Variable Laminates An experiment needs to be conducted in order to determine how to reduce any variations in the laminate thickness during log-peeling operations. There are a few variables that are being sought out to indicate any changes: soak time, soak temperature, knife pressure, and knife setting (Sower, p. 173). During an experiment, the observer will change some of the inputs and make note of the different outputs as a result of the changes. “A dependent variable is the variable of primary interest in an experiment (Sower, p. 155).” In this case, the knife pressure is the most likely of candidates in the dependent variable category. The knife setting is a standard that is set and followed and therefore will not play a big part in the variations (Sower, p. 173) The other two tests can also be considered dependent variables, but not quite as much as the knife pressure variable. Replication of the tests is a good place to start in observing the changes that are made. Local control can also be used here. A small area of the log can be used for one test then another small spot can be used for the replication. By using the local control method, “blocks” are used. Blocks are small areas of testing that have a smaller error rate than compared with using a larger area (Sower, p.157). The first setting that should be addressed is the knife pressure. Even though some operators use different settings based on their experience, the managers should first determine where the thickness is at its best and set the standard across the board for all to use the same setting no matter what. This will please the customer more by having some continuity. If the thickness issue still exists, then the next logical step to take would be to test the soak time. If the observes notice that the logs only soaked for thirty minutes before being peeled seem to run a bit thicker than the others then the soak time should be increased. However, the soak time does not have to jump all the way to sixty minutes. A new test can be run using five or ten minute increments starting at forty minutes to test out whether there is a definite need to wait for the full sixty minutes or not. This will give the managers a better idea of how busy they will be able to keep the peelers. While the need to keep them busy is a lot of pressure, the quality that the customer gets is more important. If there is some down time for the peeler, that individual could be doing thickness checks more often than every fifteen minutes. Lastly, the soak temperature does not seem to be a dependent variable in this situation. This can simply be resolved by having the peelers clean the heating coils between every soak, ensuring a constant temperature. Taking these steps listed from the experiment and only testing small areas can help conserve as much wood as possible once the corrections are made. Trees are extremely valuable and cannot afford to be wasted. Standards and regulations are set up in a lot of different companies in order to ensure great quality success. It is imperative to follow these rules and standards in order to deliver the best the company can offer.