Cabinet Vision, by Vero Software, and C.R. Onsrud, Inc., will demonstrate the combined benefits of CNC software and machinery on July 12 at a Technology Meet & Eat educational luncheon in Salem, Oregon.
 
Designed to highlight the benefits of pairing software and machinery for greater productivity, the event will feature Vero Software manufacturing solutions, including Cabinet Vision, the Screen-2-Machine (S2M Center)™solution, and the WorkPLAN ERP system, which integrates with Cabinet Vision. Cabinet Vision consultants and C.R. Onsrud staff will be on-site to share the latest developments and answer questions.

The event will be hosted at Heritage Woodcraft, Inc., which provides the highest quality in materials, design, and craftsmanship to produce pieces built to last a lifetime.

The latest release of Cabinet Vision includes a powerful new photo-rendering engine that delivers a significant enhancement on rendering capabilities compared with previous versions. This technology generates photo-realistic images that manufacturers can use as sales tools to show their customers exactly what the products will look like when finished.

In addition to the high-end photo rendering engine, Cabinet Vision Version 11 incorporates a host of other new and enhanced features that help improve the design for manufacturing process. 
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To register or learn more about the Technology Meet & Eat, which includes lunch and is offered at no charge, please visit http://www.cabinetvision.com/events/meet-and-eat-salem-or-2018.
 
About Cabinet Vision
Part of the Vero Software Group, Cabinet Vision is a unique solution for manufacturers in the woodworking industry. Its products help enable any furniture or cabinet manufacturer to fully automate and integrate its design through improved manufacturing processes and greater efficiency. In addition to producing significant time savings, Cabinet Vision eliminates costly mistakes and increases productivity.
 
About Vero Software
Headquartered in England, Vero Software designs, develops, and supplies CAD/CAM/CAE software radically enhancing the efficiency of design and manufacturing processes, providing its customers with exceptional value through high productivity gains and significantly reducing time to market.
 
The company’s world-renowned brands include Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Edgecam, Machining STRATEGIST, PEPS, Radan, SMIRT, Surfcam, WorkNC, WorkPLAN and VISI. Despite the diversity of application, these solutions have one thing in common: they all address the rising challenges of achieving manufacturing efficiencies and bring huge value to the operations in which they are deployed.
 
Vero has direct offices in the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Japan, USA, Brazil, Netherlands, China, South Korea, Spain and India supplying products to more than 45 countries through its wholly owned subsidiaries and reseller network.
 
Vero is part of Hexagon (Nordic exchange: HEXA B), a leading global provider of information technologies that drive quality and productivity across geospatial and industrial enterprise applications.
 
For more information, please visit www.verosoftware.com.

Stiles Machinery recently gathered together over 120 industry experts for three days of comprehensive education and training on the latest software and digital solutions impacting the manufacturing industry today. The event took place at Stiles’ regional showroom and at Guilford Technical Community College High Point, NC, and included the introduction of Stiles’ new internal training structure, START.

START stands for Solutions, Trends, Applications and Readiness Training , which are the four key focus areas of this new training structure that is designed to equip industry leaders with the knowledge they need to be informed, solution-focused consultants for their customers. This year’s event, known as “START: DIGITAL”, focused on the latest Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing trends, with an emphasis on software and digital technology for the woodworking industry.

“START: DIGITAL is a reflection of Stiles’ continual commitment to training and educating industry leaders in the latest trends and innovations,” says Doug Maat, Director of Strategic Sales at Stiles. “Throughout the event, we took a closer look at the impact of industry 4.0 and IoT (Internet of Things) and how manufacturers of all sizes can better utilize digital tools and data to produce more efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.”

Attendees to START: DIGITAL also heard from Marc Sanderson of INNERGY , a leading ERP solution provider for the woodworking industry, and Elliot Germany, of Panel Specialists Inc. These speakers provided first-hand examples of how the latest digital innovations are shaping their businesses and the manufacturing industry as a whole.

Stiles partnered with RSA Solutions to ensure attendees received a comprehensive overview of the latest software solutions from the leading software provider for the woodworking industry. RSA Solutions’ team of expert software consultants help manufacturers across the country discover the right software applications for their individual needs, resulting in leaner, more profitable operations.

To learn more about Stiles’ superior software and digital solutions, visit www.stilesmachinery.com/stiles-software

Festool has expanded its Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. tour schedule for Festool Roadshow, which is powered by a 48’ truck making numerous stops throughout the United States and Canada. The tour is designed to give craftsmen across North America a first-hand look at everything that's currently available —and upcoming — from Festool. Widely regarded as the superior brand among remodelers, carpenters, cabinet makers, furniture builders and painters, Festool will be showcasing recent product introductions and future product previews as well as a broad range of its award-winning product line.
 
“Due to the success that the Roadshow has experienced throughout North America, we’ve added a number of stops in the Northeast and Midwest through July,” says Leo Zirkler, Vice President of Marketing at Festool. “The Roadshow is our way of taking our professional tool solutions out into the marketplace, where craftsmen can experience first-hand how to do their jobs better and in less time.”
 
Festool Roadshow tour dates are frequently added. To find a tour stop nearby, go to either www.festoolusa.com/roadshow or www.festoolcanada.com/roadshow.
 
About Festool
Founded in Germany in 1925, Festool is known for its innovative, precision-engineered power tool solutions.  Based in Lebanon, IN, Festool USA offers a comprehensive lineup of power tools and system accessories, designed to boost productivity through efficiency and high performance. For more information, visit www.festoolusa.com or www.festoolcanada.com.

We all recognize that there's a critical shortage of trained workers in woodworking-related fields and very few training programs dedicated to filling that need. As many of you know, the New England School of Architectural Woodworking (NESAW) currently offers a 23-week career training course for cabinetmakers. Currently, the bulk of that time is devoted to building kitchen cabinets for members of the local community. Read a week-by-week description of our program here.

This year, we’ve fielded more calls than ever from employers looking for qualified workers, and we’ve realized that it’s time to re-visit the format of our training program to better meet your needs.

We currently graduate 9-12 students per year since we only run one five month program per year; this is obviously inadequate to meet the needs of the industry in the northeast, based on the number of inquiries we get. The problem is compounded by the fact that many of our students aren’t willing to relocate to areas where the jobs are, which makes it even more difficult to meet your needs. Finally, a five-month, $11K training program, (plus living expenses in some cases) can be difficult for potential students to commit to.  

This is why we’re looking for new ideas. Should we shorten the program and run it more often to graduate more students and meet industry needs more quickly? If so, what should we focus on from a training point of view?

We've considered limiting it to the curriculum in the first 8 weeks of our current program. Would this make it easier for you to find young people locally and help sponsor their training here at the school? Is there a bigger role to play for industry organizations in the training arena?

We have always been very proud of our five month program and the high quality graduates that we produce. But given the current situation in the industry, maybe a shorter program with the right content would provide potential employees that are well grounded in the basics and allow you to continue the training in house. We would insure that they are safe, understand the basics, and have a good work ethic.

We’re frankly open to just about anything, including a hybrid model, but need some feedback to make the right decision and make sure we do what’s best for the industry. Working together to develop a better training model can benefit all of us.

Join us for our first ever Employer Roundtable, to be held on July 11th, 2018 from 9:30 am – 1 pm here at NESAW in Easthampton, MA.  
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We would love to show you our facility, explain our current training program, and brainstorm on how we could improve and what you would want to see in a training program in the future. Even if you aren’t able to attend in person, we would welcome your feedback via phone call or in our forum. We also hope to be able to setup a dial-in number for those unable to attend in person; we'll send out more details when we have them.

Lunch will be provided by the New England Architectural Woodwork Institute (NEAWI) and Precision Veneer.  In addition, the NEAWI will be hosting a tour after lunch of Wright Architectural Millwork in Northampton, MA which you are welcome to join.
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If you and/or others in your company plan on attending, please register below so that we know how many people will be joining us. If you know of anyone else who might be interested in attending, please pass on the information.
 
Register

Click here for directions on how get to our shop.  It’s easy to find our building by using GPS, but much more difficult to find our shop, so please use the directions provided to find us.

Please feel free to email or call if you have questions or feedback for us or just want more information...

Greg Larson
Director, NESAW
greg@nesaw.com
www.nesaw.com

Lockdowel announces the company’s new Mini Barbed Channel Lock, a simple solution to fastening thinner boards. This small fastener yields an amazingly strong bond for half inch and thinner boards, resisting at least 70 pounds of pull force. Ideal for drawer boxes and cabinets, the new Mini Barbed Channel Lock makes assembly simple with Lockdowel snap-in technology.  
 
In addition, assembly is 60% faster compared to fastening with glue, dowels and screws. Once assembled the Lockdowel Mini Barbed Channel Lock is completely invisible.  
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In 25 pound weight testing drawers made with Lockdowel Mini barbed Channel Lock and spring pins significantly outperformed dovetail boxes in strength.  

“Not only were the Lockdowel boxes stronger, they never came apart or broke even after seven 25 pound weight drops from the handle of the drawer!” Bryan Koelling President of Lockdowel says. “The dovetail boxes failed after the first drop.”
 
The Lockdowel Mini Barbed Channel Lock comes in nylon and metal. It has a pull force of 70+ lbs: and a sheer force of 50+ lbs. Once inserted, they can be disassembled for reassembly. 
See the Lockdowel Mini Barbed Channel Lock at Booth 8073 at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) 2018.
See the Dovetail vs Lockdowel drawer box strength test in this video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqoc-IkWun4
   
About Lockdowel                                                                                                    
Lockdowel provides lean manufacturing solutions, including fast and simple assembly of cabinets, furniture and architectural millwork.  Patent pending. Lockdowel 41920 Christy Street  Fremont, CA  94538, (650)477-711  www.lockdowel.co

Finance Manager Stan Ragley has more than two decades of experience in overseeing the financing of Biesse and Intermac machines for America and Canada. He’s seen it all during that time and has a wealth of knowledge to impart to customers, particularly as they are getting closer to a tradeshow or event. With IWF 2018 looming in Atlanta just a few months away, Ragley provided his biggest financing tips for prospective buyers.

“The big thing I would tell everyone is to get your ducks in a row now and get things in order so that you’re ready to secure financing,” he said. “That way, you’re able to make a better deal at the show and be ready, especially in an environment like this when machines are in shorter supply because sales are good. The worst time to find out you need to correct something on your credit is when you need it.”

“The point is to be prepared,” Ragley stressed.  “Look at both your personal and business credit to ensure it’s all in order ahead of time.  Make sure there are no mistakes or things you should correct in advance.”

Ragley preaches the “Five C’s” to customers in an effort to make certain they’re completely prepared and no stone is left unturned:

• Capacity:  Do you have sufficient cash flow to service the loan?
• Character: What is your credit history, both personal and business?
• Collateral: Do you have additional collateral at your disposal? This could be inventory, A/R, free and clear equipment or property that you may need to secure the loan.
• Capital: What is the net worth of your business and personal net worth?
• Conditions: What is the purpose of the loan and what factors should be considered? The economy, new contracts, replacing outdated equipment and employee reduction are all examples of possible factors to examine.

Ragley reminds customers that it doesn’t cost anything to get pre-approved. There are no fees to submit an application or do the credit check required during the pre-approval process. Additionally, there is no obligation to use the approval once it’s secured. While an approval generally expires after 90 days, Ragley noted that his department is able to get it quickly re-approved after that time period has elapsed.

“The best-case scenario is to have the customer go through this process, and show up at a show with a specific dollar figure he’s been approved for already,” he said. “His financing is in order and we know that this customer needs immediate attention at the event.”

Ragley added that little oversights could cause big problems when the time comes to move on a machine. He encounters many customers who, due to the size of their company, don’t have CFOs or accountants monitoring deadlines for simple things like paying an annual LLC fee to ensure the company remains active. He advises those customers to do their due diligence for credit related issues once each calendar year.

“It doesn’t take long and it pays to be ready,” he said.

Biesse Group is a global leader in the manufacturing of machinery in the wood, stone, glass and metal sectors. Ragley pointed out that the financing requirements remain the same whether a customer is looking to purchase a Biesse or Intermac machine.

“For small business financing, which is basically $5,000-500,000, it’s the same for everybody,” he said. “We have to look at certain things regarding their credit and if they’re not in order, we have to ask questions. The biggest thing any small business can do is have both their business and personal credit in order. Particularly for a show, you don’t want to be waiting until the last minute because it can be a very stressful situation.”

For more information, email marketing@biesseamerica.com or call 704.357.3131.

Woodworkers attending the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta, can compete for prizes and bragging rights by entering the WCA Bandsaw Skills Challenge. The competition will be held all four days of the show, August 22-25, at the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America’s booth #4154.

Through special arrangement with Mimbus, contestants will put their bandsaw skills to the test by operating the Wood-Ed Table, a virtual reality training system. Mimbus Inc. of Chicago, IL, offers the Wood-Ed Table as a training tool to teach students and novices how to operate basic woodworking machinery in a safe, dust-free environment. In addition to the bandsaw, the Wood-Ed Table features three other woodworking machinery simulation modules: a ripsaw, jointer, and shaper.
 
“The Bandsaw Skills Challenge will be a great way to attract woodworkers into our booth and spark conversations about the WCA’s Woodworking Skill Standards and credential Passport program,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “It will be fun to watch contestants operate a virtual reality bandsaw that functions much like the real thing but without the sawdust.”

The WCA Bandsaw Skills Challenge will be held continuously at the WCA’s booth. Participants will don a virtual reality headset and complete a brief bandsaw exercise on the Wood-Ed Table. The Vulcan software that operates the Wood-Ed Table will score each contestant on cutting regularity, hand positioning, time management and more. A leader board will highlight the competition’s high scores.

Workforce Development Seminar
The WCA also will showcase its woodworking skill standards and programs through its participation in IWF’s educational conference.

The WCA will present, “Growing Your Skilled Workforce,” 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 22. The seminar will pair Nelson with Kent Gilchrist, director of operations and design for Purposeful Designs of Indianapolis, IN. The presenters will discuss how to use the WCA Woodworking Skill Standards and training resources to train new hires and develop the skills of current employees. Learn more and register at iwfatlanta.com.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America was founded in 2007 as a 501C(3) non-profit corporation and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The WCA’s mission is to develop and administer a unified set of Skill Standards for the wood products industry. Since 2011, WCA has developed observable and measurable performance standards and assessments for more than 240 woodworking machine operations. In addition, WCA has issued more than 1,600 Passports, a portable, personal permanent record documenting each holder’s record of achievements as a woodworking professional. More than 100 high schools and post-secondary schools throughout North America are WCA EDUcation® members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved with its programs, including sponsorship opportunities, visit woodworkcareer.org.