Features
Best in Show from Providence
Michael Jury, principal designer and craftsman at M. Jury Woodworks, won Best in Show (Furniture Design) for his cherry Asa-no-ha sideboard at the 27th annual Fine Furnishings Show, held Nov. 4-6 in Providence, R.I. Other Best in Show winners included Geoffrey Warner (Furniture Innovation) of Geoffrey Warner Studio in Stonington, Maine; Ben Kotis (Traditional Student Work) and Svetlana Daneva (Contemporary Student Work) from the North Bennet Street School, and Corrinn Jusell (Accessory) of Made by Corrinn in New Bedford, Mass.
Handle with Care - Material Handling Solutions
In the current labor market, material handling equipment can be less expensive, easier to acquire, and easier to manage than adding new employees.
Beyond Basic Boxes
There are several design and detail options that won’t destroy budgets or disrupt production as they elevate the value of work. Those include outsourcing design elements, adding hi-tech accents such as controls and lighting, introducing materials other than wood-based products, and getting creative with hardware.
Rising To The Challenge
From swooping spiral staircases and elaborate multi-tiered layouts, to traditional straight patterns and floating, embellished, ornamental designs, Hardwood Design Inc. of Exeter, R.I. can do it all.
Space-saving, multi-function machines
Multi-function woodworking machines are, by their nature, a trade-off. The idea is that the woodworker gains floor space and surrenders some speed and convenience.
Without regrets
Brian Clancy, an Irish native who immigrated to America in his 20s, pursued several career interests before taking the leap to open Clancy Woodworking, a custom cabinet shop in Sherman, Conn., in 1999.
Let There Be Light, Heat and Storage
Perhaps the most obvious aspect of the workshop environment is lighting.
Picking a panel saw
Panel saws let a shop break down full sheets of material into manageable pieces such as door and case panels and other flat parts such as shelves.
Collaborating for a cause
In early September, 14 woodworkers gathered at Rubio Monocoat’s headquarters in Izegem, Belgium for the Rubio Monocoat Atelier event.
Leading the charge
Portable power tool innovation continues with better batteries, brushless motors and improved ergonomics
The cherry on top
Picking a surface material can make a break a project, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons amongst the myriad of choices
Two of a kind
Jeff Headley and Steve Hamilton carry on building period furniture at their century-old business in Berryville, Va.
Next-level design software
A survey of the latest CAD programs shows an array of features and functions
Outsourcing options
There can be a lot of upside to outsourcing. It lets a cabinet shop fill orders on schedule, expand its catalog of offerings, and keep labor costs under control.
Lessening the learning curve
Taking the leap into CNC machining can be a bit unnerving because, unlike other shop machines, digital fabrication requires an entirely new skill set.
Built from scratch
Castleman Carpentry started as a small operation in 2003 and is now a mid-sized company offering custom residential cabinetry and general contracting services.
Challenge accepted
Shaper Tools, manufacturer of the Shaper Origin hand-held, self-guiding router, has announced the winners of its online contest, the #shaperbox challenge, where entrants designed and built unique boxes.
Where the busy shops shop
Increased CNC automation is one way through the hiring crunch, but it can also cut costs over time, ramp up production (sometimes dramatically), increase throughput speed, save floor space, improve accuracy, and open new design options.
Cabinet Assembly Options
Traditional assembly still makes sense for small shops that neither build a lot of boxes nor own a CNC.
Doubling down
Kerf & Burled designs and builds custom furniture for homes, offices and restaurants nationwide with a heavy focus on bars and breweries.
Controlling dust, spray and fumes: September 2022
The biggest environmental challenges to a woodshop are fine dust, spray booth exhaust, and chemical emissions from adhesives, but addressing them will almost always improve profitability.