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More from Eric Lundin
- From The Fabricator
Artist keeps ’em guessing
- By Eric Lundin
- Nov 3, 2016
- Arc Welding
- Article
Metal artist Chris O’Rourke goes a little further than most artists do, focusing on attention to detail. Many fabricators are more than a little mystified as to just how he did what he did, and most are equally perplexed when they realize how much time and effort he puts into his work.
Tube producer eliminates weld problems one flaw at a time
- By Eric Lundin
- Oct 24, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
Tube production is always a matter of juggling a great number of balls at once and dealing with relentless competitive pressure. For companies that provide tube for automotive applications, the risk of a recall is an additional burden. Longtime auto industry supplier Middletown Tube Works found a diagnostic tool that assists its eddy current system in evaluating the tube production process.
- From The Fabricator
Civil War re-enactors take aim at metal fabrication
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 31, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
The members of Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery had two cannons, an old school bus, and many miles to cover to stage mock battles. A team of Civil War re-enactors, they had discarded their previous bus and needed to transform their new bus. They enlisted the help of the staff and students at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC), Janesville, Wis.
Where metal fabrication and history intersect
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 29, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
The members of Battery G, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery had two cannons, an old school bus, and a lot of miles to cover to stage mock battles. A team of Civil War reenactors, they had discarded their previous bus and needed to transform their new bus. They enlisted the help of the staff and students at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC), Janesville, Wis.
Small manufacturer, big output
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 29, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
James Steel & Tube isn’t the biggest, most high-profile tube producer, but because it is a small company, it is extremely versatile. It has gone through several transformations since it was founded in 1961, and under the guidance of current president Jim Petkus, it is going through another transition.
Tube fabrication equipment manufacturer takes a holistic view of sustainability
- By Eric Lundin
- Jul 7, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
Sustainability and green technology are no longer buzzwords, but comprise a host of enduring manufacturing practices. Equipment manufacturer Schwarze-Robitec has rolled out numerous developments to conserve energy, consumables, material, and other resources.
Building bridges for the 21st century and beyond
- By Eric Lundin
- Jul 7, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
Fabricator and bridge erector used oxyfuel for years, but changed to plasma and benefitted from faster, more precise cuts.
- From The Fabricator
Great gates!
- By Eric Lundin
- Jul 5, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
After learning to weld on the family farm and honing his skill during his college years, Josh Foster decided to augment his steady, part-time job with a fabrication business. Big Creek Metal Works makes all sort of items, from large ranch gates to small art items, specializing in custom work.
Growth strategies for fabricators
- By Eric Lundin
- May 26, 2016
- Shop Management
- Article
Many small businesses grow quickly in the early years, but eventually growth hits a plateau. Big gains in additional growth come from gaining new customers or acquiring another company. In Going to Market, a presentation at The FABRICATOR®’s Leadership Summit, Lisa Wertzbaugher, sales and marketing manager for fabricator Superior Tube Products, discussed a four-part strategy for expanding the company’s sales, revenue, and profitability.
What’s new in the tube and pipe industry?
- By Eric Lundin
- May 26, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
Eric Lundin provides an overview of many of the technologies displayed at the 2016 Tube Düsseldorf expo.
- From The Fabricator
Salesman turns entrepreneur, artist, welder
- By Eric Lundin
- May 9, 2016
- Arc Welding
- Article
Working for a steady paycheck isn’t for everyone. Welding artist Kirk Yazel did that for nearly 20 years, but eventually his entrepreneurial spirit took over. He had been making steel garden decorations for some time, and he managed to turn his hobby into a full-time job.
Plater-fabricator partnership thrives on three key strategies
- By Eric Lundin
- Apr 18, 2016
- Finishing
- Article
Establishing an effective plating process for demanding applications is one thing; running a successful plating business is something else altogether. The former requires technical know-how; the latter requires soft skills and business acumen. Gatto Industrial Platers has established itself as adept at both of these endeavors.
Best practices for laser cutting tube, pipe, profiles
- By Eric Lundin
- Apr 18, 2016
- Laser Cutting
- Article
Interviews with BLM, LVD Strippit, Mazak, and TRUMPF reveal tips and tactics for buying, handling, cleaning, cutting tube. Other topics include machine maintenance, software upgrades, and operator training.
- From The Welder
Heartthrob finds a less exhausting way to clean parts
- By Eric Lundin
- Apr 18, 2016
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
Cleaning the inside of long, bent tubes is a chore, especially when it has to be done outdoors in inclement weather. Nobody knew this better than the staff at Heartthrob Exhaust Accessories, Litchfield, Minn., when they had to use a pressure washer outside during winter months. An ultrasonic cleaning machine brought the process indoors while making it faster and less labor intensive.
The industry shifts gears
- By Eric Lundin
- Mar 29, 2016
- Shop Management
- Article
The recent drop in the crude oil price has taken much of the attention off of the energy industry, and automotive has pulled ahead. The article contains quite a bit of information on the latest research into alloys for the automotive industry, specifically from three Tube® Düsseldorf exhibitors.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 04/16/2024
- Running Time:
- 63:29
In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s...
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