March 25, 1916 



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Experience Talks on Woodworking 



When we hear a man speajt of a machine that works with almost 

 human intelligenee, we cannot help wondering a little whether he 

 takes a low gage of human intelligence or is simply addicted to the 

 habit of extravagant expression for the sake of impress, because 

 there is nothing about a machine that borders anywhere near human 

 intelligence. 



Defective machinery is a sure cause for damages in case of 

 an accident, and when any notice of defect is given by those in 

 charge, all work should be stopped immediately on the defective 

 machine until such defect is repaired. 



Even if insurance companies paid no fire losses, it would be 

 worth while to carry insurance, because the companies are always 

 on the alert to prevent the likelihood of losses. To take out 

 insurance and to improve the plant so as to get the lowest pos- 

 sible premium is one of the best hobbies for the manufacturer 

 of wood products. 



It is not the resaw that makes the smallest kerf, but the one 

 that makes the two- thickest boards after finishing, out of one 

 board of a given thickness, that has the most saving grace. This, 

 of course, includes imperfections in sawing that have to be taken 

 out by the planer, at a sacrifice of both power and thickness 

 of lumber. 



When a man moves up from machine to foremanship, the chances 



are decidedly in favor of his seeing that the machine on which he 



■worked does excellent work. In other words, it is perfectly natural 



for him to be extra-critical of the work with which he is most 



familiar through having done a lot of it himself. 



There is some question as to which is the better combination to 

 have, an expensive machine and a cheap man to run it, or a cheap 

 machine and a good man to run it. The best combination is to have 

 both a good man and a good machine. 



The Range of Oak Values 



The chart shown on this page was prepared by one of the biggest 

 operators in southern hardwoods, w-hich has carefully compiled data 

 tor the years shown and has plotted out the chart using actual sales 

 figures as the record revealed them during that period. It should be 

 noted that the changes in prices were put in effect only as in each 

 case they appeared necessary. That is, the figures represent actual 

 prices at which oak lumber was sold by this company during the years 

 shown, and the prices reflect the actual movement of values in accord- 

 ance with the relation of supply and demand. The figures are in 

 no wise theoretical or approximates, but actual in every particular. 



The sharpness of decline after the beginning of the panic of 1907 

 brought to oak the lowest point since 1904. There was a sharp rise, 

 however, from 1908 to 1909, and the apex was reached during the 

 rapid forward progress of business right up to the time the war 

 started. As this company does considerable export business, the 

 price then naturally reflected the sharp recession after the war 

 was declared. 



It is interesting to note, however, that prices have not gotten so 

 low even since the war started as when the depression came on the 

 country eight years ago. The curve shows sales prices right up to 

 the present. 



The figures representing firsts and seconds plain oak are based on 

 selling price lists compiled to meet changing conditions as changes 

 appeared necessary. They are all F. O. B. Chicago. 



CH.^RT SHOWING FLUCTUATIONS ON FIR.STS AND SECONDS PLAIN 0.\K, 1904-191C. BASED ON SELLING PRICE LISTS WHICn ARE 

 REVISED TO MEET CHANGES IN MARKET CONDITIONS. PRICES F. O. B. CHICAGO. SOLID LINE REPRESENTS WHITE 



0.\K AND THE DOTTED LINE RED OAK. 



