Off Spec Notices 4/23/23
Faint Cosmetic Lines On Some Table Top Boards Are Bothering Me!!
Our Amish table builders have been struggling for the past 3-1/2 years with their poly lumber supplier occasionally selling them poly lumber that has faint lines that seem to be noticeable in low lighting. Because the lines are hard to notice in bright light our builders sometimes miss them. I inspect each table top in my dimly lit barn to determine if the table top meets my approval. If I'm satisfied with how the table top looks I take orders, sell them and never encounter problems. My difficulties start when I notice 1 or 2 lines on a table top that bug me. I call my builders and ask them to try harder (I've been doing this constantly for 3-1/2 years). They tell me they will try harder even though they already are rejecting 30% of their material for table tops. I have also contacted their poly lumber supplier to see if they have a plan to prevent this from happening! They say they are trying to do better (this wasn't a problem for 14 years).
If I observe faint lines (that are barely noticeable to me) I will likely consider the table top to be "normal" and sell them as regular tables. If I observe 1 or more lines on a table top that bug me, I'll call it a "clearance table" and write that on the order. When I attempt show our customers the faint tabletop lines in person, 95% aren't able to see what I'm talking about. It's mostly a problem for me in my pursuit of perfection!!!
Please read notes under the 3 pictures below.
Faint Cosmetic Lines On Some Table Top Boards Are Bothering Me!!
Our Amish table builders have been struggling for the past 3-1/2 years with their poly lumber supplier occasionally selling them poly lumber that has faint lines that seem to be noticeable in low lighting. Because the lines are hard to notice in bright light our builders sometimes miss them. I inspect each table top in my dimly lit barn to determine if the table top meets my approval. If I'm satisfied with how the table top looks I take orders, sell them and never encounter problems. My difficulties start when I notice 1 or 2 lines on a table top that bug me. I call my builders and ask them to try harder (I've been doing this constantly for 3-1/2 years). They tell me they will try harder even though they already are rejecting 30% of their material for table tops. I have also contacted their poly lumber supplier to see if they have a plan to prevent this from happening! They say they are trying to do better (this wasn't a problem for 14 years).
If I observe faint lines (that are barely noticeable to me) I will likely consider the table top to be "normal" and sell them as regular tables. If I observe 1 or more lines on a table top that bug me, I'll call it a "clearance table" and write that on the order. When I attempt show our customers the faint tabletop lines in person, 95% aren't able to see what I'm talking about. It's mostly a problem for me in my pursuit of perfection!!!
Please read notes under the 3 pictures below.
Picture #1 (above)
You will notice a line on the second board from the left (above)
You will notice a line on the second board from the left (above)
Picture #2 (above)
The same table at the same spot in the barn as picture #1.
Picture taken from the opposite direction and I can't see the line.
The same table at the same spot in the barn as picture #1.
Picture taken from the opposite direction and I can't see the line.
Picture #3 (above)
Picture taken from the same direction as picture #1.
Table moved into direct sunlight and I can't see the line anymore.
Picture taken from the same direction as picture #1.
Table moved into direct sunlight and I can't see the line anymore.