Automated Saws, High End Sean Hubbard We are deep into the 2018 Product Comparisons now. I decided to delay the next comparisons until after the BCMC to better detail the latest advancements in technology. Having covered roofs, floors, and most of walls, I have updated the schedule to address other essential equipment for your... Read More December 2018 Issue #10233 Page 17
Beware of One Size Fits All Solutions Todd Drummond 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... Read More October 2018 Issue #10231 Page 33
Optimizing Chaos Ed Serrano Optimization… In general, most plants want to mix up the cutting list, while still controlling the order that the members cut by the saw. This allows some gains in waste/cost to be had by combining members but still allows the cut components to be stacked easily according to truss once... Read More October 2018 Issue #10231 Page 42
Solutions for Safer and More Efficient Truss and Frame Stacking Ed Serrano The increased acceleration of city infill and the popularity of apartments is creating the opportunity for frame and truss manufacturing to expand into mid-rise construction, an important growth area for the industry. However, with expansion comes a greater emphasis on quality manufacturing,... Read More September 2018 Issue #10230 Page 46
Making the Connection to Timbers Steve Shrader Most people probably do not know that Hundegger USA was formed after Euclid Timber Frames, L.C. became the very FIRST Hundegger customer in North America. Hundegger was well known in the European market, but it was a distinct need in this continental market that brought German technology to the... Read More August 2018 Issue #10229 Page 52
Automated Saw Key to Frame and Truss Productivity and Profitability Ed Serrano A continuing strong house construction scene means that the North American frame and truss industry and supporting supply chain are busy. Frame and truss manufacturing remains highly competitive, and top performing companies are paying even closer attention to automation, quality, precision,... Read More July 2018 Issue #10228 Page 11
Mind the (Member) Gap Glenn Traylor Everyone knows that member gaps can be caused by uncalibrated saws and poor jigging stops during truss set-up. But did you know the most likely cause of member gaps is the lumber carriage shifting or moving the lumber at an angle, thereby causing a skewed cut? This is especially true when a gang... Read More June 2018 Issue #10227 Page 26
Technology, Progress, and Owning the Future of our Industry Steve Shrader So far in this series, I’ve talked about how job descriptions have evolved as the industry has matured. Along the way, I’ve emphasized that the objective is not to impress you with the advanced power of the servo—it is to impress upon you the importance of the journey of... Read More May 2018 Issue #10226 Page 35
Technology, Progress, and Human Interaction Steve Shrader Last month, I talked about how things were “back in the day” as compared to now. The Servo Revolution is upon us, and we must all work to keep up with technology. Modern technology drives our businesses, both literally and figuratively. Even so, technology is not the sole element in... Read More April 2018 Issue #10225 Page 32
Gantry Production for Wood Trusses: What are Good Production Numbers? Dean Rana Automated jig setups for gantry tables and linear saws are a couple of the best things to come along in our truss facilities in a long time. Obviously, we know the most time spent to build a truss is setting it up. Now we are setting up difficult trusses in seconds. Across the country, most... Read More April 2018 Issue #10225 Page 44