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.

Five decades of cabinet making connect the Smith family
to clients in Peachtree City, Ga., and beyond.

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

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.

Hickory is a popular choice for countertops, island tops, cabinets, and flooring due to its rustic appearance and color variations. Its hardness and tendency to warp make it challenging to work with, but it stains well and can be a cost-effective alternative to white oak. The demand for hickory remains steady, with a preference for the calico brown and white mix or heavy brown color.

Denios, a manufacturer of safety and material handling products, introduces Spill Containment Trays to catch material drips and spills, thus enhancing workplace safety and efficiency. ‘They prevent contamination by catching…

States Industries is commemorating six decades as a manufacturer of hardwood plywood and custom panel products for woodworking professionals across North America. “Founded in Eugene, Oregon in 1966, States Industries…

Mirka announces the release of the next-generation DEROS II and DEOS II electric sanders. “Building on the award-winning performance of their predecessors, the latest DEROS II and DEOS II models…

Metabo HPT introduces the 5” Renovation Grinder (RSEV 17-125) for spot sanding and removal of concrete, screed and coatings with diamond cups wheels. “This tool is designed to remove tough…

Thermwood Corp. has released the first episode of its new video series, You Betcha, an ongoing educational and innovation-focused program designed to highlight the power, flexibility, and real-world capabilities of…

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…