In this episode I discuss the White Oak shortage, grading marks, Spanish Cedar, more drying lumber, and a call for solar kiln information and experience.

Solar Kiln Knowledge?

If anyone out there knows something or has experience with solar kilns, please write in or send a voicemail as I would love some insight on this additional method of drying lumber.

Industry News: White Oak Shortage

White Oak is in a severe crunch for availability with a greater demand from designers and architects yet a much smaller production and manufacturing base in North America.  This highlights a growing trend where domestic species of woods don't seem to go up in price at all while the cost of doing business skyrockets.  The margins on domestic species (anywhere in the world) makes it very difficult to sustain these product lines and in the long run the natural resources.  White Oak shortage is just another species that is experiencing this blowback from stagnant pricing and increased demand and business costs.  Poplar, Red Oak, Maple, and many other common North American woods are facing the same issues.

Feedback

• Alex explains the difference between anti-dumping and competition
• A new tree based font will be used to write messages in NYC parks

emails

• Matthew has logs to dry and asks where to do it
• Nick asks if time of year matters when felling a tree for lumber
• Daniel needs clarification on the grading marks on his boards
• Tom seeks information on Spanish Cedar