Hardwood Matters - National Hardwood Lumber Association

M AY 2 01 0
H A R DWO O D M AT T E R S
T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWOO D I N D U ST RY
EXPORTS:
THE NEXT HARDWOOD BOOM?
THE BOY WHO CRIES WOOD!
TRUMPETING THE VI RTUES OF QUARTER SAWN HARDWOODS
ST RO N G RO OTS . G LO BA L R E AC H .
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H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
T H E VO I C E O F T H E H A R DWO O D I N D U ST RY
May 2010 ▪ Issue 101
National Hardwood Lumber Association
PO Box 34518 ▪ Memphis, TN 38184-0518
901-377-1818 ▪ 901-382-6419 (fax)
[email protected] ▪ www.nhla.com
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MISSION LEADERS
Ted Rossi
Rossi Group
President
Nancy Arend
Weyerhaeuser Hardwoods
Industry Advocacy & Promotion
Dave B. Redmond
Highland Hardwood Sales, Inc.
First Vice President
Chuck Bice
Sweeney Hardwoods
Unique Services
James W. Howard
Atlanta Hardwood Corp.
Past President 2006–2008
Chip Dickinson
Anderson-Tully Lumber Co.
Structure
driving collaboration across the hardwood industry to
Orn E. Gudmundsson, Sr.
Northland Corp.
Past NHLA President 2004–2006
Rick Ekstein
Weston Forest Group
Membership & Marketing
promote demand for North American hardwood lumber
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
Pem Jenkins
Turn Bull Lumber Company
Rules
THE MISSION OF NH LA
To serve NHLA Members in the North American hardwood
lumber industry by: maintaining order, structure, rules, and
ethics in the changing hardwood marketplace; providing
member services unique to the hardwood lumber industry;
and advocate the interest of the hardwood community
in public/private policy issues; and building positive
relationships within the global hardwood community.
NHLA STAFF
Mark A. Barford, CAE
Executive Director
[email protected]
Renee Hornsby
Director of Communications/Editor
[email protected]
The views of contributions do not necessarily reflect the positions of NHLA. All advertisements for Hardwood
Matters are accepted and published with the understanding that the advertiser and/or advertising agency are
authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter thereof. The advertiser and/or advertising agency will
defend, indemnify and hold any claims or lawsuits for libel violations or right of privacy or publicity, plagiarisms,
copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or lawsuits that may arise out of publication of such
advertisement. NHLA neither endorses nor makes any representation or guarantee as to the quality of goods and
services advertised in Hardwood Matters. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission is prohibited.
Holly Weir
Graphic Designer
[email protected]
■■■
Crystal Oldham
Director of Education
Denise Stewart
Director of Finance
Thomas Walthousen
Director of Industry Relations
ADVERTISER INDEX
bc
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19
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21
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2010 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase
Forestry Systems, Inc.
Hardwood Federation
ISK Biocides, Inc.
The Jacobs Team
Laidig Systems, Inc.
NHLA.com
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23
25
ifc
28
5
3
NHLA Inspector Training School Summer Program
Peladeau Lumber Inc.
Pendu Manufacturing, Inc.
Pike Lumber Co., Inc.
USNR
Voice Directed Tally Systems, Inc.
Weyerhaeuser Hardwoods
Lisa Browne
Convention Director
Jack English
Interim Chief Inspector
Rich Hascher
Inspector Training School Instructor
Wayne Tomas
Technical Services Director
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Roy Cummings
Cummings Lumber Co.
Forest Resources
Larry Evans
Industrial Timber & Lumber
Inspector Training School
Orn Gudmundsson, Jr.
Northland Corporation
Finance
Skip Holmes
Thomas & Proetz Lumber Co.
Continuing Education
Sally Johnson
Batey, Ltd.
Inspection Services
Bob Mitchell
Mitchell Forest Products, Inc.
Membership
Greg Patenaude
Péladeau Lumber, Inc.
Marketing
Jack Shannon
J.T. Shannon Lumber Company, Inc.
Hardwood Promotion
Joe Snyder
Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.
Rules
Kevin Trussell
Timber Mountain Hardwoods
Convention
For advertising inquiries:
Contact Leah Covington, Marketing Director at [email protected] or 901-399-7551.
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DEPARTM ENTS
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Making It Work
Global Talk
Green Wave
Tally Sheet
Education Spotlight
READER SERVICES
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8
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26
Executive Director's
Message
Inside NHLA
Calendar
Job Board
IN THIS ISSUE...
10
EXPORTS: The Next Hardwood Boom?
By Tracy Powell
14
THE BOY WHO CRIES WOOD!
Trumpeting the Virtues of Quarter Sawn Hardwoods
By Criswell Davis
CONTENTS
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CONT RI BUTORS
Tracy Powell is an award-winning writer
and editor, contributing to several trade
and consumer magazines over the years. A
graduate of Indiana University’s school of
Journalism and a member of the Society of
Professional Journalists, he has worked on
staff with two Indiana-based newspapers
and two magazines. Based in Charlestown,
Indiana, he currently serves as managing
editor for Automobile Quarterly and is
an independent publishing consultant
specializing in book editing, design and
liaison services. He can be reached at
[email protected].
Russell Barratt is the Market Manager
for Simonds International in Big
Rapids, Michigan. He has been involved
with the cutting tools manufacturing
industry since 1975 and employed by
Simonds International since 1981. He
works closely with Walter Oppliger of
Switzerland on the development and
introduction of innovative filing room
machinery. Barratt is a frequent speaker
and participant in trade association
meetings and wood conferences.
Criswell Davis, AIA/CES approved
Architectural Marketing Manager, is a
graduate of Colorado College where he
earned a B.A. in Philosophy of Religion.
He began his career in the lumber business
with Frank Paxton Lumber in Cincinnati
in 1988 and started with Frank Miller
Lumber in 1996. He has served on the
Board of Directors for the Wood Products
Manufacturers, Hardwood Federation PAC
and the Western Hardwood Association.
He has been married for 35 years and has
one son, Cole, a recent graduate of Miami
University (Ohio), and a daughter, Teagan,
a senior at Columbia College in Chicago.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S
MESSAGE
INCREMENTS AND THE
HARDWOOD INDUSTRY
Has anyone noticed that the price of gasoline has risen 50 percent over the past 12
months and the price is still rising? The slow incremental increase of gas prices has snuck
up on consumers. Two summers ago things were very different as the sudden spike in gas
prices caused many of us to alter our driving behavior. People began driving less, buying
smaller cars and occasionally car pooling or using public transportation. It should come
as no surprise then, that the gas guzzling Hummer is slated to be discontinued, and
Americans seem hesitant to go back to their old driving ways. The biggest difference
between then and now is that prices have moved up slowly and in small increments. Oil
companies learned that by making changes gradually, the consumer is less scared and to
a certain extent somewhat unaware of the change.
Our government seems to be employing this same tactic regarding rules and regulations–
take the recently passed health care bill as an example. The bill outlines some very
significant changes that will cost tax payers money, but because the changes are spread
out over the next ten years and have minimal immediate impact the American people
seem to be okay with it. And you don’t have to go as far the health care bill to find an
example of this; just look at the NHLA Heat Treatment Program. Government safety
and compliance regulation changes are handed down a little bit at a time and at a faster
and faster rate. These small changes are costing the program’s 300 subscribers (and
NHLA Heat Treatment Auditors) more time and more paperwork which sometimes
pushes subscribers to leave the program.
The near certain incremental increase in taxes forecasted in the coming years could have
significant impact on the hardwood business in the long run. For example: A marginal
tax increase from 4 percent to 5 percent could translate into a 20 percent increase in real
taxes paid. Regulation changes requiring a company to file a quarterly report instead of a
semi-annual report, increases that company’s work load and labor. Changes in accounting
rules significantly increase accounting charges. And the examples go on and on.
Over the years, the hardwood lumber industry has come to expect marginal changes
in markets and has successfully adapted to them. The recent drastic shortage in lumber
supply has caused prices to increase significantly in a short amount of time. And it seems
that consumers are responding much like those gas customers of 2008, looking for ways
to curb their behavior and reduce the use of hardwood products. In response, these
consumers may turn to other hardwood suppliers or in some cases substitute materials.
It’s the substitute materials that concern me most. Once a manufacturer learns how to
use another product such as plastic, engineered wood or possibly metal to fill his needs,
it may be hard to bring that customer back to wood even if prices flatten out.
With much of the industry starting to enjoy improved markets and cautious optimism,
losing any customers and momentum at this time would not be good for recovery.
Yes, we need to return to profitable ways, but not at the expense of long term business
relationships. It would be wise for all of us to remember the Aesop fable of The Tortoise
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Here’s to a prosperous
spring to all segments of
the hardwood industry!
and the Hare. The hare starts off fast, quickly
running out of steam and so stops to take
a nap. When he awakes, he finds that his
competitor, crawling slowly but steadily, has
already won the race.
Sincerely,
Mark Barford, CAE, Executive Director
National Hardwood Lumber Association
www.nhla.com
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I NSIDE NHLA
NHLA CHIEF INSPECTOR JOB OPENING
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee is currently seeking a Chief Inspector.
The National Hardwood Lumber Association was originally founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for the
measurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. More than a century after origination, the NHLA standards and rules that were once
developed to ease regional trade, are now employed worldwide for the same reason.
NHLA employs a full-time staff of highly trained hardwood lumber inspectors in the U.S. and Canada who work to help evaluate, educate
and train employees in inspection rules to improve their grading competency. NHLA Inspectors can also inspect lumber prior to shipment
to protect the shipper against complaints, inspect lumber at its destination to monitor incoming quality for a buyer and serve as impartial
experts to settle disputes between buyer and seller.
The Chief Inspector is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NHLA Inspection Services Department, Heat Treatment Program
and Kiln-Drying Certification Program. The Chief Inspector has the final say in all grading rules interpretations, grade disputes, and
administration of the Sales Code Enforcement Guidelines and the Hardwood Claims Bureau.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
■ 10+ years of lumber grading experience in green, kiln-dried and surfaced lumber, including a wide variety of hardwood species
■ Graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School
■ Proficient knowledge of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and sales code
■ Supervisor background including the development and maintenance of budgets
■ Previous purchasing and sales experience is helpful
■ Superior communications skills including writing and public speaking
■ Ability to be a team player and work independently
■ Proficiency in Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word and Excel
■ College degree or previous experience as a NHLA National Inspector is preferred
The Chief Inspector:
■ Will supervise all national field inspectors and Heat Treatment Program staff
■ Is required to develop all departmental budgets, monitor costs and expenses
■ Will be required to travel throughout the country to provide in-house training or short courses for members and nonmembers, perform
re-inspections when necessary and assist national inspectors to ensure grade accuracy
■ Will act as a substitute instructor, as needed, for the Inspector Training School in Memphis
■ Acts as staff liaison to the Rules & Inspection Services Committee
■ Will coordinate and conduct meetings, seminars and open forums regarding the Rules & Inspection Services during the NHLA Annual
Convention or wherever needed
■ Will work with various industry organizations and government entities such as: ALSC and APHIS on projects as needed
NHLA offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, disability, and 401(k).
To apply, please send resume and salary requirements by mail, fax or email to the attention of Mark Barford, Executive Director.
National Hardwood Lumber Association
PO Box 34518 | Memphis, TN 38184-0518
901-377-1082 | 901-382-6419 (fax) | [email protected]
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I NSIDE NHLA
NHLA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Active Member With Annual Sales Less than $1.5M
■ J & T Lumber | Woodbine, Kentucky
Active Member Branch
■ Superior Hardwoods of Ohio, Inc. | Vincent, Ohio
■ Main Street Forest Products | Maben, Mississippi
Sustaining Member
■ North Road Technologies/Nyle | Westport, Connecticut
■ EnerNOC | Boston, Massachusetts
■ SGS Systems & Services | Rutherford, New Jersey
Associate Member
■ T
R Miller Mill Company Inc. | Brewton, Alabama
■ Marvin Windows & Doors | Ripley, Tennessee
Quarter Ending March 2010
NHLA ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THE
KFIA ANNUAL MEETING
Executive Director, Mark Barford presented a “State of the Industry”
report to members of the Kentucky Forest Industries Association
during the annual meeting in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Mark reported that the meeting had an air of cautious optimism.
"This meeting was held in Bowling Green for the first time in years,"
he noted. "Although attendance was lower than in past years, like
all industry meetings, the crowd was energetic and hopeful for a
continued improvement this year."
KFIA elected a new Association President, NHLA board member John
Smith of Forest Products, Inc. "With John’s new position as KFIA
President and the many mutual members from both Associations,
NHLA will continue to work closely with KFIA to strengthen the
hardwood industry throughout the region," stated Barford.
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EXPORTS:
THE NEXT HAR DWOOD BOOM?
EXPORTS:
THE NEXT HARDWOOD BOOM?
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By Tracy Powell
an investigation on the challenges that small to
medium size exporters’ experience, and the Hardwood
Federation was asked to testify.
In his State of the Union address in January, President
Obama pledged his support of free-trade agreements
and to double American exports over the next
five years, a new effort to boost employment. The
ambitious plan is certainly needed: Exports fell from
$1.8 trillion in 2008 to $1.5 trillion in 2009, due to the
global recession. Doubling exports would constitute a
jump that would push U.S. overseas sales to $3 trillion
annually and, the White House says, create two million
jobs. Whether these numbers are realistic is currently
debated, but exports do seem bound to grow – the
world is growing faster than America and the dollar is
weak, although the currency is beginning to rebound.
President Obama pledged his
support of free-trade agreements
and to double American exports
over the next five years...
Photo Courtesy of Kuehne + Nagel
Signing the “National Export Initiative” executive order
in March, the Obama Administration proposes spurring
an overhaul of the Commerce Department's trade
functions similar to the Department of Agriculture's
Foreign Agricultural Service, which is superior in every
respect when it comes to helping U.S. companies
compete abroad. Here at home, the administration
is trying to get more companies to export; less than
1 percent currently do so, and of them 58 percent
export to just one country. One way the government
plans to encourage increased export activity is
by subsidizing exports by those companies the
government deems worthy of subsidies. The qualifiers
were unknown at press time.
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The Commerce Department and the other federal
agencies involved in the Export Promotion Cabinet, which
was also announced in March, have until August 2010 to
submit plans showing how they will double exports.
How this new initiative will affect the hardwood
industry is still to be seen. In response to President
Obama's goal to open up foreign markets, the
Department of the U.S. Trade Representative
tasked the International Trade Commission to do
“Many in the industry are in export,” noted Hardwood
Federation Chairman Jameson French. “In 2009,
exports were 10 percent of total market share. [Yet,]
every major product saw export drops. In first
quarter 2009, hardwood lumber exports were down
35 percent from first quarter 2008 and 53 percent
from the first quarter 2006 peak.”
Stumbling blocks in export have included the fact that
many competitor nations import raw materials duty
free, while protecting domestic value-added industries.
Red tape also adds delays and costs that are difficult
for small- and medium-sized businesses to cope with,
noted French, one big headache being the requirement
for permits for some species but not all, involving
expensive product tests that can only be performed in
country, resulting in high duties.
“Some environmental procurement policies that
could be required by other countries are not realistic
for the American hardwood industry and will be
extremely difficult or impossible to meet,” Jameson
said of the ongoing challenges. “In addition, small
business loans and credit lines have dried up because
of the close association of the hardwood industry
and the struggling housing market.”
The hope is that such issues will be addressed as the
initiative matures. In the President’s proposed 2011
budget, more money has been included to guarantee
export-related small-business lending.
Pessimists of Obama’s plan note that the world’s
other major economic powers – Germany, Japan, and
China – are attempting to export themselves back to
prosperity, too. What America has that many other
countries do not, however, is high-grade hardwoods.
Thus the initiative bodes best for the hardwoods
industry. The Middle East and North Africa remains
a key destination for American hardwoods amidst
the increasing demand within the region's furniture,
interiors and flooring sectors, according to the
American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC),
Hakan Ekstrom, president of Wood Resources
International, recently noted in The Oregonian: "Some
countries in Asia are beginning to wake up a little. You
will see them looking for more lumber."
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The biggest customer last year was Japan, which made
up about half of log exports and about a third of
lumber exports – including both soft and hardwood.
China, South Korea and Canada also were big players in
2009. In 2010, the export market is likely to grow faster
than the domestic market, according to Ekstrom.
China is the red elephant in the room. Discussion of
trade hinges on the evolving country, and either good
or bad may come from international dealings. Even
as President Obama announced his export initiative,
heated disputes were exchanged – and continue to
be exchanged – regarding China’s currency valuation.
Years of stagnant trade policy now clash with Obama’s
assertive stance, which may undermine the initiative, at
least as it pertains to China.
But if trade barriers are lowered and tensions eased, the
China market is a goldmine for hardwood exporters.
Recent clarifications to Chinese building codes allow
Chinese building needs –accommodating 20 million
people every year moving from rural China to the cities
– to be met by modern wood-frame construction.
The Chinese national budget has set aside $141 billion
for the production of 20 million square meters of
affordable housing by 2012. China already has a huge
supply shortfall of wood, and, according to a report
in The Times of London, analysts see that continuing
at the level of about 160 million cubic meters a year
for at least another decade. That amount includes the
hundreds of millions of pieces of hardwood furniture
inherent with new homes. About 60 percent of Chinese
do not live in urban areas, but that is expected to fall to
40 percent by 2030. As 20 million people move to cities
each year, residential construction will boom, and so,
too, will demand for new furniture.
Reducing Risk
Opening new export markets may have inherent risks, as
was experienced by one NHLA member who recently
shipped a load of lumber products to a Middle Eastern
country for the first time. The order was business
as usual until the country’s import authority stalled
delivery, citing the need for verification on the lumber
itself that it was “Made in the U.S.A.”
“Lumber companies should understand that a ‘Product
of the USA’ origin mark on the product is a basic
requirement for exports to the Middle East,” said
Cindra Zambo, vice president of forest products for
Kuehne-Nagel, Inc., a global logistics company.
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It should be noted that attaining export shipping
containers bound for the Middle East must be done,
at the present time, about six weeks before actual the
actual shipping date. However, rates are only good
for 30 days in most cases. This puts exporters in a
Catch-22, being forced to book shipments without
knowing the exact costs.
But if trade barriers are
lowered and tensions eased,
the China market is a goldmine
for hardwood exporters.
“Freight charges are unpredictable and ever-changing,”
French noted. “And foreign governments can also
add mysterious fees to U.S. products resulting in a
450-percent increase in the price to consumers.”
“If there are any exportation questions, people can
check with the U.S. Department of Commerce to get
trade representatives involved,” Zambo said. “You
can also contact the U.S. embassy located in the
destination country. Although it may take a little while
to resolve issues, they have been very helpful.”
Being proactive and addressing any potential problems
before making shipping arrangements is always the
best route to take. Every country has its own guidelines
regarding imports, and this is where U.S. trade
representatives come in.
“Our Department of Commerce is there to promote
trade,” Zambo said. “That’s always been their function.
They’re a great resource, and they have offices all around
the world, working with all the local embassies.”
The Commerce Department has said it hopes to
replenish the ranks of trade officers overseas in U.S.
embassies, with as many as 238 positions proposed
in Obama's 2011 budget. To contact the Office of the
U.S. Trade Representative, visit www.ustr.gov or fax
202-395-4549. Office of the United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street NW | Washington, DC 20508
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Photo Courtesy of Criswell Davis
THE BOY WHO CRIES WOOD!
TRUMPETING THE VIRTUES OF QUARTER SAWN HARDWOODS
By Criswell Davis
“With his materials the architect can do whatever the masters have done with pigments
or with sounds—in shadings as subtle, with combinations as expressive—perhaps
outlasting himself. Wood is universally beautiful to man. It is the most humanly intimate
of all materials.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was truly an architect inspired by nature and its influence is apparent in his collection of work. As early as 1908,
Wright used the term “organic” to describe the marriage between site and structure, believing that every building should grow
naturally from its environment. Post World War II optimism resulted in the consumerism of the 1950s, where organic architecture
gave way to suburban boxes. When this shift in housing design and construction occurred, wood as a construction material began to
take a backseat to other products such as carpeting and linoleum. A more modern, stark form of architecture emerged which drew
consumers away from the natural beauty of hardwoods. 14
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In the new millennium, “Green” architecture has taken hold
and threatens what had become a trend during the 90s and
early 2000s, of the return to hardwood for flooring, furniture,
cabinetry and millwork. The “green” trend began in 1998, when
the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) established the LEED
green building certification program, (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) with the objective to promote
healthy and sustainable building practices. LEED points are
awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to
reflect their potential environmental impacts. For the last 12
years, the LEED point system structure has promoted the use
of steel, concrete and bamboo; while discouraging the use of
U.S. hardwoods, unless FSC certified. While the dissuasion of
hardwoods may have been unintentional, the rating system
does in fact award more points to bamboo flooring than
certified hardwood flooring because bamboo is classified as a
rapidly renewing material.
If we wanted to encourage the
use of quartersawn hardwoods
and hardwoods in general, we were
going to have to tell our story.
In 2008, after 20 years in the hardwood industry (12 of those
years being with Frank Miller Lumber Company in Union City,
Indiana), it was apparent that the time had come to have a
fresh discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing
not only Frank Miller Lumber but the hardwood industry as a
whole. During a conversation with Tim Leyden, VP of Sales, the
discussion kept circling back to architects and designers. This
group would be our target audience; these people would shape
what our world looks like in the future, just as they always have.
The question now, was how to reach this identified group. As a niche hardwood producer, Frank Miller Lumber has
seen quotes that reflect unrealistic expectations for the
resource and has tried, often in vain, to push the realities
of hardwoods back up the design pipeline to the architects
and designers without dissuading them from specifying
hardwoods. The answer to the question of how to reach the
target audience was answered. If we wanted to encourage
the use of quartersawn hardwoods and hardwoods in general
for residential and commercial design, we were going to
have to tell our story to architects. In order to tell our story
face-to-face, I would have to become approved by the
American Institute of Architects (AIA) to offer continuing
education credit to architects for an hour-long presentation
extolling the many virtues of quartersawn hardwoods and
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U.S. hardwoods generally; and Frank Miller Lumber would
need to become FSC Certified, since LEED certification is
an increasingly important consideration for architects in
contemporary design. By January 2009, Frank Miller Lumber
was an FSC certified chain of custody supplier and I, as
Architectural Marketing Manager, was ready to set off across
the country to metaphorically plant the seeds of hardwood
utilization in contemporary designs for the future. While the focus of the AIA presentation is naturally on
quartersawn hardwoods, the primary product line of Frank
Miller Lumber, broad brush strokes are used to encourage
the use of all species of sustainable American hardwoods.
For instance, in order to allay any fears that architects and
designers may have about our hardwood resource dwindling,
the presentation outlines the empirically verifiable sustainable
nature of American hardwoods. As a large percentage of this
audience believes that hardwood is clear-cut, time is devoted to
discussing selective harvesting and “Best Management Practices”. Explanation of forest ownership patterns are also outlined,
as more than 73% of the hardwood resource in the U.S. is
controlled by over 4 million private landowners, most of whom
will only harvest from their woods once or twice in their
lifetimes. Sharing the factual data that there is nearly twice as
much hardwood in the U.S. now as compared to 50 years ago
and that actual forestland has increased by more than 18% has proven to be one of the most compelling take-away facts
for the audience. For me, it is important that the audience
understand two major issues. First, the difficulties facing small
lot owners in becoming FSC certified, while mentioning the
successful program undertaken by Jack Seifert, State Forester
for the Indiana Division of Forestry to bring 600,000 acres of
privately held woods under the FSC Certification umbrella.
Second, that the entire U.S. hardwood industry is sustainable
and carefully managed, whether certified by FSC or not. It is likely that many in the audience have incorrect
preconceived notions of the nature of the hardwood industry.
Dispelling these notions is a cornerstone of the presentation.
Discussions on technological advances, the carbon negative
nature of hardwoods and use of by-products for mulch, paper
and fuel for kilns; leaves the audience with a much clearer
idea of our industry’s responsible stewardship of this most
beautiful of natural resources.
Overall, the presentation is highly visual, with sample boards,
a quarter White Oak log (which arouses the curiosity of TSA
agents in many airports), an animation of the quartersawing
process and many slides of quartersawn U.S. hardwoods in
(Continued on page 28)
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 15
MAKING IT WORK
CHIPPER KNIFE MAI NTENANCE
By Russell Barratt
A quick refresher on chipper knife maintenance is not very
glamorous, but it’s precisely because of that reason that it’s worth a
review. The chipper is often taken for granted; tucked away in the
bowels of the mill and thought of as “waste disposal” equipment –
fair enough. But it’s still important to make sure that the knife is
producing acceptable chip and doing so cost effectively. We’ll leave
it to a psychiatric journal to review the disturbing question of how
one can come to think of chipper knives as “not glamorous” but
bandsaws as “glamorous”.
Grinding chipper knives properly revolves around managing heat
build-up; specifically at the cutting edge. Excess heat will draw down
the hardness of the steel in the knives. If that steel is heated and
then quenched, surface hardening will occur along with microscopic
fracturing caused by the quick shrinkage in the surface steel. Chipper
knives are typically hardened into the middle 50’s Rockwell C. If the
knives get a couple points too high they become very brittle and if
they get down a couple points too low the knives dull very quickly.
New knives are quite uniform in hardness, but careless grinding
procedures can change that very quickly. We rely on the mass of
steel in the knife to absorb and carry away the heat generated in
the grinding process. By its nature, there is not much mass at the
cutting edge of the knife; only the slim roughly 30º included angle
wedge of steel at the cutting edge, not a significant heat absorbing
mass. It’s slightly diabolical that the most easily burned part of the
knife is the critical cutting edge.
"Rule of Thumb"
To avoid damaging the heat
treatment of the cutting edge
you have to avoid getting it too
hot. The basic “rule of thumb” is
quite literally a Rule of Thumb.
If you cannot comfortably lay
your thumb on the bevel of the
knife after the grinding wheel
has passed over it, it’s too hot!
This is a good first check but it may not be enough to protect the
cutting edge. In manufacturing knives, my company grinds a lot of
knives; very aggressively on heavy grinders but without damaging
the heat treat in the cutting edges. One of the keys to this success
is that the grinding wheel is always traveling across the bevel of the
knife in the same direction – from the cutting edge to the heel of the
bevel. The heat generated will “push” in front of the grind, allowing
the heat to be pushed away from the cutting edge and down into
the heavy part of the knife where it can be safely absorbed. All of
these knife grinders are designed with the grinding wheel (actually a
segmental chuck, not a solid wheel) tipped just a bit so that it only
makes contact on one edge. If you have a grinder that makes contact
on both edges of the wheel it will be necessary to grind very timidly
with a soft wheel to avoid damage.
Another important key to effective grinding is properly using the
coolant system on the grinder. The real purpose of coolant is to flush
the grinding wheel, keeping it clean and cutting sharp. The flow of
coolant needs to be on the wheel, not on the knife.
When the grinding cycle is
complete, the knives will
have a burr hanging on the
cutting edge. By running
your finger up the back
of the knife, across the
cutting edge (not along the
edge!), it’s quite easy to feel
the burr. A few moments
De-burring a Chipper Knife
with a honing stone will
remove the burr and refine the cutting edge. This process needs to be
routine, on every knife, with every sharpening. Use a circular honing
stone, in a circular motion, tipped slightly so that it’s making solid
contact on the cutting edge. Work the wide side of the knife first,
then the narrow side and then the wide side again. When finished,
wipe the residual burr off with the end of a hardwood dowel. It only
takes 30 seconds per knife.
It’s also important to check Babbitt. Babbitt should never be thicker
than the knife or the knife clamp will grasp the babbitt instead of the
knife – a very unsafe condition. If you find chipper knives “working
loose” in the chipper, first check the babbit. To check, lay the knife
flat on a workbench and draw a straightedge down the flat of the knife
on both sides. If it catches on the babbitt then it’s a clear indication
that the babbitt is “proud” – no good, quite dangerous in fact.
(Continued on page 28)
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M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
GLOBAL TALK
MTC GLOBAL WOOD MARKET ANNOUNCED
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) is organizing the inaugural
‘MTC Global WoodMart 2010’ to provide a premier one-stop selling,
buying and networking platform for suppliers and buyers of timber
products from Malaysia and around the world. Tropical hardwoods, as
well as temperate softwoods and hardwoods, will be showcased at the
MTC Global WoodMart 2010 – to be held October 19 and 20 at the
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in the heart of the city.
International suppliers from around the world, and notably the USA,
have already begun to book space which is limited and will be allocated
in June. MTC is offering an early bird package to exhibitors who sign
up before May 30.
Malaysia is a significant manufacturer of furniture and wood products
for which material supplies are imported as well as sourced locally. The
MTC Global WoodMart 2010 opens up a fresh vista of opportunities
for timber businesses to meet suppliers and buyers of timber products
from all over the world in the fast growing Southeast Asian region.
For more see www.globalwoodmart.my
FOREIGN COMPETITION REPORT ON THE U.S. BUILDING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IS NOW AVAILABLE
Jordan, Knauff & Company, a middle-market investment bank with a specialized practice in the building products industry, has announced the
publication of the second annual issue of the Foreign Competition Report for the U.S. Building Products Industry. The report summarizes import
statistics and growth rates of the top importing countries in eleven different building products categories. The report includes information on the
following industry segments: windows and doors, vinyl profiles, glass, flooring, fencing, siding, roofing, decking, columns, cabinets and engineered
wood products. This report will be published annually in order to inform building products manufacturers of the level of risk of foreign competition
faced by the various building products segments.
Complimentary copies of the Foreign Competition Report have been posted to Jordan, Knauff & Company’s Research Portal, which is located at
www.jordanknauff.com/windoor.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 17
GREEN WAVE
FURNITURE, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MUST NOW DECLARE
BASIC INFORMATION UNDER U.S. LACEY ACT
April 1, 2010 marks the beginning of enforcement for basic information transparency
requirements under the Lacey Act for guitars, revolvers, hand tools, pool cues and certain types of
furniture. The U.S. Lacey Act, amended in May 2008, makes it a federal crime to trade in illegal
wood products. Under a phased-in process, many sectors also have to declare the scientific name
and the country of harvest for any plant constituents of their imported products.
Other wood product sectors, including those importing sawn timber, flooring, and joinery have
been declaring this information to the U.S. government for nearly a year. Now, an importer of
chairs manufactured in Vietnam will declare, for example, that the wooden frame is made of
teak (Tectona grandis) from Thailand. Importers of billiards equipment might declare that the
cocobolo in pool cues (Dalbergia retusa) is from Nicaragua.
This information – collected by USDA’s APHIS – will allow the implementing agencies to target
enforcement actions and better understand how the U.S. market demand for wood products is
affecting forests worldwide.
The declaration form can be found on the APHIS website. Importers must print and mail it to
APHIS or submit the information electronically via an automated broker interface. It is expected
that an electronic interface will become publicly available in the future as the U.S. government
continues to refine its implementation of the Lacey Act.
For a full list of sectors included in the April 1 phase-in, visit the APHIS website
(www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/lacey_act/index.shtml).
DOVETAIL PARTNERS INC. UPDATES 2004 STUDY –
FOREST CERTIFICATION: A STATUS REPORT
In September 2004, Dovetail Partners, Inc. released the report “A Land Manager’s Guide to FSC & SFI: To Certify
or Not To Certify, Is That a Question?” Over the past six years, this report has been directly downloaded thousands
of times from the Dovetail website as well as being uploaded and made available through other organizations.
Six years later, the original study has been updated and is now available for review. The 2010 report reviews the
current status of forest certification programs, summarizes changes that have occurred over the past six years and
speculates on what the future may bring in terms of opportunities and challenges. This report examines the North
American context with some limited global references and with particular attention paid to programs of the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Information is also provided regarding
the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) of the American Forest Foundation (AFF), the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).
To view or download the complete report visit www.dovetailinc.org.
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M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
GREEN WAVE
BANANA L EAVES, THE NEXT WOOD REPLACEM ENT P RODUCT?
According to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Papyrus Australia (PPY) is the developer
of a world-first technology that converts the waste trunk of the banana palm into alternatives to
forest wood products to be used in the paper, packaging, furniture, building, construction and
other industries. It was founded by Ramy Azer in 1995 in response to an increasingly stringent
environmental and regulatory situation facing the paper industry.
According to a company issued press release, it is estimated that the banana fibre segment of the
veneer and board industry will be worth over US$20 billion annually by 2020.
“There are about 10 million hectares of banana plantations with over 1,500 plants per hectare in
over 160 countries, which create 2.5 billion tons of decomposing raw material every year,” said
Papyrus Australia managing director Ramy Azer. “The Papyrus technology has the capacity to
utilize this renewable and abundant source of fibre to provide both the timber and paper industries
with a new, innovative, low cost and environmentally-sustainable solution,” Azer added.
The company’s achievements were recently recognized with the Investor Ready Award by South
Australia’s Top 20 Innovation Awards and the KPMG Excellence in Cleantech Award by the
CleverGreen™ Innovators to Watch Awards.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 19
TALLY SHEET
WOOD-MIZER UNVEILS THE NEW WM3500
The new WM3500 thin kerf headrig by Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.
is now available for purchase globally. The company has also
rebranded the LT300 model, renaming it the WM3000 to align it
with the company’s industrial class headrigs.
The new WM3500 is an industrial-grade horizontal headrig that
includes all the energy, labor and yield benefits of the WM3000.
The features that set it apart are a wider throat capacity to
accommodate larger logs, faster hydraulic log handling and three
side supports.
“We’re proud to offer more options for our industrial customers
and think the new WM3500 is perfect for companies that handle
big, heavy hardwoods with a focus on productivity,” explains Darryl
Floyd, Sales Director. For more information call 1-800-553-0182
or visit www.awmv.com.
WOOD-MIZER OPENS NEW TEXAS
SALES CENTER
The Texas branch opened in later January and is managed by
Jay and Belinda Durham. The Texas branch can be reached at
409-382-2714 or by visiting www.woodmizer.com.
Photo © AWMV
Wood-Mizer Products, Inc. has a new Authorized Sales Center
located in Kirbyville, Texas. The authorized division will
offer Wood-Mizer portable mill products, Wood-Mizer blade
products, AWMV Industrial equipment and provide service
and support for existing customers.
ALAN LECHEM PROMOTED TO PRESIDENT
OF WESTON WOOD SOLUTIONS INC.
Alan Lechmen, Vice President of Weston Wood Solutions has been promoted to
President of Weston Wood Solutions, effective April 2, 2010. Alan started his career
at Weston more than 20 years ago and has served as Vice President since 2005.
“Alan is an excellent lumberman,” said Rick Ekstein, President of Weston Forest
Group. “He truly understands the global nature of our industry and we are very
confident that Alan can guide Weston Wood Solutions into the future, bringing
value to our customers, suppliers, staff and shareholders.”
20
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
W W W. N H L A .C O M
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 21
EDUCATION
SPOTLIGHT
NHLA GRADUATES THE 161 ST CLASS
Commencement exercises for the 161st Class of the NHLA Inspector Training School were held on April 9, 2010.
Graduates were:
■ Wesley Boles of Cookeville, Tennessee | Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, Inc.
Recipient of the Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average
■ Gregory Carroll of Vicksburg, Mississippi
■ Caleb Hanna of Sparta, Tennessee | White County Lumber Co., Inc.
Recipient of the Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis Leadership Award
■ Jim Hunt of Tupelo, Mississippi | Main Street Forest Products
■ Jed McManis of Hamden, Ohio | Industrial Timber & Lumber Co.
Recipient of the Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
■ Timothy Meunier of Whitesville, New York | Whitesville Wood Products
Recipient of the J.P. Hamer Award for Most Improved Student
■ Troy Niblock of White Pigeon, Michigan | Banks Hardwoods, Inc.
■ Andrew Orosco of Oswego, Illinois | Frank Paxton Lumber Company
Recipient of the South Central Lumbermen’s Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship
■ Zach Vinzant of Carbon, Indiana | Pike Lumber Co., Inc.
Recipient of the John Thomson Award for Highest Overall Average
The 2010 Inspector Training School summer program begins June 14 at Montcalm Community College M-TEC in Greenville, Michigan.
Students of the summer program can benefit from a condensed curriculum (10 weeks instead of 14 weeks) and more convenient and
affordable location. School Instructor, Rich Hascher will travel to Michigan and preside over the class, giving the students the same tradition
of excellence they would receive in Memphis.
For more information about the summer school program or to register online, visit www.nhla.com. Questions can be directed to Chris
Churchill, Education Program Manager at 901-399-7555 or [email protected].
Dates for the 163rd Class of the Inspector Training School have been set. The fall program runs September 8 – December 10, 2010.
Enrollment is now open and can be accessed at www.nhla.com.
22
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
EDUCATION
SPOTLIGHT
NHLA ASKED AND YOU DELIVERED
In January of this year, the NHLA Inspector
Training School requested replacement lumber in
a variety of thickness, length and species.
As usual, the NHLA membership responded
generously and quickly with a truck full of lumber
arriving at the School in April!
NHLA would like to give special thanks to all
donor companies for their generosity and support
of the Inspector Training School.
■
■
■
■
■
Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.
Wagner Hardwoods LLC
Emporium Hardwoods
Hickman Lumber Company
Industrial Timber & Lumber Co.
Transportation was provided by
Industrial Timber & Lumber Co.
W W W. N H L A .C O M
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 23
CALENDAR
I N DUSTRY EVENTS
Northeastern Forest
Products Equipment
Exposition
Appalachian Hardwood
Manufacturers Summer
Conference
Essex Junction, VT | May 7–8
White Sulphur Springs, WV July 25–27
Interzum Moscow
Moscow, Russia | May 11–15
Furniture China
Shanghai, China | September 7–10
WH ERE IN THE WOR LD IS N H LA?
Expo Richmond 2010 – East Coast
Sawmill & Logging Equipment Expo
Richmond, VA | May 21–22
Attending: Tom Walthousen,
Director of Industry Relations
Missouri Forest Products Association
(MFPA) Summer Meeting
Lake Ozark, MO | July 23–24
Participating: Mark Barford, Executive Director
International Woodworking Fair
(IWF) 2010
Atlanta, GA | August 25 –28
Participating: Tom Walthousen,
Director of Industry Relations
2010 NHLA Annual Convention
& Exhibit Showcase
Hardwood Plywood &
Veneer Association Spring
Convention
Kentucky Wood Expo
Scottsdale, AZ | May 23–25
Madisonville, KY September 17–18
Greenbuild
London Design Festival
Abu Dhabi, UAE | May 24–26 London, UK | September 18–26
AIA National Convention
Intermob
Miami, FL | June 10–12
Istanbul, Turkey | October 16–20
China Furniture and
Woodworks 2010
Fall High Point Market
High Point, NC | October 16–21
Dalian, China | June 10–13
Saw Tech Log Expo
Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada June 12–13
2010 SAF National
Convention
Albuquerque, NM | October 27–31
NAWLA Traders Market
Forest Products Society
64th International
Convention
Chicago, IL | November 4–6
Madison, WI | June 20–22
Vancouver, BC, Canada | October 1 3 –16
24
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
CALENDAR
EDUCATION & TRAIN I NG
3-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
4-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
Warren, PA | May 3– 5
Warren Forest Higher Ed. Council
Instructor: Barry Kibbey, National Inspector
Contact: Donna Smith
814-723-3222 | 814-723-3340 (fax) [email protected]
Millersburg, OH | June 7–10
Yoder Lumber Company and
Ohio Forestry Association
Instructor: Barry Kibbey, National Inspector
Contact: John Dorka
614-497-9580 | 614-497-9581 (fax) [email protected]
Leadership, Management and
Development
Washington, D.C. | Session 2: May 10–13
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
3-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
3-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
McConnellsville, NY | June 14–16
Harden Furniture
Contact: Dave McGowan
315-335-8105 | [email protected]
Shanghai, China | May 27–29
Shanghai Furen Timber Wholesale Market
Instructor: Bob Sabistina,
International Consultant
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
Inspector Training School
Summer Program
Hardwoods 101
4-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
Memphis and Pickwick Lake, TN | June 7–10
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
W W W. N H L A .C O M
Greenville, MI | June 14–August 27
Montcalm Community College M-TEC
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
Inspector Training School
Memphis, TN | September 8– December 10
NHLA Headquarters
Instructor: Rich Hascher Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
3-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
Beijing, China | September 16–18
Beijing Dongba Timber Wholesale Market
Instructor: Bob Sabistina,
International Consultant
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
3-Day Lumber Grading
Short Course
Guangzhou, China | December 9–11
Guangzhou Yuzhu Timber
Wholesale Market
Instructor: Bob Sabistina,
International Consultant
Contact: Chris Churchill
901-399-7555 | [email protected]
Sandy Lake, PA | July 19–22
McKeever Environmental Learning Center
Instructor: Barry Kibbey, National Inspector
724-376-1000 | 724-376-8235 (Fax)
[email protected]
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 25
JOB BOARD
Chief Inspector
Bandmill Sawyer
The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) headquartered in
Memphis, Tennessee is currently seeking a Chief Inspector.
American Walnut Company has a position available for an experienced
Bandmill Sawyer in St. Joseph Missouri. Please send resume to the
following address:
American Walnut Company | Attn: Alan Eckley
2801 South 2nd Street | St. Joseph, Missouri 64501
913-371-1820 | 913-371-1823 (fax)
[email protected] | www.americanwalnut.com
The Chief Inspector is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the
NHLA Inspection Services Department, Heat Treatment Program and
Kiln-Drying Certification Program. The Chief Inspector has the final say in
all grading rules interpretations, grade disputes, and administration of the
Sales Code Enforcement Guidelines and the Hardwood Claims Bureau.
Sawyer – Circular Saw
To read full job description, see page 8.
Lumber Inspector
ITL Corporation is seeking a full time Lumber Inspector. Responsibilities
include accurate inspection of both green and kiln dried and leadership
of crew. This position is located in Marion, North Carolina. Qualified candidates will have basic computer skills and must be a
graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School. Experience is preferred
but not required. Please send resumes via mail, fax or email to:
ITL Corporation | Attn: Kenny Warner
P.O. Box 150 | Marlinton, WV 24954 304-799-4745 | 304-799-4117 (fax) | [email protected]
Savage Lumber Company is seeking an experienced Sawyer for
Circular Saw. Qualified candidates should contact Alex Savage at
[email protected].
Savage Lumber Company
PO Box 39 | Doyle, TN 38559
931-657-2211 | 931-657-2214 (fax)
Lumber Grader
Savage Lumber Company has a position available for an entry level
Lumber Grader in Doyle, Tennessee. Interested candidates should
contact Alex Savage at [email protected].
Savage Lumber Company
PO Box 39 | Doyle, TN 38559
931-657-2211 | 931-657-2214 (fax)
Experienced Yard Supervisor
Graham Lumber has a position available for an experienced Yard
Supervisor. Duties of the position include: Supervision of the stacker,
two inspection lines, AD yard, and Kilns. The Yard Supervisor will be
responsible for 36 employees and their safety and all quality and
production targets. The person in this position will work with the sales
department and General Manager to set inspection schedules and Kiln
schedules. The Yard Supervisor reports directly to the General Manager. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 5 years inspection and kiln
dry experience as well as 5 years of supervisory experience. Salary is
negotiable. Submit resumes to Keith Snider at [email protected].
Graham Lumber Company PO Box 679 Hwy 412 W | Linden, TN 37096
931-589-2143 | 931-589-5914 (fax)
Lumber Grader
Savage Lumber Company located in Doyle, Tennessee has a position
available for an experienced Lumber Grader. Candidates with lumber grading
experience should contact Alex Savage at [email protected].
Savage Lumber Company
PO Box 39 | Doyle, TN 38559
931-657-2211 | 931-657-2214 (fax)
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M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
Lumber Inspector
Augusta Lumber located in Waynesboro, Virginia is seeking an Inspector
for grade green and kiln dried lumber. Candidates
should be a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School.
Salary range is $12 to $14 per hour. Please contact Jeff Byrd at
[email protected] or call 540-649-5927.
Augusta Lumber
567 N. Charlotte Ave. | Waynesboro, VA 22980
540-946-9153 (fax)
Lumber Inspector
Tioga Hardwoods is seeking a Lumber Inspector for green and kiln dried
hardwoods in central/northern New York. Candidates must be competent
in the application of the NHLA grading rules and able to perform at line
speed. Salary is negotiable.
Tioga Hardwoods
12685 State Route 38 | Berkshire, NY 13736 607-657-8686 | 607-657-2532 (fax) | [email protected]
W W W. N H L A .C O M
JOB BOARD
Operations Manager
Lumber Inspector
The Frank Paxton Lumber Company has been a leader in the
hardwood distribution market for almost 100 years. The Kansas City,
Missouri division is recruiting an Operations Manager. The position’s
responsibilities include: supervising shipping, receiving, daily order
processing, warehouse inventory and the physical plant. In addition,
the operations manager will manage all warehouse, mill and driver
personnel. We are a safety oriented company, dedicated to providing
quality products in a competitive market. The ideal candidate will possess
a bachelor’s degree, have prior managerial experience, have the ability
to multi-task, and preferably have prior hardwood lumber experience.
The company offers a competitive salary with strong benefits, salary is
negotiable. Please send resumes to [email protected]
Frank Paxton Lumber | Kansas City, MO
800-333-7298 | 816-241-51 10 (fax)
Graham Lumber Company in Selmer, Tennessee is seeking a Lumber
Inspector to inspect, evaluate, and grade green lumber off of the chain to
its highest value according to NHLA grading rules and to ensure a quality
product in a safe and productive manner. Interested candidates should
contact Keith Snider, General Manager at [email protected].
Graham Lumber Company
860 Hwy 142 | Selmer TN, 38375
731-645-9169 | 731-645-9924 (fax)
Lumber Inspector
Parton Lumber Company is seeking a Lumber Inspector of red and white
oak, poplar and eastern white pine. On the job training on pine shop
grades is available. Parton Lumber saws approximately 56 million board
feet annually.
Sawyer
Graham Lumber Company is seeking a Sawyer. The position requires one
to efficiently derive the highest value from the raw material and produce
the most, good lumber possible without wasting fiber by properly
positioning and feeding logs through the headrig in a safe and productive
manner. Interested candidates should contact Keith Snider, General
Manager at [email protected].
Graham Lumber Company
860 Hwy 142 | Selmer TN, 38375
731-645-9169 | 731-645-9924 (fax)
Sawmill Manager
Interested candidates should contact Alfred Mayo at
[email protected] or by phone at 828-287-9669.
Parton Lumber Company
251 Parton Road | Rutherfordton, NC
828-287-9423 (fax) | www.partonlumber.com
Lumber Inspector
Devereaux Sawmill is one of Michigan's largest hardwood manufacturers.
We care about our people, our customers and our natural resource; and
we are seeking candidates who feel the same. Devereaux is currently
seeking an Inspector to grade and tally both green and kiln dried
lumber. Candidates must be able to upgrade and demonstrate good
communication skills, work ethic and leadership potential. Experience is
preferred but not required and salary is based on qualifications.
Devereaux Sawmill, Inc.
2872 North Hubbardston Road | Pewamo, MI 48873 989-593-2552 | 989-593-2329 (fax)
[email protected] | www.devereauxsawmill.com
Pike Lumber Company is seeking a Sawmill Manager for a new state-of-theart sawmill in Milan, Indiana. Candidates should be experienced in hardwood
band sawmilling, scanning technologies and supervision. The position is
available immediately, as the sawmill manager needs to be on-site during
the spring 2010 construction process. Pike Lumber Company is a 105 yearold company. Interested persons should contact Samantha Howard at
[email protected] or 574-893-4511.
Pike Lumber Company
PO Box 247 | Akron, Indiana 46910 www.pikelumber.com.
Lumber Inspector
Bauman Sawmill located in Ontario, Canada is seeking a Lumber
Inspector that is a graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School. Two
years of experience is preferred but all applicants will be considered.
Salary is negotiable. Contact Bruce Steinacker, Manager at bruce@
baumansawmill.com or 519-698-2741
Bauman Sawmill
4201 Powell Road | Wallenstein, Ontario, Canada N0B 2S0 Current job openings are posted by members at www.nhla.com.
For more information, visit www.nhla.com or contact Chris Churchill
at 901-399-7555 or email at [email protected].
W W W. N H L A .C O M
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S 27
MAKING IT WORK (Continued from page 16)
You should also pay attention to your counter knife maintenance. The term counter knife is actually a misnomer, as it’s not intended to cut anything.
A counter knife is really a wear plate designed to deflect chips coming off the cutting edge of the knife. As a counter knife wears, its point will get worn
away from the abrasive action of the chip. When this happens, wood starts to pack between the counter knife and the chipper knife. This can easily
break knives and if it’s allowed to continue will start tweaking the pockets in the chipper itself. At that point you’ll routinely get broken knives, again a
very dangerous situation, and the fix becomes a large expense.
Not very sexy stuff these chippers, hiding down in the basement, working behind closed doors, but hey – we can’t all be born bandsaws. I hope that the
improving conditions are reaching you, here’s to 2010!
THE BOY WHO CRIES
WOOD! (Continued from page 15)
stairs, floors, millwork, furniture and cabinetry
worldwide. With a historical perspective kept
firmly in mind, through the use of visual aids,
attendees are able to relate U.S. hardwoods
to the most contemporary of design projects.
The NHLA grading rules are also part of the
presentation as architects and designers need
to be aware of the realities of the resource
in order to help them avoid the pitfalls of
unrealistic specifications and expectations in
terms of perfectly clear widths and lengths. To date, the AIA presentation has reached
more than 600 architects and designers, in
some of the most prestigious firms in the
United States. And I am currently working
on an ongoing basis with several high-end
firms, writing realistic lumber specifications
and offering advice on species of hardwoods
appropriate to the project being designed. The undertaking of this educational
initiative, a Frank Miller Lumber marketing
effort, is seen as benefiting the entire
hardwood industry. As an employee of
Frank Miller Lumber, I am solely dedicated
to this task and credit the forward-thinking
orientation of the owners of the company,
who want to see a healthy future for the
entire industry. That future depends on
designers and architects specifying U.S.
hardwoods for their projects. When they
feel comfortable in their newly acquired
knowledge of beautiful, sustainable U.S.
hardwoods, they will, I believe, incorporate
hardwoods into more projects. 28
M AY 2 0 1 0 H A R D W O O D M AT T E R S
W W W. N H L A .C O M
HOW DOE S THIS
GUITAR
RELATE TO YOU?
Memphis, Tennessee is famous for Elvis Presley, Rock–n-Roll and the Memphis
Blues; a guitar based style of blues music created in the 1920s and 1930s. The guitar
pictured here has a Walnut top and an ash body, providing for an exceptionally
comfortable weight and balance. The combination produces clear bell-like highs,
pronounced mids and strong lows. The neck of the guitar is a “C” shape single piece
constructed of hard rock maple.
Photo Courtesy of Saint Blues Guitar Workshop
FYI: This unique guitar, aptly named the “Bluesmaster II”, stands up to any classic
design and has been found in the hands of many musical giants such as Eric Clapton,
Bono, Albert King, Elliot Easton, Marshall Crenshaw, Glen Frey, Billy Gibbons… The
Bluesmaster design is made by Saint Blues Guitar Workshop in Memphis, Tennessee.