Carolinas Expo Products
Check out some equipment and supplies that will be showcased at the Carolinas Expo February 16 – 17, 2006.

Custom Shop
Marrying Old World woodworking techniques with modern machinery and processes may not sound like a match made in heaven, but Berkeley Mills has made it work with great success. The Berkeley, Calif.-based business accurately and reliably builds unique Arts & Crafts and Asian-influenced residential furniture with sophisticated mortise and tenon machinery.

Finish Line
Cracks or splits in wood that are discovered after finishing have long been a source of frustration for many manufacturing operations. They also are a major source of controversy. When did they occur? What caused them? Fred Lamb gives us the lowdown.

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

IWF 2006 Category Breakdown
As IWF 2006 draws near, we’ll tailor a product section for a specific segment of the woodworking industry. This month features machinery, products and supplies of particular interest to architectural millwork manufacturers.

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
While most cabinetmakers put a lot of stock in their client presentations, Dodd Woodworking, Mendon, Mass., takes its presentations to the next level, thanks to the use of sophisticated design software and the Internet. Meanwhile, Ocala, Fla.-based Thoroughbred Cabinets credits its easy-to-use and flexible design software package for enabling the company to meet customer expectations.

Proving Ground
With an attitude of building only a quality product, Steve Roark decided to try getting paid for what he loved doing – building cabinetry. That’s why he started Moorpark, CA-based Roark Woodworks, serving the area’s mid to high-end residential area markets.

Sanding Sense
As time goes on, the sanding application for a given specific machine often changes. Also if a machine is purchased used, how does the new owner know if a specific sander has the proper characteristics for his new application? Sanding expert Howard Grivna gives us the low-down.

Supply Side
Kountry Kraft Kitchens in Newmantown, PA, has found that a system to duplicate stain colors is the key to maintaining consistent quality for a highly customized market.

Also, a constant stream of consumers can put any finish on store fixtures to a tough test. That’s why John Ball, owner of Deerfield, WI-based Wisconsin Built, Inc. knew he needed a finish with extra durability.

Think Lean
Whether or not you are recovering from a hurricane, tsunami or fire, using the lean enterprise principles can guide you to achieving company performance well beyond that to which you are accustomed to in a more traditional command and control management system. Most importantly, the odds your business will survive dramatically increase, says lean manufacturing expert, Ken Rolfes.

Trends
The wood products manufacturing industry breathed a sigh of relief for the time being as it received a clean bill of health in the completion of a long-term study into the potential respiratory effects of wood dust on those working in the industry.

Trends Extra
The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) announced its Innovator, Educator and Commitment to Excellence through Technology Awards on November 8th at its annual awards dinner honoring woodworking industry leaders held at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Trends Wood Bits
Sales Growth Strategist, Art Turock, of Art Turock & Associates and author of the book, Invent Business Opportunities No One Else Can Imagine, will be the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Stiles Education Executive Briefing Conference (EBC) to be held April 19-21, 2006 in Denver, CO, at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center..

Words of Wisdom
Considering the constant threat of terrorist attacks along with the ever increasing number of declared natural disasters, developing a business continuity plan for your business has become more essential than ever.