Boy, this forum doesn't get much activity. If you think about it this should probably be one of the most widely used destinations as we are all pretty much adding value to wood as we create our products.

Perhaps it's because some of the other more widely used forums already handle this topic on a more specific basis?

BH

I have to agree with you B.H.

I've watched for a responce to your post for almost a week now to no avail.

Being green at heart I would like to see more of those types of posts here.

Finding use for scraps, using waste for heat, mulch, bedding, anything is better than nothing.

Anyone with an idea or use of "value added", no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please post here.

There was a good thread going last winter about briquetteing sawdust and burning it for heat. Sorry, I never did post pictures of my set-up yet.

With all the "lean and value added" banter on other forums I am surprised more posts aren't active here on those subjects.

It surprises me and honestly pains me to continue to here about inefficiency, waste greed and just plain stupidity in manufacuring here in the United States with the economic climate such as it is.

"Value added" is a huge part of "where it's at" these days to make a business succesful! Lets hear about it!!!

One of the most important areas of value added is the added value education gives. The more you know about a topic, whether logging, sawing, and especially markets and marketing, woodworking etc, the more you are going to know how to get the greatest value added for the smallest cost when you put your hands to the wood.

Hey everyone....
You're right. Not much action at this site. And, yes, many related topics are covered at other forums. However, it's always important to think "value-added" regardless of the specific product you make (or potential products you could make).

I'm currently working on a municipal tree project and I'm continually amazed how wood products folks are taking "city trees" and turning them into value-added products rather than just taking these trees to the dump. One guy I know has been in the cabinet business for many years (his dad started the business in the '60s). Today, things are a bit slow with the economic situation (traditional products) so he's developing niche products like cutting boards, picture frames, cribbage boards, flooring and more from city trees delivered to him by tree service companies. So, my point is...the opportunities for "value-added" are endless. Just "look" and you'll be amazed what you find.

Steve

I am here and new to this site because of this forum :) I run a wood shop for an organization that gives work experience to clients who have barriers to employment. The shop is fairly well equipped and I have a couple volunteer mentors who have over a hundred years experience between them.

I get would from donations and I need ideas on things to make that are simple and easy. I make bird houses and simple boxes. I have a lift of rough cut 2x6 cedar and lots of standard grade plywood. I have access to all the old pallets I care to many of them are oak. I get old hard wood furniture.

I buy little if any materials except some hardware. We sell everything we make out of a local store front we run. I have found that black locust grows locally. I am glad I came here because now I know how I can get some of the old hardwood trees that grow here in the city.

More to the point I need ideas.

I think the reason this forum is dead, is because of the nature of the forum topic.

I do all sorts of value add to my wood. But this is a very competitive market. If I've figured out a great way to make money adding value to wood...why would I share that idea with the masses? I'm not trying to be a jerk about this, but you didn't see Colonel Sanders tell everyone how to make great chicken when he figured it out, did you?

The last thing I want is competition for the value add I'm performing.

I see a receint post from someone wondering where to sell hickory dowels. I make and sell these all the time. Why would I tell him how and where I move my product? Again, not being a jerk. Just being smart.

The only time I'd be willing to share my money making value add info, is when I retire...and then others that are competing with me will hate me for sharing that info....they'd have wished I just retired in silence.

I don't see how this forum will every be popular.

Paul -

I agree that most folks won't be eager to share "secrets" of adding value to products, esp. when it comes down to specific details. However, there are opportunities to talk in general terms about "concepts" of adding value such as drying and planing lumber adds value, delivering a product to a customer can add value, making a common product out of an unlikely material can add value (ex: I have a beautiful picture frame in my house made from a salvaged urban tree), etc etc. Adding value to a product can also be accomplished by "listening" to your customers and offering them a new service or extra manufacturing step that saves them time but puts money in your pocket.

So....bottom line...value-added secrets are held closely to the vest...but value-added concepts and ideas can be shared, esp. if we desire to see "our" industry (wood-based) prosper and expand.

At least that's how I see it.

Steve