May/June 2013 O&MM Fabricator

Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metal

Fabricator 速

The official publication of the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association

May / June 2013 $6.00 US

METALfab2013 Show Review

Shop Talk

Tea Staining Prevent coastal corrosion, 14 NOMMA Network Board clarifies mission, updates strategic plan, 10

Member Talk The Jankowski 4 and the trend toward quality, 48

Biz Side Fabricators credit SBA initiative for help, 54

CELEBRATING OUR 56th YEAR 1957 - 2013

Become A NOMMA Member Members Receive Awesome Benefits

“The best thing I did for my business was to join NOMMA. I didn’t work in a railing shop before, so a lot of what I’m doing is new; I’ve learned a lot from my fellow members.

NOMMA shops provide their support readily and generously.”

— Scott Hess Hess Orn. Iron LLC, Felton, PA

Membership Benefits Online Video Library Scott Hess

Let NOMMA’s Resources Drive You To Success Tap into a rich pool of knowledge specifically designed for your shop.

• ListServ - Member email discussion list • Annual Convention Education Sessions • Continuing Education • Webinars • Telephone Roundtables • Online Resource Areas • Streaming Video Library • Buyer’s Guide • Chapter Meetings • Online Knowledgebase

Member Resource Kit Subscriptions

(O&MM Fabricator & NOMMA Newswire)

Webinars Vendor Discounts Awards Contest Discounts on all Media & Events ListServ (member-to-member list) Insurance Program (free safety manual) Mentor Program & Buddy System Member Locator (let new clients find you) Technical Support (on codes & standards) Chapters*

(automatic membership in your local chapter)

Free Downloads (tech data & more) Knowledgebase Online Tutorials

Past education topics have covered: Measuring, Bronze Finishing, Shop Organization, Cash Flow & Markup, Sales & Contracts, Family Business Issues, Installation Methods, Finishing, Anchoring & Fasteners.

Roundtable Conference Calls

Fabricator dues are $425/yr. Installment plan available: Four payments of $112.50. More info on reverse.

NOMMA Buyer’s Guide

Join Online: www.nomma.org nommainfo@nomma.org 888-516-8585, ext. 101

Affiliations (NOMMA decal & certificate) NAAMM-NOMMA Finishes Manual Recognition in O&MM Fabricator & NOMMA Buyer’s Guide † Exhibitor Discount Mail List Access

Fabricators

Suppliers

✓ ✓ ✓

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✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓

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*In areas with a chapter. † Only Nationwide Suppliers are listed in Fabricator.

Membership application on reverse.

FAX TO: 888-279-7994

Join Online: www.nomma.org • By Phone: 888-516-8585, ext. 101

NOMMA Membership Application Membership Category – Check One: q Fabricator - $425 (to pay in four payments, you can enroll in the Quaterly Payment Plan - please see below)

Metal fabricating shops, blacksmiths, artists or other firms and individuals in the industry whose products or services are sold directly to the consumer or the consumer’s immediate agent.

Suppliers

Supplier members are those members that produce or distribute materials, machinery, and accessories for the industry or provide services that may be used by the industry.

q Nationwide - $595 (operating on a nationwide or international basis) q Regional - $465 (operating within a 500-mile radius) q Local - $375 (operating within a 150-mile radius)

q Affiliate - $310.00

qTeacher

q School

q Non-profit organization

Individuals, firms, organizations and schools that do not engage in the fabrication of ornamental or miscellaneous metal products, do not provide products or services to the industry, but have a special interest in the industry.

Company:____________________________________________________________________________________ Primary Contact :______________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________________________ Country: __________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:__________________________Fax:________________________ Toll Free:_______________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________ Web:_____________________________________ Company Description/Specialty:_________________________________________________________________ Sponsoring Member: _________________________________________________________________________ Payment method: q Check

(Payable to NOMMA, in US dollars, drawn on US bank)

q AMEX q Discover q MasterCard q VISA Card # _________________________________________________ Exp.:________________ CVV: ___________ Print name on card: ___________________________________________________________________________ Signature_____________________________________________________________________________________ JOIN BY DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND RECEIVE 2 MONTHS FREE MEMBERSHIP Return to: NOMMA, 805 South Glynn St., Ste. 127 # 311, Fayetteville, GA 30214 • Ph: 888-516-8585 Fax: 888-279-7994 • nommainfo@nomma.org • www.nomma.org

Quarterly Payment Plan (there is a $6.25 processing fee for each transaction) q Please enroll me in the Quarterly Payment Plan.

As a member you agree to follow NOMMA’s Code of Ethics (viewable at www.nomma.org).

Payment method: q Please auto charge my credit card. q Please bill me each quarter.

Questions? Contact: Liz Johnson, Member Care & Operations Manager: (888) 516-8585, ext. 101, liz@nomma.org 2013-05-fab

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Inside

May / June 2013 Vol. 54, No. 3

Theme dinner hosts at METALfab2013. Story, page 32.

METALfab2013 Show Review For those who could not attend METALfab2013 last March in Albuquerque, you can see what you missed on the following pages, much of which is in pictorial form.

See you next year in St. Louis!

José Turner, Turner Mfg. Co., shows off his 1978 Silver Top Job Award at METALfab2013 this past March.

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n Educational sessions 28 n Trade show and demos 30 n NEF Partners in Education 32 n Theme dinner 32 n Spouse program 34 n Shop tours 36 n Awards banquet, honorees 38 n Top Job winners 43

Member Talk

NOMMA Network

Biz Side

NOMMA board updates its strategic plan................................... 10

Fabricators credit SBA initiative for business help................................. 54

The board clarified its objectives and prioritized strategies for the coming year.

Two Southeastern fabricators credit the SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative for teaching them how to think strategically and position their companies for future growth.

By Georgia Dzurica

NOMMA also mourns loss of two longtime members, Todd Minnikin and Rick Kettering. 11 Chapter Council meets during METALfab. 11

What’s Hot!

Shop Talk Tea staining: Prevent coastal corrosion.............. 14

Like all materials, stainless steel may become stained or discolored over time, impairing the overall look. In this article, you will learn what factors promote tea staining, or discoloration, and how to reduce the risk.

The Jankowski 4...................................... 48

Three generations at Artistic Iron Works LLC are successful in the highend market, yet stay flexible for other opportunities. The trend they see: quality artisanship is appreciated over speed and low cost.

Industry News.................................... 66 Products Gate operators................................ 68 Saws..................................................... 69

Member Directory........................... 59 New Members.................................... 65 Ad Index................................................ 73

President’s Letter........... 7

Exec. Director’s Letter.... 8

NEF................................... 12

Metal Moment............... 74

Family, NOMMA, work together.

NOMMA vision remains steady.

Volunteers, thank you for EVERYTHING.

Core drilling Q&A from the NOMMA ListServe.

About the cover Electropolished 316 stainless steel handrails and balustrades on a walkway next to the Brisbane River. Photo

courtesy of the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association. See story on page 14.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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President’s Letter

Family, NOMMA, work together During METALfab, I delivered a functional, but whose family is speech to attendees. I told how I not. So family at home, family had practiced giving my speech at work, and family in this assoto my daughter. As I recited the ciation are not much different. lines, her eyes crossed and she Through the good, the bad, and eventually asked me to stop. the ugly, we are all there to help “Daddy that’s the most boring each other. speech I’ve ever heard,” she Work. This leads me to the J.R. Molina, Big second topic, which is my work. said. With my daughter’s comments in mind, I scrapped D Metalworks, We all have businesses that we is president that speech and developed a run, and the last five years have of NOMMA. new speech that would hopenot been easy. The economy fully convey my feelings about hit us hard, all of us, even this NOMMA. association. When I first got In my new speech, I talked about involved with NOMMA 12 years ago, three things: 1) my family, 2) my work, it had about 1,000 members. Now and 3) NOMMA membership. Followwe have fewer than 600. This decline ing is a shortened version of the speech: illustrates the good and the bad times.

Family. So let’s start with my famWhoever survives these stressful times ily. Dotti is my wife; we’ve been marwill prosper when things come back. ried for 17 years. Together, we have That is no different for anyone of us three daughters — Tabitha, Kylie, and who has survived this economy. It is not Holli. Like most families, we have our any different for NOMMA as an assoups and downs. Keeping my famciation. Things are going to come back. ily in mind, I think about everything Being a family working together and a NOMMA has been through in the last team are what we need to focus on now. five years. I see NOMMA as a family.

Membership. This brings me to my Like every family, NOMMA has had third part, which is NOMMA memgood and bad days. bership. The board recently completed Just like everyone at METALfab a strategic plan review. Our focus is this week, we all have our own families on membership. For those who do and our own businesses. We have been not know, in order for NOMMA to through great days and not so great sustain itself, we must bring in three days. However, we survived the hard new members per week. Now, I ask the times by being a family and by comquestion, “How important is membering together as a team and helping each ship?” Membership dues provide the other when help was needed. funds that NOMMA needs to support With my family, I always know my our building code advocacy work and girls are there when I need them. This various programs. reminds me of NOMMA’s ListServ.

The best way to grow membership is Everyday members post questions or by members sponsoring members. Just issues with the hope of finding help. like on ListServ, I am posting a request Within minutes a NOMMA brother for help. NOMMA needs more memor sister is there to help. At NOMMA’s bers. If everyone can give to NOMMA, annual conventions, we get to spend like NOMMA has given to each and time with each other networking, everyone of us, together we can make recounting our horror stories, and our this association grow and succeed again! success stories of the past year.

The conventions remind me of a family reunion. Family reunions and families in general can be a little dysMay / June 2013 n Fabricator

Dedicated to the success of our members and industry.

NOMMA O FFICERS

President J.R. Molina, Big D Metalworks, Dallas, TX President-Elect Mark Koenke, Germantown Iron & Steel Corp.

Jackson, WI Vice President/Treasurer Allyn Moseley, Heirloom Stair & Iron, Campobello, SC Immediate Past President Will Keeler, Keeler Iron Works, Memphis, TN

F ABRICATOR D I RECTORS

Greg Bailey, Bailey Metal Fabricators, Mitchell, SD Keith Majka, Majka Railing Co. Inc., Paterson, NJ Tina Tennikait, Superior Fence & Orn. Iron, Cottage Hills, IL Greg Terrill, Division 5 Metalworks, Kalamazoo, MI Cathy Vequist, Pinpoint Solutions, Jupiter, FL Henry Wheeler, Wheeler Ornamental Metals, Dothan, AL

S U PPLI ER D I RECTORS

Rick Ralston, Feeney Inc., Eugene, OR Mark Sisson, Mac Metals Inc., Kearny, NJ Dave White Jr., Locinox USA, Countryside, IL

NOMMA E DUCATION F OU N DATION O FFICERS

Co-Chairs Roger Carlsen, Ephraim Forge Inc., Frankfort, IL Lynn Parquette, Mueller Ornamental Iron Works Inc., Elite Architectural Metal Supply LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL Treasurer Mike Boyler, Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc., Bettendorf, IA

NEF T RUSTEES

Heidi Bischmann, Milwaukee, WI Carl Grainger, Grainger Metal Works, Nichols, SC Mark Koenke, Germantown Iron & Steel Corp., Jackson, WI Christopher Maitner, Christopher Metal Fabricating, Grand Rapids, MI Rob Rolves, Foreman Fabricators, St. Louis, MO

NOMMA C HAPTERS

Chesapeake Bay Patty Koppers, President, Koppers Fabricators Inc., Forestville, MD 20753 Marco Vasquez, President, Vasquez Custom Metals Inc., Tampa, FL 813-248-3348 Gulf Coast Charles Perez, President, B & O Machine Welding, Brookhaven, MS, 985-630-6943 Northeast Keith Majka, President, Majka Railing Co. Inc., Paterson, NJ, 973-247-7603 Pacific Northwest Gale Schmidt, President, A2 Fabrication Inc., Milwaukie, OR, 503-771-2000 Upper Midwest Mark O’Malley, President, O’Malley Welding & Fabricating Inc., Yorkville, IL, 630-553-1604

NOMMA S TAFF

Executive Director, J. Todd Daniel, CAE Meetings & Exposition Manager; NEF Executive Director, Martha Pennington Member Care & Operations Manager, Liz Johnson Editor, Robin Sherman Sales Director, Sherry Theien

F ABRICATOR E DITORIAL A DVISORY B OARD

Terry Barrett, Pinpoint Solutions, Jupiter, FL Doug Bracken, Wiemann Metalcraft, Tulsa, OK Bill Coleman, Arc Angels, Dunedin, FL Nancy Hayden, Tesko Enterprises, Norridge, IL Chris Holt, Steel Welding, Freedom, PA Rob Rolves, Foreman Fabricators, St. Louis, MO

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Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metal Fabricator (ISSN 0191-5940), is the official publication of the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA).

O&MM Fabricator / NOMMA 805 South Glynn St., Ste. 127, #311 Fayetteville, GA 30214 Editorial We love articles!

Send story ideas, letters, press releases, and product news to: Fabricator at address above. Ph/Fax: 888-516-8585.

E-mail: fabricator@nomma.org.

Advertise Reach 8,000 fabricators For information, call Sherry Theien, Ph: 815-282-6000. Email stheien@att. net. Ads are due on the first Friday of the month preceding the cover date. Send ads to: Fabricator at address above.

Email ads to: fabricator@nomma.org (max. 5 megs by e-mail). Or upload ads to our website where a downloadable media kit is available: www.nomma.org.

Membership Join NOMMA! Beyond the magazine, enjoy more benefits as a NOMMA member. To join, call 888-5168585, ext. 101. For a list of benefits, see membership ad in this issue.

Exhibit in METALfab Exhibit at METALfab, NOMMA’s annual convention and trade show. For more information, contact Martha Pennington at 888-516-8585, ext. 104, or martha@nomma.org.

Subscriptions Subscription questions?

Call 888-516-8585. Send subscription address changes to: Fabricator Subscriptions, 805 South Glynn St., Ste. 127, #311, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Fax: 888516-8585, or fabricator@nomma.org.

1-year: U.S., Canada, Mexico — $30 2-year: U.S., Canada, Mexico — $50 1-year: all other countries — $44 2-year: all other countries — $78 Payment in U.S. dollars by check drawn on U.S. bank or money order. For NOMMA members, a year’s subscription is a part of membership dues.

NOMMA Buyer’s Guide Published each December as a separate issue. Deadline for all advertising materials is October 31. Contact Sherry Theien at 815-282-6000 or stheien@att.net.

Opinions expressed in Fabricator are not necessarily those of the editors or NOMMA. Articles appearing in Fabricator may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of NOMMA.

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How to reach us

Executive Director’s Letter

NOMMA vision remains steady In December 1958, a group of incidental to the accomplishindustry visionaries incorpoment of the foregoing objects rated NOMMA. As our 55th and purposes. birthday approaches, I’d like to Over 50 years later, our strashare the vision of our founding tegic plan remains close to these fathers. The following are goals. Since October, our Board NOMMA’s initial purposes, has undertaken a vigorous which are found in our articles Todd Daniel review of our plan and is choosis executive of incorporation: ing priorities. Importantly, the director of Board recently agreed on a new n To develop through NOMMA. research and promotion new long-term goal: NOMMA will uses and markets for the proddeliver outstanding programs ucts of the ornamental iron industry; and services to its members resulting and to promote, through advertising in distinct competitive advantages and and publicity, increased consumption industry excellence within the ornaof the products. mental, architectural, and miscellaneous metalworking industry. Our purpose: n To foster friendly relations among members of the industry by means of To promote the common business interperiodical meetings, and by information ests of those engaged in the ornamental and publicity in business transactions, and miscellaneous metals industry. removing as far as possible misunderCurrently, the board is finalizing its standings within the industry. long-term goal approach. Since last fall, the Board has been dedicated to stran To the extent that it shall be tegic planning with phone conferences lawful, to collect and disseminate between the physical meetings. Once accurate information relative to the objectives and measuring benchmarks manufacture, selling, and distribution are set, the next step will be to specify of ornamental iron. priorities and procure the resources. n To encourage proper marketing One top objective is to increase of all ornamental iron, to establish and overall membership and participamaintain industry standards, and to suption in NOMMA due to their awarepress false advertising in the industry. ness of the signifi cant value of programs. n To improve the conditions under which said industry is now carried We’re looking at numerous methods to on; to develop just and fair competitive achieve this. methods; to perfect ways and means Our goal is to grow to 00 memfor the peaceful settlement of disputes bers by the end of 201; we have 526 between those connected with the members as of April. Reaching this industry or between employers and goal requires an all-out effort by staff, employees in the industry; to protect the volunteer leaders, members-at-large, industry from unfair and unjust burdens and vendors. We need at least three or exactions; and in general, to protect, new members per week. promote, and foster and advance the With careful planning and the work and support of everyone, I remain coninterests of the ornamental iron indusfident that we will achieve our goals. try, and to do all things necessary or B R IC AT O CA LL FO R FA

R IT E RS W H O W

Fabricator needs you. Have you solved an interesting fabrication problem? © 2013 National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association 8

Do you have useful how-to, step-by-step tips to share? We’d love to hear from you. Contact Editor Robin Sherman at nomma.editor@att.net.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

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The NOMMA Network

NOMMA board updates its strategic plan

Since October the NOMMA Board of Directors has undertaken a process to finalize its strategic plan and develop action items for the coming years.

The process started with a day of strategic planning in Atlanta, GA, which was followed by phone meetings and another half-day session in Albuquerque, NM. The board charted out the “envisioned future” of our industry. We covered everything from industry regulation to the world economy. The exercise allowed the board to put our industry and NOMMA into perspective.

Clarifying the mission

The next step was defining a “Big Goal” for the association. After much deliberation, board members adopted the following: NOMMA will deliver outstanding programs and services to its members resulting in distinct competitive advantages and industry excellence within the ornamental, architectural, and miscellaneous metalworking industry.

And our purpose is: To promote the common business interests of those engaged in the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry.

Once the “Big Goal” was hammered down, board members were then tasked with choosing two objectives in the existing strategic plan to 10

Cathy Vequist, above left, who is newly elected to the board, served as facilitator for the afternoon strategic planning session.

After finalizing two objectives for 2013-14, board members began the tedious process of creating and prioritizing strategies, above right. Shown left to right: Rick Ralston, Mark Sission, Keith Majka, Will Keeler, and Cathy Vequist.

Board members look at strategies on flip chart pages, left, and prioritize items by placing a “dot” next to them.

focus on for the next couple of years.

After discussion and voting, NOMMA’s leaders chose several objectives and compressed them into two: 1 Increase overall membership and participation in NOMMA due to their awareness of the significant value of (current/future) programs.

2 Increase the number of people who interact with NOMMA due to their

awareness of the value of NOMMA’s (current/future) programs and knowledge base, such as consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and prospective members Most board members arrived early on the Monday evening before METALfab to continue their work.

They spent the evening discussing how to review and measure progress on the objectives. By Tuesday afternoon, the real work began with the creation of

specific strategies needed to achieve our objectives.

The silent ‘affinity’ session

To begin this process, board members held a brainstorming session and then their thoughts were grouped into common topics. This exercise was called an “affinity” session and was conducted by the group in silence.

Now that measurements have been agreed upon and strategies ranked, the next step is to develop membership and marketing plans and obtain the necessary staff/volunteer support and funds to deploy the strategies.

A thanks to Cathy Vequist of Pinpoint Solutions for leading the Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon sessions.

— Todd Daniel

Fabricator n May / June 2013

In Memoriam

NOMMA mourns loss of board member Todd Kinnikin Todd Kinnikin, 67, passed on April 9 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was the owner of Eureka Forge and a long-time NOMMA member.

Prior to his passing he had just completed a three-year term on the NOMMA board as a fabricator director.

During his time on the board he served on the NOMMA Value Task Force, and he was recently presented with the Frank A. Kozik Award for outstanding volunteerism.

He also served on NOMMA’s Technical Affair team,

Chapter Council meets during METALfab Attendence successes and chapter reps on national board among discussion items The NOMMA Chapter Council, which consists of the officers of NOMMA’s six chapters, met on March 22 during METALfab. The council typically meets 2-3 times a year to share ideas and discuss various policy issues.

The meeting started with a review of the bylaws, which were changed this year to allow any chapter officer to be eligible as the chapter representative to the board. Under NOMMA’s bylaws, the Chapter Council elects a representative to serve as a voting member of the national board.

Successes were then reviewed, which included a successful Northeast Chapter meeting in January, with an attendance of 28, and an Upper Midwest Chapter meeting the same month, which enjoyed a turnout of about 30 people.

Plans were discussed for reinvigorating some of the less active chapters. The Florida Chapter plans to hold a meeting in September in Tampa, FL. The next item of business was chapter leadership, and NOMMA executive director Todd Daniel said he was trying to find a way to get leadership training for chapter officers.

The final item of business was the discussion of a chapter rep to serve on the board.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

and represented the association at an ANSI 117.1 Committee meeting, which deals with accessibility standards.

He wrote articles for Fabricator magazine, was a past METALfab presenter, and led an evening roundtable conference call.

His firm is one of only three companies to have won the Mitch Heitler Award for Excellence three times, and the company has won many Top Job awards as well.

Todd was also involved in other industry organizations, including the Stairway Manufacturers’ Association (SMA) and the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA). In his free time he enjoyed making Damascus knives and gardening.

He is survived by his wife Marianne, son Michael, and daughter-in-law Jennifer. Other survivors include a brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousins, and many friends.

In Memoriam

Long-time member Rick Kettering passes Rick Kettering, 63, passed away March 12 after a brief illness. A long-time NOMMA member, Rick was owner of Kettering Architectural Metal Fabricators (KAMFAB) in Ventura, CA. Rick founded KAMFAB in 1998. Before starting the company he was with his father’s business, Chapala Iron, for 23

years.

He and his wife Nanette were regulars at METALfab conventions and had many friends in the NOMMA family. He was a member of NOMMA’s old Western Region and the former Gold Coast and Southern California chapters. His father Jack, who preceded him in death, was NOMMA’s 1991–92 president.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Ricky Kettering and Jack Kettering, eight grandchildren, and a brother, Randy Kettering.

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NOMMA Education Foundation

In partnership with the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association

Volunteers, thank you for EVERYTHING NEF raises $13,000 at show; Rolves, Koenke named to Board Education program @ METALfab

Thank you to all the wonderful presenters who gave their personal time to create a class and to the NEF Education Committee for planning an outstanding METALfab2013 program for attendees.

A special thank you to all the volunteers who distributed and collected evaluations, planned, and participated in a lastminute class, moderators of discussion groups, etc. Without you we could not get it done.

Financial support for NEF

Thank you to the donors who provided auction items, those who bid on the auction items, donors who participated in the iPad ticket sales, those who made financial donations on-site, and those who passed the hat.

This financial support totaled more than $13,000 for NEF. A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the details of the auction. A lot of personal time was given to help make the week a success!

A special thank you to the NOMMA Education Foundation (NEF) and the Board of Trustees for all their hard work.

Special announcements

It is with great pleasure that NEF announced its newest board member Rob Rolves with Foreman Fabricators Inc., Saint Louis, MO. Rob has already proven to be a wonderful addition to the board.

A new Board of Directors representative on the NEF Board of Rob Rolves Mark Koenke Trustees will be President-Elect Mark Koenke, Germantown Iron & Steel Corp., Jackson, WI. We want to welcome Mark to the Board of Trustees.

We would also like to thank J.R. Molina with Big D Metalworks, Dallas, TX, for his service on the Board of Trustees this year.

June continuing education: The Basic Mechanics of Finishes

Spend a full day with master finisher Tony Martinez of Big D Metalworks, Dallas, TX, to learn about the mechanics

of finishes and the techniques needed to create or produce a required project specification.

The session will range from the correct sequencing of simply grinding out a weld through taking a piece of stainless to a mirror finish and everything in between. Also covered in the seminar will be abrasive choices and the tools available to work with different abrasives.

You will also have the opportunity to create samples of the different finishes that are taught and take them back to your shop.

As an added value, you’ll be ale to take a number pre-finished pieces with you. It will be a full and rewarding day.

Finishes to be covered

# 4 on stainless, bronze and some steel # 6 on stainless, bronze and some steel # 7 on stainless, bronze and some steel If time allows additional finishes will be covered along with basic patination.

Date: June 22, 2013 Time: 9:00 am–4:00 pm Location: Big D Metalworks, Dallas, TX Registration: $250 NOMMA Members $350 non-members 10% discount for multiple participants from the same company.

Fees included: class, supplies, and continental breakfast, lunch will be provided by Big D Metalworks.

Register early space is limited to 16 participants. This is also a great opportunity to visit the Top Job Award winning facility of Big D Metalworks. Registration forms are available at www.nomma.org.

Thank You! NEF Co-Chairs Lynn Parquette, Mueller Ornamental Iron Works Inc., Elite Architectural Metal Supply LLC Roger Carlsen, Ephraim Forge Inc.

DO N AT E!

For more information on donating to the NOMMA Education Foundation Contact NEF Executive Director Martha Pennington, 888-516-8585 x 104, martha@nomma.org.

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Fabricator n May / June 2013

Slight discoloration or “tea staining” of the surface of stainless steel by corrosion.

Shop Talk

Tea staining Prevent coastal corrosion n

Like all materials, stainless steel may become stained or discolored over time, impairing the overall look. In this article, you will learn what factors promote tea staining, or discoloration, and how to reduce the risk.

Editor’s Note: This article was written and first published by the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA). Although it concentrates on the effects of marine environments, other factors can cause “tea staining.” Exposure to most anything that contains chlorides, including swimming pool water, certain cleaning chemicals, road salt, or water sprinklers, can cause the same effect as a marine environment.

Images are courtesy of ASSDA. When used properly, stainless steel enjoys a strong and enduring reputation for visual appeal and structural integrity in a wide range of applications and environments.

But like all materials, stainless steel may become stained or discolored over time, impairing the overall look. This brown discoloration — tea staining — has been identified in coastal applications in Australia and overseas.

Factors affecting tea staining have been researched by the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) and the information gathered has been supported by experiences from around the world.

This article provides information on tea staining and how 14

fabricators, specifiers, and end users can avoid it and enjoy the long life and clean appearance of stainless steel.

What is tea staining?

Tea staining is discoloration of the surface of stainless steel by corrosion. It is a cosmetic issue that does not affect the structural integrity or the lifetime of the material. Tea staining occurs most commonly within about five kilometres of the surf and becomes progressively worse closer to the marine source.

However, wind exposure, pollution levels, local sheltering, and higher temperatures can create environments where tea staining might occur 20 kilometres or more from the surf. The effect is much less severe around sheltered bays.

These same factors also increase corrosion rates of alternative materials.

Other causes of staining that are not tea staining include carbon steel contamination, uncleaned welds, and chemical fumes, such as hydrochloric acid or bleach. The ASSDA Reference Manual has more details on this: www.assda.asn.au/ publications.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

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7 Factors that promote staining

The relationships between the contributing factors are complex, but generally become increasingly critical closer to salty water. Tea staining occurs when local conditions (such as temperature, relative humidity, and presence of corrosive substances on the surface) are too aggressive for that stainless steel grade in its installed condition.

Here are seven factors that promote the occurrence of tea staining: 1 Presence of corrosive substances.

The presence of sea salt on the surface of the stainless steel is one of the major factors that causes tea staining. Sea salt has the characteristic of staying wet until a very low relative humidity (RH).

The result of this is that the surface stays wet (and is corroding) longer with sea salt compared with sodium chloride. However, presence of industrial pollutants could also make the conditions more aggressive.

2 Atmospheric conditions. A combination of atmospheric conditions with high humidity (e.g. tropical climates) and a high temperature creates worse condi-

Rapid, superficial but unacceptable corrosion of stainless steel in a coastal environment, probably because the surface is too rough and was not chemically passivated after it was polished.

tions for the occurrence of tea staining.

The high humidity generates a film of moisture that dissolves the salt deposits and creates a corrosive solution on the surface. The low humidity and absence of corrosive deposits means that tea staining is rarely a problem indoors.

3 Surface orientation and design.

Poor drainage promotes corrosion whether it is because the surface is near horizontal or has a texture that traps contaminants.

Conditions are aggressive in rainsheltered areas, such as the underside of sloping roofs, downpipes under eaves,

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Electropolished 316 stainless steel handrails and balustrades on a walkway next to the Brisbane River. A good finish is essential to avoid tea staining in a subtropical marine climate.

Electropolished grade 316 stainless steel in perfect condition after 7 years exposure in a marine environment.

or in a building rain shadow. These can cause significant tea staining. Designs with corners or crevices (such as intermittent welds) can trap water and lead to more serious corrosion than tea staining.

4 Surface roughness. Deep grooves or metal folds on a surface are more susceptible to corrosion because they can trap salts (chlorides). When the surface dries, the salts become concentrated making the conditions more aggressive. A deep groove will have more trapped water (and salts) so the bottom of the groove will be exposed to salt concentration above its resistance for longer — which will initiate corrosion.

There is a critical surface roughness of about 0.5 Îźm Ra for cut or abraded surfaces. Abraded surfaces that are 18

smoother than about 0.5Âľm Ra are much less susceptible to corrosion.

5 Surface characteristics. To achieve the best corrosion performance of a stainless steel, the surface should be clean, free of contamination such as carbon steel swarf or manganese sulphide inclusions, and have a continuous passive layer. Acid pickling, acid passivation, or electropolishing for sufficient time will remove these contaminants from the surface as well as restore the passive layer, leaving the stainless steel with a clean and corrosion resistant surface.

If a stainless steel is welded, the heat input will locally destroy the passive layer (a dark non-protective oxide is formed around the weld). To achieve best corrosion performance and restore

passivity of the weld, the heat tint and underlying chromium depleted layer must be removed. How this is done is described later.

6 Appropriate grade. Several hundred grades of stainless steel have different chemical composition but only about 10 are in common use. All owe their corrosion resistance to the thin chromium oxide film on the surface, although other additions, such as molybdenum and nitrogen, can improve the corrosion resistance especially in chloride-containing environments.

A formula based on the content of these three elements is useful to rank the corrosion resistance of different grades. This Pitting Resistance Equivalent [PRE] number is calculated by %Chromium + 3.3 %Molybdenum + Fabricator n May / June 2013

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The PRE ranges from 10.5 for the grades with the lowest corrosion resistance to more than 40. For acceptable corrosion resistance, typically a PRE of about 18 is adequate away from marine influences; PRE of about 24 is required for marine atmospheres; and severe marine atmospheres may require PRE of about 34. The higher the PRE, the greater the corrosion resistance.

7 Maintenance. Stainless steel is a low maintenance material but it is not generally maintenance free. A light and regular wash is best and natural rain washing may be sufficient. If not, then consider washing the stainless steel when you wash an adjacent window.

Lower grades will require more regular maintenance, and if the environment causes sticky deposits, a solvent and detergent mix may be required.

Application of oils or waxes will temporarily restrict chloride access to the stainless steel but they need regular renewal. These temporary protectives also tend to attract debris and dull the surface.

7 Conditions that reduce the risk 1 Absence of corrosives —

especially salt.

2 Atmospheric conditions — lower temperatures and low relative humidity (RH) are better.

3 Surface orientation and design — free drainage and avoidance of traps, which can concentrate corrosives. This includes open exposure to allow rain washing.

4 Surface roughness — smoother is better.

5 Surface characteristics — chemical cleanliness or passivation of the surface improves the corrosion resistance.

6 Appropriate grade for exposure conditions — increasing PRE increases corrosion resistance.

7 Maintenance — or corrosives will accumulate.

Guidance in fabrication Design, fabrication and handling

Poor design and fabrication can lead to tea staining or more serious corrosion of stainless steels. Surfaces should

be free draining, boldly exposed to rain washing, and avoid channeling of runoff. Horizontal surfaces or curves that cause ponding are specific problems.

Abraded surfaces should not be rougher than 0.5µm Ra and the grain should be vertical to avoid ponding and collection of contaminants. For abraded surfaces, the best corrosion resistance will be achieved if a nitric acid passivation treatment is carried out as a final step.

Competent stainless steel fabricators will avoid carbon steel contamination, which can cause other corrosion problems, so choose designers and fabricators who are experienced with stainless steel to achieve the best outcome.

Appropriate grade selection

Each stainless steel has a limit to the concentration of salts that it can comfortably resist: The higher the alloying content (Cr, Mo, and N), the higher the resistance to corrosion. Exposure of a particular grade of stainless steel to a more aggressive environment than it can resist will cause tea staining.

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Grade 316, or a grade with equivalent corrosion resistance, should be selected as a minimum within five kilometres of the surf. For critical applications, such as splash zones, unwashed areas, or rough surfaces, higher grades of stainless steel such as duplex or ‘super’ grades may be required.

The lower alloyed and less expensive grades, such as 304 or 430, will probably become tea stained or even suffer more severe corrosion in a marine environment.

Treatment of welds

Pickling after welding is one method of promoting good performance of stainless steel near the coast. This chemical treatment normally uses a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acid in a gel, paste, or bath. It removes the welding oxide and chromium depleted layer underneath and rapidly restores the passive layer, which gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance. A darker heat tint means a thicker oxide and a longer exposure to pickling acids is required.

Pickling removes material from the surface in a controlled way and may

etch and dull the stainless steel surface.

Excellent gas shielding, so there is no more than a pale straw color, may avoid pickling provided the environment is mild. An alternative is to mechanically remove the scale and underlying chromium-depleted layer, followed by a chemical passivation treatment using nitric acid. Any mechanical removal must not unduly roughen the surface.

Installation and inspection

After installation, the completed structure should be visually inspected for surface damage or contaminants.

If contamination is suspected, several cycles of a misting and drying test with tap water is relatively simple. The sensitive ferroxyl test (described In ASTM A380) may also be used in critical applications. If discovered, imperfections should be removed and the corrosion resistance chemically restored by pickling or passivating treatments or by electropolishing.

Do not use hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid, sometimes used to clean cement or mortar residues,

must not be used on stainless steel. It will stain the surface and usually start more serious corrosion.

Design recommendations Plan to get the desired result

Marine environments are the most aggressive for all building materials.

Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance in marine environments means that installations are likely to remain structurally sound for decades (see image on right).

It must be recognized, however, that keeping a pristine surface finish requires understanding and usually additional cost. Determine your expectation of the structure and plan ahead to achieve and maintain the intended result. This normally includes a maintenance program.

Environment

Tea staining is most likely to occur up to five kilometres from a surf beach and one kilometre from still marine waters. There is no hard and fast rule: Wind and weather conditions play a big part and the severity of the

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conditions increases sharply as you approach the surf.

AS 2312 suggests that in some special circumstances, 20 kilometres from the coast can still constitute a marine environment. The closer to the source of salt, the more critical it is to follow the recommendations in this Bulletin.

Areas that are sheltered or not rainwashed are particularly susceptible.

Tropical and high humidity areas are also more at risk of tea staining.

Specify and insist on a smooth and clean surface finish

To minimize the risk for tea staining, the smoother the surface the better. A surface roughness of less than 0.5µm Ra is strongly recommended.

Surfaces smoother than 0.5µm Ra will have even better corrosion resistance.

The most corrosion resistant, mechanically finished surface is a mirror polish (ASTM A480 No.8 or EN10088.2 class 2P). It is very smooth, resistant to salt accumulation, and easy to clean. The surface roughness of a mirror polished surface is so low that it is not reliably measurable by mechanical (stylus) instruments.

A No.4 finish just means an abraded (linished) finish. Specifying a No. 4 finish is inadequate without indicating the required roughness. The Euronorm standard EN10088.2 (finish 2K) recognizes this and requires Ra<0.5µm, but also requires that the abraded profile is a clean cut.

Components used near the sea can be made more resistant to tea staining if they are passivated to remove surface contaminants, such as steel smears, weld spatter, or sulphide inclusions. Mild levels of contamination may be removed by nitric acid passivation, which should not change the surface appearance although it might slightly cloud a mirror polish. More severe contamination by particles of steel or grinding debris might require pickling, which etches and usually dulls the surface.

Either process may use pastes or gels, which can be applied on site, or liquids in baths in a factory. These chemical processes take longer if it is cold.

Electropolishing has been found to be extremely effective in removing surface contamination and passivatMay / June 2013 n Fabricator

ing the surface. It also brightens and slightly smoothes the surface as well as rounding sharp edges and removing the peaks left from polishing operations. Electropolished surfaces have a characteristic luster but may not be mirror smooth. A mechanically mirror polished surface will normally lose its mirror reflectance if electropolished.

Smoother mill finishes, such as 2B and Bright Annealed (BA), are widely available in flat products. Provided they are not damaged during fabrication, they offer good resistance to collection of salt deposits and hence to tea staining.

Rolled embossed finishes may be suitable for some applications. These have very smooth surfaces but with a pattern that lowers reflectivity. Think carefully about the pattern and how it will be oriented — avoid pools of water sitting on the surface.

Specify and insist on the right grade

In marine environments, use grade 316 or one with equivalent corrosion resistance unless the job is aesthetically critical and regular maintenance is unlikely Where there are high aesthetic expectations, a number of more corrosion resistant stainless steel grades can be considered. The first step up from 316 is 2205 and then the super duplex grades, although the high molybdenum austenitics and high molybdenum ferritics may also be useful. Smooth surface finish and maintenance are still important with these grades.

Treatment of welds

For general architectural applications, welds should comply with AS/ NZS 1554.6 Level 2, Class B. (Details of other weld finish classifications are given in the ASSDA Reference Manual). However, this specification does not guarantee the absence of structurally minor surface defects, which can act as traps and corrosion initiating sites. The protruding weld can be ground flush, and good resistance to tea staining achieved (a Grade I finish) when polished to 320 grit or finer finish. The smoother the surface, the better the tea staining resistance. Passiv23

ation will occur in chloride free, moist air within a day.

Chemical passivation treatment with nitric acid may be applied to: n Substantially reduce the time required for passivation. n Provide a more corrosion resistant passive film. n Remove possible iron contamination. n Dissolve exposed manganese sulphide.

Chemical passivation must be applied after abrasion if the environment is particularly aggressive.

An alternative cleaning treatment is a Grade II blast cleaned finish. This will require a post blasting passivation treatment. The blasting should remove heat tint and the chromium depleted layer but not make the surface roughness worse than 0.5 Âľm Ra, must not leave folds or crevices, and should not embed corrodents. The Grade II stainless steel wire brushing treatment is not adequate to control tea staining.

Where a polished (or linished or ground) finish is desired, abrasives

24

should be used with lubrication if possible. In selecting abrasives, consideration should be given to matching the surrounding finish.

A Grade II pickled finish will provide good tea staining resistance without grinding the weld flush, provided there are no significant surface crevices/defects. Where linishing or blasting is not performed, pickling of site welds (using mixed hydrofluoric plus nitric acids) should take place as a final step in the weld procedure.

Pickling will remove any fabrication contaminants and restore the passive chromium oxide layer, resulting in a corrosion resistant surface. Electrocleaning has been used instead of pickling to remove weld scale and heat tint, especially when hydrofluoric acid use is restricted. While passivation treatments do not normally affect appearance, pickling treatments are likely to dull bright surface finishes. Electropolishing is also an effective method of passivation. The ASSDA Reference Manual describes these treatments in more detail.

Specify and insist on regular maintenance

Washing removes deposits (such as salt) that can cause corrosion. It is necessary to avoid tea staining. Rain washing the surface is helpful in reducing tea staining, so design the job to take advantage of the rain, but ensure good and even drainage.

Stipulate that the stainless steel also be washed when cleaning the surrounding area. As a guide, stainless steel should be washed if a window requires washing. For best results, wash with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by rinsing with clean cold water. The appearance of the surface can be improved further if the washed surface is wiped dry.

If routine cleaning of the surrounding area does not take place, washing frequency for the stainless steel is recommended as in Table 1.

It is essential that abrasive cleaners or those containing chlorides or bleach are NOT used to clean stainless steels because they will damage the surface.

If some tea staining does occur, then

Fabricator n May / June 2013

an assessment of the seven points is required to determine why the problem occurred. Simple mechanical polishing is unlikely to both remove current and prevent future tea staining. Reasonably simple chemical cleaning and passivation is usually the most effective treatment. The ASSDA Reference Manual has more details.

Further Reading

n ASSDA Reference Manual Edition 6, 2008 (https://www.assda.asn. au/publications/reference-manual) n Australian Standard AS/NZS 1554.6 Welding Stainless Steel for Structural Purposes n ASTM Standard A380 Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment and Systems n Nickel Institute (www.nickelinstitute.org), Japan Stainless Steel Association (www.jssa.gr.jp/english) Successful Use of Stainless Steel Building Materials publication No 12 013 Nickel Institute Guidelines for the Welded Fabrication of Nickel-contain-

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Table 1 Recommended cleaning intervals for 304 stainless steel* Building element

Roof or wall washed by rain

Eave, soffit or under-eave wall not washed by rain

Surface condition No deposits Deposits No deposits Deposits accumulate accumulate Cleaning** in rural suburban and residential areas

1/year

1/year

1–2/year

2–12/year

Cleaning** for seaside***, industrial & severe urban areas

1/year

1/year

3–4/year

4–12/year

* Cleaning frequency may be less for highly alloyed grades but is dependnet on surace finish ** Cleaning involves washing with potable water, low chloride water or washing with a nuetral detergent followed byrinsing with potable water. For details, see Nickel Institute publication 12 013. *** This listing does NOT imply that it is recommended that 304 stainless steel is satisfactory in marine environments.

This table originates fromthe Nickel Institute and Japan Stainless Steel Association publication No. 12 013 “Successful use of stainless steel building materials.” page 79.

ing Stainless Steels for Corrosion Resistant Services publication No 11 007. n Standard Australia: www. standards.org.au. Searching for a standard here will take you to Stan-

dards Australia’s publisher, SAIGlobals InfoStore. SAI-Global has exclusive license over the distribution and sale of Australia Standards: http:// infostore.saiglobal.com.

25

METALfab2013 Show Review

n

If you were not able to attend METALfab, the only trade show for the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry, in Albuquerque, here’s a taste of the conference in print. Don’t miss the  conference!

Metalworking professionals

from around the country met in Albuquerque, NM, for the industry’s annual convention and trade show last March.

The action ran nonstop from the first-time attendee orientation to the Awards banquet.

Highlights during the show week included: n a large education program with topics ranging from business issues to fabrication techniques and new markets, n trade show with more than 20 industry exhibitors, n spouse classes on gemstones and a Santa Fe tour, n Top Job Awards contest and awards banquet, and n shop tours on Saturday.

On the following pages, our special METALfab01 section covers the trade show, exhibits, and numerous special events in words and photographs.

26

Special thank you to...

NOMMA Convention Committee, n NEF Convention Education Team, n Auction Committee, n Top Job Awards Committee, n Spouse Program Committee, n and all the many volunteers who made METALfab2013 an outstanding success. n

To view more photos of METALfab2013, visit flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/ nomma/sets/

e action returns next year!

Plan now for METALfab 201, St. Louis, MO, March 12–15, 2014.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

METALfab2013 Show Review

Education

Below, Attendees network after class. Left to right, Keith Majka, Majka Railing Co. Inc.; Brian Hess, Hess Ornamental Iron LLC; Christian DiFrancesco, Lightning Forge; Dave Randle, ETemplate Systems.

At right, Dave Randle gives an ETemplate measuring demonstraton to John McLellan, McLellan Blacksmithing and Bruce Baur, Olde Iron Shoppe.

Left, one of the most popular education sessions was the stair field measuring demo, which featured several measuring techniques, including laser lines (pink lines â&#x20AC;&#x201D; editor enhanced â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on stair wall).

Right, attendees listen to a sales presentation given by Joe Turner, Turner Mfg. Co. Shown in the audience, left to right, Heidi and Greg Bailey, Bailey Metal Fabricators Inc.; Steven Chiurco, Steel Geisha Designs Inc.

28

Fabricator n May / June 2013

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Technology partner to great designers, fabricators and business owners www.fabcad.com / 1-800-255-9032 App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk Inc and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA or other countries iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. FabCAD is a registered trademark of FabCAD Inc.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

29

METALfab2013 Show Review

Trade Show, Demos

Top, On Thursday, exhibitors took turns giving product demos throughout the day. Right, thank you to Max and Mason Hains of Mofab Inc., who were among the volunteers that staffed the NOMMA & NOMMA Chapter booth.

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A special thank you to our conference photographer, Mary Majka, Majka Railing Co. Inc. Since 2010, Mary has faithfully served as a photographer at METALfab events.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

LEDPOD

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Simple Installation Smooth and Seamless Asymmetric Light Distribution Perfect for Curves and Helixes Optically Designed Polycarbonate31Lens

METALfab2013 Show Review

NEF Partners in Education, Theme Dinner

Left, at the NEF Partners in Education event are Greg Bailey, Heidi Bailey, of Bailey Metal Fabricators Inc. and Janet and Bruce Witter, C.T. and S. Metalworks.

Center left, Mary and Francis Flaherty of Flaherty Iron Works Inc., and Joseph Koppers, Koppers Fabricators Inc.

Above in foreground, James and Sue Minter, Imagine Ironworks, enjoy the action at the Partners in Education event.

Far left, Tina and Greg Tennikait, Superior Fence & Orn. Iron, enjoy the theme dinner.

Left, John Steel, Steel Welding (standing) is shown with Rhonda and Rick Ralston, Feeney Inc.

32

Fabricator n May / June 2013

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Spouse Program

Sue Minter, Spouse Program Coordinator, leads a painting class.

Above, Taking time out for the camera are Bruce Baur, Olde Iron Shoppe; John Steel, Steel Welding; and Don Prohaska, Olde Iron Shoppe.

Monique and Randy LeBlanc of Metal Head Inc. are pumped up for METALfab.

34

Fabricator n May / June 2013

Powerful machine makes heavy production easy, yet it’s intricate enough to cut fine artwork

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Shop Tours

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• Stock fittings are available in aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.

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Kenneth Ray of Raysteel Inc. leads a tour of his shop during the Saturday shop tours.

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CuSTOM BENDING & ROLLING SERVICES • Custom pipe/tube bending and rolling services for large radii and multi-radius bends.

Will Keeler, Keeler Iron Works, and Christian DiFrancesco, Lightning Forge, examine the equipment at Robb Gunter Architectural Metals.

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In addition to interesting equipment, Robb Gunter Architectural Metals contained samples of many beautiful forged objects.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

METALfab2013 Show Review

Shop Tours

Above left, Gina Pietrocola, DJA Imports Ltd.; Paul DiFrancesco, Lightning Forge, and Wade Ranck, Eagle Machine & Welding Inc. check out the show room at Barnett Aldon Ironworks.

Above right, Paul DiFrancesco, Lightning Forge; Troy Dixon, The Metal Works Inc.; Jan Allen Smith, Allen Iron Works & Supply Inc.; Skye Richardson, Downtown Ornamental Iron Inc.; Randy LeBlanc, Metal Head Inc. Left, Skye Richardson, Downtown Ornamental Iron Inc.; Alex Lara, Dusty Adams and Federico Betancourt, Pool Custom Iron Work Inc. Right, shop host Robb Gunter with John Steel and Chris Holt, Steel Welding.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

37

METALfab2013 Show Review

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Dinner Events

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Above right, attendees enjoy delicious food during the Thursday Western theme dinner. Above left, incoming president JR Molina, Big D Metalworks, gives his acceptance speech during the Saturday awards banquet. Left, past president Bruce Witter, C.T. and S. Metalworks, gives a pitch for membership while outgoing 45-3454-ACF-121807-V2 president Will Keeler, Keeler Iron Works, looks on.

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Dinner Events

Networking at the Saturday awards banquet. Left to right, Rick and Julie Wories, Builders Ironworks Inc., and Maciej and Maryann Jankowski, Artistic Iron Works LLC. Members of the Upper Midwest Chapter pose for their annual portrait.

As always, the chapter had a strong presence at METALfab.

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The roving photographer caught the following awards banquet attendees: left to right, Rick Ralston, Feeney Inc.; Sandy Engebregtsen, The Wagner Companies; Joe and Pat Turner, Turner Mfg. Co.; Belinda Nielbock, C.A.N. Art Handworks; Rhonda Ralston, Feeney Inc.

Members of the 2013–14 NOMMA board. Left to right, JR Molina, Big D Metalworks; Mark Koenke, Germantown Iron & Steel Corp.; Dave White Jr., Locinox USA; Allyn Moseley, Heirloom Stair & Iron; Cathy Vequist, Pinpoint Solutions; Keith Majka, Majka Railing Co. Inc.; Greg Bailey, Bailey Metal Fabricators Inc.; Tina Tennikait, Superior Fence & Orn. Iron; Greg Terrill, Division 5 Metalworks; Rick Ralston, Feeney Inc. Not pictured are Will Keeler, Keeler Iron Works; Henry Wheeler, Wheeler Orn. Metals; and Mark Sisson, Mac Metals Inc. May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Award Winners

Zuzik Jr. wins Julius Blum Award for outstanding contributions Thomas B. Zuzik Jr., Artistic Railings Inc., Garfield, NJ, has received the Julius Blum Award given to organizations or individuals that make outstanding contributions to the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry. It was presented during the March METALfab conference in Albuquerque.

Zuzik was recognized for his outstanding work on the NOMMA Technical Affairs team and for his work in

educating NOMMA members on important code issues. A member of the Technical Committee since 1999, he now serves on the Code Advisory Council, which Thomas B. reports directly to Zuzik Jr the NOMMA Board of Directors. In 2000, he played a major role in removing language in the building codes that would have harmed the industry without providing a proven benefit. In 1998, he was closely involved in a major research project that resulted in a major success

for the industry.

In more recent years, he has continued his building code advocacy work.

When he cannot physically attend building code meetings and hearings himself, Zuzik helps guide, advise, and direct NOMMA’s representation teams.

Zuzik has led convention education sessions, given a series of building code webinars, and provided help for magazine articles. He is probably best known for the daily help he gives to others on NOMMA’s email discussion list, plus he regularly provides phone support to members.

The award’s namesake, Julius Blum, the founder of Julius Blum & Co. Inc., had a strong love for the ornamental metal industry and worked diligently for its cause until his death in 1942.

The NOMMA Nominations Committee. Award chooses award recipients , typically volunteers or organizations that “always do more than is necessary — and keep doing it!”

Kinnikin receives Kozik Award for outstanding volunteer service The late Todd Kinnikin, Eureka Forge, Pacific, MO, won the Frank A. Kozik Award for outstanding volunteer service to the ornamental and miscellaneous metals Todd Kinnikin industry. Regretfully, Kinnikin passed on April 9. The award was presented at the March METALfab conference in Albuquerque, NM. Kinnikin was recognized for his years of volunteerism and his willingness to help others. Presenting the award was Jan Allen Smith, a two-term NOMMA president.

Kinnikin has served on NOMMA’s Technical Affairs team, has represented NOMMA at ANSI meetings, and has written for O&MM Fabricator, the industry’s trade magazine. He is also a past education presenter and led a 40

Fabricator n May / June 2013

METALfab2013 Show Review

Award Winners

roundtable phone conference.

He recently completed a term on the NOMMA Board of Directors as a fabricator director. While on the board he sat on a task force that reviewed NOMMA’s benefits and programs.

In receiving the award, Smith said Kinnkin “embodied the true spirit of volunteerism.” Kinnikin’s son, Michael, received the award on his behalf.

were true to the original. No original Entrants submit photographs and a drawings were known to exist; Boydescription of the work. This material ler’s obtained the design from some of is publicly displayed without identifythe existing clerestory window grills. ing the entrant, and NOMMA memApproximate labor time was 580 hours. bers vote for the “Top Job” in each catThe NOMMA awards program is an egory. The Mitch Heitler award, given annual event held at1the2/7/11 association’s annually, is selected among the Ad_2011:Layout 10:09 AM once Page 1 convention. gold winners.

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New Distributors are Welcome Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc., Bettendorf, IA, has received the Mitch Heitler Award for Excellence, the industry’s highest award for craftsmanship.

The international competition, sponsored by NOMMA, is open to nearly 600 members in the U.S. and seven foreign countries. The award was presented during NOMMA’s 55th convention in Albuquerque, NM this past March.

Boyler’s received the coveted award for an entry submitted in the “Gates/ Doors — Nonforged” category. The same entry won a gold award in the Ernest Wiemann Top Job Contest.

The winning entry is a set of prairie style gates commissioned as replacements of original gates installed in 1908. The project features no welds and the fabrication and joinery methods May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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METALfab2013 A thanks to our METALfab2013 sponsors The sponsors for 2013 are a very special group of suppliers. In challenging economic times they are going the extra mile to contribute to the success of METALfab 2013. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Platinum Sponsor Industrial Coverage Corporation 62 South Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772 Tel: (631) 736-7500 • Toll Free: (800) 242-9872 Website: www.industrialcoverage.com The Wagner Companies P.O. Box 423, Butler, WI 53007-0423 Tel: (414) 214-0444 • Toll Free: (888) 243-6914 Website: www.wagnercompanies.com

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Silver Sponsor King Architectural Metals 9611 East RL Thorton Fwy.,

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Dallas, TX 75228 Tel: (800) 542-2379 Website: www.kingmetals.com

Bronze Sponsor Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool 121 East Mulberry St., P.O. Box 110 Foristell, MO 63348-0110 Tel: (800) 467-2464 Website: www.mittlerbros.com

Event Sponsor Thursday Afternoon Break O.K. Foundry Co. Inc. 1005 Commerce Rd. Richmond, VA 23224 Toll Free: (888) 592-2240 Website: www.okfoundry.com

Class Sponsor Class: Combining Technology & Practice to Merge Field Measuring to Shop Drawings, Layout and Field Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust

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Fabricator n May / June 2013

METALfab2013 Show Review

2013 Ernest Wiemann Top Job Winners n

The following individuals and companies were presented with awards during NOMMA’s annual awards banquet on March  in Albuquerque, NM. A congratulations goes to all winners!

Categories D, I, L, and M did not open because they did not meet the minimum five-entry requirement.

1 = Gold

2 = Silver

3 = Bronze

Mitch Heitler Award for Excellence

Chosen from the gold winners by the Heitler Award Committee Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc. J1 A. Driveway Gates — Nonforged

1 Ornamental Gate & Fence A4 2 Anderson Welding & Sons LLC A1 3 Mudge Metalcraft A3 B. Driveway Gates — Forged

1 Art’s Work Unlimited B1 2 Fine Architectural Metalsmiths B3 3 Bighorn Forge Inc B2 C. Interior Railings — Ferrous, Nonforged

1 Wiemann Metalcraft C3 2 Metal Head Inc. C4 3 Compass Ironworks C6 E. Interior Railings — Ferrous, Forged

1 Flaherty Iron Works Inc. E2 2 Compass Ironworks E3 3 Heirloom Stair & Iron Inc. E4 F. Exterior Railing & Fence — Nonforged

1 Rod Iron Rod F5 2 Mueller Orn. Iron Works Inc. F4 3 Downtown Ornamental Iron Inc. F2

G. Exterior Railing & Fence — Forged

Q. Art/Sculpture

H. Furniture & Accessory Fabrication — Nonforged-

Service Awards

1 Bighorn Forge Inc. G4 2 Allen Iron Works & Supply Inc. G2 3 Flaherty Iron Works Inc. G1

1 Steel Welding H5 2 Metal Head Inc. H1 3 Lightning Forge H3

J. Gates/Doors — Nonforged

1 Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc. J1 2 M. Cohen & Sons Inc. J5 3 Big D Metalworks J3 K. Gates/Doors — Forged

1 McLellan Blacksmithing K1 2 Grizzly Iron Inc. K5 3 Disenos Ornamental Iron K2 N. Structures

1 Heirloom Stair & Iron Inc. N3 2 Big D Metalworks N4 3 C.T. and S. Metalworks N2 O. Unusual Ornamental Fabrication

1 C.A.N. Art Handworks Inc. O6 2 Eureka Forge O7 3 Heirloom Stair & Iron Inc. O1

1 Heirloom Stair & Iron Inc. Q5 2 Lightning Forge Q2 3 Elegant Iron Studios Q1

Frank A. Kozik Award for outstanding volunteerism

Todd Kinnikin, Eureka Forge

Julius Blum Award for outstanding contributions to the industry

Tom Zuzik Jr., Artistic Railings Inc.

Clifford H. Brown Award for outstanding contributions to education

Lynn Parquette, Mueller Ornamental Iron Works Inc. President’s Silver Star Award for outstanding dedication to membership

Mark O’Malley, O’Malley Welding & Fabricating Inc.

P. Restoration

1 C.A.N. Art Handworks Inc. P2 2 DeAngelis Iron Work Inc. P3 3 Flaherty Iron Works Inc. P5

View the 2013 Top Job Winners on flickr at http://bit.ly/16dhPjI

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Top Jobs

Mitch Heitler Award for Excellence Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc. Bettendorf, IA Prairie style gates were commissioned as replacements of the original gates installed in 1908 during the construction of a bank and hotel building. The original gates were removed and scrapped during a 1926 remodeling. None of the original drawings of the gates are known to exist. The design of these gates was taken from some of the original clerestory window grilles that currently exist. The fabricator used methods of fabrication and joinery that were used in the original construction of the gates.

The gate was designed by original architect. (2) 4 x 8-foot gates. 1, 320 pounds each, (2) 14½ x 81-inch sidelight grilles, 232 pounds each. All of the materials used in fabricating these gates are solid bronze bars. 1½ inch-square hinge posts, 1½ x 3-inchcenter frame posts, 1¼ x 1½-inch frame rails, 3/4 x 1½ inch, ½ x 1½-inch vertical elements, and ¼ x 1½-inch design elements. No welds. All joinery is mortised, pinned, or screwed.

Finish: Oil rubbed patina by fabricator.

Challenges: After machining, fitting, and assembly the gates were dismantled, parts polished and patinated, then reassembled for shipment to the job site.

Approx. fabricator hours: 580 hours.

Driveway Gates — Nonforged Ornamental Gate & Fence — Gold Mead, WA Our customer jokingly asked if we could place his tractor in the gate! At 75, the area he and his wife have lived in for the last 45 years has grown and crime has gone up.

He still had his dad’s 1941 Farmall tractor, and after seeing it, we asked if we could bring it to our shop. The tires are off an old David Bradly-type implement we found at a local junk yard, which was the starting point for this gate.

We fabricated the tractor out of miscellaneous metals and the height turned out to be ½ scale of his dad’s tractor, but the width was cut down dramatically to fit the max width we wanted the gate to be. The scene is rusted and clear coated, and the gate is powder coated. We used a HySecurity Swing Smart operator.

Approx. fabrication/installation hours: 190 hours.

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Top Jobs

Driveway Gates — Nonforged Anderson Welding & Sons LLC — Silver Oreland, PA This gate’s three sided “U” frame gave us three concerns: 1) how much will the gate sag, 2) how much will the gate “bounce” when open and shut, and 3) how do we keep this linear design straight in stainless steel.

To deal with the sage and bounce, we built the gate with the center raised a ¼ inch out of square and with welded internal gussets at all 4 corners.

The really scary part was welding it all together and keeping it straight. We built an I-beam table to fabricate and clamp to. Once the main frame was welded together as one large single gate leaf, we lifted the gate and table into the upright position. We then slid all the tubes over the round bar. All the bars were locked into place with more than 300 spacers. Then two welders, one on each side, welded all the joints. After welding, we cut the main frame apart creating the double leaf.

Approx. fabrication time: 170 hours.

Mudge Metalcraft — Bronze North Ft. Myers, FL Horse drive gate. Aluminum tube frame plated over with .80 sheet repoused horse painted with a custom powder coat bronze black color.

Approx. labor time: 150 hours.

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Send for a full color brochure or call 800-536-4341 Goddard Manufacturing Box 502 Dept. PH Logan, KS 67646 www.spiral-staircases.com

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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METALfab2013 Show Review

Top Jobs

Driveway Gates — Nonforged Art’s Work Unlimited — Gold Miami, FL We had a request for an organic Ficus tree gate design with a lot of native creatures for a country estate.

We made an aluminum frame using .125 plate.

We formed the tree trunk two-sided so both sides look finished. It was time consuming lining up the two opposite sides, and welding them together.

It was fun fabricating the creatures.

The owl has a captured lizard in his beak, but still wiggles when the gate swings. If you look, you’ll find a possum, raccoon, tree snake, lizards and snails, as well as a hummingbird feeding on a morning glory flower.

We finished this in an antique copper finish using a latex wash over an enamel base coat.

Approx. labor time: 280 hours.

Want to see more Top Jobs?

Fabricator magazine will be publishing the award winning Top Jobs from METALfab2013 in future issues, including photos and descriptions from the entrants.

Call for Nearest Dealer

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View the photos of the 2013 Top Job Winners on flickr at http://bit.ly/16dhPjI

Fabricator n May / June 2013

METALfab2013 Show Review

Top Jobs

Driveway Gates — Nonforged Fine Architectural Metalsmiths — Silver Chester, NY We worked on this 19-foot electronic Norwegian gate for six months, developing the elements from a sketch of the view from the client’s deck, which overlooks a famous cliff-top tower. 93 leaves were power hammer forged, with organic variations. The 3D birch trees were formed in two halves of 14-gauge steel, the birch bark chisel-textured in the hydraulic press, and gusseted before welding to become the center gate frame. The bottom foreground was textured on the power hammer. We forged our own variation on grasses,

a butterfly and a full-bodied snail. At the client’s request to add something Norwegian, we forged 2 trolls from 1½-inch mild steel, with a he-troll high in the branches and a she-troll swinging from the vines. All pieces in this gate were handformed in our studio. Custom finish with copper highlights.

Winners to be continued in future issues.

Bighorn Forge Inc. — Bronze Kewaskum, WI Spanning 26 feet and standing 14 feet tall, I designed this driveway entrance gate to be sculptural, since it was the first thing patrons would see upon arriving to a sculpture garden.

It incorporates subtle elements that speak of the area’s nautical history, i.e. a mast and sail, rigging. It simulates rhythmic waters, and yet also a bit of the turmoil of wind and waves.

Many of the 1-inch-diameter bars were forged octagonal, some transitioning into flared, forged elements.

Many of these elements were torch cut from 1 x 4-inch plate, then forged and filed. The main piers are made of layers of heavy pipe, torch cut and forged.

The main challenge was to support the cantilevered mass; it spans a wide entryway. This was partially handled by using negative space as a more dominant design element, thus easing the weight.

Made of mild steel, it was finished with an e-coating, then powder coated.

Approx. labor time: 960 hours.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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The panoramic view above of Artistic Iron Works main shop space includes all four of its layout tables, main equipment, and material storage. In the far corner is a Carrell T-20; toward the right, a set of Eagle Rolls, a Scotchman Iron Worker and a Scotchman Cold Saw, several Miller welders; a Hossfeld bender in the middle; and material storage on the outside walls.

Member Talk

The Jankowski 4 n

Three generations at Artistic Iron Works are successful in the high-end market, yet stay flexible for other opportunities. The trend they see: quality artisanship is appreciated over speed and low cost.

Editor’s note: Czeslaw Jankowski and his son Edward purchased Artistic Iron Works, LLC, in  after working for the previous owner, Ron Gibson. A few years later, Renata Jankowska, Czeslaw’s daughter and Edward’s sister, joined the company. Six years later, they moved the company across town from a leased facility to its current purchased location. Czeslaw retired in  leaving Edward and Renata as the current owners. Edward’s son, Maciej is now working in the company.

Fabricator asked the family about the company’s history, challenges, generational staffing, advice they have for other small business metalworkers.

FABRICATOR: How did you get started as a fabrica-

Maciej, Edward, Czeslaw, Renata Jankowski. A framed poem the Jankowski‘s have reads: “Three Generations. The name carries on.

Traditions are passed. Love continues to grow.”

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tor of ornamental and miscellaneous metal? How did you get your education in the industry?

Edward: I came to the United States in 1985 from Poland. I was hired at Post Road Iron Works, Greenwich, CT, where my father, Czeslaw Jankowski, had been working for a few years. Bill Gasparini was the owner and operator at the time. We worked with Peter Carera and Bill Michoud, nephews of Bill. We learned a lot of little things. For me everything was new. This Fabricator n May / June 2013

Artistic Iron Works’ forging room measures approximately 20 x 20 feet. The room has three forges, which are changed out as necessary, as well as power hammer, a bench vise, a post vise, a mobile layout table, MIG welder, drill press, and milling machine. The company is hoping to add a lathe and make a specialty room.

was my introduction into working with metal. The sum of the experience, far outweighs any individual thing. I had no experience at the time but was hired based on Czeslaw’s recommendation. I started doing general help, but soon helped with structural steel.

As I learned to work with it, I was given projects of my own: mostly flitch plates, columns, and beam work. At the time, Czeslaw was the shop’s blacksmith doing repair work and forging for custom railings and gates.

Czelsaw and I bought some basic tools to do some small metal repairs on the side. We learned how to build railings by building one for Czeslaw’s house.

This railing was on top of a retaining wall that did not follow the pitch of the stairs, but the rail had to. Seemingly complicated at first, we managed to build it properly; it stands to this day.

All of my education was on the job.

When my father and I later bought May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Artistic Iron Works, Ron Gibson gave us a few business guidelines. But most of the learning was done on the job.

Maciej: My father, Edward, was running Artistic Iron Works with his father, my grandfather, Czeslaw. As a high school student in the early 1990s, I worked at the shop on Saturdays and during school breaks as a general helper sweeping the shop, cleaning the truck, helping move stuff, organizing the details.

When equipment was not being used, I grabbed material from scrap buckets to try welding and forging. I learned about metal fabrication just by watching, listening, and of course trying. During college breaks, I again worked at the shop and learned how to build railings, do basic forging, and help on installations.

After college and coming back to Artistic Iron Works full-time, I took a few classes through NOMMA and the

NOMMA Education Foundation to get another perspective on forging and to develop that skill set. Beyond that, I learned everything from personal experience, passed down from Edward and Czeslaw.

Renata: I was a student at Fairfield University when my father Czeslaw and my brother Edward bought Artistic Iron Works. I started working for them as a part-time bookkeeper. In 1995, I joined them full-time as office manager and salesperson.

My formal education is in computer science. Education in metal fabrication came in-house. I learned a lot from my brother who was fabricating and selling and from my father who has been doing this for over 45 years; you can almost say that it’s in my blood.

Most of the time, I helped clients envision their designs as well as helping them through the process. This is probably my favorite part of my job.

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FAB: Who were/are your mentors?

What did you learn from them?

Maciej: Edward and Czeslaw were my main mentors, Edward to this day.

He still runs the company.

I also give credit to the entire NOMMA family. The willingness of people to share information, sources, tips, and tricks is unbelievable.

From that group, I have to mention Roger Carlson and Ed Mack, both of whom have an incredible amount of metal work knowledge and a strong urgency to pass it on to the younger generation.

FAB: What types of products and

services do you provide? Why these?

Maciej: We are a small ornamental and miscellaneous ironworks shop.

We really do a little of everything.

Some small structural parts, such as flitch plates, columns, ornate railings, fireplace screens, tables and other furniture, light fixtures, and simple commercial pipe rails. The variety just keeps it that much more interesting.

You have to be flexible, fair, and competitive in a variety of categories to work through as volatile a market as we have seen in the past few years. It has forced us to

stretch ourselves in a few projects. If you learn new skills and experiment, and you will come out ahead.

— Maciej Jankowski

FAB: What sets your company apart from others in this industry?

Maciej: Being flexible and open minded has always been a part of Artistic Iron Works. Developing a wide skill set and encouraging thinking outside of the box has allowed us

to prosper in varying market conditions. When one part would slow down, another area would pick up.

Part of this has to be a degree of not being afraid to fail (but try to avoid it).

FAB: What is your company’s core strengths and why?

Maciej: Our specialty is high-end residential ironwork. Our focus has always been on providing a superior product. This started with Edward and Czeslaw making a better picket railing than the competitor and has turned into absolute quality on every project. Despite many market pressures to reduce costs, especially in recent years, we have not sacrificed quality. This has kept us in the loop with the high-end builders, contractors, and architects.

FAB: What new technologies are you

looking to use, both as a fabricator and as a businessperson? Why? Maciej: Looking at it from a fabrication standpoint, a lot of what we do day-to-day has not changed in many years. Some machines have become more efficient, more precise, better in general. But many of the assembly methods have not changed much, and some of the older equipment is more desirable than the new machines.

We are using AutoCAD quite a bit as well as FabCAD with full-scale plotting. They have been great new additions and are paying for themselves quickly. One technology I am interested in is the 3D modeling and rapid prototyping. I’m not using 3D now, but am looking for an opportunity.

From the business perspective, organization, job scheduling, and job tracking are always challenges. I know there are software packages that people use. Many of these seem too limited, or too expensive for a shop of our size and diversity. I am always looking to be better organized whether it means a new program, or a different style of notebook or calendar.

FAB: Do you turn down certain jobs?

What kinds and why?

Maciej: We have associates in related fields. If it is something that we are really not equipped to do or handle — we will refer the project elsewhere,

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Fabricator n May / June 2013

to-paint product, as well as a small area for paint storage and preparation.

Our office space is limited to 150 square feet, which is shared by Edward and Renata.

FAB: How many people work in your

shop? What do they do?

Maciej: Six people work for us.

Edward and Renata as owners take care of the majority of the sales, client communication, material sourcing, detailing, scheduling, bookkeeping, and all the additional administrative tasks.

We have two fabricators that are Artistic Iron Works installation truck is one of its most important pieces of equipment: a Dodge Sprinter 3500 purchased as cab and chassis with a custom built bed. The entire relatively new to us and the industry. rear end is all aluminum with undermount tool boxes and an “A” frame rack. It is 11,000 They have metal working experience, gross vehicle weight. The company has been happy with the truck for the last 4+ years. are learning fast, and now are valuable but at the same time we are usually willtools, grinders, and drills. parts of the team. In addition to fabriOur second space of about 400 ing to look at, and possibly try just about cation, they also install in the field. anything. It all comes down to calculated square feet is our forging room, which Our painter/shop assistant, who has is slowly developing into a forging/ risk, and the possibility of doing somebeen with us for seven years, has a finmachining room. Here we have several thing completely new and different. ishing specialty: everything from paintgas forges that we swap out for variEdward: If we can come to terms ing to finishing stainless or bronze to ous needs. We also have a Kuhn power patinas. He also prepares material for with what is expected and for what hammer, as well as a recently acquired fabrication and goes on installations. cost, we will do it. Sometimes you vertical mill.

We are looking at the posI am the production manager and a make money; sometimes you earn a sibility of a lathe. fabricator.

I build what I need to build, repeat customer and get an education.

In our painting room, about 10 x 45 while overseeing all of the other projIn the long run, we are still here with feet and about 12 feet tall, we use HVLP ects going through the shop. Making more skills than we started with. It is spray.

It has filtration set up on one end sure that they have the necessary matewhat makes it fun and interesting. to filter incoming air and an exhaust rials, and supplies, and helping the system on the other end with filtration. other fabricators with questions. I am FAB: Describe your shop and a typical Typically, we build and paint in secalso more involved in the business side: workflow?

Ad Proof 77035-CB-4829-08 tions up to about 16 feet long, so the a bit of sales, material/supply sourcing, Maciej: Our shop is divided into space is divided into a painting area client communication, CAD drawing, four spaces. We have our main shop and storage for freshly painted/readyand the necessary paperwork. at about 2,000 square feet and about 18 feet tall with a variety of equipment and worktables. Our material storage is divided into two wall racks. One for full lengths of material as they come in Professional Quality Tools for from suppliers and one for cut pieces.

The majority of our stock material the Blacksmith, Metalworker is steel, but we do have a few shelves and Fabricator devoted to non-ferrous materials, such See our work at as bronze, nickel silver, stainless steel, www.customforgedhardware.com and aluminum.

Our main shop has four fabrication Anvils tables varying in sizes and shapes. They are all fixed in place, all steel construcHammers tion. For major equipment, we have a Scotchman cold saw as our main proTongs duction saw, a Scotchman ironworker, Spring Swages www.Blacksmithsdepot.com a Bateman ironworker, a Jet vertical Kayne and Son band saw, an Eagle rolling machine, a 100 Daniel Ridge Rd. • Candler, NC 28715 Carrell T-20 ornamental iron machine, Phone: (828) 667-8868 • Fax: (828) 665-8303 and a variety of Miller welders. Also, Gas Forges International Shipping Available • Inquiries Welcome a few drill presses and various hand May / June 2013 n Fabricator

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This exterior project involved a combination of handrails, guardrails, pool fence, and light fixtures. The challenge was making everything work, on a budget, and within all the associated codes — not easy, but doable. In this picture, you see some of it. A guardrail in front, with a handrail on the opposing wall. A pool fence above, and two custom light fixtures on the columns incorporated into the guardrail.

FAB: Do you do everything in house?

Maciej: We try to do as much as we

can in house. Like many other shops of our size, we do outsource some work, for example, cutting services (water jet, laser jet, plasma) sandblasting, zinc metalizing, galvanizing, casting, and the occasional powder coating. We currently outsource our full-scale plotting services.

It just makes economic sense for a company our size to outsource to companies that are set up specifically to perform these tasks, and for us not to have to make the capital investment. When it comes to the finished product, we like to have ultimate control. We may outsource parts, but the final build and finishing is generally done in house.

FAB: How has the market been for

you the past couple years?

Maciej: Our focus has always been on the high end, but I would not say that this has been the only factor in our success in the last few years. Focusing on just the high end puts you in a “feast or famine” environment.

You have to be flexible, fair, and competitive in a variety of categories to work through as volatile a market as we have 52

seen in the past few years. It has forced us to stretch ourselves in a few projects.

If you learn new skills and experiment, and you will come out ahead.

We’ve had better times. And some dismal times when you are thinking, “what am I going to be doing next week?”

Being flexible and open-minded has allowed us to take on projects that otherwise we would not spend much time considering. And we managed to come out ahead. It goes back to the thought process of not being afraid to try something new. After all, that is what entrepreneurship is all about.

FAB: What are the prospects for the

next year or two? See any trends?

Maciej: This is a tough one. Cost is still a major factor in many decisions regarding projects. A few years ago, cost was the last question we used to get. Time was the major factor then.

I see a change back toward quality at a fair price, especially at the higher end. People are appreciating quality artisanship over speed and low cost.

They understand (to some degree) that quality costs money and takes time. I hope to see that trend continue.

FAB: Who are your typical clients?

Maciej: We work mostly in residen-

tial, so homeowners, landscape architects, contractors, designers, architects.

Most of our larger contracts come through contractors or architects.

FAB: How do you stay on the top of

their minds?

Maciej: Mainly by doing a good job. Delivering what was promised, when it was promised, and anticipating possible design flaws early. They know that they will have a hassle-free experience with a quality product that will reflect just as well on them, as it does on us.

We do not do much advertising.

Our company has been around for quite some time, and we have established a good reputation in our area.

We have a good core of customers, and a strong referral basis.

Attracting new clients is always good, so we do have a website and are more active in social media — mainly Facebook, and do some other local advertising.

A large part of our business does come from referrals and repeat customers.

FAB: Advice for other fabricators trying to find clients?

Maciej: I always believed that you are not selling your product, but yourFabricator n May / June 2013

This church restoration project was Artistic Iron Works first experience using custom cast iron to reproduce originals.

A large undertaking, it was the most closely scrutinized project the company has done. Not only did the church staff examine the work, but also all the church attendees. It had to be of the highest standard. The company was handed a pile of what most would consider scrap to work from as a 20,000-pound truck had taken out 30 feet of the retaining wall and fence for rebuilding.

A new venture that was rewarding all around, says Maciej Jankowski.

self, and your abilities to produce the product and exceed the client’s expectations. You have to be able to live up to that, otherwise you only have a single sale and a dead end.

You want that sale to become two, three, or four projects. Nothing beats a glowing word-of-mouth recommendation, and that comes from going above and beyond.

What I find lacking in the general business world is clear and honest communication. If you cannot deliver — do not promise it. If something develops that makes it impossible — communicate.

A good reputation and word-ofmouth recommendations are worth 100 times what you would otherwise spend in advertising.

FAB: Beyond the economy, what other

business challenges have you faced and how have you resolved them?

What business strategies enable you to succeed?

Maciej: Our biggest challenge recently has been with employees and staffing. We are a small shop — four people. Last year, we had two of the four turn over. One was retiring and the other separated from the company.

They had been with the company for 12 and 19 years, respectively.

Finding new employees was long and arduous — took almost six months. In the end, we found two great guys with some metalwork experience, who are learning fast and are now valuable members of the team.

FAB: What fabrication job challenges

have you faced?

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Maciej: We face challenges in fabrication jobs every day. We try to anticipate as many of them in the early phases as possible, but you can never get through all of them. We work through them usually as a team effort, brainstorming the best ideas.

The quality of the final product is always our main priority. This is what has gained us the reputation of getting the job done right.

FAB: Have you ever had an “a-ha” (a

compelling discovery) business or fabrication moment? Talk about it.

Maciej: With our group approach to issues, we discover new ideas all the time. Sometimes, they do not work, but you can apply the thought process to future project.

FAB: How do you define “customer

service”?

Maciej: Customer service has to be what I would expect as a customer.

Primarily that starts with honest communication.

Be realistic with time, cost, and expectations. If you do that, not only will you get that job, but more in the future.

FAB: What NOMMA resources and/ or volunteer work have helped you?

Maciej: The Listserv is invaluable everyday. I have had the great opportunity to host a couple of chapter meetings at our shop, which was a great experience on top of attending many others at other shops.

53

Biz Side

Back to the books for business n Two Southeastern fabricators credit the SBA Emerging Leaders

Initiative for teaching them how to think strategically and position their companies for future growth.

By Georgia Dzurica Right before the economy dropped in

2008, Jake Michel secured an SBA Patriot Express loan, a 7(a) loan specifically for veterans, through First Alliance Bank in Memphis, TN. He had been working in metal fabricating for several years under his own name, but he wanted to buy a business that could expand his customer base quickly.

He bought Cash Iron Works, Memphis, TN, an operation established in 1953, that one of his suppliers, Jim Hoffa, president of West Tennessee Ornamental Door, also in Memphis, had purchased in 2005 to add ornamental iron fence, gates, and railing to his security storm doors portfolio for contractors and retailers.

The sale provided Jake with a wellknown name and a loyal client list. It allowed Jim to focus on wholesaling, which he had decided was his strength.

“It broadened my base,” says Jake.

He developed a niche business in steel staircases for commercial buildings.

And he kept busy making ornamental interior handrails for million-dollarplus homes.

“But when the economy went down in 2008, pretty much all the contractors we did work for went under. There are very few of them left,” he says.

Big iron companies that had not 54

The welder on the aluminum gate is in West Tennessee’s old 10,000 square-foot building.

Fabrication was done on the floor because the company did not have a welding area large enough to handle it. Ten people had to manually lift the gate and carry it to the semi truck to load. For safety purposes alone, West Tennessee had to get a larger building because what matters most was that employees use good safety practices, are productive, and returning home with all their toes, fingers, eye sight, and hearing. It took a few years to get the larger building, and now the company can build almost anything up to 10,000 pounds using up to three cranes located in both bays of the manufacturing shop.

wanted to do smaller jobs, which had become a staple for Jake’s company, suddenly weren’t willing to turn even a small job away.

“I had 14 guys working at one time,” he says, “and now it’s just me and one other guy. I’m president, CEO, and all the way to janitor.”

Training trumps trial and error

A former pipe welder, Jake was aware that when he migrated to ornamental ironwork, he wasn’t prepared for the challenges of running a business.

“I didn’t have a mentor,” he says. “I had to figure out all the aspects myself Fabricator n May / June 2013

by trial and error. I wanted to get more knowledge about running a business and how stuff worked.”

In 2011, he applied for and was accepted into the next SBA Emerging Leaders program. Emerging Leaders is an executive-level training course designed to provide promising entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the expertise, mentorship, and resources to grow their businesses and contribute to the health of the national economy. It’s been described as a mini-MBA. “I’d definitely recommend it to anybody,” Jake says In addition, it made him aware of the 8(a) loan program, which mandates that every federal project include work for minority contractors. He realized that general contractors had never even considered him for the jobs he had been bidding on because they were required to give that work to 8(a) businesses.

“It opened my eyes, and I began to pursue specialty-type contracting,” Jake says.

Today, he works with major designers and manufacturers of architectural products, specializing in commercial handrails made of stainless steel with glass and cable infills and some aluminum. He travels all over the country installing his systems.

Emerging Leader program takeaways From Jake Michel, President, Cash Iron Works

Focus. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was where to focus my efforts to generate more business and create leads. To many times we chase ourselves around in circles, chase jobs that we probably won’t get. Now I know where to put my effort.

Advertising. I also learned a lot about advertising, how it works, how to get the biggest bang for your buck. So many companies worry about making advertising pretty, and they lose the message they are trying to get across. Keep it simple.

was the center for delinquent loans for small business failures in the U.S.,” he says.

Undaunted, he surfed the SBA website and discovered that Wells Fargo, Sacramento, CA, was an authorized lender. He applied online, and a banker based in Nashville soon met with him.

The process was short and smooth.

“He ended up giving us two loans,” says Jim. “One was to purchase the busi-

ness on a 10-year note, and the other was to purchase a 10,000-square-foot building in Memphis, TN, for 20 years.”

He planned to remodel the building and move the business across the Mississippi River. “I started the process in January or February and made an offer on the business in June.”

He closed on West Tennessee Ornamental Door on Sept. 4, 2001. A week later, on his birthday, came the 9-11

Goal: Grow the business

When Jim Hoffa lost his job as a marketing vice president in Wichita, KS, in 2001, he sold the house, cashed in all his savings and retirement accounts, and went shopping. He wanted to find a small manufacturing company in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona with the potential to grow by developing new products or adding products from distributors.

Eventually, he found West Tennessee Ornamental Door, West Memphis, AR, a business with eight people making security storm doors that they sold in the tri-state area of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Jim made the rounds of Memphis banks that year that were considered small business-friendly, but to no avail. “I found out later that Memphis May / June 2013 n Fabricator

55

Emerging Leader program takeaways From Jim Hoffa, President, West Tennessee Ornamental Door

Employee training. What I realized most was that as your business grows you need to improve the training of all your employees’ understanding of your business vision and mission. To be successful, every employee must serve your customers with high quality, competitively price products that satisfy our customers’ needs.

We revised all our job descriptions and are discussing them with employee. We cannot do it alone; everyone must know . . . where they can help us improve our product quality and manufacturing processes to lower our cost and provide cost competitive pricing to our customers.

Learn to tell your story. Your success is in understanding the details in your business. As it grows, improving your systems and allowing them to tell your story is imperative. The story is your financials, and if you do a good job in detailing your inventory and manufacturing costs, you will see a story unfold. Compare the results against others in your industry and determine where you can improve.

Continue the education. I also realized that I needed to be away from the business to learn with some of my peers how to develop and grow our business. The CEO mentoring groups [in the SBA program] allowed each of us to share the successes that we discovered in our business and to challenge each other when we saw an area that we thought could be improved in our operations. Now I need to find other learning opportunities and to join other groups of business leaders that are continuing their education.

attacks. After that, Jim acknowledges that business probably slowed down.

“But it was all new to us, so we didn’t know any better,” he says. By the following year, he was looking for sales nationwide.

In 2005, he purchased a small retail ornamental iron shop, Cash Iron Works, Memphis, TN, where he had moved West Tennessee Ornamental Door. The business produced cus-

tom ornamental iron fence, gates, and railing for contractors and the retail market in Memphis. The same year, Jim bought the assets and inventory of Vanguard Manufacturing, Memphis, TN, a “friendly competitor,” and begin selling across the country.

He added the Ornamental Iron Division of Universal Manufacturing, also in Memphis, TN, in 2007 and got access to another nationwide customer

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base. After that purchase, Jim changed his business model, deciding to make West Tennessee Ornamental Door his focus. So in 2008, he sold Cash Iron Works to Jake Michel.

By 2011, West Tennessee Ornamental Door had grown to 18 employees and was bursting at the seams. Jim purchased the 56,000-square-foot manufacturing building next door.

“We had just paid off our SBA loan on the business, which allowed us to make the investment into a larger building to create excess capacity for future growth. We could not continue to grow in the original building. We could not even hire another person, as we were out of parking spots.”

In the new building, Jim says, “We created a new manufacturing plant that was laid out to be safe and eliminate steps in our manufacturing system. We added new workstations to double our capacity at each station. All the extra equipment we had purchased from the Vanguard asset acquisition and Universal Manufacturing could now be used by our employees.

“We also created a new fence and gate fabrication area where we can now safely manufacture the 50-foot-long slide gates that were a real challenge in our old building. We now have four overhead cranes that allow us to lift, transport, and move heavy products safely. Goals to grow our security door, fence, gate, and access control product sales are no longer limited by our building.”

Now, Jim realized that he couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. He had a bigger footprint, higher overhead, and families for whom he was responsible.

“I thought I needed to get away from the business and have a reason to create a three-year plan,” Jim says. This final plan is the objective of the SBA program.

“The Emerging Leaders program would let me get together with other business leaders who have similar challenges and problems. We all have the same need — we have to grow our business,” Jim says. “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”

His former customer, Jake Michel, recommended the program highly. It helped Jake look at his business in a more analytic and strategic way.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

Program encourage active participation, analytical audit

The program, with a curriculum

by Interise entitled, “Streetwise Steps for Small Business Growth,” met every other week from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. for formal classwork, with regular homework based on each person’s business.

In five modules, the class covered: n Business and Strategic Assessment of their companies; n Finances; n Sales and Marketing; n Resources Development, including winning government contracts and pursuing private funding, and n finally put it all together in Creating a Strategic Plan.

“We started with basic small business development coursework that identified what it takes to be a successful business,” says Jim. The class covered: n developing strategic growth goals n elevator pitches n finance analysis and creating targets based on industry averages n customer assessment n customer interviews n competitive analysis of industry position n community responsibility and leadership inventory n strategic action plans to win more business n sales strategy assessment n strategy development n revenue tracking n Maslow’s hierarchy in the business lifecycle n developing job descriptions n government contracting The class also formed mentoring groups and held CEO summits at five members’ businesses to understand each person’s operation and contribute to developing their three-year plans.

They did a Dun & Bradstreet registration, reviewed their business goals, analyzed leadership styles, and presented case studies of classmates’ businesses.

And self-assessment was a basic component of the training. Members of the class asked themselves if they had the traits to be successful entrepreneurs as well as the tools. The group dwindled.

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative www.sba.gov/emergingleaders The SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative is a free federal training program that provides an intensive business management curriculum to CEOs of established businesses that: n are at least three years old, n have at least one employee other than the owner, and n have annual revenues of at least $300,000.

Who is eligible?

There are no restrictions on the types of businesses that can apply.

Originally offered in only 10 cities when launched in 2008, the program has now been rolled into 27 urban markets and Native American communities.

It’s now open to businesses in Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, Il; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Farmington, NM; Fresno, CA; Helena, MT; Honolulu, HI; Jacksonville, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; New Orleans, LA; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; St. Louis, MO; Syracuse, NY; Tulsa, OK; and Youngstown, OH. How do you apply?

The SBA begins recruitment in February, and applications are due in March. Classes meet every other week from April through October. There is an online registration form, and applicants can get information from their local SBA District Office.

What is covered?

A curriculum created by Interise (http://interise.org) is delivered in five modules that comprise 100 hours of classroom training and peer group mentoring.

The material covers business and strategic growth assessment, finances, sales and marketing, resources, and creating a strategic plan.

The goal of the program is the creation of a “three-year strategic growth action plan with benchmarks and performance targets” that will enable a business leader to access the support and resources necessary to grow the business, create jobs, and ultimately build a better community.

Each participant presents a three-year plan for review by a panel of bankers, SBA representatives, economic development executives, and classmates.

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http://1.usa.gov/h8BGBR The first thing to know is that the SBA does not make loans. It guarantees a percent of the loans that are granted and administered by its authorized partners (lenders, commercial development organizations, and microlending institutions) in your community. The rest of an SBA loan is guaranteed by the lender, who receives a fee from the SBA. A borrower needs a smaller down payment than for conventional financing.

What is it?

The 7(a) Loan Program is the SBA’s most popular program — the core program to help fund startup and existing businesses that might not be eligible for loans through the usual means. It supports the acquisition, operation, or expansion of small businesses.

Business owners can use 7(a) loans for working capital, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, land, building (purchase, renovation, or new construction), leasehold improvements, and debt refinancing.

Who is it for?

The 7(a) loans also are intended to aid businesses in special categories: n Impacted by NAFTA n Rural areas n Exporting n Underserved communities n Express and pilot programs Underserved communities benefit from the SBA’s Small Loan Advantage program and Community Advantage initiative. The former promotes smaller loans — up to $350,000 — from larger lenders, with electronic approval in only minutes. The latter was developed to grow the number of SBA-approved lenders who work with underserved communities; they make loans of up to $250,000 within five to 10 days.

Community Advantage lenders are mission-focused organizations who must grant 60% of their SBA loans to businesses in, or that have more than 50% of their employees living in, low-to-moderate-income communities.

This three-year initiative expires in 2014.

Express and pilot programs are designed to serve active duty military personnel, veterans, and borrowers from communities recovering from disasters by giving them a decision on their application within 36 hours and offering lower rates.

Strategic thinking is the key to everything

“What I needed to work on from the beginning was getting the business to the place where it had the proper infrastructure — basic QuickBooks, enterprise systems, and processes in place so that I could evaluate how we were doing compared with other businesses in our industry,” says Jim. He also learned how to communicate better with his employees. He needed to do a better job understanding their needs within the organization, to make them more a part of the team.

He’s made some changes. Originally, custom doors were 99% of his business.

Adding fence, gates, gate operators, 58

and access controls made him more diversified; doors now represent just 65% of the work. And instead of relying on two customers in Memphis for 85% of the business, he now sells throughout the country to home improvement dealers; window, siding, and door companies; and custom programs through some big box stores.

In February, outgoing SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills visited Memphis and toured West Tennessee Ornamental Door, citing it as a good example of successful entrepreneurship.

Last year, West Tennessee Ornamental Door grew sales by 8.6%, even in a sluggish economy. Sales were

For your information

n

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program

about $2.8 million, which represents a 213% increase from 2001. While Jim hasn’t laid anyone off, he hasn’t replaced anyone, either.

But because of what he learned in the Emerging Leaders program, he anticipates future growth. The threeyear plan that he created in the class provided him with a more refined version of his original plan.

“The strategic planning and thinking that a small businessman needs to utilize in growing the business to create jobs, to create good products, is very important. If you haven’t strategically planned your work, you may just be spinning your wheels,” he says.

“Our goal in 2013 is to expand and develop our manufacturing of security doors, fence, and gates and to expand the distribution of our gate operator and access control product sales lines while looking for other manufacturing opportunities,” says Jim.

Jim Hoffa, President West Tennessee Ornamental Door 1800 Transport Ave. Memphis, TN 38116 901-346-0062 www.wtndoor.com Jake Michel, President and CEO Cash Iron Works 1200 Highway 311 Holly Springs, MS 38635 901-604-4305 www.cashironworks.com Small Business Administration www.sba.gov About the Author Georgia Dzurica, WORDz LLC, is a freelance writer based in Atlanta. She has written about time capsules, historic gardens, and Necco Wafers. She also has been a copywriter and copy editor for advertising and marketing communications.

Fabricator n May / June 2013

n

NOMMA Members

We are proud of our members!

Meet Our Members NOMMA is proud of its 526 members. As a member, fabricators and suppliers show their support for both the association and entire industry. To obtain contact information on a member, visit our Member Locator at www.nomma.org.

Alabama Alabama Casters & Equipment Pelham, AL Fabricator

Weldon Welding & Inspection Services Inc. Sterrett, AL Fabricator

Alfab Inc. Enterprise, AL Fabricator

Wheeler Ornamental Metals Dothan, AL Fabricator

Allen Architectural Metals Inc. Talladega, AL Nationwide Supplier Allen Iron Works & Supply Inc. Birmingham, AL Fabricator Brown Machine & Fabrication Inc. Alexander City, AL Fabricator Carell Corp.

Stapleton, AL Nationwide Supplier Construction Services Inc. Decatur, AL Fabricator Eagle Bending Machines Inc. Stapleton, AL Nationwide Supplier Lawler Foundry Corp.

Birmingham, AL Nationwide Supplier Metal Market Inc. Fort Payne, AL Fabricator Red Mountain Ironworks Birmingham, AL Fabricator Robinson Iron Corp.

Alexander City, AL Nationwide Supplier United Steel Works Inc. Leeds, AL Fabricator Vulcan Fabricated Metals Birmingham, AL Fabricator

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Arizona CM Iron Supply LLC Tempe, AZ Nationwide Supplier First Impression Security Doors Inc. Gilbert, AZ Fabricator Grizzly Iron Inc. Phoenix, AZ Fabricator Guardian Gate Hardware Tuscon, AZ Nationwide Supplier Phoenix Fence Co. Phoenix, AZ Fabricator S.T.L. Mfg. Tucson, AZ Fabricator Shut It Gate Hardware Tucson, AZ Local Supplier Southwest Metalsmiths Inc. Phoenix, AZ Fabricator Arkansas Mainer Iron Works Inc. Fort Smith, AR Fabricator Precision Glass Bending Corp.

Greenwood, AR Nationwide Supplier West Memphis Fence & Construction Inc. West Memphis, AR Local Supplier California A.Y.’s Designs in Iron Inc. San Diego, CA Fabricator

Ahlborn Fence & Steel Inc. Santa Rosa, CA Local Supplier AMT Metal Fabricators Inc. Richmond, CA Fabricator Artists Workshop Sunnyvale, CA Fabricator Brian’s Welding San Jose, CA Fabricator Brighton Fabrication Inc. Orange, CA Fabricator Cable Art Inc. Valencia, CA Nationwide Supplier Chapala Iron & Mfg. Co. Ventura, CA Fabricator Coast Iron Works Wilmington, CA Fabricator Crusader Fence Co. Inc. Rancho Cordova, CA Fabricator D & D Technologies (USA) Inc. Huntington Beach, CA Nationwide Supplier Delta Welding and Fabrication Goleta, CA Local Supplier DKS, DoorKing Systems Inglewood, CA Nationwide Supplier

Fenceworks Inc. Riverside, CA Fabricator

Paragon Steel Long Beach, CA Fabricator

Gaspar’s Inc. dba Gaspar’s Fine Architectural Metalworks North Hollywood, CA Fabricator

Q-Railing USA Co. Tustin, CA Nationwide Supplier

Glasswerks LA Inc. South Gate, CA Nationwide Supplier Jansen Ornamental Supply Co. Inc. El Monte, CA Regional Supplier Jensen’s Ornamental Inc. Napa, CA Fabricator Jimenez Bros. Art & Iron Works Inc. Anaheim, CA Fabricator Kettering Architectural Metal Fabrication Ventura, CA Fabricator King Architectural Metals - CA Buena Park, CA Nationwide Supplier C.R. Laurence Co. Inc. Los Angeles, CA Nationwide Supplier Lavi Industries Valencia, CA Nationwide Supplier McLellan Blacksmithing Loomis, CA Fabricator Metal Specialties Monterey, CA Fabricator

Elephant Iron Santa Barbara, CA Fabricator

Multi Sales Inc. La Palma, CA Nationwide Supplier

Fable Inc. San Carlos, CA Fabricator

Nueva Castilla Co. San Francisco, CA Fabricator

Feeney Inc. Oakland, CA Nationwide Supplier

Palm Springs Welding Inc. Palm Springs, CA Fabricator

RAMSET Automatic Gate Systems Inc. Sun Valley, CA Nationwide Supplier Republic Fence Co. Inc. Granada Hills, CA Fabricator S.S. Metal Fabricators Costa Mesa, CA Fabricator Sanger Iron Works Inc. Sanger, CA Fabricator Sculpt Nouveau Escondido, CA Fabricator Steel Geisha Designs Inc. Sonoma, CA Fabricator Transpacific Industrial Supply Inc. Rancho Cucamonga, CA Nationwide Supplier Turner Mfg. Co. Fresno, CA Fabricator White’s Steel Inc. Indio, CA Fabricator Colorado Atlas Metal Sales Denver, CO Nationwide Supplier Colorado Waterjet Co. Berthoud, CO Nationwide Supplier Distinctive Welding Ft. Collins, CO Local Supplier Liberty Home Products Denver, CO Fabricator Living Design Studios Boulder, CO Fabricator

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NOMMA Members Myers & Co. Architectural Metals Basalt, CO Fabricator Sigma Metals Inc. Colorado Springs, CO Fabricator Connecticut Artistic Iron Works LLC Norwalk, CT Fabricator Eastern Metal Works Inc. Milford, CT Fabricator Engineered Building Products Inc. Bloomfield, CT Fabricator Falling Hammer Productions LLC Wolcott, CT Fabricator Hayn Enterprises LLC Rocky Hill, CT Nationwide Supplier Post Road Iron Works Greenwich, CT Fabricator Quality Welding LLC Bristol, CT Fabricator

Art’s Work Unlimited Miami, FL Fabricator

Iron Images Inc. Tallahassee, FL Fabricator

Artistic Anvil Metalcraft LLC Palm Harbor, FL Fabricator

Robert James Custom Metal Fab LLC Jensen Beach, FL Fabricator

ATFAB Ironworks & Forge Plant City, FL Fabricator

Klahm & Sons Inc. Ocala, FL Fabricator

Bachtold Metal Works Jacksonville, FL Fabricator

L & L Orn. Aluminum & Ironworks Inc. West Palm Beach, FL Fabricator

Big C Steel Inc. Clearwater, FL Fabricator

Liberty Aluminum Co. Lehigh Acres, FL Fabricator

Chancey Metal Products Inc. Jacksonville, FL Fabricator

Mark Fence & Railing Inc. Fort Lauderdale, FL Fabricator

Creative Metal Products & Fencing Inc. Boynton Beach, FL Fabricator

Marric LLC Orange Park, FL Fabricator

Creative Metal Works Gulf Breeze, FL Fabricator D.B. Welding & Fab. Sarasota, FL Fabricator

Sorge Industries Inc. Shelton, CT Fabricator

Dixie Metal Products Inc. Boynton Beach, FL Fabricator

United Steel Inc. East Hartford, CT Fabricator

Dudney Ornamentals Loughman, FL Fabricator

Welding Works Inc. Madison, CT Fabricator

Fence Crafters Inc. Riviera Beach, FL Fabricator

C. Sherman Johnson Co. Inc. East Haddam, CT Fabricator

Gates That Open LLC (GTO) Tallahassee, FL Nationwide Supplier

District of Columbia Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust Washington, DC Affiliate

Jerry Grice Welding Inc. Woodville, FL Affiliate

Northeast Iron Works Inc. Washington, DC Fabricator Florida Arc Angels Inc. Dunedin, FL Fabricator 60

Gulf Coast Metal Works Inc. Cape Coral, FL Fabricator Hot Shot Welding Largo, FL Fabricator Iron Age Architectural Metals Orlando,FL Local Supplier

Bob Kline Quality Metals Inc. West Palm Beach, FL Fabricator Mudge Metalcraft North Ft. Myers, FL Fabricator Ocean Machinery Inc. Fort Lauderdale, FL Local Supplier Pinpoint Solutions Jupiter, FL Fabricator Raber Industries Inc. Alva, FL Fabricator SECO South Largo, FL Nationwide Supplier Steely Don’s Inc. Jupiter, FL Fabricator Sunbelt Metals & Mfg. Inc. Apopka, FL Fabricator TACO Metals North Miami, FL Nationwide Supplier Tallahassee Welding & Machine Shop Inc. Tallahassee, FL Fabricator Tampa Steel & Supply Inc. Tampa, FL Local Supplier

Tropical Welding & Fabricating Co. Orlando, FL Fabricator Unlimited Welding Inc. Winter Springs, FL Fabricator Van Linda Iron Works Inc. Lake Worth, FL Fabricator Vasquez Custom Metals Inc. Tampa, FL Fabricator West Gate Sheet Metal Riviera Beach, FL Fabricator Westside Welding Inc. Vero Beach, FL Fabricator Wonderland Products Inc. Jacksonville, FL Fabricator Woodard Artistic Iron LLC Clearwater, FL Fabricator Georgia JM Gruca Inc. Buford, GA Fabricator Heckelmann Metal Works LLC Atlanta, GA Fabricator Owens Welding Inc. Cleveland, GA Fabricator

Universal Steel Inc. Lithonia, GA Fabricator Hawaii Honolulu Ironworks Inc. Honolulu, HI Fabricator Jayco Hawaii Inc. Waipahu, HI Fabricator Padilla Designs LLC Kihei, HI Fabricator Iowa Boyler’s Ornamental Iron Inc. Bettendorf, IA Fabricator CML USA Inc. Ercolina Davenport, IA Nationwide Supplier Eldridge Welding & Orn. Iron Inc. Eldridge, IA Fabricator The Iron Works Ltd. Des Moines, IA Fabricator Sunset Metalworks Burlington, IA Fabricator Idaho Outland Steel Inc. Caldwell, ID Fabricator Illinois Abrasive & Fastening Solutions Yorkville, IL Local Supplier

Ring of Fire Forge Canton, GA Fabricator

Adams Steel Service Inc. McHenry, IL Fabricator

Southeastern Stair & Rail Augusta, GA Fabricator

American Fence Association Inc. Glen Ellyn, IL Affiliate

Southern Style Iron Works Byron, GA Fabricator

AZZ Galvanizing Dixon, IL Nationwide Supplier

Suhner Industrial Products Inc. Rome, GA Nationwide Supplier TAS Enterprise Metter, GA Fabricator

Bellarmine Ornamental Ironwork Inc. Machesney Park, IL Fabricator Builders Ironworks Inc. Crete, IL Fabricator

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NOMMA Members Carl Stahl DecorCable Innovations Chicago, IL Nationwide Supplier Chicago Ornamental Iron Chicago, IL Fabricator Elite Architectural Metal Supply LLC Elk Grove Village, IL Nationwide Supplier

Weldtec Iron Inc. Chicago, IL Fabricator

Sentry Steel Inc. Louisville, KY Fabricator

Western Architectural Iron Co. Chicago, IL Fabricator

Louisiana 3F Metalworks LLC Denham Springs, LA Fabricator

Why Not Iron Inc. Chicago, IL Fabricator

A-1 Southern Iron Works Denham Springs, LA Fabricator

Ephraim Forge Inc. Frankfort, IL Fabricator

Indiana Capitol City Iron Works Inc. Indianapolis, IN Fabricator

Wm. Horn Structural Steel Co. Geneva, IL Fabricator

Custom Steel Designs LLC Shipshewana, IN Fabricator

J.B. Metal Works Inc. Des Plaines, IL Fabricator

Decor Ironworks Dyer, IN Fabricator

Lift Master Elmhurst, IL Nationwide Supplier

DeVols LLC Lebanon, IN Fabricator

Locinox USA Countryside, IL Nationwide Supplier

Indiana Gratings Inc. Martinsville, IN Nationwide Supplier

Midwest Fence Corp.

Chicago, IL Fabricator

Mofab Inc. Anderson, IN Fabricator

Mueller Ornamental Iron Works Inc. Elk Grove Village, IL Fabricator

Structural Components Fabrication Inc. Martinsville, IN Fabricator

Neiweem Industries Inc. Oakwood Hills, IL Fabricator

Upright Iron Works Inc. Griffith, IN Fabricator

Nick’s Metal Fab. & Sons Inc. Brookfield, IL Fabricator

Kansas Shawnee Steel & Welding Inc. Merriam, KS Fabricator

O’Malley Welding & Fabricating Inc. Yorkville, IL Fabricator Paco Corp.

Bridgeview, IL Fabricator Superior Fence & Orn. Iron Cottage Hills, IL Fabricator Tesko Enterprises Norridge, IL Fabricator Waukegan Steel LLC Waukegan, IL Fabricator

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Kentucky Covington Ironworks LLC dba Stewart Iron Works Covington, KY Fabricator Hartford Standard Co. Inc. Simpsonville, KY Nationwide Supplier The Iron Hammer Murray, KY Fabricator Lloyd K. Hughes Metalsmithing Lexington, KY Fabricator

Abarca’s Metal Design Denham Springs, LA Fabricator Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights New Orleans, LA Fabricator Boes Iron Works Inc. New Orleans, LA Fabricator Century Group Inc. Sulphur, LA Nationwide Supplier Custom Iron

by Josh LLC Westlake, LA Fabricator Hernandez Iron Works LLC Lafayette, LA Fabricator Kelley’s Custom Weld Lake Charles, LA Fabricator Kelly’s Ironworks Monroe, LA Fabricator Liles Welding Service Inc. Stonewall, LA Fabricator Manufab Inc. Kenner, LA Fabricator Metal Head Inc. Lafayette, LA Fabricator Rusty Ripple Ironworks LLC New Orleans, LA Fabricator Specialty Iron Works Port Allen, LA Fabricator Stephens Pipe and Steel Port Allen, LA Nationwide Supplier

Maryland Action Fabricators & Erectors Inc. Hyattsville, MD Fabricator Atlantic Industrial & Mechanical Inc. Baltimore, MD Fabricator George A. Eckart Co. Baltimore, MD Fabricator Harbor Metal Works LLC Baltimore, MD Fabricator Hercules Custom Iron Walkersville, MD Fabricator King Architectural Metals - MD Baltimore, MD Nationwide Supplier Koppers Fabricators Inc. Forestville, MD Fabricator Metalmasters Custom Metalsmithing Denton, MD Fabricator Miscellaneous Metals Inc. Frederick, MD Fabricator R & F Metals Inc. Clinton, MD Fabricator

Mid State Welding Oxford, MA Fabricator Mott Iron Works North Orange, MA Fabricator Rens Welding & Fabricating Inc. Taunton, MA Fabricator Republic Iron Works Inc. Chicopee, MA Fabricator Ryan Iron Works Inc. Raynham, MA Fabricator Schiff Architectural Detail LLC Chelsea, MA Fabricator Stairway Manufacturer’s Association Westminister, MA Affiliate Michigan C.A.N. Art Handworks Detroit, MI Fabricator Christopher Metal Fabricating Inc. Grand Rapids, MI Fabricator DAC Industries Inc. Grand Rapids, MI Nationwide Supplier

Red Pepper Forge Inc. North East, MD Fabricator

Disenos Ornamental Iron Detroit, MI Fabricator

The G-S Co. Baltimore, MD Nationwide Supplier

Division 5 Metalworks Kalamazoo, MI Fabricator

Thrifty Iron Works Hyattsville, MD Fabricator

Future Fence Co. Warren, MI Fabricator

Wally’s Iron Works Inc. Mount Airy, MD Fabricator

Jesco Industries Inc. - Wire & Iron Products Div. Litchfield, MI Fabricator

Massachusetts Capone Iron Corp.

Rowley, MA Fabricator DeAngelis Iron Work Inc. South Easton, MA Fabricator

Northeastern Mfg. & Sales Inc. Standish, MI Fabricator OIK Industries Inc. Kalamazoo, MI Fabricator

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NOMMA Members Van Dam Iron Works Grand Rapids, MI Fabricator Minnesota Accent Ornamental Iron & Powder Coating Co. Cambridge, MN Fabricator Custom Iron Inc. Zumbrota, MN Fabricator Strampe Metalcraft Eden Prairie, MN Fabricator Missouri American Iron Co. St. Charles, MO Fabricator Carnahan-White Inc. Springfield, MO Fabricator

Mississippi B&O Machine & Welding Brookhaven, MS Fabricator Imagine Ironworks Brookhaven, MS Fabricator Iron Innovations Inc. Clinton, MS Fabricator KD Welding Services Gulfport, MS Fabricator LMF Co. Laurel, MS Fabricator Montana Specialty Iron Works Great Falls, MT Fabricator

Classic Metal Craft Inc. St. Louis, MO Fabricator

New Hampshire Interstate Mfg. Associates Inc. Newport, NH Nationwide Supplier

Empire Fence & Custom Iron Works St. Louis, MO Fabricator

New Hampshire Steel Fabricators Inc. Goffstown, NH Fabricator

Eureka Forge Pacific, MO Fabricator

New Jersey Accent Fence Inc. Egg Harbor City, NJ Fabricator

Florissant Ornamental Iron Works Inc. St. Louis, MO Fabricator Foreman Fabricators Inc. Saint Louis, MO Fabricator Missouri Ornamental Iron Co. Inc. Saint Louis, MO Fabricator

Architectural Iron Designs Inc. Plainfield, NJ Nationwide Supplier Armadillo Metalworks Inc. Passaic, NJ Fabricator Artistic Railings Inc. Garfield, NJ Fabricator

Mittler Bros.

Machine & Tool Foristell, MO Nationwide Supplier

Atlas Custom Metalwork East Hanover, NJ Fabricator

L.E. Sauer Machine Co. St. Louis, MO Nationwide Supplier

Julius Blum & Co. Inc. Carlstadt, NJ Nationwide Supplier

Snyder Engineering Inc. Columbia, MO Fabricator A. Zahner Co. Kansas City, MO Fabricator

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Bridgeton Drafting Co. LLC Vineland, NJ Nationwide Supplier Dave’s Architectural Iron LLC Paterson, NJ Fabricator

T. Johnson Design Hopewell, NJ Fabricator

Stodtmeister Iron Sparks, NV Fabricator

La Forge De Style LLC South Hackensack, NJ Fabricator

New York Alliance Welding & Steel Fab. Inc. Floral Park, NY Fabricator

Mac Metals Inc. Kearny, NJ Nationwide Supplier Majka Railing Co. Inc. Paterson, NJ Fabricator Middleton & Company Insurance Newton, NJ Local Supplier S & S Mfg. East Brunswick, NJ Fabricator South Camden Iron Works Inc. Mickleton, NJ Nationwide Supplier SRS Inc. Metuchen, NJ Fabricator Tri-Steel Fabricators Trenton, NJ Fabricator Trylon Lyndhurst, NJ Fabricator New Mexico Accent Stair & Specialty Albuquerque, NM Fabricator Barnett Aldon Ironworks Albuquerque, NM Fabricator Raysteel Inc. Albuquerque, NM Fabricator Nevada Artistic Iron Works Inc. Las Vegas, NV Fabricator The Cable Connection Carson City, NV Nationwide Supplier Paramount Iron & Handrail Inc. Carson City, NV Fabricator Southwest Architectural Metals Henderson, NV Fabricator

Lewis Brass & Copper Co. Inc. Middle Village, NY Nationwide Supplier Marks U.S.A. Amityville, NY Nationwide Supplier

Alpha Iron Works LLC Rochester, NY Fabricator

Mineola Iron Works Co. Mineola, NY Fabricator

Bedford Iron Works Bedford Hills, NY Fabricator

N.U.M.A.R. Carmel, NY Fabricator

Bracci Iron Works Brooklyn, NY Fabricator

NE&WS Metal Works Inc. Maspeth, NY Fabricator

Brakewell Steel Fab. Inc. Chester, NY Local Supplier C & P Fabricators Inc. Island Park, NY Fabricator Clark & Wilkins Industries Inc. New York, NY Fabricator D.J.A. Imports Ltd. Bronx, NY Nationwide Supplier D’Agostino Iron Works Inc. Rochester, NY Fabricator East New York Steel Products Inc. Brooklyn, NY Local Supplier

Old Dutchman’s Wrought Iron Getzville, NY Fabricator Ornamental Metal Institute of NY New York, NY Affiliate Raulli & Sons Inc. Syracuse, NY Fabricator RISA Management Corp.

Westbury, NY Fabricator Skyline Steel Corp.

Brooklyn, NY Fabricator Spirit Ironworks Bayport, NY Fabricator

Fine Architectural Metalsmiths Chester, NY Fabricator

Star Wire Mesh Fabricators Inc. New York, NY Fabricator

Goldens Bridge Unit Step Co. Inc. Carmel, NY Fabricator

Sure Iron Works Brooklyn, NY Fabricator

Industrial Coverage Corp.

Patchogue, NY Nationwide Supplier International Creative Metal Inc. Woodside, NY Fabricator Jerry Cardullo Iron Works Inc. Bay Shore, NY Fabricator

Tri-State Shearing & Bending Brooklyn, NY Nationwide Supplier United Iron Inc. Mount Vernon, NY Fabricator Universal Supplies Associates Brooklyn, NY Local Supplier Waverly Iron Corp.

Medford, NY Fabricator Fabricator n May / June 2013

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NOMMA Members North Carolina Alamance Iron Works Greensboro, NC Fabricator

Eagle Machine & Welding Inc. Newark, OH Fabricator

Cook’s Fence & Iron Co. Oklahoma City, OK Fabricator

American Precision Powder Coating LLC Beaver Falls, PA Fabricator

AlumiWorks LLC Randleman, NC Fabricator

Jon Edwards Steel Columbus, OH Fabricator

Big Blu Hammer Mfg. Morganton, NC Nationwide Supplier

Elegant Iron Studios West Alexandria, OH Fabricator

Heritage Cast Iron USA Tulsa, OK Nationwide Supplier

Anderson Welding & Sons LLC Oreland, PA Fabricator

Iron Decor Tulsa, OK Fabricator

Anvil Craft Corp.

Easton, PA Fabricator

Warren’s Welding Thomas, OK Fabricator

Anvil Iron Works Inc. Philadelphia, PA Fabricator

Wiemann Metalcraft Tulsa, OK Fabricator

Armin Iron Works Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Fabricator

Hess Ornamental Iron LLC Felton, PA Fabricator

York Metal Fabricators Inc. Oklahoma City, OK Fabricator

BenFab Inc. Lansdowne, PA Fabricator

Hiller’s Heating & A/C Berwick, PA Fabricator

M. Cohen & Sons Inc. Broomall, PA Fabricator

Ingham’s Powder Coating Stevens, PA Local Supplier

Blue Mountain Metalwork Inc. Banner Elk, NC Fabricator Concept Steel Inc. Gastonia, NC Fabricator Davis Steel & Iron Co. Inc. Matthews, NC Fabricator Dwiggins Metal Masters Inc. Mocksville, NC Fabricator

Finelli Architectural Iron & Stairs Solon, OH Fabricator Ironfab LLC Lancaster, OH Fabricator Kasper Fabrication & Design Wickliffe, OH Fabricator L & L Ornamental Iron Cleves, OH Fabricator

ETemplate Systems Raleigh, NC Nationwide Supplier

Metalcrafts Inc. Youngstown, OH Fabricator

Hughes Metal Works LLC Greensboro, NC Fabricator

Ohio Gratings Inc. Canton, OH Nationwide Supplier

Jackson Steel Inc. Hendersonville, NC Fabricator

Quality Arch. & Fab. Inc. Franklin, OH Fabricator

NC Tool Co. Pleasant Garden, NC Nationwide Supplier

Ransburg Toledo, OH Nationwide Supplier

Smith Architectural Metals LLC Greensboro, NC Fabricator

Rockite, Div. of Hartline Products Co. Inc. Cleveland, OH Nationwide Supplier

Vann’s Welding & Ornamental Works Inc. Monroe, NC Fabricator North Dakota Red River Fabricating Inc. West Fargo, ND Fabricator Ohio American Punch Co. Euclid, OH Nationwide Supplier Cleveland Steel Tool Co. Cleveland, OH Nationwide Supplier

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Suburban Steel Supply Co. LLC Gahanna, OH Fabricator Upright Steel LLC Cleveland, OH Fabricator Oklahoma Ameristar Fence Products Tulsa, OK Nationwide Supplier Berryhill Ornamental Iron Broken Arrow, OK Fabricator

Oregon A2 Fabrication Milwaukie, OR Fabricator Albina Pipe Bending Co. Inc. Tualatin, OR Nationwide Supplier Design Metals Portland, OR Fabricator Downtown Ornamental Iron Inc. Bend, OR Fabricator Hebo/Stratford Gate Systems Inc. Clackamas, OR Nationwide Supplier Madden Fabrication Portland, OR Fabricator Pacific Stair Corp.

Salem, OR Nationwide Supplier Stanco Mfg. Inc. Salem, OR Fabricator Zion Metal Works Clackamas, OR Fabricator Pennsylvania All Gate Fence & Railing Co. West Chester, PA Fabricator Allen’s Iron Works LLC Yeadon, PA Fabricator

Compass Ironworks Gap, PA Fabricator Creative ForgeReichert Corp.

Telford, PA Fabricator

Filippi Brothers Inc. Philadelphia, PA Fabricator Forest Mfg. Punxsutawney, PA Fabricator Gehret Wire Works Philadelphia, PA Fabricator Groll Ornamental Iron Works Pittsburgh, PA Fabricator

H.R. Leuenberger Inc. Allison Park, PA Fabricator The Iron Shop Broomall, PA Nationwide Supplier

Crystal Metalworks Hatfield, PA Fabricator

Keystone Metals Inc. Pittsburgh, PA Fabricator

Cuper Studios LLC Easton, PA Fabricator

Krando Metal Products Broomall, PA Nationwide Supplier

DB Welding, Fabrication & Repairs Inc. West Chester, PA Fabricator

Metabo Corp.

West Chester, PA Nationwide Supplier

DeVito Brothers & Son Inc. Ardmore, PA Fabricator Ebinger Iron Works Inc. Schuylkill Haven, PA Fabricator Louis Emmel Ornamental Iron Inc. Coraopolis, PA Fabricator The Fabrication Store Chester, PA Nationwide Supplier Fierro Iron Works Norristown, PA Fabricator

Moore & Morford Inc. Greensburg, PA Fabricator Northern Iron Works Inc. Bethayres, PA Fabricator Pelet Welding Inc. Coatesville, PA Fabricator Richard R. Pucci & Associates Inc. Ivyland, PA Fabricator R & H Co. Inc. Metal Fabricators Easton, PA Fabricator Scranton Craftsmen Inc. Throop, PA Fabricator 63

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NOMMA Members E.H. Schwab Co. Turtle Creek, PA Fabricator Sender Ornamental Iron Works Johnstown, PA Fabricator Shrock Fabrication Bird In Hand, PA Fabricator Sippel Co. Inc. Ambridge, PA Fabricator Steel Welding Freedom, PA Fabricator Rhode Island Westbay Welding Warwick, RI Fabricator South Carolina Grainger Metal Works Nichols, SC Fabricator Heirloom Stair & Iron Campobello, SC Fabricator Integrity Ironworks LLC Fort Mill, SC Fabricator The Metal Works Inc. Lexington, SC Fabricator Mid-Carolina Steel Co. Columbia, SC Local Supplier StairCrafters Inc. Easley, SC Fabricator Sumter Coatings Inc. Sumter, SC Nationwide Supplier South Dakota Bailey Metal Fabricators Inc. Mitchell, SD Fabricator Tennessee Herndon & Merry Inc. Nashville, TN Fabricator

MSW Ornamental Fabricators Inc. Memphis, TN Fabricator National Ornamental Metal Museum Memphis, TN Honorary

Johnston Products of Dallas Inc. Cedar Hill, TX Fabricator

Tate Ornamental Inc. White House, TN Fabricator

King Architectural Metals Dallas, TX Nationwide Supplier

West Tennessee Ornamental Door Memphis, TN Nationwide Supplier

Lambert’s Ornamental Iron Haltom City, TX Fabricator

Texas Aber Fence & Supply Co. Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator

MCT Sheet Metal Inc. Katy, TX Fabricator

Aberdeen Contracting Inc. dba Aberdeen Custom Gate and Iron Weatherford, TX Fabricator Advanced Fence & Gates Houston, TX Fabricator Alloy Casting Co. Inc. Mesquite, TX Nationwide Supplier American Steel & Aluminum Grand Prairie, TX Fabricator Berger Iron Works Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator Big D Metalworks Dallas, TX Fabricator Broome Welding & Machine Co. Inc. Galveston, TX Fabricator C.T. and S. Metalworks Irving, TX Fabricator Decorative Iron Houston, TX Nationwide Supplier

Keeler Iron Works Memphis, TN Fabricator

DoorKing of Texas Ltd. Dallas, TX Fabricator

Mid South Soda Blasting Germantown, TN Local Supplier

Hoffa Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator

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House of Forgings LLC Houston, TX Nationwide Supplier

Mid-Cities Iron Southlake, TX Fabricator Oscar’s Custom Iron Works San Antonio, TX Fabricator

Southern Star Steel Services LLC Lorena, TX Fabricator

Flaherty Iron Works Inc. Alexandria, VA Fabricator

Stairways Inc. Houston, TX Nationwide Supplier

Hallmark Iron Works Inc. Newington, VA Fabricator

Trinity Stairs Inc. Frisco, TX Fabricator TS Distributors Inc. Houston, TX Nationwide Supplier Varis Iron Works Pilot Point, TX Fabricator World Fence News Austin, TX Fabricator Utah R.J. Cunningham Designs Salt Lake City, UT Honorary

Paramount Steel Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator

Historical Arts & Casting Inc. West Jordan, UT Fabricator

Patina Metals Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator

Lightning Forge Murray, UT Fabricator

Peck & Co. Inc. Houston, TX Fabricator

Meta Designs Salt Lake City, UT Fabricator

Pool Custom Iron Work Inc. Conroe, TX Fabricator

Wasatch Steel Inc. Salt Lake City, UT Nationwide Supplier

ProCounsel Dallas, TX Nationwide Supplier Regency Railings Inc. Dallas, TX Nationwide Supplier Rock Wood Iron Works Lubbock, TX Fabricator Rod Iron Rod Inc. Odessa, TX Fabricator Rogers Mfg. Inc. Mineral Wells, TX Nationwide Supplier San Gabriel Ornamental Leander, TX Fabricator SC Metalworks LLC Houston, TX Fabricator

Legacy Ironworks Inc. Hanover, VA Fabricator M & N Industries Inc. dba Crossroads Iron Works Gordonsville, VA Fabricator O.K. Foundry Co. Inc. Richmond, VA Nationwide Supplier Shenandoah Decorative Ironworks Richmond, VA Fabricator Suburban Welding Company® Alexandria, VA Fabricator Superior Iron Works Inc. Sterling, VA Fabricator Virginia Architectural Metals Fredericksburg, VA Fabricator Vermont Hubbardton Forge Castleton, VT Fabricator

Virginia Alliance Steel & Fabrications Inc. Manassas Park, VA Fabricator

Washington A.G.S. Stainless Bainbridge Island, WA Fabricator

Cardine Studios LLC Bealeton, VA Fabricator

Acme Metal Designs Auburn, WA Fabricator

Circle M Contracting Portsmouth, VA Fabricator

Allform Welding Inc. Carlsborg, WA Fabricator

Dominion Steel Erectors Inc. Woodbridge, VA Fabricator

Atelier Custom Design LLC Kennewick, WA Fabricator

Emerald Ironworks Inc. Woodbridge, VA Fabricator

Automated Equipment Co. Inc. Seattle, WA Fabricator

FabCad Inc. White Stone, VA Nationwide Supplier

Iron Workers District Council Lakewood, WA Affiliate

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NOMMA Members Ornamental Gate & Fence Mead, WA Fabricator

Dean Derge Orn. Iron Works Inc. Kewaskum, WI Fabricator

Premium Metal & Iron Works LLC Pewaukee, WI Fabricator

Tacoma Iron Work Tacoma, WA Fabricator

Duwe Metal Products Inc. Menomonee Falls, WI Fabricator

Sharpe Products New Berlin, WI Nationwide Supplier

Wisconsin Architectural Art Studio Genoa City, WI Fabricator

EPi New Berlin, WI Nationwide Supplier

The Wagner Companies Butler, WI Nationwide Supplier

Badger Railing Milwuakee, WI Fabricator

Germantown Iron & Steel Corp.

Jackson, WI Fabricator

Wyoming Bower Welding Casper, WY Fabricator

Banker Wire Mukwonago, WI Nationwide Supplier

Grunau Metals Oak Creek, WI Fabricator

Picasso Gate Inc. Cheyenne, WY Fabricator

Bay View Railing & Ornamental Inc. St. Francis, WI Fabricator

Louis Hoffmann Co. Menomonee Falls, WI Fabricator

Bighorn Forge Inc. Kewaskum, WI Fabricator

McKey Perforating New Berlin, WI Nationwide Supplier

Mr. Henry Bills Delafield, WI Honorary

Midwest Stairs & Iron Inc. Milwaukee, WI Fabricator

Custom Metals Inc. Madison, WI Fabricator

Olde Iron Shoppe Mosinee, WI Fabricator

INTERNATIONAL Canada Alku Group of Companies Woodbridge, ON Nationwide Supplier Geo. Bezdan Sales Ltd. Burnaby, BC Nationwide Supplier

City Welding Works Peterborough, ON Fabricator Custom Orn. Iron Works Ltd. Richmond, BC Nationwide Supplier

Cayman Islands Artisan Metal Works Ltd. Grand Cayman Fabricator

Kehler Made St. Adolphe, MB Fabricator

Ireland New Line Engineering Ltd. Kells, County Meath Fabricator

Modern Railings & Metalcraft Ltd. Aurora, ON Fabricator

Mexico Metalo Studio Monterrey Fabricator

Nova Scotia Community College Sydney, NS Affiliate

United Kingdom Unique Iron Design Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire, England Fabricator

Old Country Ornamental Iron Supply Co. Thunder Bay, ON Fabricator China Loyal Wrought Iron Co. Ltd. Guangzhou, China Fabricator

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New Members We are pleased to introduce our newest members. We encourage our new member firms to “jump in and get involved.”

New NOMMA Members as of April 26, 2013. *Asterisk denotes returning members Atlas Custom Metalwork East Hanover, NJ Kurt Michalka Fabricator

Jerry Cardullo Iron Works Inc.* Bay Shore, NY Jerry Cardullo Fabricator

Metalo Studio* Monterrey Mexico Francisco Rene Medina Garza Fabricator

Southern Star Steel Services LLC* Lorena, TX Bobby Meador Fabricator

Brown Machine & Fabrication Inc. Alexander City, AL Nolen Brown Fabricator

Kasper Fabrication & Design* Wickliffe, OH Fred Kasper Fabricator

Mudge Metalcraft* North Ft. Myers, FL Jacob Mudge Fabricator

Tacoma Iron Work* Tacoma, WA John Leskajan Fabricator

DeVols LLC* Lebanon, IN Alice Devol Fabricator

Louis Hoffmann Co.* Menomonee Falls, WI Bryan Hermus Fabricator

Pelet Welding Inc. Coatesville, PA Douglas Pelet Fabricator

Unique Iron Design Ltd. Burnley, Lancashire England Richard Twiddy Fabricator

Dudney Ornamentals* Loughman, FL Dale Dudney Fabricator

Mark Fence & Railing Inc. Fort Lauderdale, FL Mark Hastings Fabricator

May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Sculpt Nouveau* Escondido, CA Ron Young Fabricator

Warren’s Welding Thomas, OK Warren Crain Fabricator West Tennessee Ornamental Door* Memphis, TN James Hoffa Nationwide Supplier

Upright Steel LLC Cleveland, OH Gerald Quinn Fabricator

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What’s Hot? n Industry Briefs Colorado WaterJet adds five-axis waterjet capabilities Colorado WaterJet Company (CWJ), Berthoud, CO, a leader in abrasive waterjet shape cutting, has added 5-axis waterjet technology to its machining and fabrication services.

The company’s latest machine, the Mach 4C WaterJet from Flow, features the most advanced technology in the industry, the company says, and provides the most accurate bevel and 3D cutting capabilities available.

The Flow Mach 4c’s 5-axis can provide up to 60° of motion, which means faster, more intricate precision cutting of any shape, including interior cuts. The machine can shape virtually any composite material, regardless of thickness, including steel (mild, stainless, tool, high alloy, hardened), aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, bronze, Inconel, Hastelloy®, tungsten, Invar, and stone, says CWJ.

Overall, waterjet technology is more advanced and cost effective than comparative cutting technologies like band saws and lasers, says CWJ. The cold cutting process requires no heat and eliminates hardened edges, slag, and warping.

It allows for close nesting of parts for efficient use of material that reduces waste. The computerized, numerically controlled system significantly improves turnaround time and eliminates cutting and processing errors associated with non-waterjet systems.

Contact 970-532-5404, www.coloradowaterjet.com

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Industry News

SHUT It gets preliminary patent for its self-closing hinge SHUT IT Gate Hardware, light gates while not creating the leading manufacturer excess torque, which causes of gate hardware, recently slamming in lighter gate received preliminary patinstallations. ent protection for its newly Also, SHUT IT has developed self-closing included five tension sethinge, and targeted its tings on the hinge, so that release to the fence industry each installation can close at FenceTech 2013 last Febwith the proper speed. ruary in Houston.

In addition to its strength While other companies and ease of use, the hinge claim to have developed will be easy on the accountself-closing hinges for heavy ing ledger. The cost of the BadAss Self-Closing duty applications, SHUT hinge set (which includes Hinge for under $150 IT believes that its BadAss both the BadAss Self-Closing Self-Closing Hinge is the Hinge and a “slave” original first hinge to actually qualify for such a BadAss Hinge) will be significantly less distinction. than a hydraulic closer or the competi“While other companies have tried tors self-closing hinge solution. to add heavy duty hardware to their “Our goal was to develop a self-closexisting hinge line up, heavy-duty is ing solution for under $150 retail, and all that we have ever done” says Skip we easily achieved this,” claims BengtBengtson of SHUT IT. son. Dealers can expect to pay under The hinge uses the same bearing $125 per set. technology found in all of SHUT IT’s Contact 520-320-0680, existing products. Because of this, the www.shutitgatehardware.com hinge has the same load capacity as their original BadAss hinge — 2,000 New PPG data sheet matches pounds. Additionally, like all of SHUT powder coatings, AAMA specs IT’s other hinges, its self-closing hinge PPG Industries’ industrial coatings is adjustable during and after instalbusiness has published a new data sheet lation, so that you can always have a that categorizes PPG architectural powperfectly flush installation, according to der coatings according to American the company.

Architectural Manufacturers Associa“For the BadAss Self-Closing Hinge, tion (AAMA) performance standards. we wanted to use a closing mechanism, The data sheet details formulathat was not only durable, but easily tions and suggested applications for adjustable,” Bengtson says. four PPG powder coatings: Enviro“We decided a torsion style closer cron Durable, Envirocron Ultraduoffered the best durability and ease of rable, Coraflon and Duranar coatings. adjustment.”

They are classified according to AAMA The company worked with an 2603, 2604 or 2605 performance independent manufacturer of torsion specifications. springs to develop a custom spring that Contact 888-774-2001, is capable of closing both heavy and www.ppgindustrialcoatings.com Fabricator n May / June 2013

What’s Hot? n

Industry News

Nickel Institute names Nigel Ward promotion market development director The Nickel Institute has appointed Nigel Ward to be director for promotion and market development.

In this role, Ward is responsible for raising awareness of nickel and its benefits in applications such as stainless steel and for promoting the use of nickel in appropriate applications across multiple industrial, construction, and product sectors globally.

Ward is a British citizen and joins the Nickel Institute from the British Stainless Steel Association where he was managing director from 2004.

Nigel started his career as a graduate trainee with British Steel and subsequently held marketing and sales roles at British Steel Stainless, Avesta Sheffield, AvestaPolarit, and Outokumpu.

He also worked on a number of high profile projects such as the Lloyd’s building and Canary Wharf in London as well as both the Twin Towers and International Airport at Kuala Lumpur.

Nigel was appointed group manager, market and trade political affairs at Outokumpu before joining the British Stainless Steel Association.

Dr. Kevin Bradley, Nickel Institute president said, “We are delighted to welcome Nigel to the Nickel Institute team. His wealth of experience in the stainless steel sector and knowledge of the markets for nickel will boost our efforts to grow and support the market for nickel-containing materials.”

Contact 202-470-3239, www.nickelinstitute.org

Have It Your Way

News Brief New Hypertherm facility may add up to 500 new jobs Hypertherm’s new 160,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Lebanon, NH, may help create 500 new jobs for New Hampshire, including advanced machinist and engineering positions. Hypertherm is a manufacturer of advanced cutting systems.

In keeping with Hypertherm’s core values, the space was designed with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design principles to lessen the building’s environmental impact and make the facility healthier. It includes advanced research and development space, classrooms, and engineering labs.

Contact 800-643-0030 www.hypertherm.com/en/ presents

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May / June 2013 n Fabricator

GATE HINGES

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11/27/12 11:02 AM

NOMMA TechBulletin

Bulletin No. #2

Topic: Driveway Gate Operators then “Education,” and then go to “Operator Installer School.”

Important clarification: While the Operator Installer exam is typically given at the end of the session, the two items are separate. In other words, you can attend the school and not take the exam, or you can take the exam and not attend the school. However, attending the school gives you six months of credit towards the experience requirement.

Gate Operator Installation

The NOMMA office regularly receive questions about gate operator installations. The following is a collection of resources to help get you started. This information can also be found in our NOMMA Member Resource Manual, which is currently in production.

UL 325 & ASTM F2200

UL325 governs gate operators and The American Fence Association hosts an annual Operator some other types of operators. The Installer School, which is typically held in the fall in Tulsa, OK. standard includes requirements for entrapment protection and other safety-related requirements.

NOMMA/NEF F2200 applies to the construction of the vehicular gate itself and To find the NOMMA resources on driveway gates go to the encompasses many types of gates. The standard is harmonized NOMMA website, and then go to “Tech Affairs” or “Memwith UL 325. It address topics such as gaps, protrusions, pinch ber Resources” and click on “Support.” From there click on points, and openings. The F2200 standard can be purchased from “Driveway Gates” in the left panel. For a handy chart that ASTM at www.astm.org. Cost: $36. UL325 is available from IHS makes the UL 325 standard easy to understand, click on Global Standards at www.global.ihs.com. Cost: $998.

“UL 325 Charts.” For a 37-minute video on the topic, go to ICC - Operator requirements in the building codes “Member Resources” and click on “Videos/Webinars.” The As a result of changes made to the 2009 codes, the International video is titled “Overview of Driveway Gate Installations” Fire Code (IFC) and International Building Code (IBC) require and comes with a downloadable checklist. automated vehicular gate installations within their respective code scopes to comply with UL 325 and ASTM F2200.

DASMA The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association IDEA Gate Operator Installer Certification (DASMA) provides free Tech Data Sheets for the industry.

NOMMA was one of the coalition partners that helped develop Go to www.dasma.org and then go to “Publications” and the Automatic Gate Operator Installer Certification, which is click on “Tech Data Sheets.” Scroll down to the section administered by the Institute of Door Dealer Education & Accalled “Operator & Electronics Technical Data Sheets.” creditation (IDEA). For information, go to www.dooreducation.

Some of the most helpful bulletins are #352, #353, #354, com and then click on “Certification and Accreditation,” and #356. then scroll down to “Automatic Gate Operator Installer Certification.” You must meet the eligibility requirements and the Future resources cost is $250. Once you submit your application you’ll receive a The Automated Vehicular Gate System Coalition is putting self-study guide. The guide will prepare you for the exam, which the final touches on the Automated Vehicular Gate Operais given during Fencetech, following the AFA Operator Installer tor Systems Designer Certification. As of this writing, the School, or at other industry events. You can also take the exam at coalition was putting the final touches on the study guide. a testing center. The certification is good for three years and you A third project is the Automated Vehicular Gate Operator must earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain the Technician Certification, which will focus on troubleshootcertification. ing, repairs, and guidelines. Work on this project should begin in 2013.

AFA Operator Installer School

The American Fence Association hosts the Operator Installer School in the fall in Tulsa, OK. The course covers UL 325 and ASTM F2200, as well as gate types, safety accessories, phone entry systems, installation, electronics, and more. For details, visit www.americanfenceassociation.com and click on “Members,”

What else should I know?

If you do work in Nevada, UL325 is more than a safety standard — it’s the law. Senate bill 302 took effect in Nevada on March 1, 2000. As mentioned earlier, UL325 is also part of Building and Fire codes across the nation.

TechBulletin is published by the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association, 805 South Glynn St., Ste. 127 #311, Fayetteville, GA 30214, (888) 516-8585, Fax: (888) 279-7994, nommainfo@ nomma.org, www.nomma.org. By using the information in this document, the reader agrees to not hold liable the author, NOMMA, or the Board of Directors for any damages (including consequential, exemplary, or incidental).

What’s Hot? n

Products: Saws

The MH-270M mitering band saw Cosen Saws USA

The MH-270M is for small-to-medium machine shops, maintenance shops, metal artists, metal fabricating shops, schools, and limited-run production work. It cuts solids, rounds, squares, and tubing, and is equipped with an 1-inch blade, roller bearings, carbide guide, and

a 1.5 HP blade motor.

The saw also has a hydraulically controlled down-feed.

Its solid construction, says the company, ensures many years of reliable and accurate cutting at a high level of performance.

Contact 704-943-1030, www.cosensaws.com 12.75-inch hand-dry cutter circular saw CS Unitec Inc. The 8320 BigSaw2 is the largest dry-cutting portable metal saw on the market, says CS Unitec. Featuring a 123/4 inch diameter, carbidetipped blade capable of cutting 43/4 inches deep, the saw can cut through steel, sand-

Need to Notch?

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wich panels, conduits, and metal pipes without coolant.

Cuts are burr-free and cool to the touch within seconds.

The saw’s 16-amp motor delivers a free-cutting speed of 1,400 RPM and has motor overload protection to prevent burnout. With a sidemounted tilt tray for chip disposal and an integrated dust collection port for connection to an industrial vacuum, the BigSaw2 can operate dust-free with quick cleanup. An optional guide

rail with clamping system is available to make precision straight cuts through sandwich panels and sheets up to 47 inches in length.

Contact 800-700-5919, www.csunitec.com Three-phase saw Dake Corporation The Super Cut 315CE1PH has all of the heavy-duty features of a three-phase saw in a convenient single-phase package, says the company.

The massive cutting head rotates 45° left and right of center for accurate miter cutting with minimal chatter while cutting tubing and sectional profiles. The vise is cam-activated for repeatability with gib adjustment and

C360SA SemiAutomatic Cold Saw Vertical column construction for vibration-free sawing Simple controls for high volume production work Two-speed spindle (18 & 36 rpm) Heavy-duty precision-ground saw bed Heavy-duty drive 4 hp TEFC motor Totally enclosed transmission

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69

What’s Hot? n

Products: Saws

pedestal base, adjustable positive stop, and a tool kit.

Contact 616-847-4872, fwww.dakecorp.com

an anti-burr arm. The saw has 24V at controls, E-stop, low voltage protection, and thermal overload protection.

It includes a reliable mechanical coolant pump for chip removal. Standard equipment are a blade, gallon of coolant,

Semi-automatic ferrous cutting saw Haberle Utilizing the capabilities of S350/S400 ferrous cutting machines, Brobo introduces the revised SA350 & SA400 range of semi-automatic ferrous cutting saws. Using a motor with a programmable controller system alleviates the repetitious cutting process without compromising cutting capabilities and features of the ferrous saw range, says the company.

Features include: n Mitering locking device

stops at 45° left, straight 90°, and 45° right. n Fully integrated coolant systems are on all machines. n Spindle and drive unit immersed in oil solution and enclosed within gearbox housing for smooth performance and reduced machine wear.

< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < 70

n High-speed steel blades on all equipment for general purpose cutting of ferrous solid and tube profiles Saw detects the size of cutting piece and automatically sets shortest possible cutting stroke. n Active cutting load monitoring with automatic feed modulation in case of overload accommodate for a range of metal profiles. n Brobolube standard lubricator.

Contact 800-956-1313, www.HaberleUSA.com

Hemsaw H90A-C band saw HE&M Saw Inc. The H90A-C is a horizontal pivot band saw that pro-

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What’s Hot? n

Products: Saws

vides accuracy and durability in a space-saving design, says the company. The saw uses a 1 inch x 12 feet 10 inches x .035 inch blade powered by a 3 HP motor. The saw has a cutting capacity of 123/4 inches high x 123/4 inches flat.

The “Easy View” style, “all function” control console has an operator-friendly display, touch pad buttons, and built-in diagnostics. Located on the console, HE&M Saw’s patented Cut Watcher system monitors the cut for squareness to a pre-set deviation value and shuts down the saw when the pre-set value is exceeded.

The saw also has an automatic bar-feed with a 0-24inch feed stroke capable of multiple indexes. Other features include adjustable blade speed, adjustable clamping pressure, holddown fixtures, and a built-in coolant system with sealed coolant pump.

Contact 918-825-4821, www.hemsaw.com K12-14MS enclosed wet-cutting saw Kalamazoo Industries The model K12-14MS enclosed wet-cutting metallurgical saw is designed for metallurgical laboratories that need to slice through sections of metal samples, such as coupons, to inspect their internal properties. The saw offers an economical way to achieve the necessary high-quality performance, May / June 2013 n Fabricator

says the company.

The saw features a full enclosure with external manual operation, dual moveable 4-inch screw vises, dual coolant nozzles, internal halogen light, a 5 HP, 1725 RPM motor, and a 1-inch wheel arbor that accepts a 12-inch or 14-inch wheel. To ensure the highest possible quality cutting, the wheel is not included because it must be specially ordered for the type of metal being cut. The saw has a capacity up to 2½-inch solids and 3-inch shapes.

Options include a powerdown feed, oscillation cutting for large sections, and door interlocks.

All Kalamazoo Industries machines are manufactured in the USA.

plumbing, cabinet fitting, drywall fitting, cutting and sizing plywood or cutting duct openings in HVAC applications.

The saw features a lowlying saw blade support roller for exact blade guidance, a four-stage adjustable orbital blade stroke and positive bevel cutting stops at 15°, 30°, and 45°. The tool includes Metabo’s quick toolless blade

change system that saves time and energy when replacing blades, increasing productivity, and lowering overall cost, says the company.

Safety features include an ergonomic rubber-coated full-grip, bow-type handle for user comfort, adjustable blower for a debris-free view of the cutting line, as well as an integrated LED work light for optimum illumination of the cutting line.

Sold as a tool only, it accepts Metabo’s 1.5Ah, 2.6 Ah, 3.0Ah or 4.0Ah 18 V lithium-ion batteries that offer 40% higher performance and 40% less weight than conventional batteries.

Contact 800-638-2264, www.metabousa.com

Contact 269-382-2050, kalamazooindustries.com Cordless jig saw Metabo Corporation The STA 18 LTX cordless jig saw is part of Metabo’s PowerMasterSeries of 18 V lithium-ion cordless power tools. It can cut more than 98 feet of chipboard with one battery pack charge and is ideal for cutting openings for heating duct and 71

What’s Hot? n Automatic stop/ gauge and pusher system TigerStop If you cut, rip, drill, miter, or mortise material, TigerStop makes your process faster, says the company.

TigerStop is a stop, gauge, and pusher system that attaches to your existing saw or other equipment.

With computer controlled accuracy of +/- 0.004 inches, the easy-to-use TigerStop positions your material with a touch of the button.

Material optimization packages can reduce your

Products: Saws

NOMMA Gold Members NOMMA is pleased to welcome our newest Gold Members — companies who have been a member for 20 years or more. These companies show a strong loyalty to both their industry and their trade association. We thank them for their many years of support. n Bracci Iron Works ..................................... Brooklyn, NY n Armin Iron Works Inc............................... Pittsburgh, PA n Boes Iron Works Inc. ................................ New Orleans, LA n Broome Welding & Machine Co. Inc. ... Galveston, TX

waste even more.

For an even more streamlined system, TigerStop has optional features of working lengths of 4 feet to 50 feet+. Produce more and reduce mistakes with TigerStop, the company adds. It works for every type of machining from sawing, to drilling, to bending.

Contact 360-254-0661, www.tigerstop.com

n DoorKing of Texas Ltd. ............................ Dallas, TX n Hebo/Stratford Gate Systems Inc. ........ Clackamas, OR n Johnston Products of Dallas Inc. .......... Cedar Hill, TX n King Architectural Metals ....................... Dallas, TX n Mainer Iron Works Inc. ............................ Fort Smith, AR n Picasso Gate Inc. ....................................... Cheyenne, WY n Republic Fence Co. Inc. ........................... Granada Hills, CA n Superior Fence & Orn. Iron ..................... Cottage Hills, IL n Western Architectural Iron Co. .............. Chicago, IL

We greatly thank these companies for their two decades of loyalty and support.

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72 Fabricator RM house ad.indd 1

abana.org

Artist-Blacksmith’s

Association of North America, Inc. Fabricator n May / June 2013

10/14/2011 12:45:08 PM

n

Advertiser’s Index A thanks to the following advertisers for their support of O&MM Fabricator magazine.

Pg Company

Website

Pg Company

Website

67 Alloy Casting Co. Inc........................................... www.alloynet.com

9 Feeney Inc...........................................................www.feeneyinc.com

15 Apollo Gate Operators...................................www.apollogate.com

45 Goddard Manufacturing Co...............www.spiral-staircases.com

6 Architectural Metal Works.........................www.architectural-metal-works.com

21 Hebo - Stratford Gate Systems Inc......................................www.drivewaygates.com

72 Artist-Blacksmith’s Assoc. of North America Inc.................................................www.abana.org

47 Hougen Mfg. Inc................................................... www.hougen.com

71 Atlas Metal Sales............................................. www.atlasmetal.com 70 Ken Bergman & Assoc., LLC........................www.haberleusa.com

47 International Gate Devices.................................www.intlgate.com 76 The Iron Shop...............................................www.theironshop.com 69 Kalamazoo Machine Tool.................................. www.kmtsaw.com

16 Big Blu Hammer Mfg. Co. / Oak Hill Iron Works................................www.bigbluhammer.com

75 King Architectural Metal............................... www.kingmetals.com

51 Blacksmiths Depot / Kayne & Son Custom Hardware Inc...................... www.blacksmithsdepot.com

39 Laser Precision Cutting..................................... www.lpcutting.com

30 Lapeyre Stair................................................... www.lapeyrestair.com 19 Lawler Foundry Corp................................www.lawlerfoundry.com

34 Julius Blum & Co. Inc.....................................www.juliusblum.com

2 Lewis Brass & Copper Co. Inc..................... www.lewisbrass.com

20 The Cable Connection................. www.thecableconnection.com

23 Lockey Digital Systems Inc............................ www.lockeyusa.com

70 John C. Campbell Folk School.......................www.folkschool.org

37 Marks U.S.A.........................................................www.marksusa.com

25 Carell Corporation........................................... www.carellcorp.com

55 Mittler Bros. Machine & Tool...................... www.mittlerbros.com

17 Chicago Metal Rolled Products Co...................... www.cmrp.com

46 Pat Mooney Inc.....................................www.patmooneysaws.com

56 COLE-TUVE Inc..................................................... www.coletuve.com

70 NC Tool Company Inc........................................www.nctoolco.com

57 Colorado Waterjet Co........................www.coloradowaterjet.com

35 PLASMA CAM Inc.......................................... www.plasmacam.com

24 Custom Ornamental Iron Works Ltd.....................................www.customironworks.com

44 Ramset Automatic Gate Systems................ www.ramsetinc.com

27 D & D Technologies (USA) Inc............... www.ddtechglobal.com 13 D.J.A. Imports Ltd........................................... www.djaimports.com 67 DAC Industries Inc.....................................www.dacindustries.com 11 Doringer Cold Saw............................................. www.doringer.com 25 Eagle Bending Machines................. .............www.eaglebendingmachines.com

40 Regency Railings.....................................www.regencyrailings.com 22 Scotchman Industries................................... www.scotchman.com 36 Sharpe Products.................................... www.sharpeproducts.com 33 Stairways Inc.................................................................. 800-231-0793 41 Sumter Coatings Inc..............................www.sumtercoatings.com 72 Traditional Building....................... www.traditional-building.com

50 Eberl Iron Works Inc..........................................www.eberliron.com

38 Tri-State Shearing & Bending.................................... 718-485-2200

29 FabCad Inc............................................................... www.fabcad.com

69 Vogel Tool & Die LLC........................................ www.vogeltool.com 31 The Wagner Companies.................www.wagnercompanies.com

Your advertising contact for O&MM Fabricator NOMMA Buyer’s Guide NOMMA website CO NTAC T

Sherry Theien Advertising Director 8392 Leesburg Ct. Rockford, IL 61114 815-282-6000 815-282-8002 fax stheien@att.net May / June 2013 n Fabricator

Advertise in the 2014 NOMMA Buyer’s Guide Your one-stop resource for shop and office personnel The Buyer’s Guide is available in 3 versions: 1) print, 2) online, and 3) database.

Closing date November 30, 2013 Contact Sherry Theien, 815-282-6000; 815-282-8002 fax; stheien@att.net 73

n

From the NOMMA ListServe

Metal Moment

Core drilling Harry Parker, sales director/partner, stackDesign Group, Tampa, posted a question on the NOMMA ListServe about core drilling. He was

installing a rail, core drilling into masonry. The post was a 1½-inch-square tube. He wanted to know the appropriate diameter core bit to use. He also said his company “always used plain old anchoring cement” and wanted a better idea.

Here are several comments from NOMMA members:

We use a 2.5-inch bit for 1½-inch-square posts.

omas B. Zuzik Jr. Artistic Railings Inc., Garfield, NJ www.artisticrail.com

In theory you should have a ¼-inch-space between the post and the matrix you are coring. Or what Tom said [above].

Eric Cuper Cuper Studios LLC, Easton, PA www.cuperstudiosllc.com

A couple of other things to consider when setting posts into

core drilled holes.

It’s wise to make sure the bottom section of the post has a “grout locking hole” drilled into it. By drilling a ½-inchdiameter hole about 2 inches up from the bottom of post, it helps ensure the grout goes into the interior of the post and not just around the exterior.

If the post is aluminum, it’s best to coat the three or four inches at the bottom of the post with a “tar”-based coating or paint with a bituminous-type substance. This stops any chemical reaction with the aluminum and the grout.

When grouting the post, make sure the holes are “topped off ” with the grout material. You don’t want water to accumulate at the top of the hole.

I feel these answers or solutions are a common sense approach to core drilling. We may want to go into a little more depth. Types of core bore machines, types of bits, cost based on diameter of bit and make up of diamond impregnated cutting edge. Approximately the number of 4-inchdeep holes one can expect from the life of the bit. Many factors play a role in holes per bit: 1) trained operator, 2) correct use of pressure and water flow. 3) type of materials being drilled, and 4) use of a “suction” device on core drill.

When drilling a multi story building, always start from the lower level and work your way up. Otherwise the water, dust, and cutCS Unitec’s ting residue will keep overflowEND 130/3.1 PO core drill ing from top to bottom. The “marking” of hole locations will be washed away.

Safety is always paramount. I’ve seen a few core drills fly off balconies 20 stories up. Secure your machine and yourself.

Make sure you know the locations of re-bar and especially if drilling a building with post tension cables.

Bill Coleman Arc Angels Inc., Institute for Creative Arts, Dunedin, FL www.arcangels-inc.com

The only other critical issue we have run into is the edge distance from the concrete to the hole. Some types of grout call for 4–5 inches clear to the edge of the hole, not to the center line of hole. We learned this lesson the hard way.

This may mean that in order to get 3 feet clear between handrails, the concrete steps or walkway needs to be much wider than shown on the plans.

For example a 4-foot-wide set of concrete steps is not wide enough to get 3 feet clearance if you have to have a guard and a handrail on both sides.

Mark R. Koenke Germantown Iron & Steel Corp., Jackson, WI www.gogis.com

About the ListServ

The NOMMA Listserv is an ongoing email discussion list where you can get quick answers to questions. It’s one of your most valuable benefits as a NOMMA member.

If you are a NOMMA member and not subscribed, contact support@nomma.org.

If you are not a NOMMA member, we encourage you to join your industry’s trade association.

TA LK TO US

Something on your mind? Got something to say? Got an idea? Got a tip? Got a gripe? Do you have a story to tell?

Fabricator magazine would like to interview you for a Metal Moment story. Please contact editor Todd Daniel at todd@nomma.org.

74

Fabricator n May / June 2013

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