I am often asked about what is the best one-size-size-fits-all equipment solution to fit all the component manufacturing needs. Of course, too many equipment vendors are more than willing to offer their version of a one-size-fits-all solution. Below are three examples of when one size does not...

September is here, so it’s time to wrap up our comparisons of wall panel equipment. Again I would like to thank all of the manufacturers who have taken the time to review the draft charts I’ve compiled and supply additional information and clarification. Their input across these...

New building sales across the US are way up, which shows in the long lead times of the wood truss and wall panel manufacturing companies for new orders. However, too many of these manufacturers are not showing healthy profits despite the long lead times. Lead times greater than four weeks are a...

This month continues our review of equipment for roof trusses as we take a look at Roof Truss Tables and Roof Truss Conveyors. Next month, we’ll wrap up our four months on roof truss production before moving over to walls. As I’ve been doing since beginning this series in January,...

Spring is here and that means we’re nearly half-way through this year’s project to compare available manufacturing equipment for our industry. Each month as I visit manufacturers’ websites, I learn something. Then, we also send a draft copy of the chart I’ve compiled...

We started our 12-month series of product comparisons with 3 months on our foundation—floor trusses. January featured Floor Truss Roller Presses, February explored Floor Truss Chord Splicers and Finish Rollers, and March identified Floor Truss Stackers. For the next 4 months,...

Already 3 months into this project, I hope you’re finding this series to be as interesting and informative as I am. I’m continuing to use the schedule of comparisons that I set out in the December issue. The months are as follows. Schedule of Comparisons: January ...

When I decided to conduct this 12-month series of product comparisons last fall, I knew it would be a year-long commitment of my time and effort. Then and now, however, I also was convinced that it would provide useful information in a format that allows for direct comparisons on specific...

Too much pressure is not only a problem in our lives, it can also be a problem in our plants. One of the most important issues when manufacturing quality trusses is plate embedment. Without proper embedment, the connector plate cannot adequately transfer load forces through the members down to...

As discussed last month, this year will we be providing a series of product comparisons in each issue. The guidelines we have used in assembling this series are: Each product will be limited to only the information available to customers via the internet A comparison of standard...