Quality control isn't just something that happens at the end of the production line.

You need to keep a close eye on the quality of the materials you're using at every stage of the manufacturing process.

One of the most obvious causes of quality problems in panels is incorrect stacking and storage.

Always make sure that bearers are level across the base and that strips are an even thickness and line up vertically.

If you don't, you may end up with twisted or bowed panels, which can play havoc later when the time comes to assemble the carcase.

You should also check the edges of boards for damage when you're taking them out of the storage racks.

Boards can sometimes have crushed or chipped edges if they've been dropped on the floor or bumped with a forklift truck.

Once the boards have been cut to-size, the edges should be checked again for any problems that might have been caused by incorrect saw settings or malfunctioning machinery.

Set out below are some of the problems that can occur. If you see any of these issues in a board that's just been re-cut, it's important that you tell the saw operator straight away, because it may mean that the saw needs to be re-adjusted or a part needs replacing.