Following a long and divisive year, we are once again reminded of just how troubled and ugly the political process can be. Many people try to convince us that our country - maybe even the world - is in a precarious position. Other people go further, and actually seem to delight in making that gloomy prediction. Every chance they get in… Read more »
by David Peters It's 2009. Stone markets around the world are tanking. Imports to the US are half of what they were just 3 years earlier in 2006. Stone shop owners are struggling to keep the doors open. Many don't make the trip. Fast-forward to 2016. For the past 4 years, the stone market has steadily been coming back. Because of this… Read more »
by Jake Knaub In the year 1955, the United States announced a plan to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles; rockets able to deliver nuclear warheads across the globe. That same year, the Warsaw Pact was signed as the Soviet reply to NATO, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were born, and the Vietnam War began. 1955 was also the date of… Read more »
by Holly Anderson Architects sure know how to draw up some beautiful structures, don't they? Futuristic lines, dramatic urban fabrics: these buzzwords might really appeal to building owners, but they probably give glaziers a knot in their stomach. And when the plans call for a 3000 lb [1360 kg] piece of curved glass, you're left… Read more »
by David Peters The DC-powered Cladding Lifter (model MTCL6FS625DC) is an ideal tool when working with insulated metal panels (IMP's) and other cladding materials. Buildings using prefabricated materials, like various cladding goods, are economical, efficient, and quick to assemble. The Cladding Lifter multiplies these effects, saving… Read more »
by David Peters The Wood's Powr-Grip® PT10 vacuum lifter has established itself as the workhorse for load manipulation in stone fabrication shops worldwide. With powered tilt, ten 10" [25 cm] vacuum pads, an impressive 1500 lb [680 kg] capacity and robust construction, the PT10 continues to help reduce breakage and reduce manpower… Read more »
Vacuum lifter and hoist controls are melded into a single ergonomic handle, enabling the operator to work faster, easier and safer. This option combines a Demag hoist and a tiller-style control handle on the vacuum lifter. Controls on the tiller handle may include those for load release, variable speed up and down, as well as powered… Read more »
by Jake Knaub In just eight days, workers installed 245 Insulated Metal Panels (IMP's) to erect a 17,500 square-foot [1,626 m2] addition to WPG's manufacturing facility. The construction crew was briefly trained in the use of WPG lifters with IMP's, and within a day they had developed an efficient installation routine. Thanks to… Read more »
by Gary Bond Keeping the workplace safe is a primary concern in the construction industry - especially when working with glass, stone or large panels. To further the goal of workplace safety, Wood's Powr-Grip utilizes standards set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). ASME B30.20 is a consensus safety… Read more »
by David Peters With peak construction season upon us, many companies are faced with hard decisions that could affect their futures in business. One important factor may be deciding whether to lease or buy the equipment needed for a specific job. Leasing the necessary equipment can certainly be a viable alternative to buying! Here… Read more »
