by Tom Stortz | Jun 3, 2020 | Education
1. Why do some soldering tips wear out faster than others? Lead free solder (pure tin) will wear out your copper tips about twice as fast as 50/50 solder. Tin has a higher melting temperature than lead, so you need to use higher heat when soldering with lead free...
by Jeff Stortz | Apr 9, 2020 | Product Reviews
Our most popular Finish Seamer gets a makeover! The Biegetec PVC Finish Seamer has been one of the most popular locking tools year after year. Its unique design allows the user to lock the first stage and the second stage without needing a second tool. In addition,...
by Tom Stortz | Feb 25, 2020 | Trip Report
The Dach und Holz takes place every 2 years in Germany. It alternates between Cologne and Stuttgart. This year was in Stuttgart which is the 6th largest city in Germany and home to the headquarters of Porsche and Mercedez-Benz. In a 4 day span, over 52,000...
by Jeff Stortz | Feb 7, 2020 | Education
A video we shot of a metal roofing project by Hardin Construction attracted over 200,000 views. This clip shows how a roofer completes a double lock folded ridge in 26ga painted steel. The technique is seen in historical architecture and is not uncommon to last over...
by Jeff Stortz | Jan 10, 2020 | Product Reviews
At every year end, we like to take a close look at the exceptional products that our customers had great things to say about. These are our most highly reveiwed products from year 2019. Each review is from a verified purchaser who took the time to tell us what they...
by Tom Stortz | Nov 19, 2019 | Trip Report
Back in 1853, slate rippers were heated in coal fires and forged at our facility in Philadelphia. Today they are forged and milled to specifications so that every ripper falls between the same tolerance range. Watching the hard work that goes into every ripper will...
by Tom Stortz | Oct 28, 2019 | Trip Report
Metalcon 2019 – Pittsburgh, PA Metalcon is the largest international exhibition in the metal construction industry. Metalcon boasts: Over 250 leading manufacturers and service providerDaily complimentary keynotes and panel discussionsHigh level networking...
by Tom Stortz | Oct 10, 2019 | Product Reviews
The “Uni” Bender If you are a first time buyer and not familiar with these types of roller benders, you’ll look to a “uni” bender. The name uni comes from there being 1 main set of wheels, and 2 sets of guiding wheels, which will do the...
by Tom Stortz | Aug 14, 2019 | Education
Soldering is Expensive New irons and tips replace worn out equipment. Bar solder needs are a constant expense. Once you buy a certain brand of iron, it makes sense to stick with it for economical sense. Learn why the Sievert line of irons may be worth your hard earned...
by Jeff Stortz | Jul 31, 2019 | Education
We Have Added Fixed & Expansion Cleats to our Product Line! Clips are an integral part to any roofing system. Incorrect clip selection, installation, or quantity can result in total roof failure. We offer fixed and expansion cleats for both 1″ &...
by Tom Stortz | Jun 26, 2019 | Education
Slate holds about a 1% foothold in the overall roofing material pie chart, maybe less. A simple goal would be to grow it to 2%. If natural slate is going to continue to be installed on exterior and interior projects, the industry is going to have to join together....
by Tom Stortz | May 17, 2019 | Education
Notching Panels Hemming Panels Notching the seams/ribs off is required when preparing standing seam panels for installation. Depending on the seam type and metal thickness, notching can be simple or rather difficult. After the panels are notched appropriately, the...
