Wood-Mizer Releases MP100 Log Moulder Planer

Wood-Mizer Products Incorporated, the world’s leading portable sawmill manufacturer, has released the new MP100 Moulder/Planer for further shaping and finishing cants, beams, and columns. This product is an ideal tool for woodworkers and log home builders.

The MP100 can mould or plane material up to 20.5” wide and up to 23.5” tall. The maximum moulding width is 16”. The MP100 package is currently only $6,895 and includes the MP100 head, four flat knives, the standard bed length of 17’8” (extensions available), two log clamps, and two profile clamps.

In order to mould beams, various profile knives can be purchased to produce different moulding options, and simply slide and lock into place. The Combo Knife Set includes the Tongue and Grove knife set, a D-face knife set, and 16 knife clamps. The Deluxe Knife Set includes all the knife profiles from the Combo set, plus the Swedish Cope knife set. The Deluxe Set gives you the ability to mould all the shapes shown below.

Wood-Mizer LT15 sawmill owners can purchase the MP100 head and mast only, and mount it right on their LT15. By using the LT15 and MP100 together, a log can be milled and planed or moulded without leaving the bed. Existing customers can add the MP100 head assembly to an existing LT15 sawmill bed, the price for the MP100 head is as little as $4,495. Call or visit woodmizer.com for more details and watch this video.

Wood-Mizer, founded in 1982, is the leading manufacturer of portable band sawmills and offers an extensive line of portable and industrial mills, blades, resaws, and edgers covering a wide range of cutting capabilities. The company has sold more than 50,000 sawmills worldwide. For more information about Wood-Mizer Products, call 800.553.0182 or visit www.woodmizer.com.

This press release is presented without editing for your information. The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.

MPs call for green tax reform welcomed

A new Treasury Committee report on tackling climate change, published today (Tuesday 5 February), has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.

The report, Climate Change and the Stern Review: the implications for Treasury policy;

• Criticises the Government's timidity on environmental taxation

• Says the use of economic tools such as environmental taxes and permit trading schemes are a cost-effective way to cut emissions

• Calls for the creation of a ministerial post to co-ordinate the government's approach to climate change

Friends of the Earth's economics co-ordinator, Simon Bullock, said:

“This report is extremely welcome. The science and the evidence of economic impacts from climate change demand that the Chancellor greens tax policy over the next five years. He must start by putting forward a comprehensive package of measures for tackling climate change and protecting the environment in next month's Budget.”

“The Committee is right to call for a for climate change champion at the heart of Government. The reality is that while we have had a succession of Environment Ministers who have understood the urgency of tackling climate change, they have been stuck in their department while key decisions on transport, energy housing and green taxation have been taken elsewhere. Of course the most significant champions would be the Prime Minister and his Chancellor. “

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Chancellor to

• Use his Budget in March to demonstrate his commitment to Environmental Tax reform, announcing rises in pollution taxes linked to cuts in taxes on jobs and income.

• Introduce measures in March that substantially cut UK carbon dioxide emissions.

• Introduce a one-off windfall tax on the excess profits of electricity and oil companies, used to create a climate change super-fund to tackle fuel poverty

• Introduce a Stamp Duty Rebate and a Council Tax Rebate for people wanting to install energy efficiency measures in their homes

Friends of the Earth is also calling for the Climate Change Bill to put duties on the Prime Minister to meet the Government targets and make annual reports. The Bill as currently drafted places this duty on the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Ken looks at radical new plans for cycling in London

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, announced today that he has asked Transport for London to examine the feasibility of bicycle hire scheme to promoting cycling in London. The Mayor recently saw at first hand the successful 'Velib' - Freedom bike - hire scheme introduced by the Mayor of Paris, which has enjoyed great success since its launch a few weeks ago.

The Mayor and Peter Hendy, the Commissioner of Transport for London, witnessed the Paris Velib scheme at first hand during the recent Tour de France.

Transport for London have been asked to look at international best practice in promoting cycling, including hire schemes like that of Paris, with a view to introducing a scheme which meets the specific needs of London. Cycling groups and other stakeholders will be consulted on the options.

A London scheme would require the support of London Boroughs, as well as the Mayor, as most London roads are controlled by the boroughs.

The Paris scheme offers 10,000 bicycles sited at 750 dedicated hire-points every 300 metres around Paris, with plans for 20,000 bikes at 1,400 hire points by the end of the year. The bikes are available at any time of the day or night and cost just about 70 pence to hire for half an hour. Theft is minimal because of the unique design of the bicycles, their highly secure parking facilities and because payment is via credit or debit card. If a bicycle is not returned the hirer is charged around £100.

The Paris scheme has been an instant success, with the distinctive Freedom Bikes now seen all around the centre of Paris.

Transport for London officials have been working with the Clearzones Partnership and central London boroughs to examine the potential for a similar scheme for some months and will be meet their opposite numbers in Paris, and other European cities, to discuss the practicalities of such schemes. Other cities with a strong record on cycling or with public cycle hire scheme include Barcelona, Lyon, Brussels, Vienna, Berlin, Munich, Oslo and Copenhagen.

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, said:

‘Cycling is a clean, fast and cheap way to get around London and we have seen an 83 per cent increase in cycling since I became Mayor. I have seen the Paris Freedom Bike scheme, and discussed it with the Mayor of Paris. It clearly works and is highly popular. I have asked transport officials in London to study the Parisian and similar schemes in order to draw up proposals for a scheme which would meet the needs of London. I am sure that we can learn from the success of the Parisian and similar schemes to expand access to cycling in London.'