Library

Truss design software simply uses the lumber inventory to determine the least expensive solution when designing a truss simply based on price. Although this is a convenient function, there are several issues the software does not consider – and for these issues a designer should be making...

Of course, if you’re starting a truss plant from the ground up, it’s a snap to include an Enventek Lumber PickLine in your plans. The real beauty of the Lumber PickLine, however, is that it can be easily configured for existing truss plants – whether inside the plant or outside...

In today’s light-frame construction market, wood web floor trusses are commonly used in many multifamily projects. Builders, structural engineers, and general contractors often view wood web trusses as the default floor system for projects requiring 18 inches or greater depth. However,...

What do a former First Lady and today’s most forward-thinking frame fabricators have in common? More than you might think. Consider this quote, “The more we simplify our material needs, the more we are free to think of other things” – Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor...

The beginning of a new year is a great time to consider optimizing your production line, and Stiles Machinery is here to help. Stiles has been at the forefront of the United States woodworking industry for over six decades, partnering with manufacturers to provide efficiency-focused solutions...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been getting a lot of attention lately. While many of us are still trying to wrap our hands around its many pros and cons, we would like to let you know how it’s affecting our business specifically. Improving Customer Service—The AI chatbots can...

Welcome to 2025! This year isn’t just another page on the calendar — it’s a pivotal season for growth and strategic foresight. Are you prepared for the economic shifts, interest rate impacts, and key market drivers that could shape your business strategy? When you’re...

People often ask what makes The JobLine unique compared to other industry recruiters. It’s a straightforward question, but the answer is far from simple. While most recruiters rely heavily on resumes to gauge a candidate’s fit, The JobLine takes a completely different approach....

Past articles by Thom and myself have discussed some of the things that make The JobLine stand out from other recruiters. In fact, Thom’s article in this issue also focuses on what makes us different. But, I’d like to shed a more personal light on this difference by sharing my own...

Consider a roof with a live load of 20 psf (pounds per square foot). This load is intended to account for construction loading (workers, materials, and equipment placed on the roof during construction or maintenance). If the roof has a large surface area, like a post-frame building, is it really...