Wood Versus Substitutes in the Furniture and Cabinet Industry

There has long been a recognized need in the woodworking industry for the conservation of raw material–wood. The first progress was made in the building industry where solid lumber was replaced with wood waste material of the insulating type and used in house construction. Then research was expanded to take wood waste into the furniture industry by replacing solid lumber cores made from chips of wood waste. For some time the plants of the Singer Manufacturing Company have been studying various types of wood waste materials and the suitability of chip core constructions in cabinet work. Tests had been conducted and it appeared that aggregate cores could be suitable for use. Wood waste boards were found to be advantageous because the lack of grain direction minimized warping. The continuous surface eliminates raised or sunken glue joints. Studies showed that the ideal chip core board should have a density of less than 50 lb./cu. ft.; should be made of chips over 1/4-inch in length to assure a maximum screw holding power; should return to its original dimensions after exposure to humid conditions; and should have a hardness of less than 1,500 pounds. It is believed that, with certain modifications, a suitable wood aggregate material can be produced which will meet the requirements. Using such a product in the furniture industry will save the manufacturing process, and the logging operation. Four years ago, the Singer Company was faced with the problem of meeting increase in the cost of labor, and began to look toward wood substitutes with a favorable eye. One of the first steps in this direction was the substitution of a 1/10 inch hardboard for a three ply panel with 1/28 inch veneer, used for drawer bottom. It was found that the strength of the construction would not be impaired, and it would enable the company to keep in line with increasing labor cost. Material costs on some of those parts were reduced 65 percent by the adoption of hardboard. Another material which is accepted as a wood substitute is resin impregnated paper, known as paper laminate. It has several advantages over wood: 1) The material is resistant to inks, oils, or any other liquids which might stain the surface; 2) the paper laminated surface has an increased wearability over other material; and 3) no finishing materials are required on a paper laminated material. Wood waste substitutes can be used with a great amount of success. The structure of the wood can be rearranged so that the material is even more satisfactory than it was in its original form.

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