New technologies to help woodshops stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market

December is a great time for shops to review their tool inventory, especially with January sales. New tools like DeWalt’s Multi-Head Drill/Driver and Makita’s cordless circular saw offer innovative solutions for various applications. Additionally, new workstations, portable tools, and fasteners from various brands provide enhanced functionality and efficiency for woodworkers.

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From airflow dynamics to filter selection, a guide to keeping wood dust under control

Black walnut hardwood sales remain steady as 2026 begins, with consistent orders for FAS and premium grades. Suppliers report steady demand, driven by walnut’s unique color and versatility in furniture, millwork, and craft projects. Prices for FAS walnut in 4/4 thickness range from $10 to $13.25 per board foot.

Cherry hardwood sales have been sluggish for over a decade, despite its competitive pricing compared to other domestic hardwoods. While demand for standard cherry remains low, highly figured cherry, especially matched sets from the same tree, continues to be popular. The shift in market trends towards brown woods over red woods, coupled with the influence of marketing buzzwords, is believed to be contributing to the decline in cherry sales.

Tariffs have not impacted raw exotic lumber, but challenges remain in sourcing exotic species due to scarcity and regulatory measures. Zebrawood and yellowheart are particularly difficult to source, with zebrawood facing a global shortage and yellowheart impacted by a Brazilian export ban.

Old-growth heart pine, prized for its rich hues and rustic appeal, is driving the reclaimed wood market. Customers seek hand-hewn beams and boards, often sourced from old barns, for decorative purposes.

Despite the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) devastating ash tree populations, hardwood dealers report that ash is still available, though declining. While demand has decreased due to concerns about future scarcity and design preferences for oak and walnut, ash remains popular for certain applications, such as guitar making.

Grizzly Industrial presents the new Planer/Miter Saw Stand to provide sturdy mobile storage for benchtop tools. “The new space-saving, versatile Planer/Miter Saw Stand from Grizzly is the ultimate solution for…

The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) announced its Greater Philadelphia Area Regional Event on April 27–29, to bring together custom cabinetmakers, millworkers, and woodworking professionals for an immersive, hands-on regional experience….

Task Lighting & Power, a Hardware Resources company, has introduced a design enhancement to its Ultra-Thin Puck Light for faster installation. “The updated design features a lens attached to the…

EasyCut, a provider of sign making software solutions, has announced the official release of Easy Cut Studio 6.016, an upgrade of its sign design and vinyl cutting software. This updated…

Rubio Monocoat USA has hired Brian “Sedge” Sedgeley to strengthen the wood finishing company’s Trade Partner Program and expand support for professional contractors. Sedgely brings over 30 years of experience…

Osborne Wood Products introduces two new table leg designs, Tahoe and Sonora, featuring traditional Mission elements.

Felder presents the KV 925 vertical panel saw to the U.S. market after its premier at LIGNA 2023.

Grizzly Industrial presents a new 8” jointer with a spiral cutterhead, model G0490ZX, and a parallelogram table adjustment mechanism.

Wood Environmentally Adaptive (EA) Hydroplus technology in a new waterborne wood coating that can be applied in a variety of conditions.

WHITESIDE MACHINE CO. is introducing two new CNC router bit sets aimed at production shops and the discerning woodworker. The General Purpose CNC Set (Item No. 709, $232.90) is a…