Hardwood rises North as Midwest suffers

Photo From www.tractorbynet.com

After the Lumber industry saw improvement in January and the first half of february, northernly located sawmills have gotten a boost with the recent influx of cold weather spurts.

Sawmills reported average to good log supply in the Northern United States with the storm surges that have swept through in the last couple of weeks. Due to more wet conditions and lack of loggers in the Midwest, there are substantially low levels of logs. Wholesalers are finding it more difficult to find kiln-dried lumber to sell, while the concentration yards reported some difficulties getting the green lumber needed. Because of decreased green lumber quantities, certain concentration yards were running their kilns at only 65-70% capacity. Over the course of the time distribution yards saw better business, with increased demand posted from architectural millwork and commercial fixture manufacturers. Floor prices stood pat and retail sales improved but many flooring manufacturers were unable buy and dry enough lumber to increase production.

WCA urging a passport increase

The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America is urging woodworking industry members to apply for a WCA passport that can lead to credentials that will give you the professional opportunities you may be looking for.

The woodworkers passport is essentially a portable record of a woodworker's competency in tool and machine operation according to the WCA website. It is considered an industry certification that is given to woodworkers that show their skills on specific tools and machines. The WCA retains a record of a woodworkers stamps which can provide the needed verification to employers and educators. The colour coded levels of credential stamps are as follows:

Green - 30 tool stamps and 800 hours of experience.

Blue - 60 tool stamps and 1600 hours of experience.

Red - 120 tool stamps and 3200 hours, skill demonstration.

Gold - 180 tool stamps and 4800 hours, skill demonstration.

Diamond - 240 tool stamps and 6400 hours, master project.


As it stands currently there are WCA passport holders in 30 states and two provinces spread across North America.

You can apply for a WCA Woodworking Passport by going to the WCA website and following the appropriate links.


SOURCE: WCA

Laguna Shows Its Love

One of last years entries into the 'Show Us Your Love' contest by Laguna Tools

Laguna Tools is holding their third annual 'Show Us Your Love' contest this month that will award a new Band Saw worth over $1600.

Over 100 woodworking aficionados across the United States, will showcase their craftsmanship during the event the month of February. The event was formulated to showcase the creativity and skill of amateur and professional woodworkers, providing the winner with bragging rights. In this years show the number of contestants has gone up since its inception according to Catherine Helshoj, spokesperson for the 3rd Annual 'Show Us Your Love' contest.  

“The number of people entering the contest has virtually tripled every year, and we’re already on track to better that number this year,” said Helshoj.

The entries vary from person to person but there are no restrictions as to what type of piece may be entered, as long as it was produced by the contestant. 

“From jewelry boxes to exotic hardwood veneered tables – there are no restrictions on what a woodworker can create – as long as a bandsaw is used,” she said.

The winner will be chosen by the visitors to the Laguna Tools website and will have a chance to select from all the entries which will be posted on the site. The selected entry will receive a brand new Laguna Tools LT 14SUV Bandsaw.

Laguna Tools is based in the state of California and has been a leader in woodworking innovations for the last 29 years. 

SOURCE:    PRWeb