January 2023 Component Manufacturing Advertiser Magazine

Photo courtesy of Triad | Merrick Machine

Joe Kannapell: The Development of the Truss Plate, Part VI: An Industry Established

Tracy Roe – Eagle Metal: TrueBuild® Batch – Time Is Money

Todd Drummond Consulting, LLC: Don’t Be Blind to Simple Truths for the 2023 Build Season

Glenn

Edmond

Dave Walstad –All Points Technical: Building a Gold Standard Design Service

John Croll – Alpine: Truss Properties Manager with IntelliVIEW Suite 22.02

Thomas McAnally – From the Road: What Does It Take to Hire Good Candidates?

In Memoriam: In Memory of a Machinery Master

Geordie Secord – The JobLine: Cost-Saving Measures and Memorable Debacles

Randy Shackelford –Simpson Strong-Tie: Top Structural and Wood-Related Changes in the 2021 IRC, Part 1

Joe Kannapell – The Last Word The Current State of Robotics

Thomas McAnally twm@componentadvertiser.org

Editor

Anna L. Stamm 800-289-5627 x 3 anna@componentadvertiser.org

Distributed FREE

Via e-mail subscription Download PDF or Read on line at www.componentadvertiser.com

News of Interest and Advertising inquiries can be submitted to: anna@componentadvertiser.org An Open Forum for many sources. Deadline 20th of each month. Articles, Trade Names, and Logos are the property of their respective owner or creator unless otherwise noted

Disclaimer: We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or material that we deem not in the interest of the industry or the Advertiser. Permission to use content is the responsibility of the contributor including permissions to use any likeness of persons.

The Advertiser is provided “As Is” including typographical errors, omissions, and mistakes both intentional and unintentional.

Advertiser F Forum

False Choices and Two-Dimensional Thinking

Anna L. Stamm Director of Communications and Marketing Component Manufacturing Advertiser.

When someone in management starts complaining about how the problem is “we need change but people don’t want to change,” I wonder how deeply they’ve evaluated the real dynamics in play. If you simply dismiss employee resistance as “resistance to change,” then you are as guilty of the two-dimensional and short-sighted thinking you’re blaming on your employees.

Change Should Not Be an Either/Or Question

Of course people do not want to change if it means losing what’s working. Would any sane person want good programs or processes to be abandoned just because they were old? A comfortable routine is not intrinsically a bad routine. Likewise, all change is not bad. Life is not black and white—so the way we frame progress should not be that simplistic either.

Three-Dimensional Thinking

Whether you do it for employee buy-in or just for information gathering, management should not be afraid to ask employees: “what can we do better.” Another question that’s also full of possibilities is to ask: “given what we do now, what else could we be doing.” Instead of dictating from above, how about listening and then integrating what you hear into a comprehensive view of possible options?

Yes, employees who have the handson involvement in specific areas will have routines that they think are comfortable and that they are loathe to change—but those routines are probably working and effective to at least some degree. If you are willing to give up what’s working, then your reasoning why needs to have more than a two-dimensional answer behind it.

The answer cannot be simply “we need change.” Progress is not a simple linear process with a starting place and a finish line. “We need change” should be converted into your first set of questions as you evaluate the situation and prepare a comprehensive plan for moving forward. If needing change is the best response you have, then you’re likely the one with the problem.

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Monet DeSauw DeRobo

Linear Saw

• Automated (Truss Design Software Download) or SemiAutomated (Touch Screen Entry) Operation

• All Movements are Computer & PLC Controlled

• Comprehensive Setup Screens Display Each Piece with Setup Data

• 22” x 40 Tooth Blade on PAE Cut 1 or 2 Boards up to 20’ (2 Second Plunge Cut)

• Cut Chords, Webs, Rafters, Wedges & Stair Stringers

• Cut Long Scarfs by MultiPlunging

• Servo Positioning on Infeed, Angle & Outfeed Pusher

• Over Travel Protection

• Ink Jet Printer

• Lumber Optimization Program

• Belt Waste Conveyor

• 480 Volt / 3 Phase / 60 Amp

• Includes 5 Day Onsite Installation & Training

• Optional Monet DeSauw Live Deck, Bunk Feeder & Incline Belt Waste Conveyor FOB MO

Monet DeSauw DeSawyer

2000 Automated Saw

• Touch Screen User Interface with Backup Mechanical Controls

• 3 Operating Modes: Auto, SemiAuto & Manual

• All 20 Axes of Movements are Computer & PLC Controlled

• Comprehensive Setup Screens Display Each Piece with Setup Data

• Anti-Collision & Optimizing Programming

• Auto Calibration Productivity & Time Tracking

• Maintenance Diagnostics

• Variable Speed Conveyor (0-50 Flights per Minute)with Powered Hold Downs

• (1) 30” x 80 Tooth Blade (27 3/4” Scarf on PAE)

• (4) 16” x 40 Tooth Blades (13 1/2” Scarf on Centerline)

• Pneumatic Blade Brakes on all 5 Blades

• 16 1/2” to 20’ Length Capacity (11” Minimum on Square End Blocks)

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• 480 Volt / 3 Phase

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The Development of the Truss Plate, Part VI: An Industry Established

By Joe Kannapell

On July 5, 1960, in a marathon session, a dozen entrepreneurs set standards for a brand new industry, and, in the process, met a government deadline. These early truss plate adopters came well-prepared and didn’t hesitate to make far-reaching decisions. Fortunately, they left a detailed record of their remarkable work, and their efforts continue to shape today’s plated truss industry.

They brought to Miami organization skills drawn mostly from their prior business experience and got right to work creating a new entity modeled on the highly regarded, thirty-year-old Steel Joist Institute. They reached quick agreement on a similar name for a new association, the Truss Plate Institute (TPI), and set down four main objectives.

Quality control was the first, and remains so to this day, and the second was to “act as spokesman for the industry.” Because no industry existed at the time, this left open the means to achieve wide recognition.

Cal Jureit of Gang-Nail, who chaired the meeting, was elected the first TPI President, and his brother, Bill, was approved as legal counsel to prepare Articles of Incorporation. Discussion was held on the draft design criteria and a committee led by Bill McAlpine of Sanford Truss, Inc., was charged with completing the document. The most important outcome of the meeting was that FHA gave the new organization additional time to submit their design code for review.

By August 24, 1960, the first “Design Specification for Light Metal Plate Connected Timber Trusses, TPI-60,” was agreed upon, but it was not formally ratified until May of 1961. This 14-page document set industry standards for testing, design, and truss drawings that would long endure.

The first section called out the information required on truss drawings, the key factor in establishing code compliance and providing building officials with uniform truss submittals.

The following sections contained the design provisions, which were of crucial importance in securing the approval of FHA. These were adaptations of those found in the National Lumber Design Specification NDS-60. The only illustration, shown in part, provided generally conservative simplifications that proved to be expedient in this pre-computer, slide rule era.

In this initial edition of our TPI standard, there is scant guidance for the design of plated joints, except for a detailed procedure for calculating the stresses induced by eccentricity at heel joints.

Of current interest are these factors relevant to 1960’s design:

• Lumber was 1-5/8” x 3-5/8”, 5-1/2”, 7-1/2”, 9-1/2”, and 111/2”.

• Douglas Fir and West Coast Hemlock were the predominant species used in trusses outside of the South.

• Spruce-Pine-Fir, Hem-Fir, and MSR were not yet available.

• No. 3, Standard, and Stud grades were not listed in NDS and therefore were not assigned structural values. Consequently, TPI-60 states, “Web members with comparatively low stress, may be non-stress rated 2x3 or 2x4 culled to eliminate pieces with excessively large or loose knots.”

The remainder of TPI-60 concerned the testing of truss plates and full-scale trusses, which were essential in establishing the strength and durability of the new connectors. These protocols were largely based on Cal Jureit’s testing lab work in the early 1950s and his later work with Dade County. All three of the national codes soon adopted TPI’s truss plate tests but only the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) adopted TPI’s full-scale truss tests.

The timely, professional work of a few early innovators had a far-reaching impact on the building community. Code authorities would now have the proper basis upon which to approve plated wood trusses. Truss companies would be able to tout the advantages of a code-approved, quality controlled, and engineered truss system. And, finally, the Truss Plate Institute would be dedicated to bolstering the acceptance of plated trusses. In short, a new industry was initiated and was given the means to hit the ground running.

Next Month: Contentious Competition

Since 1970, Joe Kannapell has worked as programmer, Chief Engineer, Marketing Manager, and Sales VP for MiTek, plus 7 years at truss plants, retiring at the end of 2020.

Excerpted tables and text courtesy of the Truss Plate Institute

Safety Speed Manufacturing, model 7400 XL*, vertical panel saw, 3 HP induction motor, 64 inch crosscut, 2 1/8" maximum thickness, accuracy within 0.005 inches, 13 foot long welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. Dust collection ready. Options available include digital readouts for vertical cuts, automated length measuring, laser guide, stop bar, vacuum and midway fence. 208-230/460 volt, 3 phase electrical (208-230 single phase, 2 HP power optional +$100.00).

$13,149 Base, FOB MN. Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

4,001,398

That’s the total trigger count from all six nail guns combined on an installed Terminailer.® For a machine that was a little over two years old, that is a big number; a real tribute to the durability of the machine’s components and engineering.

Yes, that number represents a pretty darn impressive mechanical milestone to be sure, but what is really impressive is that human hands were saved from millions of repetitive motions and potentially costly nailing accidents. www.TERMINAILER.com 765-751-9990

With just a sole operator, Terminailer drives a whole lot of improvement in efficiency and output. This amazing sub-component assembler quickly and precisely drives 30% to 70% of the framing nails in any wall panel job—be it batch, or just–in–time production. All with no complicated training, software or set-up time required when switching configurations. Add increased safety and easy maintenance with off-the-shelf parts, and you can see why Terminailer should be driving greater productivity in your plant.

Terminailer® and Terminailer XP Put things together like never before.

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Terminailer XP

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1994 SpeedCut MetraCut centerline pull arm saw, model SSA-17, provides centerpoint cutting with turntable analog angle measurement. Includes 16″ diameter blade with 1″ diameter arbor bore. No infeed/ outfeed conveyor included. 480V, 3 phase power required.

$5,497, FOB SC. Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Don’t just do it, nail it. It’s a brand new day in wall-panel production, with a whole new way of doing things better.

Terminailer®, a revolutionary, event-driven, nailing machine that completely defies any preconceived notions about sub-component assembly.

Terminailer all but shatters the stereotypical myth that subcomponent equipment is essentially peripheral – unimportant. And it does so by quickly and accurately driving far more framing nails in your wall panel jobs than ever before. Whether in your shop or in the field, one operator sets the pace for production and quality. And that reduces labor costs and other aspects of overhead.

Terminailer is an event-driven, sub-component assembler that will quickly and accurately drive 30% to 70% of the framing nails in any wall panel job. In your shop or in the field, one operator sets the pace for production and quality. The Terminailer functions independent of design software, requires zero set-up time when switching between any configuration, and requires no special operator training.

The Terminailer is easy to move around the shop so it’s location can evolve as your shop evolves. With all of the nailing occurring in the closed main chamber, nail injuries and nail location miss-fires are eliminated, making your plant that much safer.

With nearly ten years of development from people that know machinery it is assembled to exacting standards, well supported, and it is easily maintained with shelf-item parts. Terminailer: vetted, tested, and ready to drive maximum productivity for you. Be sure to check out our videos below for a quick review of this

TrueBuild® Batch – Time Is Money

By Tracy Roe

Now more than ever, every process, every motion, literally every minute counts for a component manufacturer. The saying “Time Is Money” couldn’t be more true in our industry. Ultimately, a component manufacturer is simply selling time. They are selling the value they add to raw materials when they turn those materials into components.

Your production process defines the amount of time consumed at your plant, so is it up to speed? It’s important to realize that, to be efficient, you need to be leveraging your software to help you gain throughput wherever possible. TrueBuild® Batch can help you dial in your batching, cutting, and assembly processes. You can optimize multiple saw output with a single scheme. You can have paperless, hard copy, or a combination of both in a single scheme. You can choose the functionality that works best for your plant as you maximize the speed of your process.

When time is money, the buzzword is efficiency. Furthermore, the throughput involves more than looking at saw output but looking at how entire jobs will be processed by your plant. Are you working truss by truss, batch combined, or with a few different batches going to different resources on your shop floor? TrueBuild® Batch can help get the most out of your equipment. Our user friendly and easy to understand interface tools are a step ahead in simplifying your process. This isn’t your traditional batching application, because it includes sophisticated tools designed by decades of on-the-floor experience to ensure you get what you need out of the box without custom programming requests.

Do you really know how long it takes to get a job cut, set up, and then assembled? You can get those estimates without any complicated time tracking or plant management software applications, because these time estimates are inherent to TrueBuild® Batch already and are at your fingertips.

When time is money, are you making the most of both? Today’s truss fabricator faces many challenges, but TrueBuild® offers tools to help. It’s time to evaluate your processes and take a hard look at how you’ve always done things. Are you ready for any challenge that may arise in the New Year? Let our experienced staff of passionate people help you squeeze the most out of every process. Ask us about what TrueBuild® Batch is already doing for fabricators across the country that it could be doing for you.

— Bill Weber Cascade Mfg. Co.

“Alpine’s industry-leading engineering, software, and production

allow us to remain competitive in today’s market.

commitment to the industry is second to none!”

PARTS & COMPUTER

• Used Servo Star CR10251 (2

Available) -$1,100 Each

• Used Servo Star CR06251 (2 Available) - $1,100 Each

• Used ALS Windows XP Computer - $1,500

• Used parts were removed in "working condition" from the ALS 276 during a saw upgrade FOB AL Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

2002 Koskovich Auto Omni 5-Blade Component Saw

2002 Koskovich Auto Omni component saw, 5-blade automated saw includes [3] 20 inch blades, [1] 30 inch blade, [1] 12 inch blade and shaker waste conveyor with factory side pans. Fully automated setup with full power length and all axis angulation, single-sided setup from operator console, 2×3 through 2×12 and 4×2, 20’ to 9” @ 90°/90°, Exair cabinet coolers, remote monitor, no spares. In operation until Aug. ’21. 208/240/480 volt, 3 phase, 100 Amp saw electrical required. 120 volt, 1 phase PC electrical required.

$13,970 NOW $9,997 FOB OH Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Safety Speed Cut Model 7000 Panel Saw

Safety Speed Manufacturing model 7000, vertical panel saw, 3 HP induction motor, 64 inch crosscut, 2 inch maximum thickness, accuracy within 1/64th of an inch, 10 foot welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. Dust collection ready. Options available include lower frame extensions, digital readouts, laser guide, stop bar, vacuum and midway fence. 208-230/460 volt, 3 phase electrical (208-230 single phase, 2 HP power optional +$100.00). $9,332 Base, FOB MN.

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

The L-M Verticut 2000 is a true Precision End Trim (PET) saw that is capable of holding a 1/16th accuracy all day long. Made in the USA, the V2k comes equipped with a 15 HP 460/230 volt High-E three phase TEFC motor driving a Double ended Premium “Stellite” inlaid saw bar with a spring loaded chain tensioner and an automatic oiler to lubricate the .404 pitch custom profile semi chisel saw chain.

Rather than a single pivot-point, the saw assembly is mounted on a mandrel box that is guided by cam followers on a steel frame that is raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder. A console with the saw controls moves with the saw assembly along a track positioned using a manual “V” wheel geared drive or optional Hydraulic drive

The V2k is unlike other imported systems that are basically a Portable Yard Saw on a cutting rack with a best cutting accuracy of +/- 1/8″ (meaning up to ¼” accuracy variance between units of lumber). The V2k from L-M provides +/- 40 thousands, assuring consistent PET precision from unit to unit.

Another advantage L-M has over the competition is their commitment to personal service with unlimited phone assistance and technical help. Their team has traveled the country working on crosscut saws for many years and they know their equipment inside and out. L-M is a familyowned business that prides themselves in doing the job right and building long term relationship that is vital to their business: “Built to last as long as our customers since 1946”.

Price based on

www.woodtechsystems.com

Start 2023 with Added Staffing from All Points Technical

Truss Design Talent from Vietnam, India, Nicaragua, Turkey, Brazil, and Pakistan

How does it work? All Points Technical is the Gold standard with over 20 years of offshore truss teams and 42 years in the Lumber and Truss industry. We live and travel in Asia to uncover the top candidates with experience.

We only provide experienced candidates. We do not give you untrained college graduates. We vet our candidates and provide Country Managers to perform oversight at no charge. Our team members have their own offices, their own computer systems, and are ready to go.

Here are just a few of our available experienced candidates, ready to start in January 2023:

BS1201 — Our Most Experienced Candidate with 21 years of truss design! MiTek, Alpine, Multifamily & Material Estimating. Top Player to add to your team! “He worked for my group 21 years ago.”

MEK1201 — 4 Years Truss and Engineering. MiTek, Simpson, Masters in Structural Engineering.

DES1201 — 3 Years Truss Design. MiTek Jr Designer but ready to join your team.

DAY1129 — 8 Years Truss Design. MiTek, Panel, Team Leader, BA in Engineering.

Ash1215 — 16 Years Truss Design. MiTek, Team Leader, “worked with me in 2006.”

Amar1216 — 5 Years Truss Design. MiTek, Pryda-Australia, BA in English.

Bala1216 — 14 Years Truss Design. MiTek, Alpine, Senior Designer Talent.

Vik1216 — 3 Years Truss Design. Alpine, BA in English.

Pras1217 — 4 Years US and Canada Truss Design. MiTek, Multifamily, BA in English and strong math.

Paul1217 — 5 Years Wall Panel and some Truss Design. MiTek, Brazil-based, some steel experience. We have almost 50 truss, lumber estimator, wall panel, EWP experienced candidates at any given time for deployment. Our billing rates are amongst the most competitive in the market and you get superior candidates! All-inclusive costs, there are no extra costs.

Industry-leading support from design to done.

Building strong components requires innovation. Building a solid company requires teamwork. That’s why the people at Simpson Strong-Tie are committed to supporting you with a full suite of professional services, technical expertise and training resources. Based on your objectives, we offer tailored solutions to complement your team and help optimize manufacturing operations. Our open-platform design and management software also makes it easy to collaborate with project partners anywhere they’re located. So you can boost performance all the way from design to delivery.

Put industry-leading solutions and service on your team. To learn more, visit our website at go.strongtie.com/componentsolutions or call (800) 999-5099.

Simpson Strong-Tie ® Building Technology | Software and Service for Smarter Business

Don’t Be Blind to Simple Truths for the 2023 Build Season

An article written and published by Russ Kathrein on LinkedIn, “The Eyes See What the Brain Believes,” struck a nerve for me. In summary, the statement “believe it when I see it” is more often than not false. As someone who has made a living assisting others for over twenty years in achieving higher performance, I can attest that the human condition is hardwired to see what we believe to be true. The vast majority purposely want to remain blissfully unaware of things that will upset or challenge our understanding of what we know. Having stated that, if you wish not to be blinded to the future challenges of the 2023 build season, then be willing to see what many may be ignoring.

2023 will be the start of progressively challenging times over the coming years as the natural economic build cycle begins the downward process. Many regions are already seeing a steep drop off in housing starts.

Personnel shortages and challenges are not going away and will only worsen. Large and small companies can overcome these challenges, but many will fall short using the same labor practices they have always operated with minor modifications. (For more on that topic, see my November article on Labor Shortages Worse Than Most Understand.) For the next decade, the demographics will continue to have more people leaving than entering the workforce, creating different challenges. These challenges are especially true for larger corporate companies, which will face more pressure from employee regulations. Despite increased investments in offshore design services and manufacturing automation, they may unwittingly position the company, so employees unionize to protect themselves. Both state and federal employment regulations are heading in that direction as part of the political trends. Sadly most companies fail to understand the biggest driver of unionization is their employee management practices, not outside influences. The vast majority of HR practices are created to protect the employer, not to improve employee management practices.

Todd Drummond

To say the building industry, especially the wood truss and wall panel component manufacturing (CM), is expanding its capacity is an understatement. Huge profit margins and record-breaking sales have allowed everyone to expand their operations with new equipment, buildings, and personnel. There was a time when automation, such as auto jigging for wood truss manufacturing, was a huge investment that was not widely adopted by every CM. Well, not anymore. The competitive advantage of automation has been lost when everyone has the same equipment. Those who believe the investments they made in automation and other capital assets have given them a competitive advantage have a false sense of security. Those investments by themselves will not be enough.

As interest rates continue to rise and economic pressures to tame inflation increase, building starts will fall, and therefore the margins and sales will start falling again, and it will only get much worse. As the sales start to decline, what do you think will happen to the pressure on the sales teams? All the new equipment, buildings, and personnel capacity expansion investments must be met with continued sales regardless of the economics. Everyone can expect renewed interest in new sales initiatives from their existing and new competition. The greater the economic decline, the greater the push to expand to a wider distance to generate new sales. As the competition intensifies, margins and sales will start dropping rapidly.

The arduous task of investing in new processes and practices will now be needed more than ever. It is far easier to throw money into new equipment automation than make fundamental organizational process changes.

Last month’s article, “ Proof That Even the Largest Wood Truss CMs are Not Immune to Losing Tens of Millions of Dollars with Outdated Reporting,” hit a lot of readers in a troubling way. Companies are willing to continually miss the opportunity to gain millions of dollars because they are unwilling to begin the arduous task of investing in new processes and practices. Do you think I am mistaken?

Example of a proven missed opportunity to improve processes and practices. To improve roof truss scheduling, pricing, and productivity incentive programs, wood truss manufacturers must embrace proper time standards (work minutes) instead of using the industry standard of board foot units. Here is a response from a reader on LinkedIn to this known problem.

Reader quote: “Until the industry goes to Alpine, MiTek, and others to provide a ‘new way’ of tracking in their software, unfortunately everyone will continue using the (board foot) standard...”

Quote translation: This person’s company, like so many others, is willing to lose potentially millions of dollars because the barrier of vendor software capabilities is hindering them, and they are unwilling to use other means. Time and again, TDC has witnessed companies eagerly spend millions on new equipment and buildings but refuse to change their current practices, which might cost them a fraction of those millions because of existing software vendor limitations.

All the millions spent on capital investments will not be enough to stay competitive as the economic building markets slow and competition increases. Now is the time to invest in process improvement, and not just in manufacturing but in every area. Real process improvement is not easy unless you have someone who can assist with proven methods. Your company could do the very costly trial-and-error method to implement the needed changes, or maybe, just maybe, look to someone proven to assist companies in making the necessary improvements. Then, instead of years or months, it can be accomplished in months and days.

The team of TDC is your best source for learning about proven and practical lean manufacturing best practices combined with industrial engineering principles to keep your company at the leading edge of competitiveness. No one is better at providing your team with proven results for good employee practices, pricing, truss labor estimation, and so many other best-in-class practices. TDC’s tailored solutions are for the client’s specific needs. Go beyond the typical software and equipment vendor recommendations for your operations and do what many have dared to do. Embrace the Drummond Method, and your company can experience cost savings, and net profit gains that usually take months or years can be accomplished in weeks or months, resulting in an average of 3 to 6-point net profit gains for CMs. All areas are addressed, not just the manufacturing. Please do not take my word for TDC’s services, though. Read the public testimonials many current and past clients with decades of expertise and experience have been willing to give: https://todd-drummond. com/testimonials/

Website: www.todd-drummond.com Phone (USA): 603-748-1051 E-mail: todd@todd-drummond.com Copyrights © 2023

www.todd drummond.com todd@todd drummond.com (603) 748 1051

The number one expert for process improvement in all departments of wood truss and wall panel manufacturing using proven and practical lean manufacturing methods combined with industrial engineering.

√

Labor Time Standards for Accurate Wood Truss Labor & Pricing Estimations

120+ Different time elements to input into any wood truss programs. 

Based on the equivalent measurements called work minutes, work hours, realistic expectancy (RE), or scheduled units (SU).

√ 100+ Different Companies Using Them Every Day 

Productivity scheduling, efficiencies measurement, productivity incentive programs, labor cost estimations, and Pricing based on Labor Units.

√ Three Offerings With or Without Onsite Consultation Services

1) Wood Truss Time Standard

2) Lean Manufacturing TDC Training Material — All the TDC lean manufacturing training material best practices, without an onsite consultation. Most clients are shocked by the depth and scope of the TDC best practice training materials, which are very clear, concise, and without bias to enhance their operations.

3) Consultation & Training — Full onsite consultation with all the lean manufacturing best practices training material and time standards included. A Minimum Gain of 3 Net Profit Points is a Very Low bar for TDC

“... It was an investment well spent because I not only learned a completely different way to view labor metrics, but I came out of it with a completely different mindset on pricing, scheduling, and staffing...”

Shane Soule, President Bremen, IN

“….Your time standards are perfect. They are far more accurate than BF. We are much more comfortable with the work minute for estimation of labor for both the pricing and shop scheduling. BF is just too unreliable for our needs.”

Keith Myers, Truss and Panel GM – Lakewood, NJ

Written testimonials provided by dozens of clients on the TDC website.

Tom

Eide offers complete upgrade and reconditioning services for your existing truss manufacturing equipment. Add years of life to older or discontinued lines with our Machinery Exchange. Warranty on exchanged equipment meets or exceeds the original OEM warranty. Everything mechanical is new, including the controls, electrical and drive systems.

Keep your old machine working until your new machine arrives. Installation and Operator Training available for any equipment exchange.

Since 1927, we’ve been building and strengthening relationships with our customers through proper placement of the right equipment, parts, services, and support. Contact Eide today and reinvest in what’s been working for you.

Klaisler Recessed

SAWS

Used

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• Board Sizes: 2x4 and 2x6

• Motors: Two 1 HP / 220 Volt or 440 Volt / 3 Phase

• Saw Blades: 7 1/4" Carbide Tipped (set at 45 degrees)

• Angle Adjustment: Manual Rotation with Air Brake

• Air Supply: 90 PSI

• Carriage: Steel Rails with Steel Dual V Rollers

• Pedestal: 3/16" Formed Steel

• Saw Housing: 1/2" Billet Aluminum

• Covers: 10 Gauge (1/8" thick) Steel

• Fully Enclosed for Safety $12,500 FOB MN Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Five-blade SERVO controlled saw is configured with [1] 30 inch blade, [3] 20 inch blades and [1] 12 inch blade. This saw includes shaker side-pans, and numerous OEM spare parts, several sharp blades, and Matthews Ink-jet with stand (needs reconditioning). 208/240/480 volt, 3 phase, 100 Amp, and 120 volt, 1 phase electrical, 100 Amp electrical required.ASIS, Where-IS

$44,990 FOB KY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

2003 Hundegger SC 1 Saw

Complete Roof Truss cutting functions including angle cutting with auto-loading conveyor system, auto-discharge. 15KW (20HP) saw motor with a 25″ blade will cut any length lumber from 3’6″ to 24′, and in widths from 1.5″ to 17.75″. Up to 4-board stacked cutting of dimensional 2×4. Saw comes with OEM in-feed and out-feed extensions for processing longer length material (I-Joist). According to Hundegger literature: “The Hundegger Whole House Saw ™ This saw is under power and operational. OEM installation required for successful startup at buyer’s location. Printer needs to be rebuilt. Saw available to ship after 30 September 2022. 480 volt, 3 phase, 65 Amp saw electrical required, 120 volt, 1 phase, 20 Amp computer electrical supply required. 150 PSI at 27 CFM air required.

$44,900 NOW $24,997 FOB BC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2018 Hornet MC-19 Cutting Stations (Qty

of 2)

2018 Hornet model MC-19 chop saw version cutting stations, include 25 ft long infeed and 10 ft long outfeed. Two available at this location. Price is per each. Each station includes infeed pusher, chop saw, marking device, automated controls, outfeed, control panel and CutBuild Automation software. Sold for $59,500 new. 220 volt, 1 phase electrical required for station. 110 volt, 1 phase electrical required for computer. $47,993 FOB NV Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2007 Servo Auto Omni Component Saw

The truss industry relies on 3rd party quality assurance services to provide random visits to review the plants Quality Assurance program along with their operations. If your plant needs to comply with the IRC, IBC and to those who depend on solid, experienced QA expertise, we ask you to consider selecting Timber Products Inspection, Inc. (TP) as your choice for 3rd party inspections.

Proudly serving the forest products industry for over 50 years, TP brings the expertise you need to ensure your business is successful. As a responsible partner, TP delivers to clients, employees, and the industries we serve the confidence to drive value through the effective use of our diverse professional team.

TP would like to welcome the following authorized agents to our inspection team, each of whom have many years of experience in the truss industry!

Al Coffman

Jean Hart

Curt Holler

Chuck Ray

Glenn Traylor

Elliot Wilson

If you have questions about how you can make this selection, please contact your authorized agent above or Glenn Traylor at 919-280-5905 or trusguy@gmail.com.

https://www.tpinspection.com/ https://www.tpinspection.com/auditing-services/truss

Are You Making Correct Substitutions and Placements When Upsizing Connectors?

By Glenn Traylor

Sometimes it is necessary to deviate from the truss design drawing and use a different connector. This may happen when a specific size connector is not available or when the original connector has been removed.

Per ANSI/TPI 1 Section 3.6.3, a metal connector can be substituted if the new connector is a larger size or equal size in both dimensions. If an installed connector has been removed, an evaluation of the used area needs to be conducted to determine if the plate size needs to be increased. For more information on this process, see my previous articles Is There a Reduction for Plating in a Previously Plated Area? (May 2016) and Are You Removing the Connectors Carefully When Replacing Them? (November 2022).

When upsizing, it’s important to know that you cannot substitute a connector that is not of the same style or gauge. For example, replacing a 3×9 20-gauge plate with a 3×9 20-gauge high strength or 16-gauge high strength connector is not allowed unilaterally without specific engineering design. The connector might work, but it might not. The connector design dictates the number of teeth and the gauge impacts the load capacity by increasing the cross section, which is the area of the connector that transfers the load through the connector. The number of teeth is critical to the load transfer into the wood member. For example, consider the MiTek connector plates shown: Figure 1 is a standard 20-gauge connector, Figure 2 is a high strength 20-gauge connector, and Figure 3 is a high strength 16-gauge connector. Note that each one has a different tooth configuration, and that means each one will have a different number of teeth in a specific design. The images are of MiTek connectors, but this is true with all brands. Likewise, brands are not interchangeable without specific engineering. (For more on that topic, see my March 2021 article, Can a Fabricator Mix or Substitute Connector Plates From Different Manufacturers?.)

Figure 1: Standard 20-Gauge Connector, MiTek

Figure 2: High Strength 20-Gauge Connector, MiTek

Figure 3: High Strength 16-Gauge Connector, MiTek

Another often misunderstood aspect of upsizing connectors involves the change in size. When a larger connector is used, the profile of the component may change the plate position dramatically. For example, Figure 4 shows the original connector placement in black and the new position of a larger connector in red. Quite frankly, this is not allowed and will require additional evaluation because of ANSI/TPI 1 Section 3.6.5. The plate must have the same orientation and entirely cover the area footprint of the original connector design. Furthermore, the replacement connector cannot impact other design aspects or functionality of the truss.

Remember to Follow the Rules

If you are attempting to upsize a connector without specific engineering, then these rules must be followed:

• The plate must be of the same manufacturer as specified by the design.

• The size must be equal to or greater than the original design in both dimensions.

• The plate must be of the same style.

• The plate must be positioned over the entire original plated area.

• The plate cannot change the functionality of the truss.

• The plate cannot extend beyond the profile of the truss.

• If the plate is a replacement of a removed connector, then an increase in size may be required to cover the entire used area.

Yes, a change can be made while manufacturing the component—but only if you follow the rules and keep in mind that additional engineering may be necessary. When in doubt, remember that you can always take the time to rerun the truss with the new design.

An ANSI/TPI 1 3rd Party Quality Assurance Authorized Agent covering the Southeastern United States, Glenn Traylor is an independent consultant with almost four decades of experience in the structural building components industry. Glenn serves as a trainer-evaluator-auditor covering sales, design, PM, QA, customer service, and production elements of the truss industry. He also provides project management specifically pertaining to structural building components, including on-site inspections and ANSI/TPI 1 compliance assessments. Glenn provides new plant and retrofit designs, equipment evaluations, ROI, capacity analysis, and CPM analysis.

Glenn Traylor

Structural Building Components Industry Consultant

http://www.linkedin.com/in/glenntraylor

Figure 4: Plate Placement Example

“I would encourage other component manufacturers to attend the workshop because it is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of MSR and how it can be used. That makes you a more responsible customer because you know how to maximize its use in the design of your product.”

—Porter Clark, Hiwassee Builders Supply Inc., Athens, TN

“Unless they can say they have their business running perfectly, I believe there’s something any CM can take back from the workshop to improve their business. I know our business will be better because we attended.”

—Adam Beck, Drexel Building Supply, Campbellsport, WI

Spida Automated Apollo Saw

The Spida Apollo saw with Automation is a computerized, pull-arm type saw used for cutting either wood truss components or wall panel cutting and represents the lowest-cost way to add an automated single-blade saw to your operation. Features include angle cutting from 10 to 170 degrees, 36 inch scarf cuts, patented variable stroke limiter for safety, solid frame and arm design, 17 inch industrial touch screen with enclosure, 7.5 HP motor, plug and play wiring making installations easier and includes cowls for adding a dust extraction system.

Available options include software is available for both trusses and wall panel cutting, laser guide showing exactly the path of the blade before the blade moves, Safe Grip™ Clamp for cutting smaller pieces, clamping table, Plate Marker template providing automated set up for marking joint locations (studs, sub-component locations, etc.) on top/bottom plates, Chop Saw Table for adding another saw for miter/compound or end cuts, prior to feeding the Spida Apollo saw, Portable Dust Extractor and spare blades.

Saw is available in 240 volt, 20A or 460 volt, 15A 3 phase electrical. Computer requires 110 volt, 1 phase, 20A.

Prestage Tabl

Capabilities*

Wall Heights: 7' 11 ½" to 10' 3" - 12 ' 3" - 14' 3" or 16' 3"

Wall Lengths: 16', 20' or 24'

Pre-Stage Area: 16', 20' or 24' (matches wall length)

*Subject to change without notice

Why a Prestage Framing Table?

The new field-tested Triad PreStage Framing Table, designed and built with customer input, can bring increased productivity to your panel shop.

Triad's exclusive and unique design merges a pre-layout material-staging area with a fast and efficient framing station -- into a single unit that can assist with rapid throughput in your plant.

A powerful, built-in continuous track system lifts and conveys components and material to framers ­ and then the finished panels to your next station.

Initial customer field production, from a Texas plant, has shown an average of 3600 linear feet per day (8 hr shift) of framed walls in their facility!

New Monet DeRobo Linear Saw

New, DeRobo linear saw by Monet organizes "fill" boards to increase optimization of each board, can produce unlimited scarf cuts, cuts 1 or 2 boards at a time and cuts webs, chords, wedges, rafters and open-stair stringers. Works with all major connector plate manufacturer's software. Features include 22 inch blade, left-to-right feed direction standard, lumber push and pull grippers for more accuracy, ink marking on the 1 1/2" face of the incoming boards and small piece capture and delivery to the front of the saw for easy access. Infeed deck and bunk feed are shown as options only. 480 volt, 3phase. Call for pricing, FOB MO.

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

New Spida Rolsplicer

New Square 1 Rolsplicer, splices 2"x3", 2"x4" and 2"x6" lumber with a 3 to 4 second cycle time. Presses the lumber together prior to imbedding plates. Embeds plate lengths up to 19 inches. Features two, recessed, simultaneous-activation buttons, guarded motor and sprockets, external lubrication points, 3 HP motor and a footprint of 59" long x 42" wide. Optional 20' infeed and 10' outfeed conveyor available. 480 volt, 3 phase electrical. Other voltages available.

$29,800 FOB IN

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

NEW!

2002 Koskovich Auto Omni 5 Blade

Component Saw

2002 Auto Omni 5 blade automated component saw includes shaker waste conveyor with factory side pans, [3] 20 inch blades, [1] 30 inch blade and [1] 12 inch blade. Fully automated setup with full power length and all axis angulation, single sided setup from operator console, 2×3 through 2×12, 22’ to 3′ @ 90°/90°, and spare blades. 208/240/480 volt, 3 phase, 100 Amp and 120 vac, 90 Amp electrical required.

Price: $19,990 FOB PA Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2008 Alpine PF90 Wall Panel Saw

2008 Alpine PF 90 wall panel cutting and marking system. 3.5″ x 12″ maximum cutting profile, Inkjet option, cuts to 16 ft long. From the OEM’s literature, “Effortlessly handles two of the most critical and difficult processes in any wall panel operation – plate cutting and panel layout. At the rate of 1,000 linear feet per hour or more, uses data from the design software and accurately marks stud, cripple and jack locations, job and panel number, subcomponent and window/door locations, and even sheathing locations on both top and bottom plates simultaneously with ink-jet printing.

MORE INFORMATION HERE

$8,499 FOB NY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

REPRESENTATIVES

Safety Speed Manufacturing Model 6400 Panel Saw

Safety Speed Manufacturing model 6400 vertical panel saw, 3 HP worm drive motor, 64 inch crosscut, 1 3/4" inch maximum thickness, accuracy within 1/64th of an inch, 10 foot welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. Dust collection ready. Options available include lower frame extensions, digital readouts, laser guide, stop bar, vacuum and midway fence. 120 volt. Starting at $5,169 FOB MN.

2019 MiTek Blade Linear Saw (# 2)

MiTek Blade model number 89060-501, with 20′ infeed, face printing via Matthews printer model DOD 8000+ Maxi. Features 17″ saw blade powered by 5HP motor to cut 2×3 through 2×12 boards. Left to Right in-feed in “Reverse U” configuration with 18′ out-feed conveyor. Includes any available spare parts, 230v/3Ph electrical power required, and 110 PSI at 40-50 CFM air pressure as specified by the OEM.

$364,990 FOB CA

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

SAWS

Speed Cut Saw with 2006 Alpine Speed Cut Express

• Speed Cut Metra-Cut Saw

• 5 HP Motor with 16" Blade

• 2006 Speed Cut Express Automation with Touch Screen Computer

• Automated Stop and Automated Saw Angulation as directed by Truss Design Software

• Infeed/Outfeed Roller Conveyor with Stands

• Saw Barrier Guard

• In working condition when taken out of service in August 2020 $13,900 FOB IA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Time To Hire?

Safety Speed Manufacturing Model 7400 XL Panel Saw

Safety Speed Manufacturing, model 7400 XL*, vertical panel saw, 3 HP induction motor, 64 inch crosscut, 2 1/8" maximum thickness, accuracy within 0.005 inches, 13 foot long welded steel frame with integrated stand and linear V-guides, enclosed counterweight system, adjustable vertical and horizontal rules. Quick changes from vertical to horizontal cutting. Includes machined aluminum material rollers, hold down bar, wheels, quick stop gauges and material hold downs. Dust collection ready. Options available include digital readouts for vertical cuts, automated length measuring, laser guide, stop bar, vacuum and midway fence. 208-230/460 volt, 3 phase electrical (208-230 single phase, 2 HP power optional +$100.00).

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

We create transformative website and app experiences

Since 2006, we've been helping businesses of all kinds build their online presence. We make websites and software for the construction industry to empower companies to reach a wider customer base and engage their audiences. Companies all around the world work with us to make websites and apps that people actually want to use. Reach out to Wolf X Machina if you're a business and you want a website that actually drives results.

WOLF X MACHINA

www.wolfxmachina.com info@wolfxmachina.com

New Monet DeWall Saw Monet DeWall 90/90 wall panel marking saw is a computer numeric controlled wall panel saw with touch screen user interface. Cuts and marks up to 2 boards at a time using 2x4 through 2x8 or cuts and marks one board at a time. Call for pricing, FOB MO

765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Turning Supply Chain Constraints Into Opportunities

Looking back at my articles in 2022, have you noticed what several have in common? Consider the plants featured in these stories:

• United Edge Structural Components, “In-Line Truss Production Starts With Lumber Picking” (December)

• United Truss, “The Most Automated, Most Toured Truss Plant” (October)

• St. Lawrence Structures, “Threading the Needle with a High Rise Lumber PickLine” (February)

• R&K (USLBM), “Incremental CapEx ROI and Plant Tours” (September), and Wisconsin Building Supply (USLBM), “A Weekend Install and a Packers Home Game” (November).

These truss plants have taken a leap of faith and are now running their truss plants with Enventek Process Organization Technology to “Pick their Lumber, Cut their Lumber, and Build their Trusses.” No changes are needed in their design offices as we synchronize and integrate their operations, regardless of which third-party plate supplier or third-party table automation systems (lasers and puck systems) they utilize. Our process will optimize any plant equipment that reads industry standard cutting and laser datafiles, and production orders generated by all plate supplier’s software will be processed to take full advantage of the efficiencies of our system.

The underlying technology, design, and software of our platform is simple, robust, and safe, the proof of which has been recorded for over 15 years (since 2007). In fact, these attributes enabled us to overcome many of last year’s supply chain issues, especially those that were chip-related.

Edmond Lim, P.Eng. LimTek Solutions Inc.

The 44 ft Live Deck and RetroC (right side) at Okaw Truss, Arthur, IL

Furthermore, our systems are all Linux-based running on USB thumb drives. The motion control communication throughout the RetroC, PickLine, and PlantOne is done with ethernet cable, which has the added benefit of quick diagnostics and simple troubleshooting. The Enventek VC1 is the only proprietary component within the RetroC, PickLine, and PlantOne platform, and it is the versatility of our proprietary PLC that has enabled us to overcome critical supply chain issues.

Shown are three different iterations of the same electrical control panel using different Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) manufacturers. The Enventek VC1 is the common denominator that makes it all work no matter which supplier delivers on time.

The silver lining of 2022’s supply chain issues (and peace of mind to our customers) was that we went to work to further future-proof our platform by implementing and programming our VC1 to handle multiple VFD manufacturers when our default suppliers could not deliver on time. The VFDs we now support include: GS10 Series, GS20 Series, Weg CFW100 Series, Weg CFW300 Series, Weg CFW500 Series, FMX Series, GS1 Series, GS2 Series, and GS3 Series Drives.

When you’re ready to see our efficient and effective systems for yourself, let us know! Inside and out, LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation.

https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions

The 250 ft indoor Lumber PickLine at Okaw Truss, Arthur, IL

New Spida Floor Truss Finish Press

New Spida floor truss finish roller press, four-foot wide (other widths available) x 3 1/2” tall throat. Use of this process speeds assembly and transports finished truss away from the production area, adds quality and peace of mind for your finished floor trusses. The unique “uni-body” construction creates a ridged machine that does a final press of the connector plates for complete embedment into lumber, saving wear on your floor assembly machine. 12” diameter rolls, 7 1/2 HP motor, 80# chain, 114 FPM speed, emergency photoelectric shut-off, chain and sprocket guards, integrated brake. Available options include: other roller widths, Heavy-Duty upgrade, gear motor drive, and soft start controls. 480 volt, 3 phase electrical. Other voltages available.

•

•

• 4 Bolt Flange Bearings

• Idle and Motorized Rollers

• 1/4 HP Motors (240/480 Volt-3 Phase) with Controls

• 1" and 1 1/4" Cold Rolled 24" Shafts Baffled

• 6 to 8 Week

It’s not a puzzle if all pieces fit together.

With effectively zero setup time, WizardPDS® lets you build every truss, and any job, faster. The vertically aligned pins provide uniform clamping force distribution for superior jig fixturing and PERFECT heel height control. WizardPDS® features snap-to pin reassignment for locating interior features and webs. WizardPDS® automation handles anything thrown at it; standard trusses, complicated trusses, short runs - all the time consuming variables that significantly impact your time and schedule.

Automation spaced avg. 24” o.c. - NO manual jigging. WizardPDS® the fastest, most reliable, and most accurate, 100% automated jig system.

WizardPDS®. Your table, automated.

TRUSS EQUIPMENT

2018 Clark Mini Barn Press, builds rigid frames for sheds from 8 foot to 14 foot spans, to 3′-6″ height. Builds mansard and rafter shapes. Includes (5) track mounted heads with 8″ x 10″ platens, material clamps, 10 HP hydraulic power unit with manifold for air and fluid, ball valve controls, mounting track and all available jigging. 460 volt, 3 phase electrical required.

$19,997 FOB TX Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

2007 Clark Industries Horizontal Truss Stacker Model HVS, Two Unit, 2-Zone, 14’ Horzontal Stacking System. Two lifting units (one master and one slave) with integral electrics. A truss sensing system consisting of adjustable laser sensors mounted on slide rails. One indoor electric control enclosure & panel w/PLC and manual controls. A stacker-conveyor interface package comprised of (1) mounted 3-push button enclosure and (1) remotely mounted 2-push button enclosure (pause/ emergncy stop). Hand-held Wampfler Remote Control System. 8 stacking rails and 4 stripping posts. Stack 1 5/8” thick x 14’ tall trusses up to 30 high. Stack a truss in approximately 40 seconds (cycle time). Stack up to 55’ or longer trusses on each side of the conveyor with minor assistance for truss sag, shorter lengths can be stacked unassisted. Excludes 77’ Walk Through Conveyor System. Two systems available at $25,000 NOW $19,900 Each. FOB NE. Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

WESCANA FLOOR TRUSS MACHINE

• 7' x 40' Table with 3/4" Steel Table Top

• Two 5' Park Sections

• Truss Depths from 12" to 26"

• Truss Flip-Over Arms

• Side or End Ejectors

• Bui lt-In Camber for Clamping on Both Sides

• Air Cylinders Under Table

• 2 Contr ol Valves for Clamping

• 1 Contr ol Valve for FlipOver Arms

• 1 Control Vlave for Ejectors

• 24" Diameter x 1" Wall Thickness Roller

• 10 HP / 3 Phase Gear Motor

• Front & Rear Emergency Shut-Off Bars

• Joystick Control

• 2' per Second Travel Speed

gantry system with Wizard automated jigging. Features (18) table sections with ejector rollers, (34) rails of Wizard automation at 24″ OC spacing for approximately 68′ of automation, (1) 8′ park stations, (1) 8′ park station with integrated conveyors leading to final roller, (1) table guided, pendant controlled gantry head, (1) 24″ diameter finish roller press, (8) 14′ interior idler rollers, (8) 14′ interior powered rollers, (13) short (approx. 7′) idler conveyors, and (4) 14′ 3-roller idler beds with an additional (2) powered rollers and (2) idler rollers outside. 208V, 3 phase power required. $674,990 FOB CA

Table Guided Gantry System by Spida Machinery

2018 Clark Mini Barn Press

A Vekta Trip Down Under

By Aaron Bahner General Manager Vekta USA

For anyone who’s ever wanted to take a trip Down Under, I have the perfect reason for you to go – visiting Vekta! December brought an exciting opportunity for me to make my first trip to visit the Vekta headquarters and factory in Perth, Australia. I started as the General Manager of Vekta USA back in January of 2020 but with the pandemic, closed borders, and a backlog of customer activities, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel halfway around the world until now.

Although “working virtually” has become “normal” for so many of us, even when working in the same city or state, it’s still no substitute for in-person. I’ve had nearly two years of onboarding virtually, working with my management peers, engineering, and technical staff remotely, building business relations and social connections, but this was my chance for a true face-to-face. My excitement for the trip to Perth though was met with some hesitancy. I consider myself a fairly seasoned traveler, having been to Europe several times in my career, but something about this was very different…. Oh yeah, it is twice as far and requires a 16-hr flight!

But it was worth it! Quickly after my arrival, I was greeted at the airport by Ed Serrano, Managing Director of Vekta, and shuttled off to my hotel to get caught up on some of the events for the weeks ahead. Thank goodness, because someone installed the steering wheel on the wrong side of his vehicle and I’m not sure how I would have handled that straight out of the airplane! (BTW, has anyone ever wondered why there isn’t an exam of some type before driving in another country? But I digress.)

The timing of my trip worked out for several occasions. One of them was to mark the first anniversary of the new office and factory site in Perth. The new site is a testament to the growth of the company over the past years. This site is 4x larger than the previous site and the staffing levels have grown exponentially to keep up to the demands of the business. There are now dedicated areas to manufacture and assemble each of the product lines for Vekta that previously needed to be shared – which means they’ve removed our internal bottlenecks in the delivery of the larger systems that are becoming almost the standard for Vekta Automation systems.

It was also very special to have the opportunity to attend the company Holiday party with all the local staff. Since the whole Vekta team has gotten so much larger, a venue outside of the office was needed and this year the party was held at Scitech, a local

children’s science center. The culture at Vekta is very family-oriented and this proved to be a fantastic site to match this part of the culture. There were kids running around everywhere enjoying all of the learning exhibits while the adults were given some opportunity to share stories and tales from the busy year behind us. Two newly hired employees who hadn’t even started their first days yet were included too, showing again what a great team culture we have.

After several days in Perth and armed with a new suitcase filled with parts for customers back in the US, I headed off with Ed to Melbourne next. Two very large installations were going on there and all the Field Service Technicians were called into action to help push to the end of the year. This also provided an opportunity to have this group and their partners all together for yet another Holiday celebration. These team members are the ones who are on the phones, email and sites to offer technical support to our customers on a daily basis.

The work consumed me for the two weeks I was in Australia, with late nights and early mornings to communicate back with my staff and customers in the US. It was nearly the last day when I realized there was one very important tourist thing I needed to do – see a kangaroo! So without delay Rob Bellian, the Sales and Marketing Manager, whisked me off to help check that box. Luckily, he had a spare Akubra hat for me to wear to make the occasion even more authentic!

I am grateful that I finally had the opportunity to travel to Vekta headquarters and factory after nearly two years working with the company. I made several connections and learned many valuable processes that I will bring back with me to Vekta USA. The time spent collaborating with my fellow managers and teammates on the other side of the world could never be replicated in the virtual world, and I’m proud to work with such a great team. If you’re considering a trip Down Under, be sure to include a stop at Vekta!

Ed and his family

PANEL EQUIPMENT

2016 Triad exterior and interior wall panel lines with conveyors and terminal stations. Builds 2×4 and 2×6 walls up to 16’ in length with wall heights from 6’-9” to 10’-2” and includes Component Nailer model FTN and panel lift model XPL1000:

Exterior line includes (2) sets of Rough Opening Assembly tables model RO-CAT, framing table model Gen II with manual nail-gun tool dollies each side & stud locators at 16” and 24” o.c., squaring and sheathing table model Gen II with staple & routing combo bridge & side shift for seams @ 3” & 6” o.c. fasteners, top & bottom plate gun mounts for 6” o.c. fasteners, auto stop & tilt features, (3) 10 ft skatewheel conveyors, (4) 20 ft x 36″ roller conveyors and (4) powered infeed conveyors with chain track. Interior line includes Rough Opening Assembly table model RO-CAT, framing table model Diamond Quad with manual nail-gun tool dollies each side, pop-up rollers & stud locators at 16” and 24” o.c., (2) 10 ft skatewheel conveyors, (4) 20 ft x 36″ roller conveyors.

System sold for over $223,000 new. Sold as one system only. 110 volt, 1 phase electrical required. 100 PSI air required.

Used Triad G2 Wall Assembly Equipment

Used Triad wall assembly equipment includes 16 ft x 12′-3″ max height framing station, model G2, with (2) two-tool dollies, squaring/ sheathing combo table, model G2 SH-SQ, with multi-tool mount nailing bridge and separate manual-drive router bridge, quantity of (6) 10 ft long x 2 ft wide idler roller conveyors with (4) legs, and Triad model FTCN component nailing station with four Hitachi NR83A nail tools.

Framer includes 16″ and 24″ color-coded stud locators, pop-up skate wheel conveyors, tool dollies have two tool mounts each (no tools) and powered height adjustment. Sheathing bridge includes joy-stick controls, tool offset, tool tilt, laser guide, power return and mounts for up to (23) Hitachi nail tools. Router and all available spare parts included. 120 volt, 1 phase, 30 Amp electrical required. 100 PSI air required.

PANEL EQUIPMENT

Wall Panel Work-Station (Green)

Custom fabricated, heavy-duty table ideal for producing rough openings, rake-walls, even interior walls. Table features a squaring lip, double-row pneumatic liftouts, duplex 110v outlet for hand tools. Table dimensions: 16’ 4 1/2” long, 9’ 5” wide, 30 1/2” high.

$9,490 FOB KY Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Wall Panel Work-Station (Blue)

Custom fabricated, heavy-duty table ideal for producing rough openings, rake-walls, even interior walls. Table features a squaring lip, double-row pneumatic liftouts, duplex 110v outlet for hand tools.

Table dimensions: 17’ 8 3/4” long, 9’ 5” wide, 25 1/2” high.

$9,490 FOB KY

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Building a Gold Standard Design Service

By Dave Walstad All Points Technical

I’ve been in the truss business for 42 years, starting out as a Truss Designer and Architectural Draftsman for the family lumber company in Madison, Wisconsin. After relocating to Green Bay in 1986, I spent 10 years with Stock Lumber as Project Engineer and Plant Manager. Then, I left the wood side and joined a light gauge steel truss startup in Atlanta, GA. Missing snow and cold weather though, I accepted the position of President and COO of US Components and moved back up north to New Jersey. There, I started by taking over 3 truss plants, that grew to 16 plants, and eventually the company became one of the 6 operating divisions of ProBuild. As we all know, the downturn in 2008 necessitated many changes including many at ProBuild, so my next destination was 6 years with MiTek as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Zone 4 and USP Hanger Products division.

So why did I start All Points Technical? The simple answer is because I saw a need and a means to fill that need. In my role at ProBuild, I had overseen 70 truss designers in India, and many of them were interested in returning to business with me as a new design service with significant years of truss design experience. Seeing other groups start up and fail, however, led me first to enroll at Harvard University for a semester, studying Disruptive Strategy to help identify and create a new model and gold standard for offshore design talent.

Today, All Points has staff in 4 countries, providing roof and floor truss design, EWP layout and EWP design, lumber and building material takeoffs, lateral load tie down estimating, and hanger takeoffs. And we have just added All Points 360, which is a department dedicated to kitchen and bath design, drafting, Revit, Cad–home builder plans, structural detailing, and more. For anyone concerned about the accounting side when working with “foreign” companies, we’ve got that covered too. All Points has independently owned corporations in both the USA and Vietnam to easily handle payroll and tax requirements out of the country.

Most importantly for me, I’m also able to continue on this career journey with my wonderful wife, Soung Vo. Not only is she the owner of All Points Technical–Vietnam, she won the title of Ms. World Businesswoman of the Year in 2019. She also brings exceptional business expertise to our company.

All

As an added bonus, launching All Points Technical allows me to stay engaged with the industry where I’ve being spending most of my life. There’s no business quite like the components industry, and I always enjoyed being involved in WTCA/SBCA too. Some may even remember me from when I served as President of the Wisconsin Chapter (WTMA) and later the Mid Atlantic Chapter (MAWTC).

1-941-713-4395 www.AllPoints.Tech Dave.AllPoints@gmail.com Offices Panama HCMC Bengaluru,

My years of experience on the manufacturing side have definitely helped me in my transition to All Points Technical. With offices in Panama City Beach, FL, HCMC (Saigon), Vietnam, and Bangalore, India, our truss designers can handle most any software. Every engagement with our customers is custom-designed to help you grow and increase your company clock speed with a strategic competitive advantage. Get in touch to discuss how we can help.

2021 Panels Plus Tilt Table

2021 Panels Plus Tilt Table provides the ability to easily access all sides of the wall panel, including the backside. The table includes horizontal rollers, pneumatic lift cylinders, and a moveable control pedestal. The table pneumatically lifts the wall panel from lying flat to a 75-degree angle. Once the panel is rolled into the tilt table, it is clamped tightly in place and will stay secure when tilted, allowing for easy access to work on the backside of the wall to inspect the wall panel for “shiners” or install horizontal blocking, windows, etc. OEM Specifications: here $37,993- FOB VA Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Reconditioned dual 16’ foot long light bars, includes spare light board. Light bars are compatible with all light-bar equipped or ready IBS/Comsoft, Panels Plus, etc. wall panel equipment driven by ITW (IBS) or other compatible design software. 110 volt, single phase electrical. $18,890 NOW $16,550 FOB MN.

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

New Panels Plus Wall Panel Framing Equipment

Consider Panels Plus wall panel assembly equipment for manufacturers of wood or steel wall panels, floor-panels, and related framing components. Panels Plus is an employee owned, ISO certified, manufacturing company that builds state-of-the-art equipment featuring durable construction, with fit and finish second to none in the structural building component industry. The referenced base framing table allows you to assemble from 7-12 foot wall heights, at industry standard 16 foot lengths, at a working height of 29 to 32 inches. This framer design includes controls at each end of table, squaring stops and pneumatic clamping for consistent wall panel quality. Frames 2x4 or 2 x 6 walls, with color-coded, steel stud locators at 16 and 24 inches O.C. spacing. Includes pop-up skate wheels for easy transfer of completed wall frame. Framing table can be configured to receive wall framing light bars, other options include custom buildable wall heights, lengths and auto-indexing of optional 2 or 3 tool carriages.

Additionally from Panels Plus are sheathing tables with features that include foot pedal control at squaring end of table, with squaring stops, roller conveyors at both sides, single pendant controls for bridge, tool spacing at 6 inch centers with 3 inch bridge shift for offset nailing. Tool bridges can accommodate from 2 x 4 to 2 x 8 walls, with seam tilt being standard equipment Panels Plus Tool Bridges are available with single beam or dual beam design for two different tool mounts on one bridge. Squaring stations, sub-component tables, conveyors and panel lifts are also available to complete the configuration of the wall panel assembly line. Price includes factory installation and training. 50 CFM at 120 psi air. 120 or 230 volt, 1 phase electrical.

Your software. Your data. Your decisions.

Modern business relies on actionable data to drive decisions. That’s why truss component manufacturers rely on Simpson Strong-Tie. As a partner to the construction industry, we’re continuing to invest more resources in solutions built just for you. Our open-platform software can be integrated with your existing systems and equipment for smoother collaboration inside and outside the company. At the same time, it provides secure access to proprietary data, so customized reports can be created with greater ease and control. Use your data, your way, and drive business results.

Get the software you need to manufacture business success. To learn more, visit our website at go.strongtie.com/componentsolutions or call (800) 999-5099.

Simpson Strong-Tie® Building Technology | Software and Service for Smarter Business

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2021 Triad Router Bridge & Portion of V-Track

2021 Triad Routing Bridge with approximately (20) feet of v-track. Fits over tables that build up to 12′ nominal height wall panels. Includes powered automatic bridge return, powered vertical router movement, manual fine adjustment wheel, manual vertical router travel with chain drive and (1) Milwaukee router, catalog #5625-20 120 volt, 1 phase, 15 Amp electrical required. No table included.

$28,970 NOW $5,000 FOB BC

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

IBS Tool Bridge & Router Bridge

IBS multi-tool bridge with (24) tool stations. Bridge features auto-return, button controls and laser guide mount. Fits up to 12′ nominal rail centers. IBS router bridge features (1) router, laser guide mount and lever-switch button controls. Fits up to 12′ nominal rail centers. Sold as a pair. Includes all available floor mounted, v-rail. Both bridges missing laser sub-assembly. 120vac, 120psi air.

$15,975 FOB UT

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

twm@thejobline.com

New Wall Panel Lift

• 8' to 12' Wall Heights

• 1,000 Lb Capacity

• Weight: 120 Lbs

• Excludes: Electric Hoist & Freestanding Bridge Crane $1,850 FOB NE

Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Floor

Framing Station

FOB: MN

New Panels Plus floor framing machine, supports the structural members creating floor sections from 2" x 6" LVL through 2" x 10" to 2" x 12" dimensional lumber, 20" deep wood floor trusses or engineered wood / I-joists. Standard footprint of floor panels (cassettes) up to 12' wide x 45' long. Table consists of a fixed section and a track-guided, moveable section controlled by either a foot switch or push-buttons.

Includes a series of color-coded locator pins at 16", 19.2 and 24" on-center spacing and clamping with squaring feature including foot pedal control. The locators individually flip down if a joist comes out on top of them. After the floor is complete and unclamped, the floor section can be raised up on skate-wheel conveyors and rolled out or lifted off the table using an overhead crane. Table height is 24.5", OAL 45.5 ft, OAW 14.5 ft. 120 volt, 1 phase, 15 Amp electrical required. 90 to 120 PSIG at 15 CFM air required.

/ Viking Wall Equipment

Triad squaring table with two bridges and one Viking power conveyor. Either bridge fits on the squaring table. Builds from 6′-9″ to 12′-3″ tall wall panels to 16′-0″ long. Triad squaring table, model G2SHSQ, has powered clamp / unclamp controls on either end of the fixed side of table.

Triad nailing bridge, model PSTT, has (24) tool mount locations with Paslode tool mounts, auto return and bottom plate laser sight mount. Changed by owner from staple tools to nail tools. Router bridge is manual travel. Viking powered conveyor 23 ft long with support platforms alongside both chains. Forward powered drive only. Foot pedal controls for drive motors. 120 volt, 1 phase electrical required. 100 PSI air required.

Truss Properties Manager with IntelliVIEW Suite 22.02

By John Croll, Solutions Delivery Manager

The Truss Properties Manager makes it easier for designers to review the trusses in the job and confirm they are designed as expected. Truss designers must consider a variety of factors when creating designs. They are expected to work quickly to produce lowcost and highly accurate jobs per their customers’ requirements. Alpine’s IntelliVIEW Software has enabled efficient truss designing for decades, and with the new Truss Properties Manager this task is even more achievable.

Easily Review Trusses

Truss Properties Manager is a dockable window within iModel which hosts a table containing all the trusses in the layout, along with their corresponding properties. The tool makes it easier for designers to review the trusses in the job and confirm they are designed as expected. For example, the table shows the loading applied to each truss, truss type, chord size, quantity, and relevant dimensions such as height, span, heel height, overhang, and more.

The user can sort, filter, and group by any field in the table to make the search and review functions as efficient as possible. They can also add conditional formatting to easily highlight values that need attention. The table is also interactive with the layout. If more information is needed about a section of the building or an individual truss, the user can click on a truss to view it and highlight it in the layout for further investigation.

Fast and Accurate Designs

By making the truss design and review process more efficient, Alpine is helping customers reduce errors and turn around jobs more quickly. Truss Properties Manager helps highlight potential errors in the layout by presenting clear and actional information to the designer. It also reduces the time required to review trusses and avoid costly mistakes. This powerful tool is useful for all jobs, especially those with a wide variety of truss profiles and loading conditions.

Save Time With Customizations

Alpine has recently developed value-added features to Truss Properties Manager that optimize the user experience. The tool can be customized to show only the columns each designer requires, and any filtering/sorting is saved for the next time it is opened. This saves the user time to achieve their preferred view and allows flexibility based on designer preferences. Each user is able to save up to three different Truss Properties Manager views, with a unique customization for each window. The data from Truss Properties Manager can also be exported to an external text file or spreadsheet. All of this adds up to be a useful and customizable tool that makes the truss design process better.

Customized views for improved designer flexibility.

New Hanger Manager Tool

Paired with Truss Properties Manager is the Hanger Manager, which presents a similar interface for reviewing all hangers in the layout. This is a separate window, ensuring the required hardware associated with the job is available before producing and shipping it. To learn more about how the Truss Properties Manager can improve your design process, please contact info@alpineitw.com.

IT’S ONE THING IN LIFE TO MAKE THE CUT. IT’S ANOTHER TO MAKE IT BETTER.

Designed for high-volume floor truss web output with even greater safety, the Monet DeSauw FWA-500 AC (for “automated controls”) offers the very latest in operator-friendly saw technology. Perfect for manufacturers running floor trusses in large volumes with variable web design, the 500 AC features automation for all blades, including the fixed cut-off blade for minimal waste. And without any need to open the saw motor cabinets, except for periodic service, you’ll benefit from enhanced safety as well. You might say that with the fully automated FWA-500 AC, Monet DeSauw has set a new standard. Again. Contact us today to discuss how this exceptional machine can positively impact your production goals.

New Spida Wall Extruder Panel Assembly System

The concept of the Spida Extruder is to bring materials to a central location as the product is extended or “extruded” to create the framed wall panel. A single operator in one central location, feeds the studs and sub-components in-between the plates, while the Extruder does the nailing. The Extruder features (4) servo-controlled, indexing, bracket-mounted tools that can be coil or stick fed, hands-free clamping of plates and is adjustable for wall heights starting from 5’-11”, with options to build walls to 12‘3”, from 2×4″ to 2×8″ lumber.

An option is available to add an intermediate tool mount, for fastening blocking between studs, a notoriously slow process in wall panelization that usually reduces production. The Extruder design makes this connection much easier for the operator, keeping your wall production high.

The support stations are adjacent to the Extruder and operators at those stations build the sub-component openings, sub-assemblies (like ladders) which are conveyed to the central operator’s station, where they are dropped and nailed into the panel in sequence.

Conveyors and transfer tables of various configurations are used to bring the parts to the Extruder. Each design takes advantage of curved or raised conveyors to efficiently bring materials to the Extruder and fit within your plant’s material flow in the most efficient way possible.

Once the wall panel is framed, it proceeds by conveyor to a squaring station and a sheathing station for completion. Here too, the sheathing is fastened as the panel passes by the sheathing bridge with its’ (4) four, high-speed tools. There are options for router bridges and automated ply loading. The Spida Sheather is a fully automated, CNC machine that features touch screen controls and tilt nailing at seams.

Over ten years in development and use in Australia and Asia, there are now several locations using the Extruder here in North America. A typical system can be installed in about (5) hours thanks to the modular, “plug-and-play” design of the Spida wall equipment. 120 volt, 1 phase, 15 Amp electrical required and 110 PSI air @ 6 CFM required for each Extruder and Sheather station.

By Thomas McAnally TheJobLine.com

What Does It Take to Hire Good Candidates?

Working as a recruiter for 30 years, I have seen everything from no jobs to no candidates, and everything in between. Now, with single family slowing and multifamily still strong, what do I expect recruiting will look like in 2023? Competitive yet manageable, especially if you understand the market realities.

I have candidates who are looking for the right job, and employers looking for candidates. The problem in 2022 was sealing the deal without blowing up your compensation standards for everyone. In 2022 for single-family truss designers, we had a lot more jobs than candidates, so they could push for more money, more benefits, and more flexibility to find their work-life balance. Work-life balance I think defined 2022, especially for younger candidates with kids who saw a need to have more flex time to manage their family needs. It’s not like back in the day when many of us had a mom at home and dad working. Now both parents work, if they can find day care. Obligations like taking children to the doctor, school meetings, and other things that a stay-at-home parent could manage are now taking time away from work, unless there are other options from employers to being flexible.

Time changes how we do business and how we think of the employer/employee relationship. It’s not the 1970s, or even the 1990s. The generation that grew up during the Great Recession is less likely to be looking for a long-term job relationship unless the company provides them with an ability to find work-life balance. Flexible hours, hybrid remote, even full remote are options that are now mainstream. Most employers, good employers that is, will see that making their employees’ life less stressful both at work and at home will pay off. I have clients who help with day care because it is THE issue in their area. This help can be having their HR department pre-screen local providers to provide a list for employees and then some go the extra mile and subsidize day care by paying part of the cost. When you think of how many of your employees have kids that need day care, adding a day care segment to your benefits plan can be THAT difference for a prospective candidate.

The real answer to “what does it takes to hire good candidates” is “a great employer.” Look at your people and see what their challenges are, both at work and at home, and make it a little easier for them to balance demands that pull them in all directions. Are meetings too distracting, too frequent, taking time from productive work, or does an employee need to pick kids up from school and be home for part of the day? As long as the work gets done on time and within budget what can you offer? Maybe you will see a solution that makes you that employer who always gets good people.

Your “recruiter down the hall,” I’ve been recruiting off-site manufacturing industry professionals for 30 years through TheJobLine.com. Contact me for assistance with recruiting or your job search: twm@thejobline.com

New PROSTACK

WALL PANEL STACKER

Developed in a commercial wall panel production facility this is the remarkable ProStack, fully automated wall panel stacker. The ProStack relieves your build team from creating a stack of wall panels and keeps them building walls instead. Stacks 2×4 through 2×8 walls up to 20′ in length and up to 12 feet in height. The ProStack automatically centers each layer including multiple wall segments on the same layer, and the ability to “create” fork lift pockets for ease of loading in your yard or on the build site. (Please see video for more.) 208 volt, 3 phase, 45.3 full Amp load electrical required. No air required. Footprint is 26′-5″L x 19′-3″W.

Here are some of the features of the ProStack Wall Panel Stacker:

• Wall Length Max – 20’

• Wall Height Range – 8’ to 12’

• Material 2×4″ through 2×8″

• Total Weight capacity – 6,000 lbs.

• Total stack Height Max – 6’

• This unit stacks on-center

• System is able to stack on center layers that have multiple wall segments

• Siemens controls

• Full manual override controls via HMI

• Speed – 45-60 seconds per wall layer

$185,970 FOB NV

2016 Triad Wall

Assembly Equipment

2016 Triad exterior and interior wall panel lines with conveyors and terminal stations. Builds 2×4 and 2×6 walls up to 16’ in length with wall heights from 6’-9” to 10’-2” and includes Component Nailer model FTN and panel lift model XPL1000:

Exterior line includes (2) sets of Rough Opening Assembly tables model RO-CAT, framing table model Gen II with manual nail-gun tool dollies each side & stud locators at 16” and 24” o.c., squaring and sheathing table model Gen II with staple & routing combo bridge & side shift for seams @ 3” & 6” o.c. fasteners, top & bottom plate gun mounts for 6” o.c. fasteners, auto stop & tilt features, (3) 10 ft skatewheel conveyors, (4) 20 ft x 36″ roller conveyors and (4) powered infeed conveyors with chain track.

Interior line includes Rough Opening Assembly table model RO-CAT, framing table model Diamond Quad with manual nail-gun tool dollies each side, pop-up rollers & stud locators at 16” and 24” o.c., (2) 10 ft skatewheel conveyors, (4) 20 ft x 36″ roller conveyors.

System sold for over $223,000 new. Sold as one system only. 110 volt, 1 phase electrical required. 100 PSI air required.

10,000 Lb Tandem Axles (Dual Wheels). 26,000 GVWR. Deliver Trusses Vertically. Stretch from 18' to 38'. Raise Loads Hydraulically. Air Brakes. $6,900 FOB CA Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

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• Modified by LMI TENN

• Reinforced Roof

• 22.5 Tubeless Tires

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40'-0" Lower Deck, 12'-6" Upper Deck Hydraulic Tilt on Lower Deck Lower Deck has 3 Split Load Lifts Roller Locks (upper & lower decks) GVWR: 37,000 KG (81,400 LB) Air Ride Suspension Tires & Brakes are Good Winches & Straps Price in US Dollars $30,000 NOW $24,900 FOB ON Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

Memoriam In

In Memory of a Machinery Master

By Joe Kannapell

Pat Linton was a MiTek original, like none other, with his hands on and his arms around MiTek equipment for 44 years. He led by example, with the utmost humility, and was a key player in elevating MiTek machinery from mediocrity to magnificence. And his start, assembling two of the truss industry’s most prolific machines, couldn’t have been more auspicious. Here were Pat’s own recent recollections…

“I was hired on at Hydro-Air Engineering as an assembler late spring of 1978 at the old machinery plant on South Vandeventer. I spent the first three months basically building the press heads that would be used in the Mark 8 and 10 systems or the (world record holder multi-head) Glide-A-Way and helping out with a Beaver (floor truss machine) order every now and then.”

In mid-1978, Hydro-Air bought Art DePauw’s saw company in the Chicago suburbs and launched the most successful product line in industry history, but under incredible duress. Prior to the sale, Art had taken dozens of orders and down payments, without any means of fulfilling them, and precipitated a customer crisis that demanded drastic measures to resolve.

“I don’t remember the exact month, but I will say in September (1978) they were looking for volunteers to go up to St. Charles, Illinois to help build saws. I was young and single, so I accepted, I had nothing to lose. Steve Sueme being my age and a welder accepted to go as well so we drove up there together. Greg Finn joined us a few weeks after our arrival. It was a very small shop with a lot going on. You could see tons of parts everywhere throughout the shop since they were so busy. I have the number of 45 saws in my memory as to how many saws they had on order trying to fill. That was another reason we St. Louis people went up there, they needed help. We were working 70 plus hours a week.

Anyway, I could go on forever with more details like it being the coldest and snowiest winter that area had seen in years and how we warmed our toes up in our steel-toed boots with a torch and never walked outside, you always ran to where you were going. My time there lasted 6 months and by the time I left I could build a Quadri-Cut in my sleep and a Combi-Cut with a little help from a drawing.”

Pat Linton

Since the 12,000 sq ft Hydro-Air plant barely accommodated the DePauw saws, it was fortunate that a new 60,000 sq ft Earth City, MO plant was ready for occupancy just in time.

“After we left (St. Charles, Illinois) and came back to St. Louis, we actually built one saw on Vandeventer while they were still producing the saw in St. Charles. Towards the end of 1979, we started moving things into the Earth City plant. Obviously at the same time they were shutting down the St. Charles facility and shipping all the inventory down to us. When it all arrived, it almost looked like they just dumped all the parts bins in the truck on purpose to where we had to spend hours to sort through everything and separate them back into the individual bins. It may have been a coincidence that things just spilled in transit, but when several trucks showed up that way you almost had to think some feelings got hurt with the move.

Once we had Earth City up and running, the hydraulic side and presses slowed down due to the lack of orders, but it seemed like we always had a saw to build.”

In 1991, when Hydro-Air and Gang-Nail merged to become MiTek Industries, Inc., the DePauw and Idaco Saws were also merged into the Easy-Set Series, with which Pat became intimately familiar.

Though he knew our saws like the back of his hand, Pat’s from-the-ground-up knowledge of hydraulics kept him involved in every hydraulic press built by Hydro-Air, Gang-Nail, or MiTek. When MiTek bought Pacific Automation Company in 2003, Pat became the Auto-8, 10, and 14 expert in the office and in the field.

Through all his working days, Pat was exceedingly conscientious and didn’t rest until every job was done well. He resolved countless customer issues, and forestalled innumerable others. Pat worked hard every day, without a hint of his terminal illness, until ten days before he passed away.

What we didn’t see, but surely suspected, was Pat’s devotion to his Faith and family. He was the youngest of five children and had been hired by his older brother Gary (now deceased) when Gary ran the Hydro-Air plant. After his parents were gone, Pat returned to the house he grew up in, and was a father-like figure to his ten nieces and nephews.

Pat Linton’s sterling character, which animated his life while he served the truss industry, stands even taller now that he has left us. Rest in peace, Brother Pat!

MISC.

AMI Industrial Floor Carts

AMI's industrial floor trucks (material carts) are designed of hardwood construction, fitted with space-age phenolic, roller-bearing wheels, and ball bearing swivel casters for strength and durability. AMI's phenolic wheels resist shock without chipping. They are non-sparking, non-marking, and can be operated continuously between -50℉ and 260℉. They are unaffected by grease, oil or debris on your shop floor.

Series "B" AMI Industrial Floor Truck

Our swivel casters are precision built with perfectly aligned raceways. All cold-form parts are made to exacting tolerances from heavy-gauge steel, and are hardened for severe service and long wear. Series B-4 carts include four casters, one at each corner, to prevent "tri-cycling" of long lumber loads.

Standard Models Available

Max Load Weight (lbs.)

2748

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

Hain 20' Powered Measuring System

Adapts to Any Saw. Left or Right Hand Operation. Feet & Inches System (Stops at 12” Centers) or Inches System (Stops at 10” Centers). Motor: 1/4 HP Linear Actuator (110 Volt). Stop Rail: 2 x 4 x 1/4” Aluminum Extrusion. Stops: Jig Bored Steel. Stop Blocks: Machine Billet Aluminum. Optional Lengths from 5’ to 60’. Optional Gang Stop. Add $890 per 10’ Section of Heavy Duty Roller Conveyor with Stands $7,890

Wasserman & Associates 800-382-0329 www.wasserman-associates.com

We create transformative website and app experiences

Since 2006, we've been helping businesses of all kinds build their online presence. We make websites and software for the construction industry to empower companies to reach a wider customer base and engage their audiences. Companies all around the world work with us to make websites and apps that people actually want to use. Reach out to Wolf X Machina if you're a business and you want a website that actually drives results.

WOLF X MACHINA

www.wolfxmachina.com info@wolfxmachina.com

MISC.

IF ONLY YOU COULD NAIL EVERYTHING IN LIFE THIS EASILY.

With a Terminailer XP, it takes only one person to drive between 30% and 70% of the framing nails in any given job . And all this nailing is done within a secure enclosure, so your people are protected from costly nailing injuries while eliminating literally millions of repetitive motions ( 4,001,398 repetitive motions to be exact , judging from the total nail count tallied recently on a two year-old Terminailer XP).

That’s a lot of nails successfully installed to be sure, and a lot of debilitating repetition your workers’ hands are spared, without any complicated training, software or lengthy setup time required.

Developed by people who know wall panel production, Terminailer XP boasts multiple repeat buyers, 20-plus machines performing exceptionally in the field and tens of millions of nails installed. Thoroughly field-proven, Terminailer is ready to drive greater productivity for you. Contact us today for more information.

Wood

MISC.

The WoodRunner WR-2 lumber retrieval system seeks and retrieves the exact boards needed to cut. The core of the system is a trolley with an automated picking head. The trolley moves back and forth on a runway truss positioned over lumber carts while the picking head’s laser scans below. After locating the specific piece of lumber needed, the picking head uses a powerful vacuum to hold the board while moving it to the infeed deck. Call for Price Eide Integrated Systems, LLC 612-521-9193

New SL Laser Projection System

New, laser projection system from SL Laser. Projects roof truss, floor truss and wall panel design images accurately onto building surface, for faster setup and fabrication times. Each laser head provides 21' projection length (@15 foot ceiling heights). Includes system computer, cables, mounting hardware for attachment to customer's structure, factory installation, training and choice of green or red laser. Works with each connector plate manufacturer's design software. Modular nature of the laser heads allows for easy, future expansion of system length. 120 volt, 1 phase. FOB NC Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtechsystems.com

to use. Even a first time user will be productive with little or no training required. It can adapt to any saw and can be mounted to any surface so that you can integrate the MEA with your existing setup. The MEA is versatile allowing “left” or “right” handed operation and measurement in “feet and inches” or “inches” depending on your preference. The MEA is also available in a “Skid Mounted” version.

Design Connections Cost-Saving Measures and Memorable Debacles

Geordie Secord, Senior Recruiter TheJobLine.com – Canada

Arecent truss and EWP project had so many site-related problems, it must go down on my list of most memorable for all the wrong reasons. Like many of you, I’ve certainly experienced challenging jobs in the past, but it seemed like the stream of problems just never ended.

As is often the case, the homeowner felt that they could save themselves a considerable amount of money by avoiding hiring a qualified general contractor to manage the construction project. By looking after all the purchasing and hiring the various sub-trades directly, there was potentially a couple hundred thousand dollars to be saved. This custom house was large – about 5,000 square feet – but not ridiculously so, and although there were a few complications such as some cathedral ceilings, and multiple hip roofs over other hip roofs, the construction drawings were reasonably clear and well drawn. The low slope of the roof and high snow load for the area did create some additional design challenges, but eventually I was able to find a solution that met all of the important objectives:

• The exterior elevation of the finished house would match the architectural drawings.

• There would be no need to introduce support for the roof in the interior of the house. All loads were transferred to the exterior walls. This avoided any compromise to the interior layout resulting from additional columns or load bearing walls.

• All the roof framing was accomplished using trusses, with no need for on-site framing.

Several months after we delivered the truss and EWP package, the questions started:

• They claimed there were no truss hangers provided, and although our staff had proof that they had been shipped we sent additional hardware to the site.

• While investigating that, it became apparent that while framing the EWP floor system the framer had left out dozens of EWP hangers.

• The bargain-priced framer claimed that the trusses did not fit the roof profile and that some trusses were sticking through the roof. When questioned about what area of the truss layout this was on, he confessed that he not only didn’t have a copy of the truss layout while doing the install, but he had also only briefly looked at it and decided he could “figure it out on his own”!

When it came time for the framing inspection, it wasn’t a surprise to find that the building inspector had multiple concerns about the truss installation, and probably other issues as well. Despite the assurances we had been given that no trusses had been cut or altered, the inspector noted numerous locations where trusses installed in the wrong location had been cut (apparently with a chainsaw) to fit the roof profile, and other neighboring trusses had extra framing added on top. A 4-ply girder, supporting approximately 1,200 square feet of the house and with a reaction of over 40,000 pounds, was not only improperly and woefully inadequately laminated, but it was also being supported on a couple of wall studs, not the HSS column we had suggested the owner have the engineer design.

Could a qualified general contractor have kept this project on course better? I tend to think so, since they would have recognized early on that the framer, if he was even allowed on the site in the first place, was in way over his head on this project. The last communication we received regarding this project was that it is at a stand still. The inspector won’t sign off on the framing without a report from a qualified engineer and repairs as needed, the framing company has disappeared, the owner is yelling at everyone that they have to “fix” this and threatening legal action. Of course, we are only involved in a small portion of the project, but I can well imagine that there have been similar problems with other aspects of the project as well.

Absolutely no one in our industry likes to be involved in projects like this, but inevitably we will be at some point and to some degree. I’ve certainly wondered if we could have done things differently to prevent some of the debacle, but at least I know that the numerous notes, correspondence, and details we provided should have been more than sufficient for a qualified crew to install our products. Instead of hiring enough qualified professionals, in his effort to save a relatively small portion of the overall project cost, the owner will be spending many times that in delays, and rework, and still isn’t living in his new home.

Have you had projects go off the rails like this? Do you wonder if there was something that you could or should have done differently to prevent it? If so, please reach out, I’d love to hear from you.

If you want help finding that next perfect component designer or design job in Canada, please contact me. If your work is in the mass timber world anywhere in North America, I’d love to talk to you about connecting you to that next great job or candidate. You can reach me at secord@thejobline.com, or 800-289-5627 ext. 2. I’m also happy to engage at: LinkedIn.com/in/geordiesecord. www.thejobline.com

Scrap Incline Conveyor

Adjustable legs, side-rails, rough-top belt, 3-phase power As-Is, Where-Is.

$1,990 FOB KY

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Generation 3, Used 2018 Triad Framing Table

The Generation 3 Framing Table has adjustable 20’ long walls, with wall heights from 6’9” to 14’3”. Studs are placed between color-coded stud locators. With just a push of a button, the width adjustment clamp is activated to clamp and square all components. The Generation 3 Framer features a wider table top, designed with the framer in mind. Our new Anti-Slip Surface that allows the operator to work on a comfortable and safe surface.

Call for Price

Eide Integrated Systems, LLC 612-521-9193 www.eidemachinery.com

2021 Gorbel crane frame with 1,000 lb electric chain hoist

Purchased but never installed. Manual (x, y) movements, powered vertical movement. 15-ft wide bridge x 23 ft long x 14 ft height. Hoist moves at 16 feet per minute, includes pendant control, chain container and centering strap to minimize the need to reach for the control pendant. Last 3 photos show current condition & status. Other photos are of matching crane frame with hoist in place. 115 volt, 1 phase electrical required.

$16,690 FOB NV

Wood Tech Systems 765-751-9990

www.woodtechsystems.com

Calendar of Events

JANUARY 2023

January 17 Wisconsin Lumber Dealers Leadership Conference Wisconsin Dells, WI

January 18 – 20 114th North Dakota Retail Lumbermans Assoc. (NDRLA) Convention Fargo, ND

January 18 –February 2 University of Minnesota Annual Institute for Building Officials Brooklyn Center, MN

January 24 – 26 Structural Building Components Assoc. (SBCA) Open Quarterly Meeting Phoenix, AZ

January 31 –February 2 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders Show (IBS) Las Vegas, NV

January 31 –February 2 National Hardware Show Las Vegas, NV

FEBRUARY 2023

February 3 – 4 International Housing Assoc. (IHA) Annual Meeting Las Vegas, NV

February 6 – 7 Northwestern Lumber Assoc. (NLA) LBM Expo—North St. Cloud, MN

February 21–23 Timber Products Inspection Lumber Grading Course Peachtree City, GA

February 22 – 24 55th Annual NFBA 2023 Frame Building Expo Louisville, KY

February 27 –March 1 LBM Advantage Annual Buying Show Orlando, FL

February 27 –March 3 EduCode 2023 Conference & Exhibition Las Vegas, NV

February 28 –March 1 Northwestern Lumber Assoc. (NLA) LBM Expo—Nebraska La Vista, NE

MARCH

2023

March 1 Independent Dealers Education Association Services (IDEAS) Show King of Prussia, PA

March 1 – 2 Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC) Housing Conference State College, PA

March 2 – 3 Northwestern Lumber Assoc. (NLA) LBM Expo—Iowa Des Moines, IA

March 8 – 9 Lean Summit 2023 Tucson, AZ

March 8 – 10 Lumbermens Merchandising Corporation (LMC) Annual Charlotte, NC

March 8 – 10 Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Assoc. (SLMA) Spring Meeting & ExpoSavannah, GA

March

March 12 – 16 Build23: AWCI’s Convention + INTEX Expo Las Vegas, NV

March 13 – 16 AGC–The Construction Assoc. 2023 Annual Convention Las Vegas, NV

March 14 – 18 CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 Tradeshow Las Vegas, NV

March

March

March 28 – 30 Atlantic Builders Convention (ABC) Conference & Expo Atlantic, NJ

March 28 – 30 National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Assoc. (NLBMDA) 2023 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference Washington, D.C.

March 29 – 31 International Wood Products Assoc. (IWPA) 67th World of Wood ConventionSavannah, GA

APRIL 2023

April

The truss industry relies on 3rd party quality assurance services to provide random visits to review the plants Quality Assurance program along with their operations. If your plant needs to comply with the IRC, IBC and to those who depend on solid, experienced QA expertise, we ask you to consider selecting Timber Products Inspection, Inc. (TP) as your choice for 3rd party inspections.

Proudly serving the forest products industry for over 50 years, TP brings the expertise you need to ensure your business is successful. As a responsible partner, TP delivers to clients, employees, and the industries we serve the confidence to drive value through the effective use of our diverse professional team.

TP would like to welcome the following authorized agents to our inspection team, each of whom have many years of experience in the truss industry!

Al Coffman

Jean Hart

Curt Holler

Chuck Ray

Glenn Traylor

Elliot Wilson

If you have questions about how you can make this selection, please contact your authorized agent above or Glenn Traylor at 919-280-5905 or trusguy@gmail.com.

https://www.tpinspection.com/ https://www.tpinspection.com/auditing-services/truss

Don’t

Forget!

Técnicas para levantar objetos pesados

From State Fund CA.

Safe Lifting Techniques

Back injuries account for about one in every five job-related injuries in California workplaces. Disabling back injuries are no laughing matter for workers who lose time from work or from personal activities. The sad truth is that most of the pain and lost time can been prevented if you are aware of how the back functions and how to lift safely to protect your back.

The back is a network of fragile ligaments, discs, and muscles which can easily be thrown out of order. The back’s complex design breaks down when it’s forced to perform activities it was not designed to do. Lifting with the back twisted or bent just begs for a pulled muscle or ruptured disc. One sure way to risk injuring the back is to lift heavy or bulky loads improperly or unassisted. Never be afraid to ask for help with loads that you know you cannot lift safely. Lift with good sense and a little extra help from a co-worker or mechanical aid when necessary.

If you decide you are capable of lifting a light load, make sure you lift correctly.

• Move in so that your feet are close to the base of the object to be lifted.

• Face the object squarely. Bend your knees and squat over the item to be lifted. In this position, the back gets added lifting strength and power from the legs and arms.

• Move up close to the item, because the backbone must act as a supporting column, and it takes the least strain close in.

• Tilt the item on edge with its long axis straight up so that the center of the weight is as high as possible above the ground.

• Still squatting, the feet should be set with legs pointed right at the load, with the back straightened, the worker may then grasp the load with both arms and slowly stand up with it, pushing up with the leg muscles. If you can’t lift slowly, you can’t lift safely.

A good way to learn the right from the wrong way to lift is to practice lifting correctly a few times. You will notice that the correct way to lift is the easiest way to lift the load, with the least strain and awkwardness. To lift the wrong way will, over time, cause injury and pain. The back can be damaged quickly but can take a long time to heal.

Las lesiones de la espalda constituyen una de cada cinco lesiones relacionadas con el trabajo en California. Las lesiones a la espalda que resultan en incapacidad no son chiste para los trabajadores que pierden horas de trabajo o de actividades personales. La triste verdad es que la mayoría del dolor y el tiempo perdido pueden evitarse si se sabe cómo funciona la espalda y cómo levantar de forma segura los objetos pesados para protegerse la espalda.

La espalda es una red frágil de ligamentos, discos y músculos que pueden lastimarse con facilidad. El diseño complejo de la espalda deja de funcionar correctamente cuando se le fuerza a ejecutar actividades para las cuales no ha sido diseñada. Levantar objetos pesados con la espalda doblada es una forma fácil de estirarse un músculo o romperse un disco de la columna vertebral. Una manera sin falla de lastimarse la espalda es levantar un objeto pesado o voluminoso incorrectamente o sin ayuda. Nunca tenga temor de pedir ayuda para levantar objetos que usted sabe que no es capaz de levantar en forma segura por sí solo. Levante los objetos pesados aplicando el buen juicio y con la ayuda de un compañero de trabajo o ayuda mecánica cuando sea necesario.

Si usted decide que es capaz de levantar una carga ligera, asegúrese de levantarla de la forma correcta.

• Colóquese de manera que tenga los pies cercanos a la base del objeto a levantar.

• Sitúese directamente de cara al objeto. Doble las rodillas y haga cuclillas sobre el objeto a levantar. En esta posición, la espalda recibe la potencia de izar adicional que le brindan las piernas y los brazos.

• Colóquese cerca del objeto, porque la columna vertebral debe funcionar como una columna de apoyo, y estando cerca del objeto recibe menos esfuerzo.

• Gire el objeto hasta tener el eje longitudinal vertical para que el centro de gravedad esté lo más alto posible sobre el suelo.

• Aún de cuclillas, los pies y las piernas deben estar apuntando a la carga, con la espalda recta, el trabajador debe sujetar la carga con ambos brazos y pararse lentamente, haciendo la fuerza con los músculos de las piernas. Si no se levanta lentamente, no se está levantando de manera segura.

Una buena manera de diferenciar entre el método correcto y los incorrectos de levantar es practicar la forma correcta varias veces. Observará que con el método correcto es más fácil levantar la carga, con el menor esfuerzo y menos torpeza. Con el tiempo, el levantar objetos pesados incorrectamente puede ocasionar lesiones y dolor. La espalda se puede lastimar en un instante y tomar mucho tiempo para sanar.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

giggles

BAM Stair Wedge Saw Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) model 2220, stair wedge saw station automatically produces wood wedges used to lock stair treads and risers into slots cut into the stair stringers… Price based on configuration FOB FL

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BAM Pre-Hung Door Machine Titan Series Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) Titan series pre-hung door machine. Designed to produce between 150 and 250 doors per day. Multi-function door machine capable of doors 1′-6″ to 4′-0″ in width, and both 6′-8″ or 8′-0″ door heights. Processes both 1 3/8″ and 1 3/4″ thick door slabs. Machines the door, hinge jamb and strike jamb all at the same time. Capable hinge sizes include 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, 4″ x 4″, 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ with 5/8″ radius. Cycle time with flush hinge routing is 45 seconds. 10′ long x 7′-6″ wide footprint. Shipping weight 4,000 lbs. More information Click Here Price based on configuration

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BAM Staircase Assembly Clamp Builders Automation Machinery (BAM) staircase assembly clamp, model 2210, accommodates up to 20 foot long stringers with a maximum width of 54″…

TheJobLine.com

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Compensation hourly, plus overtime, and base pay from $22 to $28hr+-. ($45k-70's) Yr.+-) depending upon experience, monthly bonus based on production output/errors. Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, retirement programs, and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Relocation is open to negotiation. Low cost of living. EOE (Equal Opportunity Employer). J15235

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Plant Manager - Truss/Panel J15258 Midwest

Operations Manager J15231 Southwest

Truss & Wall Panel Designer J15259 Midwest

Truss Design/Estimating Manager J14171 Texas

Remote Multifamily Truss Designer J15257 REMOTE

Project Manager - Yard/Site/Trans J15256 Southeast

Plant Manager - Truss J15255 Florida

Project Manager J15252 South

Residential Order Tech J15232 South

Truss Designer J15251 South

Truss Designer J15250 South

Remote Multifamily Truss Designer J15249 Southeast or Remote

Remote Truss Designer - J15248 Eastern US

Procurement Manager J15247 Remote or in Texas

Operations Manager - Truss ID: J15230 Southwest Yard/Field Delivery Manager J15240 South

Truss Designer J15239 South or Remote

Truss Designer - Remote (MiTek) J15241 Remote

Truss & Wall Panel Designer J15226 Northeast

Remote Truss Designer - Alpine J15246 Midwest Candidate preferred

Outside Sales - Truss/Panel/EWP J10600 Southern IA

Truss Sales - Truss/Framing Packages J15245 Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma

General Manager - Truss J15242 Upper Midwest Truss Designer J14164 Florida

Remote Designer - Truss/Panel J14179 KY

Components Package Estimator J15238 Western US

Truss & Wall Panel Designer J15237 Western US

Truss Designer J15235 Montana

Advancement Opportunity to Production Manager J15219 South

Remote Mega-Multifamily Truss Designer J14177 Nation Wide

Remote Multifamily Truss Estimator J15227 USA

Remote Mega-Multifamily Truss Design Manager J15234 Nationwide Mega-Multifamily Project Manager J15229 South/Southeast

Senior Truss Designer J14214 Remote - Central or Eastern time zone preferred

Remote Truss Designer - MiTek J15228 Florida

Senior Designer - Panel/Truss J14181 Midwest

Senior Truss Designer - Truss J13952 South

Senior Design/Design Manager | Alpine J15224 Knoxville, TN

General Manager - Truss J15221 South

Remote Truss Designer - MiTek J15215 Central Florida

Production Manager - Truss/Wall Panel/Shipping/Maintenance J15217 KY

Estimating/Inside Sales ManagerTruss/Panel Mega-Multifamily J15216 South

Outside Sales - Truss J14207 KY, TN, IN

Production Manager - Truss/Panel Midwest J13987

Design Manager - Truss/Panel J14014 Midwest

Remote Mega-Multifamily Design Checker J14187 Remote or in Texas

Senior Designer/Design ManagerPanel/Truss J14186 New England

Senior Multifamily Truss Designer J14117 Colorado

Truss & Wall Panel Designer J14182 Florida

ID: C10802

Remote Designer/Outside Sales - Truss/Panel

Relocation: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee

Hands on, all outside Sales. Supervising all design and shop activities, coordinating deliveries, and lumber ordering. My average gross sales were about $1,000,000.00 per year from 2000 to 2005. In addition, I Estimated and Designed about 80-90 percent of my sales. About 50%/50% between Commercial and Residential accounts. Sales have declined since then, but the skills are there to manage multiple tasks effectively at the $1M+ range.

Compensation: $Upper 60's base plus commission Thom's Notes: All hats estimating/sales/design guy.

ID: C18525

Truss Designer | Truss Estimator

Relocation: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming

Great opportunity to hire a truss designer/estimator and build on the current skills he has gained over the past 8 years. Not ready for prime time, but interested in learning and growing at a company that will invest in developing his skill. Alpine/ITW experience with some MiTek Sapphire experience. Willing to relocate to targeted areas.

Compensation $50k or more based on cost of living.

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Wall Panel Designer - Remote Relocation: Ontario

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Remote Designer | MegaMultifamily | Single Family Custom

Relocation: Minnesota

12 Years' experience. Create Estimating models for bids. Study blueprints for inconsistencies, collaborate with Design Manager and Sales to determine if more information is needed, design and engineer trusses, create a detailed truss layout to set trusses in the field, and provide support until project is successfully completed. Mega-Multifamily, Multifamily, Single Family Custom. MiTek Sapphire and CAD. Tested low end of Senior Designer range.

ID: C11834

General/Regional ManagerTruss/Panel

Relocation: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ontario, Vermont

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As General Manager: Won “Gold ID: C18459

Remote Wall Panel Designer |

Wall Panel Designer

Relocation: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario

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ID: C10968

Senior Designer - Truss / Part Time Relocation: Florida, Alabama Candidate desires to use his career long industry experience to be the best Part Time Remote Designer you have. Prior truss plant owner for 10 years, strong production and operations management background, and JobLine Senior Designer rating in truss design using MiTek software. Also has FASTBeam experience. Products: floor & roof trusses. Markets: Single family custom, multi family, tract and light commercial. Was successful in creating strong teams in production, design and customer service, but the local economy and overwhelming competition was more than he could overcome from a small plant perspective. Degree: BSEE Compensation: $26hr part time employee or $33 hr 1099 Thom's Notes: I have worked with this candidate as an employer for years. Very strong manager with the ability to combine individual strengths into one team effort. Fair, honest, and customer service oriented. Scored 98

ID: C13419

Truss Designer | Design Manager | Remote Truss Designer | Estimator

Relocation: Illinois 20+ years Truss Design experience. Manage estimating and design department. 4-5 employees. Handle all computer and software issues. Assist in network maintenance. Project coordinator for all multifamily and commercial projects. Train new

Time To Hire?

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designers. Schedule final designs for all orders. Assist in sales for 4 million dollar operation.

Past: Established and maintained remote design office. Assisted in adding 2 million dollars to operation along with a sales representative. Managed all communication with main office. Designed all components for local area.

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Top Structural and Wood-Related Changes in the 2021 IRC, Part 1

By Randy Shackelford

The ICC code change cycle for the 2024 International Codes is near completion, with only the certification by the Validation Committee and confirmation by the ICC Board of Group B results outstanding. However, many jurisdictions may just now be adopting the 2021 International Codes. This is the first of three articles that will discuss the primary structural and wood-related changes in the 2021 International Residential Code and International Building Code. This article covers changes to IRC chapters 3 and 4, organized by subject.

Wind-Resistant Construction

The biggest change for wind was an update of IRC wind design to use ASCE 7-16. The ultimate design wind speed map (Figure R301.2(2)) was updated to use the wind speed map from ASCE 7-16. This can result in a reduction in wind speed for much of the country. The 2018 IRC map

Figure

R301.2(2) Ultimate Design Wind Speeds

had a design wind speed of 115 mph for most of the country (areas located away from hurricane coastlines), with a wind speed of 110 mph for California, Oregon, and Washington. The new map has significantly lower wind speeds in parts of the country, with even lower wind speeds for the western US. The tradeoff is that the simplicity of the old map is lost.

Due to the new map, many of the wind-related tables of the IRC were revised to insert entries for these lower wind speeds. The affected tables included the tables for topographic wind effects, braced wall line spacing, bracing lengths based on wind speed, tension strap capacity for portal frames resisting wind pressures, wind speed limits for siding attachment using Table R703.3.2, and design wind pressures for screen enclosure framing.

The IRC Table R301.2(2), which lists component and cladding loads for roofs and walls of buildings, had to be updated to reflect the higher roof component and cladding loads in the ASCE Standard. There was also a new loading diagram added for gable and flat roofs with a roof pitch less than or equal to 7 degrees.

Figure R301.2(5)B is a map showing areas where wind design is required. This map was updated to remove all wind speed contour lines away from the hurricane coastline and to remove the wind speed labels on the hurricane coastline contours. Additionally, it removes the design wind speed that was listed for Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Hawaii, indicating that wind design is required everywhere on these islands.

The IRC Committee declined to update the IRC to ASCE 7-16 wind design in the 2016–2017 cycle, which created a conflict with the IBC, which was updated. For the 2021 editions, the IRC and IBC will have consistent wind design requirements again.

Seismic-Resistant Construction

There were three changes to the IRC seismic construction requirements proposed by the FEMA/ ATC Seismic Code Support Committee. The first added new Seismic Design Category maps for Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, similar to how requirements for these islands were added to the wind speed maps.

The second change added certain situations of “Hillside Light-Frame Construction” to the list of situations causing a structure to be considered as an irregular building. Hillside buildings are frequently only directly connected to the foundation at one edge and therefore do not act like typical IRC buildings, so they need more engineering attention.

The third change added language in Section R301.2.2.7 Height Limitations that wood-framed buildings with a height exceeding two stories that are located in Seismic Design Category D2 “shall be designed for wind and seismic loads in accordance with accepted engineering practice.” It’s interesting that being in SDC D2 would also trigger an engineered wind-resisting system. Several changes to the wall bracing section are related to this one and are discussed further on in this article.

General Construction

The IRC is trying to address new types of construction outside of traditional light-frame and masonry. New appendices containing requirements for cob construction and 3D-printed construction were added. Appendices are nonmandatory unless specifically adopted. On the other hand, structures constructed from Intermodal Shipping Containers are newly regulated in the body of the code. A new definition was added for Intermodal Shipping Containers, along with a new Section R301.1.4 that requires that these containers be designed in accordance with Section 3114 of the IBC when they are repurposed for buildings or structures.

Requirements for light-frame story height and stud length have been in flux for several code editions and they have finally been made consistent in the 2021 IRC. In the 2015 IRC, the maximum story height was reduced to 11 feet 7 inches, which basically limited the wall stud length to 10 feet since the story height extends to the upper surface of the floor or roof above. However, some tables in the code still had entries for studs up to 12 feet in length. In the 2018 IRC, an exception to the limit of 10 feet was added to allow studs up to 12 feet in length provided they met certain limits. These limits are that the building is located in Exposure B, with a roof live load not exceeding 20 psf and a ground snow load not exceeding 30 psf, and that the studs have a minimum grade of Number 2. Studs also are required to meet the specifications in a new Table R602.3(6), which includes an enhanced connection at the top and bottom of the stud consisting of a connector with a 300 lb. lateral capacity when the design wind speed exceeds 115 miles per hour. Finally, in the 2021 IRC, an exception was added to the 11 feet 7 inches story height limit to allow a story height up to 13 feet 7 inches provided the stud clear height does not exceed 12 feet and the studs meet the previously mentioned requirements, or if “an engineered design is provided for the wall framing members.”

A couple of changes were made to Table R301.5, Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads. One change separated the single column of loads into two columns, one for uniform loads and one for concentrated loads. This should reduce confusion and make the table easier to use. A second change separated the single entry for Guards and Handrails into two separate table rows, since they do not have the same function. Further, it added footnote d that states, “Where the top of a guard system is not required to serve as a handrail, the single concentrated load shall be applied at any point along the top, in the vertical downward direction and in the horizontal direction away from the walking surface. Where the top of a guard is also serving as the handrail, a single concentrated load shall be applied in any direction at any point along the top. Concentrated load shall not be applied concurrently.” This is to address the true intent of a guard, which is to prevent a person from falling from a raised surface to a lower surface. In that case the load of a person would primarily be in the outward and downward direction. This simplifies the evaluation of guard systems, and makes the IRC requirements consistent with ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria and ASTM standards related to the performance of guards.

Also related to guards, another change simply added “floors” to the list of raised walking surfaces that require guards in Section R312.1.1.

Additional requirements were added for Storm Shelters to ensure that they will provide the occupant protection that is expected of them. A definition of “Storm Shelter” was added to clarify exactly what types of structures are addressed by these requirements. A new Section R106.1.5 was added under Submittal Documents requiring that “Construction documents for storm shelters shall include the information required in ICC 500”, which is the ICC Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. Lastly, a new Section R323.1.1 was added which required that the “construction documents for all structural components and impact protective systems of the storm shelter shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional indicating that the design meets the criteria of ICC 500.” An exception was added to allow construction without sealed documents where storm shelters, structural components, and impact-protective systems are listed and labeled to ICC 500.

Foundations

A couple of significant structural changes were made to the Foundation Chapter. First, Table R403.1(1), Table R403.1(2), and Table R403.1(3), tables that specify the minimum width and thickness of concrete footings for light-frame construction, light-frame construction with brick veneer or lath and plaster, and partially grouted masonry walls, were revised. Many entries had reduced widths, and some had reduced depths. Revisions were due to a review of the spreadsheet that was used to develop the 2015 and 2018 IRC footing tables, which found that some overly conservative assumptions had been made.

Section R403.1.6 was revised to allow anchor bolts to be placed “while the concrete is still plastic.” It adds the statement that “Where anchor bolts resist placement or the consolidation of concrete around anchor bolts is impeded, the concrete shall be vibrated to ensure full contact between the anchor bolts and concrete.”

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the IRC changes.

The article, Top Structural and Wood-Related Changes in the 2021 IRC, Part 1, appeared first on Simpson Strong-Tie Structural Engineering Blog. To sign-up to receive the Engineering Blog in your inbox, go to seblog.strongtie.com/subscribe

Copyright © 2022 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. All Rights Reserved

Simpson Strong-Tie Introduces Aluminum Concealed Beam Hanger Designed to Take On Higher Loads in Mass Timber Applications

08 December 2022, Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, today introduced the ACBH, an aluminum concealed beam hanger designed for mass timber structures and engineered to support loads up to 20 kips (equivalent to 20,000 pounds of force).

Designed to provide a concealed connection for fire performance and architectural aesthetics, the ACBH from Simpson Strong-Tie joins the existing CBH concealed beam hanger as part of a family of innovative connectors and solutions for mass timber construction. Fabricated from machined aluminum, the ACBH allows for the use of 45º countersunk fasteners, delivering significantly higher loads and stiffness per screw. For situations where a single ACBH is still not sufficient for the design loads, two connectors can be used on a single beam end to achieve twice the allowable download of a single connector.

“The ACBH has been thoroughly tested as a high-capacity, easy-to-install connector and is designed with drift performance in mind and to take on the heavy loads of mass timber construction,” says Randy Daudet, director of global offsite construction at Simpson Strong-Tie. “Along with our other structural solutions for mass timber, the ACBH provides mass timber fabricators and construction crews with additional versatility and simplified installation to help them build safer, stronger structures faster.”

Featuring tested assemblies for one-hour and two-hour fire resistance ratings and excellent tolerance for onsite fitup, the ACBH provides a strong and reliable connection that’s fast, easy, and cost-effective to install. The ACBH is manufactured and stocked in the US for reliable availability to meet short lead times and to reduce jobsite dependency on challenged global supply chains.

For more information on the entire Simpson Strong-Tie mass timber offering, or to learn more about how Simpson Strong-Tie can improve your next mass timber job, visit go.strongtie.com/masstimber or call (800) 999-5099.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Simpson Strong-Tie Releases 2022 Year-inReview List Highlighting Best New Products, Innovations, and Building Solutions

27 December 2022, Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, today released its annual Year-in-Review List, highlighting major new product launches, structural engineering solutions, and other industry innovations introduced over the past twelve months.

New Simpson Strong-Tie building solutions in 2022 included product innovations for a variety of construction materials and applications ranging from light-frame and mass timber to asphalt and pavement reinforcement to structural and cold-formed steel — all developed to help engineers, architects, installers, and homeowners design and build safer, stronger residential and commercial structures, including the following examples.

Building with CLT and Other Mass Timber Products

Mass Timber Connectors and Fasteners: An expanded collection of versatile, high-performance products includes the newly launched ACBH aluminum concealed beam hanger, the LDSS steel spline, a 10 mm screw, a tension strap, and an angle bracket. Backed by a robust inventory and distribution system, along with first-rate service, support, and training, the solutions will enable mass timber projects to be built stronger, faster, and more easily than ever.

Fasteners and Cordless Driving Systems

Quik Drive® PROHSD Wood-to-Steel Solution: Winner of a 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award, the PROHSD provides a faster, more reliable, more ergonomic fastening system designed to boost efficiency and performance for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and truck bed manufacturers as they produce trailer floor and truck bed assemblies.

Quik Drive® Cordless PROCCS+: Designed to improve speed, reliability, and user comfort for a wide variety of subflooring, underlayment, and decking applications, the PROCCS+ Multi-Purpose Combo System is a lightweight, cordless version of the popular Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving system for collated fasteners, designed to help increase speed while eliminating tripping and electrical shock hazards on the jobsite.

Systems for Structural Steel

Edge-Tie™ Cladding to Steel System: Designed to replace field-welded bent plate pour stops with a high-strength, straight-edge, channeled steel beam that accepts bolted connections to facilitate easy cladding installations without the need for welding, the Edge-Tie system provides building owners and contractors with an innovative, easy-to-install cladding connection to reduce overall construction time and costs while providing built-in resiliency and fast repair after natural disasters.

Cold-Formed Steel Construction

Strong-Drive® PPHD Sheathing-to-CFS Screw: Designed as an update to the existing PPSD Sheathing-to-CFS screw, the PPHD features a larger #5 pilot point with a longer flute and comes in popular #8 sizes. A multipurpose, self-drilling, pilot-point screw suitable for attaching sheathing, drywall, or subflooring to cold-formed steel framing, the PPHD has buttress threads and a new dogeared point for improved drilling performance through sheathing and metal.

For more information on Simpson Strong-Tie building solutions, including product photography as well as news releases detailing 2022 contributions to charitable causes and industry growth, visit news.strongtie.com.

Single-Family Production Continues to Sag, Multifamily Permits Weakening

Posted December 20, 2022 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

Single-family housing starts continued to fall in November, with the pace of construction down 32% since February when mortgage rates began to rise. The housing market continues to weaken because stubbornly high construction costs, elevated interest rates and flagging demand are harming housing affordability. And with the count of multifamily units under construction reaching a near 50-year high, multifamily permit growth is weakening.

Overall housing starts decreased 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.43 million units in November, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The November reading of 1.43 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, singlefamily starts decreased 4.1% to an 828,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate. Year-to-date, single-family starts are down 9.4%. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, increased 4.9% to an annualized 599,000 pace.

“It’s no surprise that single-family starts are running at their lowest level since May 2020, given that builder sentiment has dropped for 12 consecutive months as builders remain fixated on rising building material costs and supply chain bottlenecks, with electrical transformers in particular being in short supply,” said Jerry Konter, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Savannah, Ga.

“One important characteristic of the single-family housing market is that there have been more single-family homes that completed construction than have been started over the past four months,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The most recent data for November shows there were 25,500 more single-family homes completed than started, thus pushing down the number of new homes under construction.”

On a regional and year-to-date basis, combined single-family and multifamily starts are 1.3% higher in the Northeast, 0.8% higher in the Midwest, 0.6% higher in the South and 7.0% lower in the West.

Overall permits decreased 11.2% to a 1.34 million unit annualized rate in November. Single-family permits decreased 7.1% to a 781,000 unit rate. Multifamily permits decreased 16.4% to an annualized 561,000 pace, the lowest reading for apartment permits since September 2021. Looking at regional permit data on a year-to-date basis, permits are 5.6% lower in the Northeast, 0.5% lower in the Midwest, 0.6% lower in the South and 6.5% lower in the West.

The number of multifamily units under construction for November is 932,000; this is the highest number since December 1973. The number of single-family units under construction has fallen for six consecutive months, declining to 777,000 homes in November.

More Than 200,000 Construction Jobs Added Since November 2021

Posted December 21, 2022 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

Year over year, construction sector jobs in the United States increased by 248,000 — a 3.3% increase compared to the November 2021 level. California added 37,200 jobs, which was the largest gain of any state, while South Carolina lost 4,700 construction sector jobs. In percentage terms, North Dakota had the highest annual growth rate in the construction sector by 15.6%. Over this period, South Carolina reported a decline of 4.5%.

Year over year ending in November, 4.9 million total jobs have been added, marking a more than full recovery of the labor market from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced recession. All the states and District of Columbia added jobs compared to a year ago. Texas reported the highest increase by 5.1%, while Mississippi was essentially unchanged (0.1%) compared to a year ago.

On a month-over-month basis, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 263,000 in November, following a gain of 284,000 jobs in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia in November compared to the previous month. Texas added 33,600 jobs, followed by Florida (28,100) and California (26,800). Seven states lost a total of 9,000 jobs.

Across the 48 states that reported construction sector jobs data — which includes both residential as well as nonresidential construction — 36 states reported an increase in November compared to October, while eight lost construction sector jobs. Four states — Arkansas, Arizona, Maine and Tennessee — reported no change.

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more in this Eye on Housing post.

Reflecting a Weakening Housing Market, Builder Confidence Declined Every Month in 2022

Posted December 19, 2022 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

High mortgage rates, elevated construction costs running well above the inflation rate and flagging consumer demand due to deteriorating affordability conditions have dragged builder sentiment down every month in 2022.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes posted its 12th straight monthly decline in December, dropping two points to 31, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) released today. This is the lowest confidence reading since mid-2012, with the exception of the onset of the pandemic in the spring of 2020.

“In this high inflation, high mortgage rate environment, builders are struggling to keep housing affordable for home buyers,” said NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter, a home builder and developer from Savannah, Ga. “Our latest survey shows 62% of builders are using incentives to bolster sales, including providing mortgage rate buy-downs, paying points for buyers and offering price reductions. But with construction costs up more than 30% since inflation began to take off at the beginning of the year, there is little room for builders to cut prices. Only 35% of builders reduced homes prices in December, edging down from 36% in November. The average price reduction was 8%, up from 5% or 6% earlier in the year.”

“The silver lining in this HMI report is that it is the smallest drop in the index in the past six months, indicating that we are possibly nearing the bottom of the cycle for builder sentiment,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Mortgage rates are down from above 7% in recent weeks to about 6.3% today, and for the first time since April, builders registered an increase in future sales expectations.”

Dietz added that in this tenuous economic climate, builders still need to plan a year or more out when thinking about land and construction timelines. “NAHB is expecting weaker housing conditions to persist in 2023, and we forecast a recovery coming in 2024, given the existing nationwide housing deficit of 1.5 million units and future, lower mortgage rates anticipated with the Fed easing monetary policy in 2024.”

Derived from a monthly survey that NAHB has been conducting for more than 35 years, the NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI gauges builder perceptions of current single-family home sales and sales expectations for the next six months as “good,” “fair” or “poor.” The survey also asks builders to rate traffic of prospective buyers as “high to very high,” “average” or “low to very low.” Scores for each component are then used to calculate a seasonally adjusted index where any number over 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as good than poor. The HMI index gauging current sales conditions fell three points to 36 and traffic of prospective buyers held steady at 20. The component charting sales expectations in the next six months increased four points to 35. Looking at the three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the Northeast fell five points to 37, the Midwest dropped four points to 34, the South fell six points to 36 and the West posted a three-point decline to 26.

HMI tables can be found at nahb.org/hmi. More information on housing statistics is also available at Housing Economics PLUS (formerly housingeconomics.com).

U.S. Enters a Macroeconomic Maze in 2023

Posted December 15, 2022 on NAHB Now | The News Blog of the National Association of Home Builders Reprinted with permission.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz recently provided the following housing industry overview in the bi-weekly e-newsletter Eye on the Economy.

Downshifting its pace of tightening of monetary policy, the Federal Reserve raised the federal funds target rate by 50 basis points, increasing that target to an upper bound of 4.5%. This marked a relatively smaller increase after four consecutive 75 basis point hikes. The Fed is likely to continue raising rates (50 to 75 basis points) in 2023, moving mortgage rates higher than they are today. However, the end of the rate tightening cycle now appears to be in view.

That said, the Fed will maintain these newly set elevated rates for the remainder of 2023. Then it is likely to begin easing in 2024, but no sooner than that. This means mortgage rates are likely to move higher from today’s 6.4% range before peaking in mid-2023, then ultimately fall back and lead to a housing rebound for 2024.

The Fed’s downshift comes after inflation data showed some slowing. During the past 12 months, the CPI rose by 7.1% in November, following a 7.7% increase in October. The “core” CPI increased by 6.0% over the past 12 months, following a 6.3% increase in October. This moves the data in the right direction but is still far from the Fed’s rough 2% target. Indeed, the food index rose by 10.6% and the energy index climbed by 13.1% over the past 12 months.

So, while the rate of growth for inflation is slowing, elevated year-over-year growth rates combined with ongoing tight labor market conditions mean the Fed will continue to raise rates. Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 263,000 in November, following a gain of 284,000 in October. Although a cooler labor market will help ease inflation, it will also hinder housing demand.

This is the macroeconomic maze that must be navigated in 2023. The economy will be slowing, but the Fed will maintain higher interest rates until it can see firm evidence of sustained declines for inflation. This means that the first half of the year will be tough for housing demand. But as the easing cycle comes into view — perhaps with the assistance of a mild recession — rates will fall back on a sustained basis and the housing market will rebound.

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SLB Programs Advanced Interest in Wood & Generated 446 Million Bd Ft of Incremental Demand in Q3 2022

The SLB recently published its 2022 Q3 newsletter, highlighting the SLB’s efforts to advance market share for softwood lumber. The SLB, in partnership with its funded programs—the American Wood Council (AWC), Think Wood, and WoodWorks—has made significant gains in the market, increased impact, and maximized its return on investment. Collaboration between the SLB, its funded programs, and partners around codes, communication, and conversions continue to expand softwood lumber’s market share efficiently and effectively.

Key highlights of Q3 include:

• 446 million board feet of incremental demand was generated.

• The carbon benefit for Q3 reported projects was 1.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

• Think Wood and WoodWorks have collaborated to convert 19 new projects as of Q3. There are 174 active projects in the Think Wood/WoodWorks pipeline.

• WoodWorks and the AWC helped the city of Baltimore agree to allow tall mass timber projects per the 2021 IBC and in advance of updating their code, opening the door for new project conversions to wood.

• The AWC delivered an important win for the industry in successfully advancing a 2024 I-Code change to allow for 100% exposed mass timber ceilings in Type IV-B construction, up from 20%, which can save nearly $3 million in construction costs per building.

• Think Wood launched a new Sustainable Building Resources library on its website to continue to inform market opportunities for wood around the topics of sustainability and carbon.

Additionally, FEA’s new 2023 softwood lumber market forecast and an overview of the new tall wood exhibit to build awareness on the future of wood are highlighted in the newsletter. Thank you for your continued support of the SLB and our programs and initiatives. We always welcome industry feedback, which can be sent to info@ softwoodlumberboard.org. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to continuing to build on our success in 2023.

DOWNLOAD THE 2022 Q3 NEWSLETTER IN ENGLISH

A-1 Industries Forms New Parent Company, A-1 Global Holdings, Inc., to Accommodate Its Rapid Growth

FORT PIERCE, Fla., December 29, 2022 – John Herring, CEO and founder of A-1 Industries, today announced the formation of A-1 Global Holdings, Inc., with 100% ownership of A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc., and A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC, and the appointment of executives associated with A-1’s companies.

A-1 Global Holdings will serve as the parent company for A-1’s Florida and Georgia operations and future bases of operation. All A-1 operations will continue to focus on manufacturing pre-engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® products, with the new structure giving executives greater flexibility to plan for A-1’s rapid expansion in existing and new products and services, which has seen 100% growth in the past three years.

“The formation of A-1 Global Holdings is a milestone in our 45-year history,” Herring said. “It creates a united front for all our companies, and it places our people on a firmer footing to build A-1 businesses to benefit our customers from our continued success together.”

The current A-1 executive team and management remain in place. Effective January 1, 2023, Herring will be CEO and Chairman of A-1 Global Holdings, and Jan S. Beck will serve as its President. Michael Ruede will serve as President of A-1 Industries of Florida and A-1 Industries of Georgia, continuing to provide operational oversight of those two manufacturing companies.

The positions of all other employees, including Plant managers and supervisors, will be unaffected by the new structure. The A-1 leadership team, which includes executives in Operations, Design, Accounting, Purchasing, Human Resources, Sales, and other functions, will also remain in place.

“This news is a vote of confidence by John in the talents and leadership of A-1’s Management Team,” said Beck. “The new structure will allow our Plants to be more efficient, align A-1’s capabilities more closely with our customers’ needs, and give John more time to focus on A- 1’s remarkable strategic growth.”

About A-1

Founded in 1977, A-1 has over 360 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® products with manufacturing facilities in Fort Pierce, Fla., and Bainbridge, Ga. A-1 has multiple employment opportunities in Florida and Georgia for candidates looking to be part of A-1’s continued growth and who share in A-1’s Core Values–Own it, Passionate, Honesty, and Respect.

Building Safety Month 2023: Building Safety Starts with You!

The International Code Council’s 43rd annual campaign invites the public to engage with building safety on a personal, local and global level

Washington, D.C. – The theme for the International Code Council’s 43rd annual Building Safety Month is “Building Safety Starts with You!” The educational and interactive campaign will take place in May to raise awareness about the importance of building codes in ensuring safety in the spaces we live, work, play and learn. Each year, the Code Council, its members and communities around the world celebrate building safety through proclamations, educational events and community gatherings.

Building Safety Month 2023 will explore how building safety impacts all of us on personal, local and global levels. The weekly themes for this year’s campaign are:

• Week One (May 1–7): “Building Safety Starts at Home”

• Week Two (May 8–14): “Building Safety Professionals and You”

• Week Three (May 15–21): “Prepare Your Community”

• Week Four (May 22–28): “Advocate for Your Community”

• Week Five (May 29–31): “Solving Challenges Together”

“Building safety is something many people take for granted,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “By becoming more aware of building codes and the important role they play in the built environment, we can take an active part in keeping our homes, schools, businesses, and communities safe and sustainable.”

The Code Council provides resources to promote Building Safety Month including safety tips, promotional graphics and lesson plans for elementary school students.

More details about the 2023 Building Safety Month will be released in the coming months, be sure visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org for more information.

Show your commitment to building safety and become a Building Safety Month sponsor by visiting buildingsafetymonth. org/become-a-sponsor

About the International Code Council

The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

North Carolina Governor Cooper Announces 129 New Jobs as Japanese Housing and Wood Products Company Selects Randolph County

Raleigh, Dec 6, 2022—Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc., a comprehensive housing and wood products company will create 129 jobs in Randolph County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company, through a new wholly owned subsidiary, will establish a manufacturing facility and invest $19.5 million in Archdale.

“Manufacturing companies find North Carolina’s rural communities offer them an ideal place to grow their businesses,” said Governor Cooper. “From our superior transportation networks to our skilled workforce, Sumitomo Forestry will find Randolph County will deliver the right ingredients for success.”

Sumitomo Forestry America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., a Nikkei-listed forestry company founded in 1691 and headquartered in Tokyo. Sumitomo Forestry has accumulated technologies and expertise related to wood and wood products over its many years in business, and one of the company’s major lines of business is housing and construction. The company’s project in North Carolina will establish a component manufacturing and distribution facility to produce building materials, such as roof trusses, floor trusses, and wall panels used in residential housing and wooden commercial and multi-family buildings.

Another wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry America, Charlotte-based Crescent Communities, will help develop and build the new production facility.

“We look forward to partnering with North Carolina on the development of this facility, which will not only help builders and developers with supply chain needs but will also contribute to the local economy and community,” said Atsushi Iwasaki, President of Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc. “Randolph County, North Carolina offers the ideal conditions for our investment, including infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a favorable business climate. We greatly appreciate the community’s warm welcome and will continue to share updates as the project progresses.”

Although wages for the new jobs will vary depending on position, the average salary will be $45,782, which is above the current average wage in Randolph County of $40,552. The state and local area will enjoy an additional impact of more than $5.9 million each year from the new payroll.

“We welcome Sumitomo Forestry, another Japanese company, as they join North Carolina’s family of manufacturers,” said Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Japan remains one of our state’s largest sources of foreign direct investment, thanks to our state’s long-term investments in our education and workforce training systems, and our transportation infrastructure.”

Sumitomo Forestry’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of 12 years, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $308.3 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $695,700, spread over 12 years.

“North Carolina’s outstanding business climate attracts world-class companies to our state,” said N.C. Senator David Craven. “We’re proud that Sumitomo Forestry is bringing new jobs and investment to Archdale, to Randolph County, and to the great people of our region.”

“Many people and organizations supported this company throughout the extensive site selection process,” said N.C. Representative Pat Hurley. “We’re delighted that Sumitomo Forestry has chosen our community for this important new project for their company.”

Snavely Forest Products Acquires Mid-States Wholesale Lumber

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Snavely Forest Products (“Snavely”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MacArthur Company, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Mid-States Wholesale Lumber Company (“Mid-States”), an Oklahoma City- based, wholesale lumber and building products company. The transaction is expected to close on or before December 30, 2022.

The acquisition of Mid-States matches with Snavely’s business strategy to intentionally develop its 120-year-old culture and expand its geographic footprint as a leading wholesale distribution company within the same industry. This plan is a healthy acquisition as it underpins Snavely’s brand statement to build business for its partners.

As a subsidiary of Snavely, Mid-States will continue to operate seamlessly and consistently. They will preserve the MidStates name, work under the same management team, and most importantly, retain its greatest asset – its employees.

Clark Spitzer, President of Snavely, says, “We are proud and excited to have Mid-States join our company. They are a well-run company with a solid reputation in the industry. We look forward to having them as part of our employeeowned company, and our collective collaboration to expand their presence in the market. GROWTH is the fuel that feeds an ESOP, and the addition of Mid-States will support our strategic growth goals and contribute greatly to keeping our company healthy and vibrant.”

Mike Davis, General Manager of Mid-States, says, “We have an obligation to maintain our current culture, continue to serve our relevant customer base, and generate value for our employees. We look forward to joining the Snavely family and creating new and expanded business opportunities for our customers.”

About Snavely Forest Products

Snavely Forest Products, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a recognized leader in the wholesale lumber and building products industry, delivering superior material, exceptional service, and market expertise to customers both near and far. Their customers are among the finest professional and do-it-yourself retailers, including independent dealers, home centers, door and window shops and moulding & millwork manufacturers. Snavely, a 100% employeeowned company, has just celebrated its 120-year anniversary. Find out more at www.snavelyforestproducts.com.

About Mid-States Wholesale Lumber

Mid-States Wholesale Lumber Company has been serving the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita regions within the building materials industry since 1986. The company’s broad assortment of framing lumber, cedar, engineered wood products and other specialty building materials, coupled with their superior service model, has made them a premier distributor in the markets they serve.

AWC Praises Passage of Omnibus with Carbon Reduction Measures for the Built Environment

Leesburg, VA – December 23, 2022 – The American Wood Council (AWC) President & CEO Jackson Morrill issued the following statement following the passage of the Omnibus package, which includes provisions that will help reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.

“The built environment is responsible for almost 40% of global carbon emissions, 25% of which is from materials and construction processes. In order to address this major source, Congress has directed the federal government to establish a reliable methodology for carbon accounting that can inform decisions about procuring building materials that bring meaningful carbon emissions reductions. The development of a “library of buildings” for benchmarking in whole building lifecycle assessments is a critical step in ensuring accurate measurement of carbon reductions. The package also includes significant direction to the Department of Defense to advance the use of mass timber presenting an unparalleled opportunity for military installations to shorten facility construction times while utilizing low-carbon alternatives to traditional building materials. We look forward to supporting the administration as they further develop the tools to ensure achievement of net zero emission goals for the built environment.

“American wood products today represent an existing, proven pathway to significantly reducing the greenhouse gas impacts associated with government procurement in the built environment.

“AWC thanks Congress for recognizing the benefits of working forests and wood products as they continue to look at ways to reduce our country’s carbon emissions. ###

The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, an industry that provides over 450,000 men and women in the United States with family-wage jobs. AWC represents 86 percent of the structural wood products industry, and members make products that are essential to everyday life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon. Staff experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products to assure their safe and efficient design, as well as provide information on wood design, green building, and environmental regulations. AWC also advocates for balanced government policies that affect wood products. www.awc.org

4Ward Solutions Group www.4wardconsult.com 623-512-6770 ben@4wardconsult.com

Acceptance Leasing & Financing Service, Inc. www.acceptlease.com 412-262-3225 cvillella@acceptlease.com Acer Inc. www.acerinc.com 507-864-2220 sales@acerinc.com

All Points Technical www.AllPoints.Tech 941-713-4395 Dave.AllPoints@gmail.com

Alpine www.alpineitw.com 800-521-9790 mschwitter@alpineitw.com

Clark Industries, Inc. www.clark-ind.com 800-743-9727 general@clark-ind.com

Eagle Metal www.eaglemetal.com 800-521-3245 connect@eaglemetal.com

Eide Integrated Systems eideintegratedsystems.com 612-521-9193 ext 204 tom@eidemachinery.com

EstiFrame Technologies, Inc. www.estiframe.com 209-576-5000 cgifford@estiframe.com

Fitzgerald Group, LLC www.fitzgroup.com 719-528-5445 rfitzgerald@fitzgroup.com

HOLTEC USA Corporation www.holtecusa.com 813-754-1665 info@holtecusa.com

Hundegger USA www.hundeggerusa.com 435-654-3028 steve@hundeggerusa.com

LimTek Solutions limteksolutions.com 416-888-4457 edmond.lim@limteksolutions.com

MiTek USA www.mitek-us.com 800-325-8075 customerservice@mii.com

Panels Plus www.panplus.com 866-726-7587 tkaasa@panplus.com

ROGworx Automation www.ROGworx.com 707-333-4507 sales@ROGworx.com

Runnion Equipment Company www.runnionequipment.com 708-541-1063 barunnion@runnionequipment.com

Vekta USA www.vektausa.com 907-230-8276 info@vektausa.com

Simpson Strong-Tie www.strongtie.com 800-999-5099 web@strongtie.com Spida

www.spida.com 866-647-7771 sales@spida.com

The Hain Company www.thehaincompany.com 530-295-8068 sales@thehaincompany.com TheJobLine.com www.thejobline.com 800-289-5627 mail@thejobline.com Timber Products Inspection www.tpinspection.com 770-922-8000 Todd Drummond Consulting, LLC. www.todd-drummond.com 603-748-1051 todd@todd-drummond.com Triad | Merrick Machine www.triadmachines.com 800-568-7423 ext 133 mmcsales@merrickmachine.com

Wasserman & Associates www.wasserman-associates.com 800-382-0329 sales@wasserman-associates.com

Wolf X Machina www.wolfxmachina.com info@wolfxmachina.com

Wood Tech Systems, Inc. www.woodtechsystems.com 765-751-9990 info@woodtechsystems.com

Wood Truss Plant General Manager 22-1130-1

Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Employer: Black Tie Components

As a member of the Black Tie Components management team, this position provides direction to activities of all associates involved in the production, maintenance, and shipping of wood roof and floor truss and wall panels. The Plant Manager is responsible for developing our people, continuously improving our processes, and aligning the production function with the Company’s core values, its commitment to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and overall strategic direction. Black Tie Components is a start up company with a brand new 60,000 SF manufacturing plant in Hartford, SD utilizing the most automated truss systems and wall panel systems available with an optimized layout.

General Manager 22-1125-1

Posted on Friday, November 25, 2022

Employer: Dutchcraft Truss & Component Inc.

Dutchcraft Truss & Component Inc. is seeking a motivated and hard working individual to fill the position of General Manager. The General Manager will oversee all day to day operations from design to delivery and everything in between. This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to have a long term career and great compensation.

Wall Panel Designer 22-1107-1

Posted on Monday, November 07, 2022

Employer: Mandere Construction

Mandere Construction was founded in 1992 and serves the Inland Northwest as the premier framing company in the area. We are sought after by the best of the best in the building industry and are trusted to complete framing, siding and wall panel projects of all sizes. While we are locally managed and operated and we have the privilege of being part of the Kodiak Building Partners portfolio of companies. We are looking to add to our Wall Panel Production Team. This position is responsible for the coordination, prioritization and drawing of Wall Panel Designs that will keep our wall panel shop working at capacity. The successful candidate will demonstrate a good working knowledge of construction principles, have good attention to detail and take initiative while working effectively as part of a team.

Lead Designer 22-0811-2

Posted on Thursday, August 11, 2022

Employer: ProTec Panel & Truss

ProTec Panel & Truss is looking to add a Lead Designer to our team. The designer will be responsible for the production of detailed shop drawings for component

manufacturing using Mitek Software. They will contribute to the Design Team's success by working with team members to check accuracy and assist entry level designers.

BIM/VDC Senior Designer 22-0426

Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Employer: Simple Homes

Simple Homes is seeking a highly motivated, experienced draftsperson/ component designer to join our architecture and engineering team. This role will primarily be focused on transforming both new and existing designs into detailed fabrication models using the MiTek Sapphire Suite. In addition, this individual will be responsible for the production of detailed construction and shop drawings for component manufacturing (wall panels, floor panels, and roof sections). Last but not least, the individual will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new designs that are optimized for our unique panelized building system.

At Simple Homes we look for problem solving pros – folks who aren’t afraid to dive in, get their hands dirty, and figure out innovative solutions. As we are an earlystage startup, we need folks who can wear many hats and are energized by a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment. In this role, we also need you to have a passion for VDC and BIM.

Truss Designer - MiTek/Multifamily J14173

Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Employer: JobLine - Client Confidential

JobLine Senior Designer ranking and MiTek software experience (Sapphire preferred) is highly desirable for this position. Prefer someone with commercial and multifamily experience but strong Single Family Custom will be considered. Bring your friends! In-office position. Remote is not an option.

Remote Mega-Multifamily Estimator J15227

Posted on Thursday, November 18, 2021

Employer: JobLine - Client Confidential

Remote Mega-Multifamily Truss Estimator opportunity. Qualified candidates will already know the general duties and skills needed for this position and additional details can be obtained prior to approving presentation. Employer will consider 3+ years single family design experience. Training and position is remote. Expert level Remote MMF Estimators are afforded top consideration but the employer is very willing to train experienced single family designers wishing to become MMF Designers. This position is a stepping stone to a MMF Design job if you are interested.

TheLastWord on

The Current State of Robotics

Kannapell, P.E.

I’ve been covering the industry’s evolution toward robotics, but I’d like to stop for a minute and recall the days of corrugated fasteners. These clever clips proved themselves whenever trusses were flipped or ejected. Now, perhaps ironically, they still have a role to play even as robotics are adopted.

The perfect example is provided by True House, where their corrugated-fastened trusses are never flipped or ejected down flimsy-wheeled lifters. Instead, they’re kept flat as heavy-duty chain conveyors raise them out of the jigging, and they stay that way through the plating process. While True House’s conveyance and “post-plating” processes are a subset of the more complete Randek Auto Eye Truss System, they eliminate the most labor-intensive part of the truss assembly process. And the rest of the upstream fabrication process is untouched.

At the True House plant, an Alpine Linear Saw (ALS) cuts parts which are manually fed into Auto-Set jigging, per normal procedures. Assemblers then stitch the parts together using, in this example, four staples to hold the slider against the top chord, and 12 additional staples to secure this raisedheel-K-web joint. Upon completion of the stapling, and without waiting for a gantry, the truss is raised uniformly and smoothly powered onto a parallel outfeed conveyor.

Joe

K-web raised heel

Because the truss is not held in a jig during conveyance, it will likely enter the plating station at a different angle from when it was assembled. That’s where Auto Eye’s vision technology comes into play. It automatically detects the truss orientation as it passes under a covered hood, and the ingenious Randek software adjusts the plating plattens “on the fly.”

A unique feature of the Auto Eye is its ability to prevent over-embedment of plates by adjusting tonnage for plate size and lumber density. And by using a vertical press, Auto Eye’s joints have the high holding power like Trussmatic’s.

What has been most groundbreaking about all four U.S. robotic installations is that they compress run time. This reduces labor cost on every truss built, as contrasted with previous advances such as computerized saws and tables that compress mainly setup time. (Note the Ranger RS lumber retrieval system also compresses run time).

Pressing plates

Trussmatic operation

Even though our outlook for 2023 is cloudy, robotics continues its steady migration into truss manufacturing. Three viable systems are now building trusses in the U.S., but only Trussmatic has proven that a single console operator can control two totally automated build stations. The Randek Auto Eye plating has proven to be the best robotic add-on to an existing roof assembly system. And House of Design, having tackled both roof and floor assembly, is in the process of mastering the pre-plating process. Much more to follow…

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