Tip number one for '99.

Wherever your workers take their rest period or lunch, find a good spot to add a shelf, cabinet or table to serve as a company library. Yes, a library!

Designate someone in your organization to be the "head librarian." Part of this person's responsibility is to keep the latest issues of this magazine and other trade journals you might subscribe to on file. It is also a good place to make technical brochures, insurance information, and safety and health bulletins accessible to your employees.

In addition, your library is also a great place to keep literature that you pick up from trade shows on new equipment, the latest finishes, etc. - anything that can further your employees' education. By making all of this reading material available in a convenient, centralized location, your employees can easily scan the information during lunch and on breaks. You might even set up a system in which they can "sign out" documents to take home.

This system does not necessarily replace routing pertinent information to foremen, machine operators, etc., but it does help prevent one-of-a-kind documents from disappearing into a black hole, like the bottom of the 2-foot-deep pile flowing over from the plant supervisor's "in" basket.

'Discussion Points'

Whether your company is a large, high-production factory or a small custom woodworking business, you (hopefully) have employees - veterans and new hires alike - that want to grow with your business. Arming them with the latest information about the industry they serve is one small way of making them feel they are part of it and not just a cog in the wheel.

The more and better information you can make available, the greater the chance that your people will read something that can stimulate discussion and ideas that might help improve your business in some small or big way.

Is management to use the library as well? You betcha. What better way to send a message that the library is an important tool than for foreman and supervisors to use it and use it often. These managers should also take part in the discussions with the production crews, both informally and in organized, companywide and departmental meetings. This is where money-saving and money-making ideas are born.

Keeping It Current

Once the library is established, the key is replenishing it with fresh information so that it does not get stale. Keeping your library current and well organized is a subtle way of encouraging employees to use it.

In the end, one of the big issues is giving workers a vehicle to keep up to date with current machinery and design trends, new production methods, regulations, etc. An enlightened work force is going to outperform one that has blinders put on it and is told, "This is our way and it's the only way to do it."

Your library represents a minimal investment, and might pay big dividends in generating useful ideas and improving overall morale.

What do you have to lose?

Q I have been looking for a good book on running a woodworking business. I wondered if you have one or two that seem both up to date and important. Thanks. Mr. L.

A One book that I recommend is Bill Norlin's The Business of Woodwork. It covers the waterfront on key management and plant layout issues that should be right up your alley. For more ordering information, phone [phone].

Editor's note: Bill Norlin will speak on the topic, "Why Aren't We Making More Money?" at the Texas Woodworking Show & Conference, March 26 in Arlington, TX. For more information, phone [phone].

Q We have a very unique method and appearance for MDF cabinet doors. I am concerned that once we introduce them to the market, a jillion copycats will steal our design. I realize protection for this sort of thing is hard to come by. What do you suggest? Mr. S.

A You are correct in assuming that you will have a most difficult time to legally protect your design. Your best bet might be to copyright a clever name for your idea. This way, if someone does copy it, you can at least say, "Theirs isn't the real Wahoo." If this isn't good enough, you can talk to a patent attorney, but be ready for an expensive lesson in futility.

Q We have experienced cracking with some hand-applied veneers, especially those that are stored for any amount of time. Have you heard from any others experiencing similar problems? What can we do to prevent future occurrences? Mr. G.

A I suggest two things. First, be very careful about moisture content fluctuations. Hand application of single-ply veneers, with little or no moisture content restriction, will result in a pull that results in cracking. Second, I recommend against applying the glue by hand because it is difficult to apply even pressure to the veneered surface.

Q We machine veneered panels on one of three CNC routers. The two samples we have sent you have torn edges that require a lot of time and effort to correct. What do you think is the cause of our problem and how might we correct it? Thanks. Mr. R.

A I tested the two oak veneer panels with a moisture meter and found them to be very dry. I suggest that you invest in a meter to regularly monitor panels in your plant. I also think that you might be machining the panels at the wrong speed or perhaps have dull tools or a spindle or two out of calibration. On this count, I suggest you consult with your machine supplier and tooling source, but only after you first address the moisture situation.

Q I know you have a rule about ripped solids not being over 3 inches when they are made into panels. What about a solid walnut 7-inch-wide drawer front? Mr. D.

A It is possible to do this if the moisture content is perfect and plant conditions are 100 percent OK in terms of temperature and humidity control. To be successful, the machined pieces must be kept in flat, weighted stacks. As soon as machining is complete, all edges and sides must be sealed. I would make a couple of extras just in case. Keep the finished pieces in stacks and check their flatness daily. Reverse the order of the pieces in the pile each day until they are used.

Q We are careful to regularly monitor for moisture content and maintain tight controls on plant conditions. Nevertheless, we are sending you a table /eat that is illustrative of some of the bowing problems we have recently begun to experience. What do you see? Thanks. Mr. N.

A The three-ply construction is done very well but the tops and leaves of a table really need to be five-ply. The slightest weather change or use of heat or air conditioning can destroy the three-ply tops.

Q You have a slice of top that represents a batch of table tops that were made exactly to the five-ply construction methods you endorse with particleboard core, mahogany face and back, and poplar crossbands. The veneers checked out at 6.5 to 7 percent moisture content. The core was specified to be 6 to 7 percent. What is our problem? Many thanks. Mr. D.

A I'm shocked to say the least. I can't believe you didn't check the moisture content of the core to make sure you got what you specified in your order. It's way off what you obviously thought it was. Let this be a lesson to you and all of our readers who fail to check what they buy on spec!

Q Have you ever heard of do-do wood? What can this be? Mr. E.

A This is a woodsman's nickname for Doussie. It is an African wood like teak, but extremely heavy.

Q Our business has grown so fast that our rough mill can't keep up. The hardwood vendor we have contracted with has been sending us wood at 6 percent to 11 percent moisture content - much higher than the 6 to 8 percent we specify. This vendor, though far less than perfect, is considerably cheaper than other potential suppliers. What should we do? We appreciate your help. Mr. W.

A Apparently you are willing to cut this vendor some slack. Because that's the case, I say be sure to monitor each board for moisture content as it comes in and reject any that are above 8 percent. If you send those "wooden nickels" back, your supplier will either learn to take greater care to send you what you ordered or "fire" you as a customer. In any case, don't let them get away with it.

Q We have been using a tenon with a pin on the back for small miters that are less than 1-1/2 inches. We have had some failures but not so many that we have decided to try something else. Recently, though, a customer complained and suggested we use dowels. I would like to hear from you about this. My thanks. Mr. L.

A I consider doweling the correct way to go. The tips of the miters should meet about 1/64th-inch early and the use of spiral dowels is certainly something worth considering.

Q You have mentioned that fancy woods should be two-plied. I can not agree and I would like your method for the two-ply procedure. Thanks a lot. Mr. T.

A Unless you plan to go into this in greater volume, I think you should purchase these from a reputable source. I have indicated a few that do a good job of this.

Q We adopted the quality inspection system you specified to us. However, the man we selected as chief inspector did not work out. Now we are looking at possibly hiring a woman, with very little furniture making experience I might add, to fill this role. What do you think?

A When I used a chief inspector many years ago, I found that women had a "knack" for it. Assuming this person is bright, energetic and has a good eye, then she can probably learn the role pretty quick.

Q If we have the room, do you think we should make our own hardwood plywood panels? Mr. E.

A If you can get the personnel and an experienced foreman, then I say go for it.

Q We are in an expansion mode and plan to add some new equipment. Our biggest concern is finding an additional foreman to help oversee these operations. I'm not sure we can find someone by simply running an ad in the newspaper. What else might you suggest? Thanks. Mr. M.

A If you do not have anyone you can promote, which obviously you don't, then I think you might consider running a classified ad in this magazine. Spell out your benefits and growth potential. I think you'll find the type of person you are looking for.

Q You have a diagram I sent you that rearranges the drawer and door positions for our kitchen cabinets and buffet units. What do you think of the radical change? I think it will be easy to manufacture but wonder whether or not it will sell. Mr. G.

A Frankly, it looks OK to me, but I fail to see any advantage. But don't take my word for it, make a prototype to show to your customers. They'll let you know if you are on the right track or not.

Q We want to hide end-wood and plywood edges without having to edgeband. Do you have any bright ideas? Keep up the good work. Mr. E.

A Gluesize the edges, lightly sand and apply a stain toner. It is not perfect, but if done well, it will do the trick.

Q We're finding it more tricky to get what we want from our lumber suppliers. If we ask for 7 percent, we're lucky to get 8 percent. What do you suggest? Thanks. Mr. L.

A I would speak to your supplier and make it clear that you will only accept what you specify; everything else will be rejected as a defective board. You'll find out real quick how much they want your business.

Q Contemporary seems to be on the way back. But what we have seen so far in the medium- and upper-end brackets seems pretty far out. What is wrong with nice, simple, clean modern stylings? Thanks much. Mr. S.

A I agree with your observation. What is supposed to be advanced design is not for me, either.

Q What is the best way to handle safety meetings? Thanks. Mr. F.

A First, issue a bulletin every year reminding employees of safety dos and don'ts. Second, schedule quarterly meetings for all employees. Encourage workers to share ideas for improving safety. Give cash bonuses for good ideas and recognize workers for maintaining an accident-free workplace.

Meter Moisture to Prevent Problems

Q What do you consider to be the most critical rule of your "Metz Rules?" I want to bring this up at a department meeting for discussion. Many thanks. Mr. B.

A All you have to do is read this column on a regular basis to know that the most common root of problems relate to moisture content and how wood is susceptible to gaining and losing moisture. I can't stress enough the importance of investing in a moisture meter. Use it liberally to check raw materials as they enter the plant right on through storage and processing. So many expensive problems can be nipped in the bud if greater effort is taken to prevent wood, veneers and composite wood panels from gaining and losing moisture.