Jul 04 Fab (todd).qxd
7/6/04
10:40 AM
Page 5
Inside
July/August 2004 Vol. 45, No. 4
Employees reach for the stars. See pg. 38.
A light fixture takes a spin. See pg. 36.
Member Talk
Tips & Tactics
Biz Side
A recap on metal processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Tips on handling metal, with particular emphasis on stainless steel.
Employee incentive program yields quality production . . . . . . 38 A NOMMA firm uses a “star” reward system to motivate workers.
By Kane Behling
By Rachel Squires Bailey
In-depth info on a popular shop tool . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The answers to common questions about the Tracker CNC Cutting System. By Ken Glendinning
Special Feature NOMMA Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Two new directors join the Board. Shop Talk Getting FIRED UP at the AWS show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 A first-hand glimpse at the latest welding products and supplies. By John L. Campbell
Maximizing your ironworker’s potential . . . . . . . . . 28 A station-by-station look at the handy features an ironworker has to offer. By Mark Pearlman
Spinning is chosen to fabricate chandelier . . . . . . . . 36 A metal spinning firm produces a giant aluminum ring for a theater lobby.
Taking the giant leap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 If you have recently started a new business or plan to do so, learn about the “Top 10” mistakes to avoid. By Jay Hearst
Industry suppliers share their insight on the steel crises . . . . . 44 Three suppliers discuss the complex factors behind rising steel prices.
Understanding worker psyche is a key to keeping talent . . . . . . 67 Use regular surveys to determine what makes workers leave AND what makes Compiled by Rachel Squires Bailey them stay. By Lonnie Harvey, Jr.
Job Profiles A fisherman’s son reels in a landmark fish sculpture ....47 Optimism, patience, and persistence help create an interactive sculpture.
Don’t let inflation chip away at profits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 While steel prices are getting attention now, general inflation is taking its toll as well.
By David Tonnesen
Winning big with project managment processes ..............54 An innovative management system helps to streamline a major project. By Bill Beavers & Curt Witter
Providing the right fit for your client’s ecosystem ..........................59 This NOMMA member spends extra time to capture the “feel” of his client’s environment. By Byron M. Wood
By William J. Lynott
What’s Hot! Nationwide Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Biz Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Coming Events
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
NOMMA Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
President’s Letter . . . . . . . 6 Editor’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Reader’s Letters . . . . . . . . . 9 Fab Feedback . . . . . . . . . . 94 Once the planning ends, Enter your outstanding A special thanks and You can’t beat the Ellis 12000 the hard work begins. project in Top Job. understanding metal choices. drill press. Cover photo: Designed and fabricated by the artist, this codfish sculpture has scale-like rotors that spin in the wind and a 30-inch eye that changes colors to indicate weather conditions. Fabricated from stainless steel pipe and 11-gauge sheet, the fish weighs 3,800 pounds and is 45 feet long, 28 feet tall, and 5 feet wide. Approx. labor time: 1,500 hrs. Fabricator: Quantum Design, Somerville, MA. Photo: Asia Kepka Photography.