Columns/Blogs

Woodworkers know only too well how addictive it is to lust after new tools. I think my wife is finally beginning to understand.

I don’t often ask for a favor – in fact, I don’t think I ever have – but I have a favor to ask.

In our business we are often asked to do things a bit differently than we’re used to. People want to individualize their projects. They don’t want to pay premium prices for something that looks just like what they could have bought at the local furniture store.

I talked last year about how little attention the checkouts at Big Box stores pay to what they’re actually ringing up. In the earlier case, the guy paid no attention to the fact that I had two cabinets on a dolly, not one long one, and only charged me for one. I noted at the time that even though this was a small thing, it’s still indicative of issues affecting the economy. How can you possibly succeed when you’re letting free stuff go out the door?

I have always maintained that exceptions are a myth, much like scrap inventory. We all have policies regarding how we deal with things like customers wanting changes made or employees wanting some form of special consideration.

In spite of the fact that I think I know everything, clearly, there’s a lot out there I’m clueless about.

Just when it looks like we’re catching a break with tree-killing predators, another comes along that’s even worse.

Everyone in business has an image in their mind of what their dream employee would be. There is a tendency, when interviewing potential employees to look indications that fit that image. This can lead to a distorted, idealized view of the person being considered, leading us to see things that might not really be there.

I’ve never stated before that there’s not a species of wood I won’t work with. Well, I take it back.

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to hire a guy who had literally grown up in the furniture industry. He was from South Carolina and started working in a furniture plant when he was 14. He had moved to our area to take care of an ailing parent.

Twelve ways to increase profits.

Alibre enhances its Atom 3D software.

Just how little wood can there be in a project, and still consider it woodworking?

Sometimes – too often, it seems – woodworking gives you two choices that force you to make a tough decision.

In our business, we are often called upon to work outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes it’s in the form of needing to create a unique design that does not fit within the parameters of our typical production format. These projects may require us to master a new technique or a tool we have never used before.

Two things happened this week that helped me regain a sense of balance in the way I look at things.

I recently came across the following definitions that attempt to differentiate art and craft.

I talked last time about hidden things I know about. Earlier this week I came across something hidden that I’d forgotten even existed.

The coolest (and most fun) part of my miter saw station is something nobody ever sees. In fact, they don’t even know it’s there.

No matter how efficient your dust collection is, it can’t get everything.

Adding robotics.

The Mpemba Effect