘lean.’ We did it a couple of years ago.” That statement was made to John Murphy, president of Venture Management Consultants. Murphy was a speaker at Stiles Education’s fifth annual Executive Briefing Conference in Denver, Colo., where he addressed the human and cultural implications of implementing a “lean” manufacturing concept.