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V olume 24, Issue 286 The Beacon of the Stone Industry April 2018 RockTops: Kansas City Specialists in Ultracompact Fabrication he stone industry can be Joel Davis normal production. It’s a chal- a hard one to thrive in, lenge for many shops, because T but Kansas City-based Photos Courtesy RockTops they try to cut miter edges on their RockTops is using the latest normal production equipment, waterjet and robotics technologies tying it up and slowing every- to carve out a niche in the fabrica- Fixing a Bottleneck thing down. It becomes an issue tion of ultra-compact materials. Part of that strategic planning that most people give up on rather has involved giving customers than trying to find a solution.” Co-owner Mike Hyer is a even more material choices by RockTops turned to BACA Kansas City native with a back- branching out into the fabrication Systems, the leading manufac- ground in construction. He of new ultracompact surfaces. turer of robotic and automated and co-owner Tim Richardson Between the technical challenges fabrication solutions for the founded RockTops nearly five posed by working with ultra-com- stone industry, for a solution. In years ago to serve both the retail pact materials and the need to May 2015, they bought a Robo and new home construction mar- meet changing consumer tastes, SawJet, which couples the func- kets. “Business has been great in RockTops had to significantly re- tions of a high-pressure abrasive Kansas City,” he said. “We fo- design the workflow in its fabri- waterjet and a 25HP direct-drive cused on brand recognition and cation shop. saw with a precision KUKA marketing, and it worked well for “For us, it was really about fix- Robotics industrial robot, and a us. We grew rapidly. Today we ing a bottleneck within our shop,” BACA FlexJet, which is a 5-axis have about 60 employees. It took Hyer said. “Miter edging has be- waterjet. a lot of strategic planning along come more popular these days, Please turn to page 12 This stunning kitchen features a Carrara marble island with 3-inch the way for that kind of growth.” but we did not want to jam up our mitered edge, and Nero Orion on the perimeter countertops.

Peter Marcucci Soaring Above and Beyond in Stone Photos by Peter Marcucci and Courtesy Andreas von Huene stone artist since 1991, Andreas von Huene resides in Arrowsic, a small Bath Iron Works, a shipbuilder town located along Maine’s southern coastline. Bath, a neighboring founded in 1884 and located on the Creativity Inspired A coastal town and financial mainstay of the area, is just a stone’s throw Kennebec River, nourished the area’s “My love of creating began at age from Arrowsic, and was one of the first settlements in New England. economy until 1909, when shipbuilding eight, while working in my father’s Photo by Peter Marcucci slowed. And like the tides that ebbed shop,” explained Andreas von Huene. and flowed throughout the centuries, so “Bath was a ghost town when I was ebbed and flowed the area’s economy growing up. The economy was weak, until 1914, as the dawning of World War so we moved to Boston where the shop l demanded ships — lots of ships. Again, started in the apartment hallway. My dad money flowed into the area as the war- had a small lathe to make musical instru- ships sailed out to defend distant lands ments, and just being allowed to use it across the sea. was great. Even better, I got to hang out Around this same time, Bath had be- with him a lot. come the end of the line for the railroad “Years later, my parents bought a that served the shipbuilding, fishing, tim- building close by. I could walk to the ber and farming enterprises that dotted shop after school and pick up a project, Maine’s coastline. Upriver stood huge sweep the floors, or watch the craftsmen bays of freshwater where ice was har- who worked with the exotic woods that vested, packed in sawdust and loaded smelled good while being shaped. This onto ships bound for all destinations. combination of sights and sounds and By the time World War I ended in smell of the grinder burning up (just kid- 1918, so did the need for warships. As ding, but it happened) was wonderful. the economy ebbed again, Bath became My father’s colleagues were especially a ghost town until the early 1940s when kind to me. I also learned to feel strongly war again raged in distant lands. America about making things that respected the To mount this cantilevered sculpture, Andreas drilled a 39-inch-deep hole and inserted a was going to war once again, and the beauty of the natural materials we used machined steel sleeve in the right wing. One end of a 2-inch-thick steel bar was tapered down money again flowed into the area — this whether in natural form or processed. to 1 inch and then inserted into the bird, while the 2-inch end was inserted into a rock base. time for nearly a decade... Please turn to page 2

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Soaring Above and Beyond Drive is a fusion of move- ment using a beautiful Continued from page 1 also important to sticking with banded quartzite and a “I also saw the respect with getting a form while carving, and richly-grained hardwood on which tools were used — and to support that sculpture to its best a stainless steel base. made! So early on I had very effect when finished. positive associations with people “There is a funny point in who made things.” sculpting; let’s take stone, for ex- ample. There’s a point where you Creativity Elevated have a rough shape, an interme- Von Huene continued his en- diate shape and then a wonderful gineering studies at Worcester stage when everything is starting Polytechnic Institute in to pull together and the character Worcester, Massachusetts, and of the piece is coming out. You’re ten years later attended Stanford able to identify some hints from University working toward a your efforts, while mistakes also masters degree in engineering, inform you of the character of craftsmanship. After all, I grew up in a shop Andreas soon switched to the the work. Then there’s the stage making recorders and flutes that had to be right school’s product design program when it’s a dance of every tool. on the money acoustically and aesthetically. So which combined engineering and You’re still taking some big deep my process of discovery is retold by sculpting art design. In his own words he cuts with a gas saw here and cuts both figurative and abstract work with their dif- received the call to not just con- with smaller tools there and magic ferent rules. centrate on difficult tasks, but is happening. There is no word in “What kinds of things are going through my to combine thoughts and under- English that correctly identifies mind when I’m carving? A lot of it is shape, standing. Eventually he could this place that is both work and such as in the beginning while getting the basic flip the time spent doing tedious joy. This is a high level of living proportions right. Using light, you can see how work such as polishing stone into for me.” certain shadows indicate a rhythm that let him simultane- a form, and if I’m in good ously think outside the box. Soaring Above form, I’ll be paying atten- “Engineering extends into my I asked Andreas, “So what is tion to not just the shape, but art all the time,” Andreas con- your art and what are you thinking the shapes of the shadows, tinued. “The manufacturing, the while carving?” highlights and the gestures moving and the understanding “There are people that say I’m of the pose. Sometimes it’s of how things move or rotate are all about flow and energy flow,” the slightest bit of shaving universal skills, and I make a he continued. “Sometimes that that makes all the difference. point of understanding everything is true — sometimes not; I do so I’ll shave off 1/16 inch, and on a jobsite to predict what is many different things. I do enjoy all of a sudden the form going to happen. Do I want it ro- building character into the work will read correctly. Good tating, static, hanging or cantile- as if I’m engaging the piece, but I craftsmanship is a delight, vered? The engineering discipline don’t want to overstate that. There and therefore permission to builds mental flexibility, which are lots of pieces that seem to go deeper into understand- is of great value in any creative have no character unless you hap- ing what the art is about. endeavor. Good concentration is pen to like that kind of work. Then Conversely, bad craftsman- you groove on it. On each piece I ship negates all the good like to have the large forms, the work by tripping you up as small forms, the surfaces, and the you observe the art. This granite bench installed at the Patten Free Library was carved craftsmanship available to the “What is my art is a tough from Jonesboro Pink, quarried in Jonesboro, Maine by J.C. Stone, in viewer. I also like the contrast question to answer. As soon Jefferson, Maine. “Jonesboro Pink is the hardest stone I know of and between organic shapes and geo- as someone starts to define holds a polish very well,” said von Huene. metric shapes. Combined they are it, you just turn your ears very powerful. I also adapt my art off, because immediately to the project that comes into my you can find something that con- heart. I cannot say there is just one tradicts what they are saying. In thread that goes through my work, terms of artistic endeavor, there except that I try to have decent are several challenges such as qualities of vision and execution Left: Der Traum der Weise, and relevance of the art. Having a a sandstone stela sculpture friendly opposition (friendly col- produced at a symposium in leagues and critics) giving feed- Mauren, Germany. back is of great value, even if only Right: This overhead photo of for the learning opportunities. The Andreas’ shop shows an eclec- distinction between doing and tic collection of tools and ma- thinking bedevils those of us who chines, and speaks volumes of have such strong urges to make his life and legacy of creation. things. It means we also ought to “Ever since I was little I liked be earnestly thinking about what engines and machinery, and to do. still do.” Please turn to page 23

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® Featured in this Issue Hercules Variable Speed DEPARTMENTS: Industry Spotlight RockTops: Kansas City Specialists in Ultracompact Fabrication, by Joel Davis ...... Begins on 1 Wet Air Polisher Soaring Above and Beyond in Stone, by Peter Marcucci ...... Begins on 1 Training and Education Sponsored by Braxton-Bragg Academy with Side Exhaust Is Your Stone Shop Safety-Savvy? by Peter Marcucci ...... Begins on 5 Industry Topics and Tips Save time The Business of Growth, by Sharon Koehler...... Begins on 8 The Stone Detective, by Frederick M. Hueston ...... 10 AND money! Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner, by Bob Murrell ...... Begins on 17 Hot Dog Dogma, by Sam Venable ...... 15 Get maximum productivity How to Attract and Retain Quality Employees ...... 22 with a high-quality tool that Mad About Marble, by Karin Kirk ...... Begins on 34 fits your budget! Stone Industry News Touchstone Silk: It’s Not Your Grandpa’s Epoxy ...... Begins on 5 The Stone Shark by Stone Pro Unveiled at TISE 2018...... 9 Braxton-Bragg Announces Three New Product Partnerships ...... 10 Grande Pinnacle Award and Awards of Excellence...... Begins on 13 Braxton-Bragg Donates to Knoxville Habitat ReStore ...... 13 #1 Seller! Laser Products Celebrates Two Global Milestones ...... 18 Most Popular 2017 Migliore Award for Lifetime Achievement Goes to Jim Hogan ...... Begins on 22 Wilson Industrial Electric Inc. Wins TISE “Best of Show” Award for Large Booth Design ...... 26 Dr. Fred Hueston Announces Live Stone and Tile Radio Program ...... 26 Braxton-Bragg Hires Maples as Product Manager ...... 26 Kathy Spanier Receives Women in Stone Pioneer Award ...... Begins on 29 Five specialized bearings increase tool performance David Castellucci Receives 2017 Natural Stone Institute Person of the Year Award ...... Begins on 30

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Hercules VS Wet Air Polisher Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 5 Safety & Education Is Your Stone Shop Safety-Savvy? Safety Keepers Provides Essential Services et’s face it, a build- Peter Marcucci We do it all and are basi- cally a one-stop shop for ing with tools and Photos by Safety Keepers Lequipment is just safety in the workplace. a building, but a building When the owner, Robert with people is a company. If coming through the pipe- Deja, first visualized Safety Measuring shop noise levels with a sound level meter. What about the big one: you’re a well-run company, line, if you don’t comply, Keepers, he saw it as a com- have verbal safety proce- have videos and classroom silica? many of those employ- sorry to say you’re going to pany that would serve the dures, but that doesn’t keep time to make sure that ev- “Yes, in the stone indus- ees are going to dedicate pay a high price. That is, if stone fabrication industry, OSHA happy, because many eryone understands the ba- try, silica is the big issue their lives to the longterm you’re still allowed to keep and to a large extent this is times these procedures can sics, and then give a written right now. So we will come success of your dream. the doors open. the industry we serve.” be misinterpreted, so we test. Those that pass then in, look at the facility and Unfortunately, dreams can will write safety programs move on to driver training its classification of jobs, turn to nightmares in the Representing Safety How comprehensive is that cover all of the hazards and a practical test. Then, identify who and what sec- blink of an eye. Keepers is Pete Richardson. your program? in a company. We’ll then and only then, if they’ve tions of the shop need to Pete proudly wears the “Our inspectors will train the employees in their accomplished what they are be tested, and monitor the I once asked a very wise title “Industrial Hygiene, come into a company and native language and text so expected to, they and the airborne silica. We then man if he thought that Occupational Health and go through every part of that they know what is ex- employer are given certi- send those results to an knowledge was power. The Safety Specialist.” We it to identify all of their pected of them. OSHA rules fication cards to prove to independent laboratory. man thought for a few sec- asked Pete to give us the ba- safety issues. We will then require that these rules and OSHA that they are trained. What’s important about the onds and replied, “Yes, but sics on the services Safety recommend corrective ac- programs be translated in If there is any reason they laboratory we use is that only if you know how to Keepers offers. tions. If necessary, and if their language, if needed. So are not successful, we will it’s government certified, use it.” the company decides not if they speak Spanish, Polish re-train them to make sure and when the results come Safety Keepers, located Give us a brief explana- to do the corrective actions or any language, the infor- that they are successful, back OSHA accepts the in Roselle, New Jersey, is a tion of what Safety Keepers themselves, we will do these mation and training is clearly even if it takes two or three evaluation (whatever the company built on the wis- offers the stone industry. for them. Additionally, we understood. We also provide tries. We do the same for result). We’ll then inter- dom that it’s better to be “Safety Keepers is a com- will look at the policies comprehensive forklift train- crane training. This training pret these results and make safe than sorry, and trust me prehensive occupational and procedures that are in ing just like when you got is mandatory if a facility has recommendations. — with the new OSHA laws safety and health company. place. Many companies your driver’s license. We overhead cranes.” Please turn to page 6 New Touchstone Silk: It’s Not Your Grandpa’s Epoxy tural Stone Universi ince 1962, Bonstone Na ty Materials Corporation Shas been a company synonymous with quality Silk Other Gel An online education tool adhesives used for the Epoxy Epoxies for stone industry professionals. bonding and patching of natural and engineered stone. Always on the cutting Initial Courses Include: edge of development, it is Safe Slab Handling Modules • Installation Safety Modules no surprise that they would introduce the next genera- OSHA Compliance • CNC Operation • Toolbox Talks tion of epoxies to satisfy the Both exposed to sunlight All safety materials have been made available free of charge demand for white or light courtesy of the Natural Stone University sponsors and stone countertops. Natural Stone Institute Safety Committee.

The trend for light-col- ored countertop colors in ultraviolet-resistant prod- army of clampers to keep an exterior setting seems uct that will look good and up! So they asked us for an to be increasing as upscale last year after year, explains alternative product — one households extend their liv- Bonstone salesman Rob that had the non-staining ing space into the great out- Elliott. and knife grade consis- doors. Kitchens, tables and “Bonstone developed tency of Glacier, but had tiki bars on decks and patios Touchstone Silk after we a much longer ‘working are quite vogue within this began hearing from some time’ so they could get all demographic. So leave it of our Glacier users. When their clamps in place before to Bonstone to not only to working with large assem- the glue set. So we devel- create a superior working blies like waterfall edges, oped Touchstone Silk Gel product for light-colored Glacier was too fast drying, to meet this need.” Visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/university to get started. interior stone, but also an and they needed a small Please turn to page 27

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 6 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette a lab device to measure sil- Is Your Stone Shop Safety-Savvy? ica or hearing. We use them every day and our results are Continued from page 5 precise and can be verified. “It may be engineering “A fourth advantage is controls with things like our comprehensive nature. ventilation or using more If you’re trying to put re- water in the fabrication sources together as a shop process, or administrative owner, you’re probably controls such as rotating going to have to send your employees to decrease people out for hearing test- their exposure. But really, ing, and they are going to our goal is to avoid moving lose a half-day of work sit- any employees to the per- ting in an office waiting for sonal protective equipment a test. We come to you and level such as a respirator. everything is done at your Under the new OSHA sil- site. We only need your em- ica standards, as soon as conclusion that protection “The second thing is that ployee for ten minutes, not a any employees have to use is needed, we also conduct when OSHA is looking at half-day, so you are not try- personal protection, there noise studies in the environ- any training documents of a ing to coordinate your work is also going to be an ex- ment. If needed, we’ll then company, if they see that the with you employee’s safety tensive medical program make recommendations training has been done by an and health. required that is very costly for changes in the tooling, independent company, they Please turn to page 7 to shops. So our goal is to the machinery or the en- know that shop owner is se- Right: Richardson calibrat- engineer the environment vironment. So basically, rious about safety and has ing noise dosimeters and air so that it doesn’t require wherever your hazards are, not just printed up forms pumps prior to shop envi- respirators. If for any rea- we will address them. We and had everybody sign it. ronment testing. son it is physically impos- are very good at identify- They know that a company sible to reduce silica levels, ing all hazards, and when has come in and provided Below: Safety Keepers has we will provide the medical we find them, we will put and documented the train- the equipment to conduct surveillance service using a program in place to deal ing. It’s that third party doc- onsite pulmonary testing, licensed occupational phy- with them. We’ll even do a umentation, if you will, that respirator mask fit testing sicians. We’ll then pro- chemical inventory of the carries a lot of weight with and hearing testing. vide the documentation, facility and make sure that OSHA. We work with a lot which remains in the com- there are safety data sheets of shops and with OSHA, pany’s file for an OSHA on file for all of the chemi- and we know most of the inspection.” cals they use. Having these inspectors by first name. sheets is part of the Hazard I was just in one of their What other hazards Communication Program offices, and one of their are addressed by Safety that OSHA has.” guys said, ‘You’re here so Keepers? much, you should have an “The stone industry is a If I were the owner of a office here.’ They are used very noisy industry, so we fabrication company, why to working with us, they also provide comprehen- wouldn’t I just try and take know we do a good job, and sive hearing protection and care of things myself? they know they can trust us. hearing conservation ser- “One of the things we’ve So by bringing in an inde- vices. We have a truck that learned is that safety is a pendent company, it brings is equipped with an office, complicated topic and most credibility to a shop’s safety a sound-proof booth and a shop owners don’t have time program because the owner state-of-the-art Benson au- for it. That’s where we come had to pay for that service Establishing an emergency plan and diometer. We are able to in. We are able to remain and is committed to safety. training employees how to follow it is go out to any site and pro- current on what the trends “The third thing is that an essential part of maintaining OSHA vide audio metric hearing are and what OSHA is look- we have our finger on the compliance. testing and education. We ing at. For instance: this year pulse of safety at this point, also monitor employees they are looking at forklifts whereas the shop owner for any changes or warning and silica. So when we come might have to research what signs that show they are in, we know what to look to do to be compliant with, not properly protected, and for as opposed to the owner let’s say, the new silica rule. then specify what type of trying to figure it out. This We don’t have to do the protection they may need. removes a lot of the burden research! In order to arrive at the from the owner. “We know what has to be done! We do it every Above: an audiogram day and we are not acci- test provides an indi- dentally going to forget an vidual profile and “If you have a job without important step, whereas baseline to monitor the shop owner might hearing loss in all aggravations, you don’t have a job.” miss in his or her research. employees. — Malcolm Forbes They may never have used

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 7 Safety Keepers Continued from page 6 “These services are being deliv- ered to your door, and your oper- ation continues to run smoothly, and that’s important.”

When Safety Keepers takes on a fabrication company, is OSHA alerted that you are going there or alerted when you leave? “OSHA is never notified by us. The only time that they are involved is when we have a shop approach us for our ser- vices because they have already been visited by OSHA, or are anticipating or already received a violation or fine. These cases are less than half of our clients, but are a significant number of shops. You know, the one frus- trating part of this business is that safety is sometimes on the back burner until OSHA visits. It is so much easier to prevent the fine if we are onsite before OSHA ever comes by, as opposed to trying to clean up a mess. I will tell you that for those shops that have the unfortunate situation of being is- sued violations and fines, we will negotiate to reduce or eliminate them, and I will go to New York City, to Washington D.C. or any- where to represent a client. I am not an attorney, but in the Federal Administrative Law Courts, you • Akemi Colour Bond Magic Colors can be an appointed representa- camouflages the seam into the stone tive, and that’s how we function. structure “So when a company has vio- lations or fines, it’s not required • For use on Quartz, Marble, Granite, that the company owner has to Quartzite, Onyx, Glass, Porcelain, go and talk to OSHA. We have Ceramic, Solid Surface, and other been fairly effective at getting significant reductions, and in dense surfaces some cases completely eliminat- • Provides strong, smooth, ing them.” glossy joints When one of your inspectors • Under 20 minute cure arrives, where do they begin and • Low odor how long to they stay? “Well, it all depends on what • Available in over 50 colors the shop owner wants. The owner can choose to take a package or FREE Colour Bond Match Chart (pick and choose from an) a la Contact InnoChem LLC carte menu. Please turn to page 11 www.innochemllc.com [email protected] or www.braxton-bragg.com “Everything you add to Colour Bond Color Matching list available at the truth subtracts wwww.akemi.com. from the truth.” Scroll down to colourbond tab and just click. — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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inkedIn – We have Sharon Koehler Your company sets up a all heard of it. Most Artistic Stone Design profile, much like any other Lof us have a profile user site. You get a profile on it. Truthfully, I don’t pay and a cover picture much THE BEST that much attention to my time for all that these days? like Facebook. You can LinkedIn, mostly because I If only someone would step also connect your Alignable SEALERS/ENHANCERS have a job that I like and I up, take the best of both and page to your Facebook am not that concerned with make it work. page if you want. There IN THE BUSINESS finding a new one. That may Well, someone did. In are multiple sections that not always be the case, but January 2014, Alignable you need to fill out such as for now, I’m good. Anyway, — The Small Business Our Ideal Customer, About Tenax Ager Stone Color Enhancer LinkedIn launched in May Network—came to life as Us, Products & Services, and Sealer 2003 as a site where pro- a way to promote small etc. The more informa- • Suitable on all types of marble, fessionals could network business. The site has a tion you give, the easier it travertine, stone, granite and as well as look for a job, LinkedIn feel to it with ev- is for others to know you agglomerates and companies could post erything being online but and know what you do so open positions. LinkedIn • Use to obtain “wet” effect and has over 106 million active bring out deep, rich shine users being both individ- uals seeking positions and • Works as a sealer - excellent employers looking to fill water-oil repellent properties open positions. LinkedIn • Use indoor/outdoor. No lets all users create profiles yellowing to sunlight and form “connections” to others. This is online social Available in 250 ml, 1 Quart, 5 Liter, 55 Liter and 200 Liter job networking, so to speak.

BNI (Business Network Tenax Quartz Toner and Sealer International) - This is an organization dedicated to • Use to enhance Quartz, Engineered helping business growth. Stone and agglomerates There are physical meetings held where members get to- • Color enhancer and sealer - gether and pass business re- excellent water and oil repellent ferrals amongst themselves. properties The idea here is that up • Use indoors close and personal gather- ings help you get to know • Works well to hide small scratches fellow members so that you it has a BNI quality about they can help you. You can • Approved for food contact feel comfortable passing it, as it was created to help then search for nearby busi- business on to them. It’s small businesses connect nesses to connect with, or like everyone in the room with each other and grow Alignable will suggest con- Available in 250 ml, 1 Liter and 200 Liter is a salesperson for your through word- of-mouth nections for you. Looking business. Apparently it does and referrals. What could at our page right now, we work because it is reported be better? The creators of have 12 connections and that in 2017 members gen- Alignable contend that they 231 suggested connections. Tenax Premium Grade Sealer erated $13.6 BILLION dol- did a lot of research before Once you are connected you • For use on granite, marble, lars in referral revenue for they created the content for can send messages back and limestone and travertine member businesses. this site and the one thing forth and get to know other Both of these organiza- that they ran across over businesses. • Use on polished, honed and tions, for lack of a better and over was the desire of Your business profile will matte finishes phrase, have their good small businesses to reach also have multiple pages. points and their bad points. out or connect with other Besides your Home page • Deep penetration into the pores LinkedIn is sleek and mod- small businesses near them. there is My Network, My of the stone ern. Everything is done on- I honestly had never heard Community, Messages, et- • Protects grout as well line, quick and easy. But, of Alignable until just a cetera, but the one I really LinkedIn is geared more couple of months ago. One like is the Q & A Forum. • Use indoor/outdoor - UV stable toward individuals. It re- of my vendor reps sent over If a small business has any • Will not change color of stone ally is not set up to help an e-mail invitation to join. kind of question, they can business growth. BNI has Since I am always inter- post it on that forum and get Available in 250 ml, 1 Quart, 5 Liter and 200 Liter a great system in place to ested in things like this, I trusted answers from other help business growth but accepted the invitation on small businesses. You can www.tenax4you.com it is based on a lot of “old behalf of my company. also answer a question from For more information about Tenax products school” ways like in-person First off, it’s free. Even if another business and show chapter meetings and face to it doesn’t work, nothing lost off your smarts. email: [email protected] or call: 1-800-341-0432 face one-on-ones. Who has except a little bit of time. Please turn to page 13

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 9 seems to me that when needed, • Saves hundreds of cut The Stone Shark’s small foot- The Stone Shark by Stone Pro the Stone Shark could be a huge out template files print and portability make it asset to the owner who is caught • Allows shops to work more the perfect tool for automat- Unveiled at TISE 2018 between a rock and a hard place efficiently with much less dust ing the sink cut-out process. on whether to purchase another • Cuts sink cutouts with a perfect welve years ago, Stone large CNC machine, or just scale 90 degree edge, reducing Pro Equipment introduced back production to a more man- time spent polishing T a handy-dandy tool called ageable level. Instead, these own- • Does sink or cooktop cutouts The Rock Doctor. When used ers could now defer this purchase on any depth countertop on the jobsite, The Rock Doctor indefinitely. • Provides consistent cutouts gave the installer the ability to every time level excessive countertop seam Features Include: • Financing available warping. • Easy to learn and operate • Mobile design requires only a Specs: Fast-forward to 2017, when an- little space to store when not • Only 120 lbs other bright idea came to Stone in use • 54 inches wide x 36 inches Pro Equipment CEO and de- • Electrical requirements: Uses deep x 18 inches high signer, Barry Brandt. After see- standard 110V 20 amp service • Center water-cooled 2 HP ing a miniature CNC being used • Vacuum cups keep it locked spindle motor in the wood industry and then to the surface of natural or • Takes a 3-GPM standard reflecting on the success of the small-scale machine designed for stone bit, so hard materials like engineered stone garden hose connection Rock Doctor, the concept came smaller shops that fabricate by Violetta or quartzites shouldn’t • Drills holes for fixtures • Air: ¼ inch female to Brandt to develop a machine to hand, and can take the place of be a problem.” • Made of rugged machined • 110v 20-amp service perform precision sink and range the larger CNCs that larger shops One important final point: this aluminum and stainless steel cutouts: the Stone Shark. use.” portable, 120 pound jewel is • Will step-cut any sink or range The Stone Shark is available With the Stone Shark, you sim- The Stone Shark is also pen- available just in the nick of time configuration up to 36 inches from Braxton-Bragg. Call a sales ply set and forget it after plac- ny-wise, added Winn. “We’ve to help smaller shops conform wide representative at 800-575-4401 ing it on the countertop, locking done extensive testing, and to the new OSHA silica stan- • Using Stone Pro’s incremental to let them further explain how it down, selecting the correct you’re going to get two and a half dards. Think of it! When used in cutters ensures longer tool life the Stone Shark can rock and roll cutout and depth and hitting the to three sink cutouts per bit. The conjunction with an edge profile your cutouts and profits! Visit switch. It’s easy to operate and cost of these bits is nothing com- router, the Stone Shark can really Benefits: Braxton-Bragg online at www. easy to move, said Brad Winn, pared to the cost of the bits used help get your dust level down to • Uses software that easily braxton-bragg.com . of Stone Pro. “The Stone Shark with large CNCs. We’ve intro- an OSHA acceptable level! And converts a DXF file into a is a light weight, easily mastered duced a soft stone bit and a hard if your shop is already wet, it physical file

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 10 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette and surmised that the cracks were The Stone Detective either caused by expansion joints being bridged or no expansion The Case of the Jigsaw Puzzle joints at all. It was a guess based on crack dynamics, a subject I Frederick M. Hueston, PhD teach in my inspection class, and a common failure I was very fa- was one of those nights back to my office to miliar with. ITthat would later give me an pick up my testing Mr. Bigshot returned, saw my Aha! moment. I had just finished equipment. big limestone jigsaw puzzle, and dinner and was sitting on the sofa I plugged the ad- told me to write a report and send watching the news. I opened my dress into my GPS him a bill. Unfortunately, I didn’t tablet and thought I would put and was off to see Mr. Bigshot take any pics of the finished floor, together one of those online jig- Lawyer. I pulled up to a ware- but at least I hopefully solved an- saw puzzles. Little did I realize house that was some type of other case. This should be inter- that playing with a jigsaw puzzle roofing company, so I dou- esting if it ever goes to court. But the next day would help me solve ble-checked my GPS to make There were about 25 gallon buckets with little pieces of limestone in I won’t hold my breath! another stone installation failure. sure I was at the right address. It them. I had to use my jigsaw-solving skills. was the correct address, but due The Stone Detective is a fic- I woke up the next morning to to my faulty memory I wondered puzzle. I revised what I really pieces back together and got no- tional character created by Dr. a new voicemail on my phone. if I had written it down wrong, wanted to tell him (that he must where. Then I remembered what Frederick M. Hueston, PhD, Someone must have called late so I called the lawyer. After the be nuts), and told him I could I told the guy at the café how I written to be entertaining and last night, I thought. The voice first ring I noticed a rather large spend a couple of hours trying to start solving jigsaw puzzles. I told educational. Dr. Fred has writ- mail went something like this: gentleman in a suit across the put the floor back together, and of him to do the border first and then ten over 33 books on stone and “Hi, this is Mr. Bigshot Lawyer parking lot answer his phone. Lo course, he would have to pay me fill in the remaining pieces. So, tile installations, fabrication and I got your name from one of and behold it was him, and it was for my time. I gave him no guar- with that I started looking for all and restoration and also serves your articles and I have a case indeed the correct address. I hung antees, but I thought it was worth the border pieces. Within a few as an expert for many legal where I may need your help, can up the phone, got out of my ole a try. He said OK and left. hours I had a good portion of the cases across the world. Send you please return my call.” Now, Woody, walked over to him and I poured one of the buckets on floor put together. I found several your email comments to him at what do you see wrong with that introduced myself. the floor and tried putting the cracks that were long and linear [email protected]. call? I’ll give you a hint: how in He explained that his client had the heck am I supposed to call installed a brand-new limestone him back when he didn’t leave floor and it had cracked in numer- Braxton-Bragg Announces Three now offering the full line of his phone number? Either he ous places. OK, I thought, this is Diamut premium CNC tooling, assumed I would have it on my a common problem that I see all New Product Partnerships including blades, core bits and caller ID or he just forgot. Well, the time. I looked at him, fired off other diamond abrasives. For lucky for him it was on caller my normal Columbo-type ques- raxton-Bragg CEO Rick more than 30 years, Diamut has ID, but I thought I would wait tions, and asked if we could go Stimac announced today manufactured a complete range until after breakfast to give him see it. He said sure. I expected for Bthree new product lines of diamond tools for stone, glass, a jingle. him to say, “Follow me and we’ll will be available this Spring, and synthetic materials. Diamut I guess my loyal readers will head over there.” But no, instead giving Braxton-Bragg customers tooling works on the majority know where I went for breakfast? he told me it was right out back. an ever wider choice of premium of the machines on the market That’s right, I visited my favorite “OK, lead the way,” I said. He products for stone fabrication, today, and is recognized indus- greasy spoon for a cup of joe and led me to an open overhead door and covering the CNC market try-wide for its quality. some sausage and eggs. I greeted at the back of the warehouse. We like never before. In a search for a suitable sink Flo and there was a guy I had walked inside, and I saw nothing to offer their valued custom- never seen before seated next to but a bunch of roofing shingles “One of our primary customer ers, Braxton-Bragg has found my usual place at the counter. I and pails of tar or something. He concerns was that we did not a professionally manufactured, noticed he had a tablet and was took me to the back of the ware- heavily support CNC, so that is consistently high-quality prod- one of the first major partner- uct. Braxton-Bragg’s new sur- playing the exact jigsaw puzzle I house and pointed in the corner. Terminator Force 25 Blade was playing the night before. He I almost fell on the floor laugh- ships I wanted us to rebuild,” gical-grade stainless steel sinks looked like he was having some ing. There were about 25 gallon says CEO Rick Stimac. “We re- Terminator, and are also partner- hold up to heavy use, look good trouble, so I said excuse me and buckets with little pieces of lime- connected our partnership with ing with Diamut. In addition, we in any new or remodeled kitchen, gave him some tips on how to stone in them (see the picture). I have a new line of exclusive sinks. are easy to maintain and clean, solve the puzzle. cleared my throat and asked him These partnerships are filling and are available at a price point This was yet another clue to the if this was the floor. I emphasized holes we had in our offering, and to position them as a true-money stone inspection I was about to “was.” He said his client tore out we will continue to build our offer- maker for fabricators. perform. I finished my last cup the floor and replaced it and this ing, based on our customer needs.” Please turn to page 37 of joe and walked outside to call is the only evidence they had. Braxton-Bragg will once again the bigshot lawyer. He answered I’ve seen a lot of strange things partner with Terminator, offering right away and told me about in this business, but never this. I the complete line of Terminator the case. One of his clients had told him that I couldn’t determine brand blades, CNC tooling, and a limestone floor “with some what the cracks were caused by resin- and metal-bonded diamond issues,” and he asked if I could with the tile in little pieces. As tooling. In production for more come inspect it and give him my I was telling him how difficult than 24 years, the Terminator line Braxton-Bragg has added opinion. Since he was only 20 it was, an idea popped into my of stone fabrication products is three new product lines minutes away I said I could meet head. I looked at the buckets of well know in the industry for high to present a wider him in about an hour. He gave stone and wondered if I could quality and dependability. selection of premium Diamut HYS CNC Tooling me the address, and I headed piece them together like a jigsaw In addition, Braxton-Bragg is products.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 11 Safety Keepers You’ve Got To See This Video! Patent Pending Continued from page 7 “He or she can call me and say, ‘I’m worried about the new silica rule, and I want to make sure my shop is doing what it is supposed to do to comply.’ In this case, it would be a different set of ser- vices from the, ‘Hey! Just come #1 Seller! in and make my shop OSHA Most Popular proof.’ So our stay can range Sink Support anywhere from a few days to a Why Pay More to Install a Sink? Sink Harness the fastest and most economical system few weeks. We are working with Why pay more than $5 for a sink install available, it’s also the most versatile. one shop right now that is both ® kit, when you could use the Hercules Be the Go-To Guy to Repair Failed Installs a wood and stone fabricator. In Universal Sink Harness and complete your While the Sink Harness was being developed and this case, we are there for more install project in minutes, with no return tested, we discovered another notable benefit of than just a few weeks because trip needed? the Sink Harness: it’s a great system to repair failed undermount installations. Many fabricators are asked we are dealing with both wood ® The Hercules Universal Sink Harness from Braxton- to repair someone else’s poor sink installation job. The and stone hazards. So it really Bragg is another great innovation that can save installers Hercules® Universal Sink Harness will get the job depends on what you want us to time and money. done quickly. You can become known as the guy who do and how extensive your busi- contractors and home owners in your area call for help. At Last, a Simple, Fast Alternative ness is. The Hercules® Universal Sink Harness is a simple, Supports the Heaviest Sink Loads “When we are finished, you’ll ingenious alternative to expensive brackets that only Some clips and anchor systems rely on the countertop know three things. First, you work on some installations, and a time-saving, more to support the sink–not so with the Hercules® will know that your shop is safe. professional alternative to building a scrap wood Universal Sink Harness. Just like a suspension bridge, support system to hold the sink in place while the ® Second, you will know that if the Hercules Universal Sink Harness helps to caulk or adhesive dries. It installs without drilling into provide support and over-all strength to a countertop OSHA shows up at your door expensive countertops or cutting notches into your installation. It actually transfers all weight to the you can call us and we will be customer’s cabinets, and without using messy epoxies cabinet and doesn’t add additional stress to the weakest there in an hour. Third, and down or relying on adhesives to secure sinks. One of the most and most easily damaged part of the countertop: the the road, you will have access to immediately recognizable benefits is that you won’t sink cut out. It does its primary function admirably have to make a return trip to remove bracing or jury- well– support the sink under the heaviest of loads. us to make further recommen- rigged 2 x 4 supports. dations. Another thing that I’d Try One and You’ll Believe It! Fabricator Tested in Thousands of Installs Braxton-Bragg wants to prove it to everyone like to point out is that we not ® The Hercules Universal Sink Harness has been who’s faced sink-installation problem, or only deal with OSHA, we also fabricator- and installation-tested under demanding deal with the Department of conditions, and can be used to install the most popular just wants to save money and keep their shop See the animated video! profitable. Visit www.braxton-bragg.com for Environmental Protection (DEP). types of sinks, including ceramic, stainless steel, and http://www.braxton-bragg. So if the DEP comes in and even cast iron undermount. It is effective on either the complete Universal Sink Harness video. double bowl or single bowl steel or ceramic vanity com/HerculesSinkHarness says you’re discharging to sinks. Just imagine–one simple, inexpensive kit can do ground water and you need to all of those sinks! Not only is the Hercules® Universal have corrective action, such as installing a water recycling sys- Item # Description Great Low Price tem, we can do that, too, as well ® as represent you in any DEP MADE IN THE USA 17310 Hercules Universal Sink Harness Kit $4.95 proceeding. ”

It sounds like what you’re offering is so detailed and so comprehensive, that an owner, Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com when Safety Keepers walks out of their door, might feel OSHA- proof. So should the owner then call OSHA and invite them to You can invite them into your facil- that rule taken affect yet for the come and check them out, basi- ity to review what you’ve done and stone industry? cally calling OHSA before they to make any changes they feel rele- “There are two silica compliance call on them? vant. I will be present for this, and dates; one has already passed. The “No, but I would suggest if the state inspector says, ‘Well, we first was for people in the construc- something along the same lines. think you might have missed this,’ tion industry working with concrete Both New York and New Jersey Safety Keepers will then take care of and outdoor stone. The original offer voluntary consultation it. Then, and only then you can truly date was June 23, 2017, and was programs that are provided by say you are OSHA-proof.” then moved to September 23, 2017. their State Labor Department. The compliance date for fabrication You mentioned the new silica rule. shops is June 23 of this year. Safety Keepers provides test There was a lot of discussion on this copies to each employee. last year in the Slippery Rock. Has Please turn to page 14

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Hercules Sink Harness Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 12 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette ability to cut metal, scrap, RockTops Detail and overview of Dekton/Silestone front desk cre- stone, wood. We recognize ated for Kansas City Sporting Club. how well it miters material, Continued from page 1 ultra-compact especially. “Out of all the machines That was our driving deci- we researched, the Robo sion behind that purchase.” SawJet had the smallest It is equipped with a footprint, the fastest travel PAC 60™ precision angle speed from position to control 5-axis cutting head position, and, technically with 60-degree beveling speaking, it was the most capability. It can produce a accurate, fastest-cutting ma- true angle with continuous chine available,” Hyer said. rotation, which means no “We also wanted to be on repositioning of the cutting the front end of technology, head is required during the and the robot is the future of cut. Sophisticated software how all sawjets will be man- predicts the optimum “lean ufactured. There was very forward” angle for the cut to little downside to having a increase speed and reduce cut perfect vein-matched at fabricating ultracompact robot. The maintenance of undercutting and corner mitered edges with little to materials that other shops the traditional gantry ma- blowout. no material waste. “Most in the Kansas City area have chines is overwhelming. FlexJet machines include waterjets are typically begun outsourcing jobs to With the robot you literally the patented Flex-Sense 3-axis machines,” he said. them. “We are the Number have no maintenance for Monitoring System en- “With a 5-axis machine, One shop for fabricating ul- five years or 10,000 hours.” abling true unattended oper- them the flexibility to per- Ultracompact we have the flexibility of tracompact materials,” Hyer While the Robo SawJet is ations. They are optimized form intricate cuts for spe- Materials having a 60-degree angle said. “We do it really well.” the workhorse of the shop, to operate with less mess cial projects. “We focus on RockTops began fabricat- we can cut. It gives us a lot the FlexJet provide unpar- and noise than traditional the more detail-oriented ing ultracompact materials of versatility. Essentially, I Speed and alleled flexibility and pre- waterjets. ultra-compact and miter about three years ago, fo- could put a 45-degree miter Dependability cision for jobs where the RockTops uses the Robo jobs with the FlexJet,” Hyer cusing on Dekton, a popu- on a circle. That shows The RockTops shop de- smallest error could ruin SawJet to meet its daily said. lar Consentino product. “It what the capability is.” pends on the Robo SawJet a slab. “The decision to production demands, de- The shop currently pro- is one of the up and coming It’s no secret that most on a daily basis. “We call purchase the FlexJet came pending on the sawjet’s cesses about 800 to 1,000 products in the market- fabricators dislike work- it our best $25 an hour em- down to it being the most fast cutting times for high square feet of material place,” Hyer said. “It’s also ing with ultra-compact ployee in the shop,” Hyer precise 5-axis waterjet that output, and then using the per day in one shift. That a difficult product to work materials, which can be said. “It’s dependable. It’s was in the stone market,” FlexJet to process materials is a mix of natural stone, with. Typical fabrication surprisingly fragile during reliable. We’re thankful we Hyer said. “The precision is that are slow to cut with a quartz, and ultra-compact methods don’t work well. processing. It requires slow, have it. We would not be phenomenal. It gives us the saw. The FlexJet also gives materials. The main brands We feel the FlexJet is the expert handling to produce able to be where we are at of ultra-compact materials solution.” a quality result. Despite today without it.” it offers are Silestone and Using the FlexJet, these challenges, RockTops It takes the Robo SawJet This kitchen has a smooth box joint countertop with Dekton. RockTops technicians can is banking on its ability to half the time of other ma- wood & Daltile Calacatta quartz. process ultra-compact ma- chines to cut a standard terials as a key marketable 40-square-foot kitchen difference between it and countertop with sink hole the competition. from a slab, finishing the RockTops has gained job within 15-18 minutes. such a reputation for its skill Since the Robo SawJet is a dual-table system, a slab can be loaded while another is being cut, meaning no downtime. The investment in the Robo SawJet has paid div- idends in increased pro- ductivity and profits for RockTops, Hyer said. “In our industry, the quicker you can produce the ma- terials, the more profitable you are. The Robo SawJet is the most efficient, fast- est-producing machine in the industry.” In addition to its speed and reliability, the Robo SawJet is significantly eas- ier to program than other machines in the industry. Please turn to page 19

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 13

Braxton-Bragg Donates to Award of Excellence Knoxville Habitat ReStore Port Morris Tile & Marble Bronx, New York GRAND Stone Fabricator | Stone Installer raxton-Bragg, located in 2017 Pinnacle PINNACLE Knoxville, Tennessee, uAWARDSu AWARD Bdonated nearly $2,500 in brand new stainless steel sinks OTHER PROJECT to the Knoxville Habitat for TEAM MEMBERS Humanity ReStore to help fami- lies in need. Zaha Hadid active part of our community, Design Architect “We knew that the sinks could and supporting many great Ismael Leyva Architects benefit the community from a nonprofit organizations, in- Architect of Record donation and sales point of view cluding Knoxville Habitat for Samfet and were happy to share some Humanity.” Stone Supplier inventory with Knoxville Habitat April Timko, director of mar- Santucci Armando ReStore,” said Rick Stimac, keting and communications, (NSI Member Company) Braxton-Bragg CEO. “Braxton- Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, Stone Supplier Bragg prides itself on being an added, “Braxton-Bragg’s sup- STONE port helps deserving families in need of affordable housing build Grigio Brasile strength, stability and self-reli- ance. Profits from all ReStore JURORS’ COMMENTS merchandise sales help families “In addition to being a beautiful design, currently working in our pro- the project’s flawless execution and the careful celebration of the stone’s gram to build and purchase their natural characteristics represented a homes. Furthermore, donations very high level of achievement.” to our ReStore provide a way “The feature wall in this residential for community shoppers to pur- building lobby is art. The characteristics of the marble used is a big part chase items at a fraction of retail of the success of the execution. costs while also helping to keep One of a kind!” hundreds of tons of materials Braxton-Bragg donated a load out of area landfills.” of premium stainless steel sinks For more information on the to the Knoxville Habitat for 520 W 28th Street Humanity ReStore program. Habitat for Humanity program, Lobby Feature Wall visit www.habitat.org . New York, New York

nvisioned and designed The Business of Growth by late renowned architect SGM Photography EZaha Hadid, the 520 W Continued from page 8 Alignable app is only available 28th Street project is a futuristic It’s another way for businesses to Apple users. However, even if and upscale residential condo- to know who you are and what I had an iPhone I think I would minium building developed by you’re about. hesitate to download this app. It New York City real estate firm, Are there any downsides or only has a 2.2 rating out of 5 in Related Companies. drawbacks? I am not too sure about the App Store, and the reviews any negative issues, as we have not are not good. One fairly recent re- Apart from the stone work in been on the site that long, but I do view suggested that the mobile app the condominium’s luxurious see two possible issues. The first will be the downfall of Alignable. apartments, the client also com- one is Alignable’s enthusiasm. I Another one suggests that the app missioned the engineering and ex- am all for energy and positivity, development must have gone to the ecution of an artistic feature stone but Alignable seems to send me a lowest bidder. I hope the Alignable wall and matching floor design lot of e-mail messages. Some are folks listen to their reviews and in the lobby area. Artfully carved introductions from Alignable staff make a more user-friendly, all de- from Grigio Brasile marble, the who want to assist me. Some have vice-compatible app. wall creates a breathtaking piece tips for use and some are suggested Alignable: does it work? They of art that expands a dramatic 34 working closely with Hadid’s blocks of marble were expertly in- connections. That doesn’t sound have plenty of reviews and testi- feet across the lobby. This stone team to refine the layouts re- stalled like one big vertical puzzle. like a big deal, but you have to monials to indicate that it does. As was chosen in part due to its quired to accommodate the size- The 520 W 28th Street feature remember that while you are get- for our shop, I guess we will have highly durable characteristics, as able blocks, as well as to allow lobby wall project exemplifies ting all these messages, you are to wait and see. If you have any ex- well as its beautiful smoky grey for proper installation of the large, unique collaboration of creativity, also getting messages from your perience with Alignable, good or color tones. three-dimensional portion of the experience and craftsmanship and connections. It can be a bit over- bad, I would love to hear about it. The initial phase of the proj- wall. is now a standing landmark that whelming if you aren’t careful. ect started with sourcing marble From Greece, the stone was represents how an inspired vision The only other issue I’ve noticed Please send your comments blocks in Greece that were just shipped to Italy for a highly de- combined with skill and engineer- is their mobile app. I cannot down- to Sharon Koehler at Sharon@ the right color variations and tailed fabrication process, then ing can push stone design to the load their mobile app because asdrva.rocks. quantities for the monochromatic carefully transported via airfreight limits. I have an Android device. The design. The next steps involved to New York, where the expansive Please turn to page 20

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 14 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette BEST-SELLING Is Your Stone Shop Safety-Savvy? Continued from page 11 After June 23, 2018, the where a company re- “The rule basically says ceived a reduction on their fine for “Willful Violation” BRIDGE SAW BLADE that the old acceptable ex- Worker’s Compensation posure was way too high, of OSHA silica exposure surcharge because they and that it has been cut standards is over $100,000. engaged safety services. FEATURING down to [ten percent] of Companies have taken its original number. That’s of this rule will put people us on because they had a a lot stricter. The new rule out of business. It really higher premium due to a also adds that you not only would be much better to surcharge for a bad safety ARRAY know the levels of silica, spend under $10,000 dol- record. These companies, but also requires medical lars for compliance, rather even though they were surveillances of your em- than paying a huge fine for considered a high liabil- TECHNOLOGY ployees if you are over a willful violation.” ity, were given a surcharge the limit of exposure. The reduction because they old rule also said that you What can owners expect took Safety Keepers on could simply fit a respira- to pay for your services? and corrected their safety tor for the person. Now, “Our prices are personal- deficiencies. if you have to resort to a ized to the size of the busi- “In addition, and gen- respirator, you also have to ness and what we need to erally speaking for most send your people for chest do. There are a lot of shops shops, using our services x-rays, respiratory tests, that have only four or five will cost you less than one tuberculosis tests and ex- employees and have a good violation. Obviously, there tensive medical examina- but not huge production vol- are many shops that go all tions. OSHA is doing a lot ume. So what we need to do year-long and are never to get this new standard out for them and their small pro- visited by OSHA, but if there. So what I see is this: duction space is far less than you were visited and they when OSHA walks into a a large company. Having found you in violation, our shop after June 23 and says, said that, a great example is services, for sure, would ‘Let me see your silica re- this; if you’ve got four em- have been the better bar- sults,’ and the shop cannot ployees in one small area, gain. The other thing, too, produce those results, they we might only need to take is that once you have our will be considered ‘Willful a few silica samples to find services and OSHA visits “The Viper Array Bridge Saw Violators,’ and the penalty out everyone’s exposure. you, you’ll offer the in- Blade takes a bite out of the Termi- for this is six figures.” This lowers our costs as op- spector a cup of coffee and 20mm! posed to a shop that is spread ask him to wait because nator Xtreme blade and has at least Segments That’s pretty stiff pen- out over three buildings. We we are calling our safety 20% more life. It’s also priced a lot alty, and maybe cata- typically ask for a 50 percent manager. You then call us, lower than Terminator.” strophic for some shops. deposit to sign on to our ser- and we are there within an Cutting Speed “Yes! Clearly, for smaller vices and the other 50 per- hour to meet the inspector. – Mike Weldon, cent upon completion.” ® shops, this could mean their We’ll then take him on a Stone Fuzion The cutting speed of this Viper blade is death. So if you’re slapped tour of your facility and equal to any blade on the market. with a $125,000 fine, you’re Can some of these costs answer his questions. talking about an awful lot of be offset by lower insurance “Generally, they’ll walk granite kitchens that would costs, specifically Worker’s out happy with no viola- 20mm Segment and Silent Core Blade need to be produced to pay Compensation? tions or fines.” Array Diamond Technology Using the best new technology, these it off. So non-compliance “Yes. We’ve had instances Please turn to page 16 Array Technology means that the premium blades cut even the hardest diamonds used on the Viper ® Array stone without causing your saw to draw blades are evenly spaced to provide the increased amps. same quality from the first cut of the blade to the last.

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper Array Silent Core Blades Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 15 Hot Dog Dogma Physics According to Looney Toons am going to lay an important Sam Venable baseball statistic on you. This Department of Irony Inumber is much more signifi- waterfowl hunter is in stable cant than runs, hits, errors, ERA, A condition after a dead goose RBI and other boring fluff that fan at Yankee Stadium orders a fell from the sky and knocked him clutters the sports pages between concession stand hot dog, then unconscious. April and the World Series. abruptly changes his mind and re- quests a hamburger instead? Does Robert Meilhammer of It’s 21,357,316. this mean someone deep inside Dorchester County was hunting That’s the estimated number the hog dog council’s research with three other people when one of stadium hot dogs fans munch bunker suddenly starts cursing of them fired at a flock of Canada during a typical major league sea- and banging his desk because the suffered tremendously. up for her salvation. geese overhead in Easton, near son, according to the Washington, “estimate” has now been reduced You can find the entire condi- Alas, an alleged expert does the the Miles River on Maryland’s D.C.-based National Hot Dog and to 21,357,315? ment list at www.hot-dog.org. But same. There’s a new cookbook Eastern Shore. Sausage Council. But let us not quibble over de- one entry is of such importance, on the market: “Haute Dogs,” Maryland Natural Resources I’m intrigued by the word “esti- tails. Quite the contrary. I wish to I must bring it to your attention: by native Texan Russell Van Police spokeswoman Candy mated” in the previous paragraph. lavish praise on the National Hot “Don’t use ketchup on your hot Kraayenburg. It features 47 reci- Thomson said a falling goose If the hot dog council had tossed Dog and Sausage Council for its dog after the age of 18.” pes for dogs, 15 of which include hit Meilhammer, knocking him out rough figures like “21.3 mil- tips on dog-dining etiquette. Amen, brothers and sisters! ketchup as an acceptable condi- out and causing head and facial lion” or “between 21 and 22 mil- High time, if you ask me. In Preach on! This advice should be ment. Blasphemy! injuries. lion” in its report, I wouldn’t have a perfect world, infants would adopted as federal law and printed If Davy Crockett had known The Washington Post reports blinked an eye. But to specifically emerge from the womb with cer- on all hot dog packages. such heresy would emerge from that when he came to, he knew cite 21,357,316 and then call it an tain knowledge wound into their I speak with personal shame in Texas, he never would’ve gone to who he was, but “little else,” ac- “estimate” makes me think these DNA: how to build a snowman, this regard. My dear wife—we got the Alamo. cording to a Natural Resources people are chasing their dawgs how to pick their noses, how to hitched 49 years ago this month— police officer. with high-octane colas. eat a hot dog, important stuff like has many sterling qualities, but Sam Venable is an author, The agency tweeted that Mr. I know the food industry uses that. there is one serious flaw in her entertainer, and columnist for the Meilhammer was in stable condi- high-tech monitoring techniques But no. We have heathens in our character. She puts the red stuff Knoxville (TN) News Sentinel. He tion and awaiting more tests at a to chart consumption of its prod- midst who never were taught the on her hot dog. Yes, I would wel- may be reached at sam.venable@ Baltimore trauma center. ucts. But what happens if, say, a art of doing dogs, and society has come any prayers you might offer outlook.com.

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Safety Keepers a violation before the fine sticks. Braxton-Bragg Now Carries Continued from page 14 So if you call us and tell us you have a problem, we will send a If a shop owner or manager letter of representation to OSHA is interested in Safety Keepers, and stop the clock until we can where do they begin? deal with it for you. That’s im- ItalDiamant “We have a website at www. portant, because a lot of shop safetykeepers.com. But I’m a owners don’t realize that if you believer that there is nothing like let that 15-day period go by, just picking up the phone and you’re stuck with it! So stopping giving a call. So they can call me the clock is the first thing we’re 24-hours a day, seven days a week interested in. We will help you Dekton at 551-204-7171. I always answer deal with it by preparing a letter and an initial consultation is free saying that we are contesting the of charge. If you’re interested in violation and send it certified taking part in our services, we’ll mail. The clock again stops at be glad to take you on a client. If this point and gives us one to not, we’ll certainly give you some two months to deal with OSHA good advice and hope that you and the problem. After this time, find another company that suits if we are still having difficulty, I you. Robert and I feel that a safe can always call the OSHRC and company is profitable because say that we need more time, and you’re not dealing with lawsuits be granted a 30-day extension. and insurance claims, and you’re a But the most important thing to productive company because your know is DON’T LET THAT 15- employees are at work and not in DAY PERIOD GO BY! Sure, the hospital or home recovering.” after that, we can abate the con- dition, but you’ll still have to pay Dekton Large Blades Before contacting you, what the fine. You’ve got to act fast!” Item # Description Great Low Price information does a prospective 55802 ItalDiamant Dekton Core Bit, 1-3/8” (35mm) $105.95 client need to have in hand? Thank you for your time, Pete 55803 ItalDiamant Dekton Blade, 5”, 20mm, 3,000 RPM $68.95 “I need to know how large your Richardson! Clearly, knowledge 55804 ItalDiamant Dekton CNC Core Bit, 1/2 Gas, 1-3/8” (35mm) $105.95 shop is, how many people work is power, and Safety Keepers 1,900 RPM Max, Feed Rate: 1” to 1-1/2” per minute there, what your square footage is, knows how to use it. 55805 ItalDiamant Dekton Finger Bit, 1-3/8” (35mm), $145.95 what equipment you have and how 4,100 RPM Max, Feed Rate: 9” to 10” per minute many shifts you operate. If you are Safety Keepers owner, Robert 55906 ItalDiamant Dekton Blade, 14”, 10mm (H), 50/60mm $213.95 a two or three shift operation, we Deja, has over twenty years ex- 1,900-2,500 RPM Max would need to do sampling on all perience in the stone industry. 55907 ItalDiamant Dekton Blade, 16”, 10mm (H), 50/60mm $259.95 of those shifts and meet and work Pete Richardson teaches occu- 1,700-2,300 RPM Max with all of your employees.” pational health at the university 55909 ItalDiamant Dekton Blade, 18”, 10mm (H), 50/60mm Bushing $368.95 level, and has been teaching for 1,400-2,000 RPM Max Is there any advice you’d like to 27 years. offer our readers? “The only other thing I can sug- Dekton 5˝ Blade gest, is that if you were issued Safety Keepers provides an OSHA violation, ACT FAST, company-specific forklift Dekton CNC Core Bit because the clock is ticking and training completion cer- you only have 15 days to resolve tificates and license cards, good for three years. NEW!

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Dekton Fabrication Products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 17 be multi-purposed such as large Stone Restoration and SUVs can only be deducted up to 50 percent of the cost and must Maintenance Corner be used 50 percent of the time Tech Tips for Spring 2018 Taxes for business only. Many larger pickups with a full-size cargo bed (6,000 lbs. – 14,000 lbs.) may he deadline for filing your Bob Murrell qualify for the full section 179 income taxes with the IRS M3 Technologies deduction. Also the Bonus depre- Tis drawing near. If you are Photos by Bob Murrell ciation may be available for up to a small business, you will likely $11,160 for these larger vehicles. have your hands full. Most will There is a company deduction I suggest you look into the spe- have an accountant doing their that is still in place for major cifics of the section 179 capital taxes, others who happen to be equipment purchases called the equipment deduction to see if it is a brilliant mathematician and a Section 179 (used to be referred to applicable to your business. This lucky gambler all in one, will as the “Hummer” Tax Loophole) really comes in handy for you prepare the company’s taxes capital equipment deduction. fabricators who want to purchase themselves. In either case, you What this deduction does is to large edge machines, CNC ma- will have to assemble most all of allow you to deduct the cost of chines, or saws. the pertinent data, that of course, any major piece of equipment, we all know you have been dili- up to 100 percent ($500,000), Quotes and Bidding gently collecting and properly that the company purchased Let’s face it, who among us filing over the last year, right? in the year 2017. There is also hasn’t given the perfect quotation with everything itemized and laid out just right, only to have the cus- tomer show it to every competitor you have? And then, it is used to bid against you? Of course you have and it really hacks you off, right? You may think that doing this is a waste of time, but I can assure you that it isn’t. You need to be as accurate and professional as Before and after photos of a vanity restoration. Proper possible to describe the work you documentation and client testimonials can be key factors in the are proposing to do. If it is used success of your restoration business. against you, so be it. Of course many of you charge for doing es- extreme importance. You think it photos, first get the approval from timates, which is probably not a is Crema Marfil and it turns out to the client, then make sure that you bad idea either. be a Botticino Fiorito, which can get the same shot as accurately as We all know that you may not sometimes be more difficult to possibly so that it reflects the pre- have to do everything specified get a good polish on. Submitting vious condition against the final on the quotation or you may even a test area helps confirm these product. have to do more (accuracy comes issues and with customer expec- Take gloss meter readings and with experience), so you have to tations too. Disclaimers (such as be sure to show the client the be- insert clauses that allow for unex- furniture that must be removed, fore and after numbers. This is pected situations that arise. fresh paint, poor set tiles, etc.) a quantifiable way to show your One of the biggest and most are another area you must take a work, and is not as subjective as common unexpected situations I close look at and possibly include just the visual appearance. You get calls for is lippage. Excessive on the quote. don’t need a $1,500 gloss meter lippage is easy to detect but minor You may also want to get de- like mine either. A simple Mini lippage can be tricky. “The floor posits, draws, or money for any Gloss Meter for under $500 will looked pretty flat to me,” says the special tooling or products the do the job, more than adequately. guy on the other end of the line. I project may require. This needs Testimonials are the best way Section179.org is a good place to start if you had major equip- hear this one all the time and have to be in writing, in your quotation. to get hits on your website. Key ment purchases in 2017, to deduct from your taxes. suffered through it many, many words are still important but to- times myself. The only flat floor is Documentation day’s logarithms promote testi- Perhaps you want to declare the Bonus Depreciation available. the one that has been ground (by We must all start taking before monials and instructional videos mileage from your “company” ve- Companies that have been in busi- you) totally flat, period. and after photos of every project, more than anything. Your website hicles? If so, you need to read all ness for more than two years can Another potential bite in the rear using a gloss meter where neces- is your signage to the area and the of the qualifications that the IRS generally qualify. is edge work. This is especially sary, and pushing for (or request- world, so make it count. I always requires for this. For example, if Equipment (such as floor ma- true when working on darker ma- ing) testimonials from our clients, encourage my clients to give a re- in fact you can declare the mile- chines, hand tools, gloss meters, terials. I know that you’ve heard upon completion of the project. view. Make it easy for them, by age on your vehicles, you must and other pieces of equipment) me say it many times, but once If you want hits on your website, giving them your business card write down each start and stop and vehicles used in your busi- again, always lead every step with and you really must have a web- and telling them how. Also, you point in a log (either physical or ness will general qualify for the the edge and overlap with the site in the year 2018, you must may want to give them some in- digital), such that it is a daily doc- section 179 deduction. There floor machine. populate your website with these centive for doing this on their next umentation of the metrics of this are fairly strict requirements on Unforeseen issues are why images and feedback. required service. value. the vehicles. Vehicles that may submitting a test area can be of When taking before and after Please turn to page 24

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 18 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette

Laser Products Celebrates countertop and cabinet industries “Power always thinks where it is the workhorse of 80 Two Global Milestones percent of the digital fabricators it has a great soul and and has won more prestigious vast views beyond the aser Products Industries its rate of expansion,” said Rich awards than any other system in (LPI) has announced Katzmann, president. “In the the market. In January 2018, CEO comprehension of the that the company has past two years we have increased Dan Louis was inducted into the L The LT 2D3D laser system: reached two important corporate our sales team by 33 percent in- Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame in weak, and that it is easy to program, easy to use milestones with global sales of troduced a new, more powerful, recognition of his lifelong contri- doing God’s its digital measuring systems more precise laser system and services. Watch for more exciting butions to the industry. topping 5,000 lasers and simulta- launched our digital solutions into announcements over the coming Founded in 1994, Laser Products service when it is neously reaching a record 3,000 the wood and glass industries. In months.” was recognized by Inc. Magazine customers. 2018, we will be aggressively For more than two decades, as a 2017 Inc. 5000 “Fastest violating all His laws.” expanding our core business Laser Products has developed and Growing Private Companies in “Laser Products is thrilled at by launching new products and manufactured solutions for the America.” — John Adams

Your Tax Dollars at Work ichael Ryder had been Mapproved for $360 every week in Michigan unemploy- NEW! PATENT PENDING Rock Jockey ment benefits — until the state Another fine tool from Stone Pro learned he’d been dogging it at the Detroit-area restaurant chain The Rock Jockey Can Reduce the where he supposedly worked. Number One Cause of Injuries in the Stone Industry. Ryder is a German Shepherd owned by attorney Michael Haddock, who lives on the other side of the state in Saugatuck. WZZM-TV reports that Haddock received a benefits let- • Remote operation clamp and ter addressed to “Michael Ryder” release reduces risk of injury from Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. The station • 360° rotation by hand-held says Haddock contacted the MADE IN THE USA remote agency about the letter. • Rechargeable battery The agency says its computer system sent the letter, but the claim later was flagged as suspi- Item # Description OUR Price SEE THE cious and denied. 11698 Stone Pro Rock Jockey with Abaco Release Clip $4,500.00 and Weld Tab, 115 Lbs. VIDEO Investigations administrator WWW.BRAXTON- Tim Kolar wrote in a tongue-in- BRAGG.COM cheek email that he knows “first- hand it is rare for ‘man’s best friend’ to contribute financially Stone Pro Trigger for Overhead Crane to the household and that will The Trigger is a heavy-duty overhead crane attachment, designed to as- continue in this instance.” NEW! sist and make the material handling process safe for personnel in the slab warehouse environment. © MARK ANDERSON. www.andertoons.com It allows you to safely position the clamp over the end of the slab, index the clamp at the desired lift point, and press the latch release button on the hand-held remote, eliminating potential injuries and liability claims.

The Trigger has a weight rating of 2200 lbs. Lifting more than one SEE THE slab at a time with this device is NOT recommended. VIDEO WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM Item # Description OUR Price 11713 Stone Pro Trigger $2,299.00 MADE IN THE USA

“Psst! Ten bucks and I’ll tell Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com you where all of them are.”

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the new Rock Jockey Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 19 RockTops Mike Hyer loves his BACA Robo SawJet. The workhorse of the RockTops shop, it has removed the bottleneck within their shop.

between rebuilds by almost triple the time. It is also quicker and cheaper to rebuild the pumps. “We’ll buy waterjet components from BACA Systems to use in other machines in the shop,” Hyer said. “We have ordered BACA parts for a competitor’s waterjet system because they were priced better and more readily available.” This house features a stunning fireplace wrapped in a bookmatched Daltile porcelain slab. Continued from page 12 slab, saving customers an aver- Customer Service BACA Systems provides com- age of 20 percent on material cost BACA Systems treats even The BACA Difference decided that was the direction we prehensive training and sup- annually. minor maintenance issues with In the end, RockTops has ben- were going to go. We believe in port in the use of its products. “Obviously this precision has the waterjet pumps seriously, efitted from adopting the leading their products, too.” “The training they offered was been a big part of our yield and Hyer said. “The thing is, we’ve edge of robotic fabrication tech- RockTops is already planning smooth and easy,” Hyer said. savings on materials,” Hyer said. had very minor incidents where nology. Hyer is enthusiastic about to add another sawjet to its shop. “They outshined the competition. “Before we had the jet as an we’ve had a high-pressure water partnering with BACA Systems, “It will be another BACA,” Hyer The software on their systems is option, we had a lot of wasted line or a fitting go bad. Nothing which he said easily sets itself said. “I don’t think I would ever very user-friendly. It’s been very material. The Robo SawJet has major. That’s a great thing. Even apart from other manufacturers. move away from BACA for any easy for someone to step in and increased our yield from a slab of on these minor issues they’ve “They are so passionate about of my future equipment needs. learn how to use those machines useable material by upwards of stepped up to the plate to sup- their equipment. They are inno- They are doing a great job ad- efficiently.” 30 percent.” port us quickly, efficiently and vative and have so much experi- dressing the challenges that fab- The Robo SawJet uses a dura- cost-effectively.” ence in robotics and the waterjet ricators have.” Material Savings ble H2O jet pump, designed to The H20 waterjet technology business that we felt comfortable The BACA Robo SawJet uti- hold up in the 24-hour workday provides consistent performance working with them. When some- For more information on lizes an IDE Diamond Cutting automotive manufacturing envi- with little downtime. “Honestly, body believes in their products RockTops, visit their website Head, which ensures easy and ronment. The cost to operate the the two BACA machines have not that much, you can see it. We www.rocktopskc.com. consistent alignment as well as H2O jet pump is less than half of really had any significant mainte- pinpoint accuracy. The system’s the KMT pumps used in some nance issues compared to some of Vanity for a commercial job features a custom apron and built-in sink. software optimizes cut patterns other types of sawjets, while out- the others in the industry,” Hyer Below: Miter edge detail showcases capability of the BACA FlexJet. to maximize yield from each lasting the Hypertherm pumps said. “We have had no issues compared to some of the older A beautiful calacatta quartz waterfall mitered edge island with technologies that exist.” a farmhouse sink make this kitchen.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 20 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette Makena Hunt Commercial Exterior Coldspring Cold Spring, Minnesota Stone Supplier | Stone Fabricator | Stone Quarrier

2017 Pinnacle Continued from page 13 u u individually numbered templates AWARDS Riverside Roundabout to assemble the egg-shaped sculp- Los Angeles, California OTHER PROJECT tures. Each piece was laid out TEAM MEMBERS he Riverside Roundabout into slab form per the design. The is the first modern round- granite supplier selected and cut Greenmeme about in Los Angeles and the slabs with CNC cutting equip- Art & Design Studio T will help control smog and exhaust ment to provide full utilization of Art, Architecture and Landscape impacts on surrounding residents. the slab. Sculpture pieces were Cleveland Marble The centerpiece of the round- then epoxied together per the de- of Los Angeles (NSI Member Company) about provides an artistic expe- sign drawings. Stone Installer rience through nine egg-shaped The roundabout serves as a stone sculptures constructed of storm water bio-retention land- STONE Academy Black® granite from scape, with the capacity to cap- Academy Black granite California. Measuring 8 to 12 ture and treat a 10-year rainfall feet tall, the sculptures feature the event (500,000 gallons) off an ad- JURORS’ COMMENTS faces of randomly chosen individ- jacent bridge and roads. The sys- uals from the community. tem also includes a 25,000-gallon “This is a fine example of public outdoor art/sculpture cistern supplying a water feature that utilizes technology and A significant amount of coordi- as well as a solar tracking photo- natural stone to create a large-scale multi-function structure.” nation between the architect and voltaic system powering irriga- AWARD OF granite supplier and fabricator tion, and lighting the artwork. A “This is a wonderful example where a EXCELLENCE serious engineering undertaking had ensured the artistic vision came 100-percent-sustainable project, the foresight to enable the creation to life. The granite fabricator and all parts of the granite slabs were of a whimsical, public amenity. The playful, sculptural, granite forms of supplier used the designer’s elec- used to create the eggs, with the the design have been carefully and tronic files to create the cutting remaining parts of the slab cre- artistically implemented.” information needed to fabricate ating a stone border around the the sculptural pieces. The archi- roundabout. tect’s detailed drawings provided

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 21

Weha diamond polishing pads with our Exclusive Geometric Water Displacement Technology Pattern Design! Everything for the Stone Industry

Weha 4” Quartz Diamond Polishing Pads

The Weha Quartz diamond polishing pads with the Geo Description MSRP Pattern pads are made with high concentration of diamond Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 50 grit 14.00 into each grit, allowing the pad to create a high gloss finish with the speed that other diamond polishing pads can’t achieve. Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 100 grit 14.00 Weha Quartz Engineered Stone (ES) Diamond Polishing Pads Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 200 grit 14.00 were made with white resin designed specifically to eliminate Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 400 grit 14.00 all bleeding on Quartz, Engineered Stone materials. However, Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 800 grit 14.00 these premium pads will also work outstandingly on all granite and quartzite stones as well. Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 1500 grit 14.00 Weha 4” ES Polishing pad 3000 grit 14.00

Weha 4” Blitz 7 Step Diamond Polishing Pads The Weha Blitz Geo Pattern pads are made with high Description MSRP concentration of diamond into each grit, allowing the 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 50 grit 14.00 pad to create a high gloss finish with the speed that other diamond polishing pads can’t achieve. These 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 100 grit 14.00 Blitz 7 step pads will polish granite, engineered stone, 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 200 grit 14.00 quartz, and quartzite stone faster than other advertised 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 400 grit 14.00 5, 6 and 7 step pads, with a much richer, deeper polish. 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 800 grit 14.00 Extreme flexibility and 3mm thick, the Weha Blitz are touted as one of the best premium granite and stone 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 1500 grit 14.00 polishing pads on the market. 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 3000 grit 14.00 4” Weha Blitz Diamond Polishing Pad 5000 grit 14.00

Weha Trilogy 3 Step Diamond Polishing Pads Weha Trilogy 3 Step Diamond polishing pads are the absolute best Description MSRP polishing pads specifically for Black, Brown, Gray, Engineered Stone, 4” Weha Trilogy POS 1 27.00 Quartz stone. But they are equally as good on black absolute, Baltic Brown, Uba Tuba, and other dark granites and marbles. Additionally, 4” Weha Trilogy POS 2 27.00 they work amazing on light colored engineered stone, quartz, 4” Weha Trilogy POS 3 27.00 granite, marble, as well with zero bleeding. Absolutely perfect for Silestone, Cambria, Caesarstone, Zodiaq, Santa Marhergita,and all other Quartz Surfaces. So many fabricators are using 5 step or 7 step pads to match the polish on these dark quartz materials. Now with the Weha Trilogy, 3 pads and THAT'S IT! Not 3 steps and buff. Not 3 steps and more. 3 steps and put it on the truck. Weha Blizzard Air Polisher

$349 16 cfm @ 90 PSI • 5,000 RPM - 10% = Rear Exhause $314.10 Designed to run 24/7! Visit your preferred Weha distributor to purchase • www.wehausa.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 22 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette 2017 Migliore Award for Lifetime How to Attract and Retain Achievement Goes to Jim Hogan Quality Employees

raise comes easily merican businesses from the peers of big and small P Jim Hogan, who is A are having chal- the 2017 recipient of the lenges with finding quality Migliore Award for Lifetime workers. Adding further Achievement. strain, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows By the time Hogan started there is a significant decline his career in the stone indus- in the number of prime-age try in 1985, he had already workers participating in the honed his leadership skills made his work within MIA labor force, while many as a graduate of the U.S. a priority and took on his seasoned workers are enter- Military Academy at West Jim Hogan, CEO of Carrara responsibilities as President ing retirement age, result- Employee appreciation picnic complete with rock Point. During an 11-year Marble Co. was awarded with the same enthusiasm ing in a shortage of both wall, bounce house, and taco truck! career as a Special Forces the 2017 Migliore Award for and thoughtful management experienced and entry-level airborne ranger in the U.S. Lifetime Achievement at as his business affairs at workers. and make yourself stand out Army, he rose to the im- the 2018 TISE tradeshow. Carrara Marble Company as a desirable employer. pressive rank of Lieutenant Today, he is senior vice pres- of America. As president, According to CNNMoney. Promote work-life bal- Colonel. Hogan applied his ident, co-owner and a mem- Hogan was greeted by per- com, many businesses feel ance. Employees value engineering degree to his job ber of the board of directors haps the greatest crisis in the they have no choice but to work-life balance now more at Carrara Marble Company of the company whose works history of the modern natural pay higher wages to attract than ever, so try to show of America in southern are showcases for excellence stone industry – the radon and keep the workers they employees that you appreci- California and worked his in natural stone work wher- controversy. He rose to the want. One New England ate their dedication to their way up the ranks there. His ever they are located. occasion, working nearly full manufacturer reported he job as well as their life out- management helped grow the Hogan began his service time with MIA staff to lead was three months behind side of work. business into a powerhouse on the board of directors efforts to fight back against schedule as he scrambled Provide purpose and of the stone industry, now of the Marble Institute of false claims regarding radon to hire employees for a emotional connection. primarily involved in large-. America in 2002 and served emissions in natural stone. new factory. In Missouri, Employees want more than .scale commercial projects. as its president in 2008. He Please turn to page 30 building companies have This skillful CNC just a paycheck — they want limited ability to construct operator always brings to make a contribution and new homes as they struggle a smile to work. know their role in a compa- Wilson Industrial Electric Inc. Wins a TISE to find workers. The West ny’s journey to success. Be Coast’s reported labor will promote the company sure to identify a clear and “Best of Show” Award for Large Booth Design shortages are affecting everywhere they go. If you authentic mission for your industries from farming invest more internally, you organization that creates an URFACES 2018 to manufacturing, and can make your company emotional connection with |StonExpo Marmomac even after hiking wages, more externally attractive. your staff. Ensure that day- SAmericas | TileExpo employers still say they Examine your environ- to-day experiences leave 2018 has announced the can’t find enough people. ment and culture. If you employees with a sense of “Best of” Awards Program With a dwindling pool cultivate a positive, healthy purpose, pride, and commit- winners for TISE 2018, and of employees and an in- workplace environment, ment to achieving the com- Wilson Industrial Electric, creasingly competitive job you can drive employee per- pany’s mission. Inc. was chosen as winner in market, how can you give formance and productivity, the Best of StonExpo-2018 yourself an edge as an em- Large Booth Design. TISE, ployer to attract and retain along with the awards quality employees? Market program sponsors, hosts the your company to prospec- “Best of” Award programs tive candidates by creating Matt Wilson and Melisa Black (center and right) accept to celebrate industry inno- a work environment that the Best Large Booth Award at TISE 2018, sponsored by vation and ingenuity, and Stone World magazine and Tile magazine. reaches beyond the pay- exhibitors’ contributions to check—be a company that the industry. demonstration videos. The unit could be kept as light people WANT to work for! unit was designed and the as possible for transport. In a recent article pub- The Winning Booth bottom framework was Materials from M Stone lished on Forbes.com, Quarterly team meeting and luncheon. Wilson Industrial’s 8 made by Wilson Industrial Tile & Stone Co. were used several concepts were iden- foot x 20 foot display is Electric, Inc. It was then sent on the backsplash. Platinum tified to help employers a self-contained unit that to Storage Master Co. LLC Elite Signs from Elberton, navigate the candidate’s can be hauled from show to be constructed on the Georgia made the graphics job market. The underlying “The only thing worse than being to show. It contains graph- steel frame. Storage Master for the unit and Tony Jones trend? Create an irresistible ics of the equipment that Co. LLC is a portable build- from Hartwell, Georgia company culture. A few of blind is having sight Wilson Industrial Electric, ing manufacturer located in made the custom cabinets. the key strategies are: Inc. manufactures, cabi- Elberton, Georgia. Light- Be more people-focused but no vision.” nets for storing materials, weight materials were used For more information and foster employee ad- and three display TVs for in the construction so the visit www.wilsonsaws.com . vocates. Happy employees ­— Helen Keller

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 23 Soaring Above and Beyond

Andreas von Huene and colleague Continued from page 2 Dan Ucci (at left) installing Owl “Our society wants us to be seen doing. Rising at Laudholm Farm in Wells, If you are seen to be daydreaming, you Maine. Photo by Carolyn Broad. are considered to be wasting time. But the Inset: Roughing in Owl Rising with a dreaming and thinking and the conjuring chop saw. up of visions is such a crucial major part of what we do, and it demands that we hold Right: Cantilevered Owl II at bay all the pulls on our time from x, y and z tasks.” sculpture will sell itself, so we need Marketing, Sales and to keep pushing quality and artistic Everything in Between merit. The gallery scene can work “The most powerful tool I operate is a well, too, and also word of mouth, but telephone,” he continued. “The biggest how many conversations can you have problem so many sculptors face in terms before you feel you need to get back of business is the marketing and the cost to hands-on work? Oh, the balancing in dollars or time spent on that market- act! ing. There seems to be a glass ceiling be- tween most sculpture sales which I think “Who was it said that when busi- are based on regional reputation, while nessmen get together they talk about high-end national and international sales art, and when artists get together they are based on a whole different system. talk about business? This is a con- I’ve heard of corporate style marketing stant theme of discussion among my offices employed by sculptors with great colleagues. I also believe that being reputations, but I like to think that a quality in one area long enough has made

connections for me that have paid fancy or carve something on sculpture shows in Maine, off, it’s been 27 years, and I’ve speculation, and then won- and I get a lot of exposure been very busy. der who’s going to buy it. I from them.” “So why am I trying to sell art in have to carve something that Maine? I should be trying to sell is going to be interesting to Working Wide art in Florida, Texas, LA or New somebody. and Large York City. But my sales go through “Sculpture symposiums As an artist, marketing in my local connections, and I’m not let me break that rule. They itself seems to be an art, but going to get those connections offer me the opportunity what impressed me most in New York. You have to make to go big, yet spend only a is the way Andreas finds a those connections and those con- short amount of time. That work-around to any situa- nections have to be in a big enough to me is another form of tion. He, like most artists, pool with big enough connections. artistic freedom where I is resourceful and inven- The other side of it is that I have, to can give up just a couple tive, always finding a way some extent, the freedom to chase of weeks to do something to flesh out a new design my dreams, but I have to blend that that is more adventurous. and make it work no matter with being able to sell something. I’ve sold things I’ve carved what the circumstances or So I cannot chase every flight of at symposiums for good genre. So I thought it fair money, and that helped to ask him how he classifies pay for more mainstream his art. Cloud Fountain in Blue Macauba projects. We have a lot of Please turn to page 25

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 24 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette Stone Restoration and Maintenance All Your Fabrication Corner – Tech Tips for Spring 2018 Taxes Needs...Including the Before and after photos of gloss meter levels are a good way to demon- Kitchen Sink strate the effectiveness of your restoration pol- ish. Be be sure to show the client the before and after numbers. This is a quantifiable way to show your work, and is not as subjective as just the

Item # 6671 Item # 6672 visual appearance.

Continued from page 17

As always, I recommend submitting a test area to confirm the results and the

Item # 6673 Item # 6674 procedure prior to start- ing a stone or hard surface restoration or maintenance project. Also, the best way to help ensure success is by partnering with a good dis- tributor that knows the busi- ness. They can help with technical support, product Item # 6675 purchase decisions, logis- tics, and other pertinent 95 project information. $ per sink 79 Buy 11, Get 1 FREE! Bob Murrell has worked 12 TO A PALLET in the natural stone indus- Plus FREE Freight try for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in natural stone, tile and decorative concrete resto- ration and maintenance. He helped develop some of the main products and processes which revolu- tionized the industry, and is currently the Director of Operations for M3 Technologies.

© MARK ANDERSON. www.andertoons.com “One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by Hurry–SpecialHurry–Special OfferOffer EndsEnds AprilApril 30,30, 20182018 their intentions rather than their results.” Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online “I put them all in one basket on purpose. – Milton www.braxton-bragg.com I like to live dangerously.” Friedman

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 25 Makita Vacs and Shrouds Soaring Above and Beyond ® Makita XCV04Z Cordless HEPA Filter Dry Vacuum Includes: •2 Anti-static hoses •Crevice tool NEW!

• Nozzle for Dust Management on the Job Site •Curved pipe • Straight pipe •Main filter •Damper and pre-filter Item # Description Price 11486 Makita® XCV04Z Cordless HEPA Filter Dry Vacuum $738.45

Makita® XCV05PT HEPA Filter Dry Backpack Vacuum Kit Includes: NEW! •39” hose •Telescoping extension wand Continued from page 23 Now the cornerstone of Acadia Hospital, Maine artist •Floor nozzle “I have a wide range of Andreas von Huene’s Zephyr is unveiled by Hospital •HEPA filter interests and also a rich President and CEO Dan Coffey and Max Kagan Family •Filter dust bag environment of tools, ma- Foundation representative Leslie Kagan. •(2) 18V Lithium-Ion Batteries terials, shapes, forms and •Charger colors to choose from,” he — some bands it’s the wum- client liked realism, I did a responded. “I think it is dif- mpa thummpas of the lows lot of feather work such as Item # Description Price ficult for my clients and my — but I like to offer the full polishing, refining and de- 11492 Makita® XCV05PT HEPA Filter Backpack Dry Vac. Kit $667.69 peers, because they tell me range on a piece, so that no tailing. It is disturbing in that I’m so inventive saying, matter who looks at it, there that there is nothing above ® ‘Will you stop being so in- is something in it for them or below to support it. So it Makita 12 Gallon ventive and just settle down such as the detail of an eye- looks very realistic! Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum on a theme!’ I tell them, I’m ball or the shape of a wing. “The next year I saw this not dead yet, you know! I may not always succeed, beautiful bubble of a rock •135 CFM The world is full of interest- but I try.” that was rough-cut and the •12.0 Amp ing things. end of a huge boulder. It •92” of Static Water Lift “I like working large, but Soaring Beyond was 2-1/2 feet wide by 6 •27 Lbs. I also like imbuing large “So where do you step on feet long of this beautiful pieces with really tight de- the gas and where do you dark stone. I took it home Includes: Item# 11491 tails. I enjoy what’s called not step on the gas?” he con- and made another owl with •Main Flat Nano Filters (Pair) the “wall of sound”; an ex- tinued. “Capability doesn’t an almost six-foot wing- •Fleece Nano Filter Bag pression coined by a ‘70s necessarily mean you span. I allowed myself not •Disposal Bag should do it — although if I to do the feathers, but to do rock and roll band with a •1-3/8” x 16’ Anti-Static Hose wall of speakers blasting can, I want to! Watch this, I the airfoil form more, and •Crevice Nozzle and every frequency being say when somebody doesn’t really crank the wings and represented. Some bands think I can do it, but I get sculpt it so that it’s really • Cuff Adapter it’s the high guitars wailing myself into trouble when I moving fast and banking GUARANTEED do that. For example: into a turn. That is a very a few years ago I did powerful sculpture! Each BEST Banking Owl with owl is different, and it was a PRICE! a six-foot wingspan pleasure to be able to work that stood cantile- with such beautiful mate- vered off the wingtip. rial that cut and polished Item # Description Our Low Price Finished, it was 450 well and let me go with the 5146 Makita® VC4710 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum $699.95 pounds. So there was flow. I’ve also done proj- 11482 Makita® Dust Extraction Surface Grinding Shroud $57.07 some technical work ects in quartzite, marble, for Makita 9565CV, 5” there such as how do limestone, basalt, granite, 11491 Makita® Dust Extraction Surface Grinding Shroud, 7” $70.77 I support it without alabaster and others. Each 11483 Makita® Dust Xtracting 4-1/2”, 5” Cutting Guard $118.47 breaking the wing offers its own special char- with Shoe for Makita 9565CV off. And because the acter and working char- acteristics. So why would Life-size Rufous I want to carve anything Screech Owl in else?”

Gouldsboro Pink Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online granite. Please turn to page 31 www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Makita Dust Control products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 26 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette 21, 2018 at 6 p.m. on Blog Talk Dr. Fred Hueston Announces Live web radio. Braxton-Bragg Stone and Tile Radio Program Dr. Fred said, “I am also looking Hires Maples as for folks to interview. So if you Fred Hueston has Please set your calendars for have a product or even a story Product Manager DR.announced he is re- Wednesdays at 6 p.m. EST to to share with our listeners please turning to the air with a weekly listen live to stone and tile expert send me an email at fhueston@ radio show dedicated to exploring Fred Hueston. gmail.com. stone- and tile-related problems “I will be answering questions countertops to floors and more. “Thanks in advanced for and solutions. “Its been nearly and hopefully solving your stone This broadcast is designed for listening. Shows will be archived eight years since my last live and tile problems. The show will homeowners, architects and pro- so you can listen to at your Stone and Tile Radio show, and have interviews and live call- fessionals in the stone and tile convenience.” Visit http://www. it’s time to bring it back.” ins. Topics will include every- industry. blogtalkradio.com/drfred for Dr. thing about stone and tile from The first show aired February Fred’s program.

“This four-step system is the best solution I have come across for polishing engineered stones. There is no color transfer from the pads. The process is quick and they work equally as well on our natural stones.” –Phil Kuczma, Shop Manager, Italian Marble and Granite Inc., Clarence Center, N.Y.

Quartz raxton-Bragg has re-hired Use for Silestone, Caesarstone, former customer service and Cambria Brepresentative Matt Maples as product manager. Maples was formerly in the Braxton-Bragg sales department from November 1997 to May 2014. Maples brings more than 20 years of stone industry experience Highest Polish, No Bleeding, No Burning to this position.

50% Labor Savings Maples is responsible for new product testing and acquisition, managing product inventory and life cycle, and working closely NoNo OrangeOrange Peel!Peel! with marketing to share the prod- uct offering with customers. “Braxton-Bragg is expanding our product offerings to better serve customers in the stone fabri- cation, concrete polishing and jan- ur Talon™ 4-Step Polishing Pads have been designed specifically for Polish Faster and Get a Greater Shine Sooner! itorial industries by strategically wet use on quartz. O In other words, the proprietary design of these quartz polishing pads partnering with vendors/manufac- allows the fabricator to achieve the best quality finish and shine, while turers,” says Maples. “We are of- These pads, with only a 4-step process, perform better and offer a better saving you time. finish than a traditional 8-step pad set. fering the highest quality products And because of the next generation resins used in Talon™ 4-Step Pads, Call Today for a 30-Day, No-Risk Trial… with the best value. I am excited they are non-marking and will not bleed like other pads. Call 1-800-575-4401 today and give the new Talon™ 4-Step Quartz Wet to be back with Braxton-Bragg to Polishing Pads a try. see where the future of the indus- If you don’t agree they save you time and money, then just let us try goes, and how we can expand know within 30 days and we’ll buy them back from you. our foothold as a key supplier.” ­­ Item # Description Our Low Price About Braxton-Bragg 18278 Talon™ 4-Step Quartz Wet Polishing Pad, 4˝, Step 1, Red $25.95 Since its beginning in 1995, 18279 Talon™ 4-Step Quartz Wet Polishing Pad, 4˝, Step 2, Blue $25.95 WORKS IN Braxton-Bragg’s philosophy has been to offer the best customer 18280 Talon™ 4-Step Quartz Wet Polishing Pad, 4˝, Step 3, Orange $25.95 1/2 service and the best value for the 18281 Talon™ 4-Step Quartz Wet Polishing Pad, 4˝, Step 4, Pink $25.95 THE TIME! money. This is accomplished by providing quality tile, stone and concrete tooling and supplies at the best prices and best in-stock availability. For more info, visit www.braxton-bragg.com and Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com facebook.com/braxtonbraggllc.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Talon 4-Step pads Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 27 New Touchstone Silk: Not Your Grandpa’s Epoxy “It’s only publishers and some journalists who Continued from page 5 that our products give them peace made in America. Product and believe that people “It’s a very different epoxy of mind knowing that they are not material preparation information want simple things. compared to Glacier — but it going to fail.” as well as technical data such as People are tired of meets the fabricators’ needs. Touchstone Silk Gel Epoxy is flexural strength and modular simple things. They want As a plus, it’s also got really available from www.braxton- strength are available on the to be challenged.” good ultraviolet stability — bragg.com in quart, gallon and company’s website at www. worlds better than a typical five-gallon sizes, and is proudly bonstone.com. —Umberto Eco epoxy.” Touchstone Silk gel is a translucent, milky-white, two- part epoxy that features a work- ing time of 25 minutes and a setting time of about two hours NowNow AvailableAvailable atat Braxton-BraggBraxton-Bragg depending on both the ambi- ent and stone temperatures, said Elliott, adding, “Two- DiamutDiamut CNCCNC ToolingTooling component epoxies are typi- cally the strongest adhesives on the market. Additionally, Touchstone Silk Gel works well with light-colored stones and will not bleed or cause any staining. It has a very unique chemistry that adds better ul- traviolet color stability, more resistant to yellowing in the outdoors than other epoxies. Its milky-white translucent color is also a big plus, because it picks up the variations in the stone. Touchstone colors can also be easily added,” and there’s an additional advantage: During the 20 minute working time, it spreads “smooth like butta!” “The nice thing about

For more than 30 years, Diamut has manufactured a complete range of diamond tools for stone, glass, and synthetic materials. Diamut tooling works on the majority of the machines on the market today.

Drastically Increase CNC Rates to Improve Production HYS2 (Hyper Speed Solution) tooling marked a revolutionary turn for Diamut. This tooling drastically increases CNC feed rates to improve production. Carefully constructed of premium materials, and now with high-performance diamonds and bond. Touchstone Silk Gel,” contin- ued Elliott, “is that when you •Faster feed rates with lower AMP draws on the spindle, thus reducing the stress on the spindle are mixing the part A and part and improving the spindle life B together, it stays the same •Tooling is proven by the market to last longer than competition consistency and doesn’t be- •Better final edge/polish (option for position 5S with 800 grit) come runny — staying more •Diamut is the only manufacture producing their own polish wheels •Stronger resins —­ lasting longer, more forgiving on sharp corners & in cases of lack of water like knife grade.” Its strength, however, is the really big benefit, said Elliott. “It is a product that is going to For more information and pricing last a very long time, indoors or on Diamut tooling call out, and that is the beauty of ep- oxies. When you put a miter or 800-575-4401 lamination together, one of the things that our customers have said over the last few decades is Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Diamut CNC Tooling Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 28 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette The Slippery Rock Classifieds

Classified Ad Guidelines Slippery Rock website. Readers Please Note: •All faxed ads must be typed–No hand- Ads not meeting guidelines will not written ads–No exceptions. The information contained in our be published. •Please review all your ad info before Classifieds section is provided by submitting– NO refunds will be given third parties and not an endorsement of particular products, companies or •$30.00 per print ad, per month. Ads for ads that are submitted with the ® may be renewed by contacting the wrong contact info or content and then employers. The SRG encourages all Slippery Rock Gazette. Free online ads! published. interviewing employers to carefully •Maximum of 70 words or less per ad •Best way to submit an ad is by going conduct prescreening of all prospec- •Payment must be made at the time ad is online at www.slipperyrockgazette.net tive employees, and purchasers of used submitted. Credit or Debit Card only. A for a free ad, or use the online form for equipment are encouraged to use cau- Credit Authorization Form is available a print ad, then fax payment to 865-688- tion and common sense. by fax, or download a PDF from the 8254, (Attn: Rhonda Griffin). MARBLELIFE is growing! Boost 2018 Classified Ad Deadlines Your Income this Year. Join the largest Issue Ad Submission Deadline network of stone restoration and care May 2018 Wednesday, March 28, 2018 specialist in North America. Launch your own business, add services, or June 2018 Wednesday, April 25, 2018 generate referral commissions. We are July 2018 Wednesday, May 30, 2018 looking for partners throughout the US interested in growing. Looking for new franchisees in these areas: ThassosThassos WhiteWhite MarbleMarble Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, For Sale Business Opportunities Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX, Buy factory direct. We ship all over the U.S. Austin, TX, Charlotte, NC, and more! Buy from the #1 U.S. source for White Thassos since 1988! We FOR SALE: We need extra space, so How Many More Sales Do You Call to inquire for more. Call now produce the whitest Thassos available in slabs, 2cm, 3cm and we have a spring sale for the following Want This Month? Let’s partner up at 888-991-3050 or visit us at www. tiles 12 x 12, 18 x 18 and 24 x 24, with over 150,000 sq. feet in Greek marble tiles: Polished A Grade and grow your business. We have been marblelifefranchise.com. our Houston warehouse. material all in 12x12x3/8˝ Karnezeico helping granite fabricators since 2009 ______beige $3,95/SF, 2250SF Tinos Green go from commercial to build a direct Call for more information $3,95/SF, 260 SF crema capri $2,50/ to consumer marketing channel. With SF, 580 SF Volakas white $3,00/SF. T. 713-521-1414 over 20 million in countertop sales at For your subscription requests, Italian Granite tiles: tropical brown this time, we will help you Sell More address changes, and 1-877-815-1414 (toll-free) $3,00/SF, 318 SF blue pearl $3/SF, Granite. Call 877-877-1916 or visit 110 SF violeta $3/SF, 135 SF Giallo www.FireUps.com for more details. FREE CLASSIFIEDS F. 713-521-2206 veneziano 16x16x3/8˝ $5/SF 360 SF. ______visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net Please call 713-521-1414 for samples 2502 Dunlavy • Houston, Texas 77006 or visit [email protected] to inspect. www.eurostonemarble.com ______Help Wanted PAINTPAINT MARKERSMARKERS TOUGH TOOLS LOOKING FOR QUALITY PEOPLE! Shop Foreman/Templators Writes on +. Must be experienced and precise at FOR USE Most Surfaces . Metal . Plastic templating, making repairs in the . Rubber . Glass field and know installation, and have IN ALL . Wood . Stone an understanding of the granite and . Wet . Oily Surfaces quartz business. This is a $50,000 to and much more! $100,000 +++ position for the right FABRICATION person. Relocation help possible. We are also looking for bridge saw METAL, GRANITE & MARBLE operators/sawyers, fabricators and Call For countertop installers. We are also FREE Samples1-800-851-8464 METAL TIP looking for cabinet designers who know 20/20 software, and cabinet installers. Please fax your resume to 480-844-5151 or e-mail it to info@ countertoprock.com or through our Stone Inspection & Troubleshooting website www.countertoprock.com. ______tone Forensics is again offering S its popular Stone and Tile Trouble- shooting workshop. The class will be MARBLELIFE is growing! Leverage IGLOO 160 held June 11-14, 2018, in Melbourne, FL, your stone knowledge by joining the 600 X 550 presented by Dr. Fredrick M. Hueston. largest network of stone restoration The program is designed to teach the •176 TON SPLITTING FORCE basics of investigating stone and tile and care specialists in North America. •23.6” BLADE LENGTH installation failures. Career opportunities for techs, sales, “The amount of failures, poor instal- GMs and owners. We Train! Grow at •21.6” SPLITTING HEIGHT lations and other issues with stone and tile flooring are on the rise. This semi- your pace. Opportunities throughout •15 KW PUMP UPGRADE nar is perfect for restoration and instal- For more information, the US. Call now 888-991-3050 or •3.73” PER SECOND DESCENT lation contractors as well as architects, visit www.stoneforensics.com visit us at www.marblelifefranchise. •5.71” PER SECOND RETRACT building engineers and maintenance com. staff who have to deal with stone and Get a full 4 days of training, covering… ______•MANIPULATING ARM tile installation and restoration,” says •The geology of stone •Understanding the structure Dr. Fred. of different kinds of stone •Slab & tile production • TESTED and PRESSURES SET PRIOR TO SHIPMENT (518) 499-0602 Class size is limited– register today. •Quarry techniques that affect the final product • IN STOCK (EXW) WHITEHALL NY @ $88,300.00 [email protected] •Stone and tile forensic investigation •Problem diagnosis & troubleshooting •Installation require- www.ApexEquipmentInternational.com Call 321-514-6845 ments •Stone and tile restoration • Lab Testing

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 29 Kathy Spanier Receives Woman The Slippery Rock Marketplace in Stone Pioneer Award

www.wilsonsaws.com Manufacturing Stone Processing Equipment Since 1982. 706-213-6725

Abaco Machines USA The Backbone of the Stone and Glass Industries From Left: 2017 BSI President Daniel Wood, Kathy Manufacturer and Distributor Your #1 Source for Stone Spanier, and 2017 MIA President Jon Lancto of Stone and Glass Material Adhesives & Epoxies athy Spanier was marketing career she has Handling Equipment recently honored continually assumed lead- with the 2016 ership roles in a number of WWW.ABACOMACHINES.COM www.bonstone.com K Person of the Year award industry associations. that, among other achieve- Kathy reflects on her own ments, highlighted her ded- role in the Women in Stone Since 1933... Fabricators Friend is dedicated to developing the original and products such as the Bullet Proof Fabricator’s ication to the development program as a way to share most trusted seam MADE IN THE USA Apron and Fabricator’s Stone Sleeve that help of Natural Stone Council’s her leadership experience adhesive stone fabricators stay safe, more comfortable, sustainability standard for with other women that helps AKEMI for over 80 years is your leading partner for productive, and profitable. natural dimension stone - foster and mentor their suc- filler and adhesive systems based on polyester and epoxy resin. Our products are used worldwide by pro- NSC373. As the 2018 recip- cess in the industry. “It’s a fessionals in the stone processing industry. ient of Women in Stone’s beautiful industry,” she said. www.akemi.com www.fabricatorsfriend.com Pioneer Award, Kathy con- “There’s so much collabo- tinues to be outstanding in ration and networking, and her field. having somebody help them The Most Advanced Polishing and mentor them, again, it’s System Since…EVER! For more than a decade, a great network of people. Introducing the Elipse Polishing System with Kathy, director of marketing I’ve met many more people exclusive TrifectaMate Technology™ and revolutionary Elipse Backer Pad for Coldspring, has made after getting involved in the a powerful impact on the Women in Stone program.” Used by 11 out of 12 fabricators of the year natural stone industry with Brenda Edwards of her tireless efforts to posi- TexaStone Quarries and re- www.braxton-bragg.com www.laserproductsus.com tion natural stone as a sus- cipient of the first Women tainable product within the in Stone Pioneer Award We produce durable, easy-to-use stone building industry, and for shares this about Kathy’s processing and handling equipment that her vision and leadership in most recent accomplish- will help the stone fabricator increase creating a mentorship pro- ments: “She has chaired the We’re so confident you’ll love the gram to elevate women in Sustainability Committee production while decreasing costs. ™ quality & polish of Talon pads, the stone industry. Getting for the NSC373 standard, www.rye-corp.com we offer them with a 100% Money Back Guarantee! involved is not a new and gone far beyond the call MADE IN THE USA concept to Spanier. Over of duty for that. FAB KING • HUSKY • PRISM MITER www.braxton-bragg.com RENEGADE • RYDRATOR • TILT-A-SLAB the course of her 35-year Please turn to page 33

® Because they’re in the stone Viper Turbo Blades business just like you, Stone Price + Performance = Our Best Seller! Pro has decades of experience DEMO & CLOSEOUT Order a blade now and experience developing innovative tools why this blade sells day after day to Tools and Equipment great fabricators around the country. for the stone industry like… Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online Beaver Edge Chisel, SR2 Rail Support, Once They’re Gone — They’re Gone! Rock Jockey, Seam Machine…& more! • Demo Stone Pro Rock Jockey, slight use, $3,300 www.braxton-bragg.com WWW.STONEPROEQUIPMENT.COM • #5580099 Demo Stone Pro Seam Machine, like new, regularly $769.90, NOW $595 • #274299 Demo Stone Pro SR2 7ft. Rails with Suction Pads, $399 ea. • #378499 Demo Stone Pro Hydraulic Beaver, $2,880

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 30 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette Jim Hogan Receives 2017 Migliore Award

No More Continued from page 22 An article published in standards that would position “Jim’s leadership during 2008 highlighted Hogan’s natural stone as a consistent a very challenging time understanding of the grav- product to architects, devel- for our industry was un- Twist and Shout… wavering and his contin- ity of this attack: “The mis- opers, owners, and general NOW information campaign is contractors. His goal is to en- ued commitment to the WITH driven through front groups sure there is a conformance industry deserves recog- that purport to be consumer to established standards and nition. We are proud to RECHARGEABLE BATTERY advocates, but are merely a dialogue that people in the call Jim Hogan a friend trying to create consumer stone industry are working and colleague and are SR2 Retro Fit fears about natural stone. together. Despite the com- pleased to nominate Rechargeable Cup We must aggressively fight petition among stone com- him for the Migliore the unfounded fear monger- panies, Hogan believes in Award for Lifetime ing to reassure the public. the importance of working Achievement.” It is important that we have together for the good of the Scott Lardner all the legal, technical, pub- industry. President lic relations and marketing/ Long after the radon cri- Rocky Mountain Stone advertising tools we need sis, Hogan continues to Jonathan Zanger SEE THE to protect the good name contribute to the industry in President VIDEO of granite and reassure con- countless ways, including Walker Zanger WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM sumers that granite is as safe reviewing technical papers as it is beautiful, durable and and traveling to Washington “His impact is felt every practical.” D.C. for legislative visits time you use natural on Capitol Hill. Jim Hogan stone.” Hogan’s contributions to has been a true leader in Robert Zavagno When you use the Stone Pro the natural stone industry the natural stone industry President have been immeasurable. from the beginning of his The Cleveland Marble SR2 Vacuum Support Rail System His insights and under- career, and is an ideal indi- Mosaic Company Have you ever done the fabricator’s “twist and shout?” standing of the global stone vidual to receive the 2017 industry, along with his Migliore Aware for Lifetime “As a leader, Jim Hogan Imagine you’re carrying a sink section of countertop and suddenly you twist the contacts and prestige within Achievement. has the courage to WIN. slab a little too much, hear a crack and shout in frustration. That’s what the twist the domestic commercial He has always been and shout is all about. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way thanks to this arena, have helped advance For more information there and stands up for brand new system. the work of the association on past recipients of the our organization.” The SR2 Support System adds rigidity to sink cutouts so you can avoid the within the architectural and Migliore Award, please G.K. Naquin President dreaded “twist and shout.” residential construction visit www.naturalstone Stone Interiors No one in the stone industry has a system like this that can vacuum to stone that disciplines. He has pushed institute.org/awards/ forward ideas to develop migliore-awards . has a textured surface. It also works great on polished stone surfaces as well.

Item # Description OUR Price 2743 Stone Pro SR2 Combo Pack Vacuum Support $597.95 David Castellucci Receives 2017 Natural Rails With Rechargeable Cups, Includes: (1) 3-1/2 Ft Rail, (1) 7 Ft Rail, (1) Charger Stone Institute Person of the Year Award (4) Suction Cups, including one rechargeable master cup avid Castellucci, Director of Business Development at Kenneth D Castellucci & Associates in Lincoln, RI, has been named 2017 Person Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online of the Year by the Natural Stone Institute. www.braxton-bragg.com Castellucci served as MIA president in 2016 during the first year of the associa- That’s a Loaded Question tion’s joint venture. In the past two years, he has also served as Chair of the Board alk about one heckuva reported the weapon one Nomination Committee, Chair of the David Castellucci (center) with 2017 BSI Tan explosive donation. Sunday. Branding Committee, speaker at Coverings President Daniel Wood and 2017 MIA The Manatee County because they didn’t know and TISE, and advisor to the New England President Jon Lancto. Authorities say a grenade Sheriff’s Office says the what it was. chapter. He has served on delegations to launcher, loaded with a live store manager told deputies Deputies say they dis- the Xiamen Stone Fair, Middle East Stone 2017 BSI President Daniel Wood (Lurvey grenade, was left with other that the grenade launcher posed of the active grenade Show, Marmomac, Vitoria Stone Fair, and Supply) worked alongside Castellucci and donated items at a Florida had come in a shipment in a Hazmat locker, and the Carrara Marmotec. He also acted as chair commented: “David was there at every Goodwill store. from another store several launcher was stored in the of the 2017 Pinnacle Awards jury and as a turn, leading and contributing. He was tire- The Bradenton Herald days earlier. The employ- agency’s property room. legislative delegate to Washington DC to less in his encouragement of what we could reports that employees at a ees at the other location It’s not known who gener- assist with industry promotional efforts. become by joining forces.” Goodwill store near Tampa said they sent it along ously donated the items. Please turn to page 32

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Pro SR2 Support Rail System Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 31 Soaring Above and Beyond Makita Truckload

FRESH MAKITAS!

Makita® 5˝ Grinder Variable Speed Item # 9375

Continued from page 25 Gyrfalcon in feldspar granite, wings folded to dive.

Closing Words of than me saying, ‘Oh sure, very low numbers of very ® Wisdom from a Master I’ll just knock that off.’ The expensive ships per year, Makita 4˝ Wet Polisher “I think our culture’s question is stronger than such as a stealth destroyer Variable Speed commercial nature is set the answer. So when begin- I witnessed being fitted for Item # 9001 up to anticipate what you ning something new, do it, duty during my visit. The want, then offer you the adjust to it, and do it some area also supports a robust NEW solution in a little gift- more. Moreover, be friends tourist industry featuring LOWER wrapped package, but what with other sculptors. Don’t vacation homes and dining. PRICE! you really want should be be an island. Visit and talk How long it will last is any- on the wish list in your back to other artists. Doing that body’s guess, but one thing pocket, not on the shelf at will give you courage. The is for sure: the economy your store. The corollary to number one thing is to have will continue to ebb and that is what do you wish for courage and go for it. That’s flow with the decades. As the most? hard, but it is rewarding!” for Andreas, he continues to Makita® 4-1/2˝ Grinder “The most wonderful Currently the Arrowsic push the limits of his craft thing you can get in life is and Bath economies are above and beyond. Variable Speed a worthy challenge. People quite good, harboring Item # 9377 ask me, ‘Andreas, can you scores of thriving shops and For more information make this for me?‘ ’ ‘Oh, restaurants, while Bath Iron please visit www.andreas I don’t know,’ I’ll say, ‘but Works continues to produce vonhuene.com . I’ll sure try!’ That’s better

Below left: Portrait in bronze of Friedrich von Huene, Andreas’ father. Get ‘Em Photo by Dennis Griggs While They’re Hot! Item # Description OUR Price 9375 Makita® 5˝ Grinder, 9565CV $149.98 9001 Makita® 4˝ Wet Polisher, PW5001C $299.97 9377 Makita® 4-1/2˝ Grinder, 9564CV $149.98

Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Makita hand tools Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 32 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette David Castellucci The Most Advanced Wet Polishing System Since... EVER!

Continued from page 30 A true, state-of-the-art engineered and manufactured 2017 MIA President Jon Lancto (Big Fish Consulting) agreed, labor-reducing pad is finally available for Granite, adding that “every time we needed help on a key initiative, Marble and Quartz Polishing. David volunteered to assist and lead.” 2015 MIA President Dan Rea (Coldspring) referred to Castellucci as a “road warrior,” referencing his willingness to represent the association at key Elipse 6-Step Wet Polishing industry events and trade shows. Pads combine TrifectaMate™ Pad He commented: “David loves Technology with the genius of one the member engagement and of the stone industry’s finest minds, has been instrumental in ad- vancing several industry initia- Barry Brandt, and the efficiency of tives during his travels.” Natural elliptical patterned orbital polishing Stone Institute Executive Vice backer pad. This really does put a President Jane Bennet added: new spin on how you polish stone. “David is a dedicated leader for the association and the industry. This breakthrough combination No one has devoted more hours allows you to harness the power to key committees and initiatives. of elliptical motion without los- David made a difference and is a ing the center water feed vital role model for how a key volun- teer can support the association for stone polishing. The result is and its staff.” a nearly perfect polish with less In fitting form, Castellucci is physical pressure and less manip- still contributing. In March he ulation of the hand-held polisher. joined several industry volunteers on a delegation to the IZMIR Fair In other words, you get a better (Marble 24) in Turkey. This will polish with less effort from your be the association’s first visit to polishing craftsman (50-80% less the fair in several years. human energy needed). The combi- To learn more, please visit nation of cutting edge engineering, www.naturalstoneinstitute.org. MUST-SEE manufacturing and labor reduction VIDEO is the reason we can confidently say you’ll save up to $2 per foot on your WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM “The most production costs. dangerous form of sentimental Item # Description Great Low Price debauch is to give 4-1/4˝ Elipse® Wet Polishing Pads Hook & Loop-Backed

expression to good 22509 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 1, Red $24.95

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merely words. It 22514 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 6, Pink $24.95 22507 Elipse® Aluminum Oscillating Back-Up Pad $29.95 is to be translated Call Andrew Geronimo toll free at into living acts.” 800-575-4401 to place your order. – Theodore Roosevelt Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop braxton-bragg.com for the New Elipse 6-step Polishing System Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 33 Kathy Spanier Receives Woman K-Bond Coloring Kit, 10 Colors, 2 oz. in Stone Pioneer Award

Continued from page 29 “She has also chaired the mentorship program for Women in Stone, and she’s Item # absolutely wonderful.” 4357 2017 BSI President Daniel $ Wood, Lurvey Supply, 59.97 who has been active as a MADE IN THE USA Sustainability Standard edu- cator to the design community Easy to Color said, “Kathy has been quite a Compatible with all major adhesive color mixes including K-Bond champion with sustainability MADE IN THE USA Granite Color Pigments — what could be easier? efforts with stone and get- ting it positioned within all the green rating programs Why is Stone Shield Knife Grade and our NSC373 standard, Adhesive Spreaders we truly could not be where Our Best-Selling Adhesive? & Stirring Sticks we are without Kathy and her Stone Shield ™ Transparent Can Save You Money! efforts.” How can glue save you money? Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade is high Jane Bennett, Executive quality polyester adhesive, made in America and offered at a great price. Vice President of the Natural Consistent Performance Stone Institute, agrees: “She Smooth consistency makes this a good choice for a wide variety of applications. Can just took charge, and she made after can, you know what you’re getting; it’s never a surprise. Consistent work time, that happen for us. That in it- consistent strength, consistency that you can count on. self is being a pioneer for the Universal Application industry. Her leadership ef- Since it’s compatible with granite, marble, travertine and quartz, Stone Shield’s Item # strong bond and fast hardening time is ideal for seams, patching or repairing. This is 4800A forts were critical in advancing the only can of adhesive you’ll ever need! the standard.” $9.74 The natural stone industry is blessed with many talented 4–6 minutes of working time women business owners and Polishable in 30-60 minutes managers, but there is no Transparent formulation is easy to color-match doubt Kathy Spanier is one of the best of the best.

Dan Rea, Senior Vice President of Sales at Coldspring, concluded: “It’s hard for me to think of anyone more deserving than Kathy for this prestigious award. I’ve known Kathy for quite a few years and am blessed to be able to work with her and her Item # $ Item # dedication, her devotion, and 9100 19.95 4802 her tireless energy for the in- MADE IN THE USA $3.74 Razor Blades dustry and the people around here. It’s just been amazing. So congratulations, Kathy.” Item # Description Our Low Price 46404 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, Quart $12.95 “There is only one form of 46405 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, Gallon $43.95 political strategy in which 46406 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, 5 Gallons $169.95 I have any confidence, $ and that is to try to do the 26 right thing—and some- times be able to succeed.” — Calvin Coolidge Call 1-800-575-4401 or Order Online www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Shield Adhesives Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 34 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette Mad About Marble

rom the shimmering aura Karin Kirk of the Taj Mahal, to the usenaturalstone.com Fhumble floor of a public Oculus photo © Karin Kirk bathroom, marble is one of fuses them together tightly. The the world’s most revered and dynamic action of rock layers as useful natural materials. Marble dissolved shells. Depending on they become buried, twisted, and is Michelangelo’s David, the the conditions at a particular shoved around causes the original Washington Monument, and the beach or sea, limestone’s shelly flat-lying layers to bend, buckle, Duomo of Florence. It is also sediment may be punctuated and swirl together. A rock in this the primary ingredient in Tums with occasional layers of clay or heated state doesn’t melt. It’s antacid. lenses of sand. But by and large, simply warm and flexible, much limestone is an assortment of like a chocolate bar left in your Tune into any kitchen design shell-remnants, which are made pocket. This process of heating delightful range of hues and tex- Yule marble, as featured message board and you’ll en- of the mineral calcite. and warping is responsible for tures. Pink marble is tinted by on the exterior of the counter a sharp divide over the The tropical shoals that give rise marble’s trademark aesthetic of iron oxide, as is golden marble. Lincoln Memorial. utility of marble. Some people to limestone do not stay peaceful gracefully flowing bands of color. Green marble and deep red mar- wouldn’t dream of designing a The grey swirls in marble are sim- ble contain serpentine, rich in in addition to limestone and mar- kitchen without marble. Others Arabescato marble ply clay layers that got folded, magnesium. Fossil-rich limestone ble, calcite is the primary ingredi- decry that choice, citing mar- ent in travertine and onyx. ble’s imperfections and fragility. Calcite has a few properties that Many are caught somewhere in you should know about before you the middle: in love with marble’s fall head over heels in love with irresistible appeal, but uncertain if a stunning marble slab. Calcite is it’s the right choice for their cir- 3 on Mohs hardness scale, which cumstance. In an attempt to create means it will get scratched by the “perfect” material, legions of knife blades, ceramics, and a cast synthetic quartz products claim iron skillet accidentally slid across to look “just like marble,” but the kitchen island. marble enthusiasts aren’t swayed. Calcite is also chemically re- Few stones can match the warm active with common acids, like glow, the softly flowing colors, lemonade, wine, and Coke. When the timelessness, and the authen- acidic liquids land on a marble ticity of marble. There’s good rea- slab, a tiny amount of the stone son this stone has been used for is dissolved, or “etched.” This over 5,000 years. doesn’t affect the integrity of the stone, but it does leave a slight Photo courtesy Arizona Tile change in the color and/or luster A Seabed, Transformed indefinitely. Oceans are basically smeared, and re-folded into the becomes graphite-infused marble, of the stone. On a polished stone, Marble is a metamorphic rock; geologic conveyor belts. The marble like a ribbon of chocolate as the carbon in fish, algae, or an etch looks like an unpolished it once was a different kind of ocean floor slowly spreads apart infused throughout fudge ripple seaweed reverts back to the ele- area. Etches can be polished out, rock, and was then transformed from the center and slips under- ice cream. mental carbon in graphite when or they can be left alone and con- by a change of circumstance. neath continents at the edges, the rock is heated. Graphite-rich sidered part of the natural patina Before marble becomes marble, it gradually rearranging the map of Patterns and Colorways marble is steely grey with a me- that marble will acquire over time. is first limestone, which forms on the world. Give Marble Versatility and tallic glimmer. Marble is ground up into antacid the shores and floors of tropical When a limestone seabed gets Character A marble breccia is formed tablets because calcite neutralizes seas. Limestone is an accumula- dragged down into the Earth’s Part of what makes natural stone when the stone fractures un- acid, which makes your stomach tion of shells, shelly fragments, crust, the additional heat trans- so appealing is the huge range of derground, which can happen feel better. That also explains why microscopically tiny shells, and forms the calcite grains and colors and variations expressed if a stone lives in a fault zone. acid makes a mark on marble. The in solid rock. On one hand, these Mineral-laden groundwater marble reacts with the acid, neu- patterns tug on our heartstrings comes to the rescue, filling in the tralizing the acid, but damaging and offer aesthetic possibilities. voids and patching the fragments your countertop in the meantime. On the other hand, each of these back into a solid mass, while cre- Ironically, when your teenager variations has its root in some sort ating a spectacular pattern at the dribbles pickle juice on a brand of geologic process. same time. Arabescato is a beau- new countertop, you may find Most marble is white. The clas- tiful example of a marble breccia. yourself reaching for the antacid, sic, white marble is pure calcite, triggering the same chemical reac- without intervening minerals to It’s Important to Understand tion both on the countertop and in lend it color. Yule and Thassos the Properties of Marble your digestive tract. marbles are well-known examples The mineral content of mar- The last piece of potentially bad of pristine white marbles. ble is the same as the limestone news is that marble can form “star But marble can take on a it came from, and both of these cracks” if a heavy, hard object stones are made of calcite, AKA falls on it. Star cracks look like Marble quarry in Carrara, Italy, calcium carbonate, AKA CaCO3. small, light-colored areas where a stone that’s been quarried for Calcite is one of the more com- the impact occurred. over 2,000 years. mon minerals on Earth’s surface; Please turn to page 38

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette April 2018 35

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Continued from page 10

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Shield Penetrating Sealer Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 38 April 2018 Slippery Rock Gazette The Oculus, a calming expanse of soaring white marble ribs, is part of Marble the 9/11 site, located next to the footprint of the fallen towers. Continued from page 34 This is usually an aesthetic issue, not a structural one, but if an impact occurs at the edge of the stone, it can chip or flake. One thing you needn’t worry about with most marbles is stain- ing. The metamorphism that bakes the stone also knits the minerals together tightly. Porosity Veria Green marble Photo courtesy of Stone Group International for marble is similar for that of granite. That said, the porosity original limestone to have oc- Limestone is Sometimes of all stones varies, so check the casional layers of sand or chert Classified as Marble stone specs and do your own tests (chert is a marine rock made of The term “marble” is often ap- with a sample of stone. Marbles pure silica). These interlopers plied broadly rather than literally. Photo by Karin Kirk are typically sealed to reduce the turn into areas of quartz as mar- Polished limestone is sometimes replicated in a lab. I recently vis- Different varieties of marble likelihood of staining. Alas, seal- ble undergoes metamorphism. called marble. While there’s not a ited the 9/11 Memorial, a sobering from Carrara: ing does not make marble any less The end result is a stone that is huge difference between the two, space of monument, museum, and www.litosonline.comen/ prone to etching, I’m sorry to say. mostly calcite with some quartz. marble is much more dense and reflection. Next to the footprint of article/2017-sep-13/ Now you can see why some This combination of ingredients therefore is resistant to staining. If the fallen towers, rises the one different-varieties-marble-carrara people love marble while others has kicked off industry-wide con- a slab has fossils, shell fragments, part of the site that inspires opti- think that marble-lovers are crazy. fusion, because calcite and quartz or has open pockets within the mism. Called the Oculus, it’s part More than 150 commercial To some, the nicks and etches on have distinctly different proper- stone, it’s limestone. transit center, part shopping mall, varieties of marble come from a marble surface add character ties but they look alike. Many stones classified as black and its soaring white ribs beckon the Carrara area in central Italy. and mark the passage of time in Unfortunately, marble that con- marble are actually black lime- investigation. This article describes many dif- a busy household. To others, each tains minor amounts of quartz is stones. This is particularly true Visitors who step inside are re- ferent marbles, such as Calacata, blemish resonates as a personal sometimes labeled “soft quartz- for dark colored stones with stark warded with a vast, cathedral-like Statuary, and more. loss. Which way do you see it? ite,” which is both an oxymoron white veins, like China Black, space, covered in pure white mar- This is an important question to and a misnomer. There is no Dynasty Brown, or Nero Portoro. ble. The combination of natural Read more about the history consider before you head to the such thing as soft quartzite, and Because marble has origins as a light, natural stone, and creative of Carrara marble in Stories in slab yard. that term should be avoided by fluid, heated rock, it’s stripes and architecture transform the som- Stone: Travels Through Urban dealers, designers, and customers veins are usually soft, flowing, ber mood into a hopeful one. Geology, by David B. Williams. Marble with Magnesium alike. Marble that contains small and curved rather than angular. Wandering around the expansive www.amazon.com/Stories- = Dolomite areas of quartz is still marble structure, I finally put my finger Stone-Travels-Through-Geology/ Dolomitic marble is a close and should just be called marble. Many Ways to Bring on my favorite quality of real dp/0802716229 relative of regular marble. Super White is one well-known Marble into Our Lives marble. Light penetrates into the Standard marble is made of cal- example of a mislabeled stone. Marble remains a popular choice white stone, then radiates back Karin Kirk is a geologist and cite (CaCO3), and dolomitic mar- Super White is a dolomitic mar- for countertops, backsplashes, out in heavenly luminosity, filling science educator with over 20 ble has a little magnesium in the ble with occasional bits of quartz. bathrooms, tabletops, flooring, the room with a warm, soft glow. years of experience. She has mix (CaMgCO3). There is not a Super White is neither quartzite and cladding. Marble’s versa- Leave it to a stone like marble to taught college level geology, huge difference between the two nor “soft quartzite.” It’s mar- tility makes it at home in an an- completely alter the mood of a online courses and organized variations, except that dolomitic ble, and a gorgeous one at that. cient Greek sculpture, in a lavish building. Marble has been a met- field trips. She currently works marble is a little bit slower to etch. (You can learn more about the hotel lobby, or on a hardworking aphor for worship, reverence, and as a freelance science writer You’ll have a moment to wipe up quartzite/marble labeling prob- kitchen island. Marble also finds beauty for millennia. Its ability to and education consultant. She a spill before the chemical reac- lem in The Definitive Guide to its way into our lives as household do that is all the more appreciated brings with her a different per- tion takes place. Quartzite.) objects like cheese boards, rolling today. spective to the stone industry. pins, vases, and lamps. To learn more, you can visit Karin was an education pro- Marble with Quartz Despite the emergence of mar- these websites: gram presenter at TISE 2018 = Confusing The Rose and Cedar varieties ble lookalikes, there’s nothing The Many Uses of Marble: and a regular contributor to While marble is primarily made of Tennessee marble are the quite like the real thing. Real mar- geology.com/rocks/uses-of- usenaturalstone.com and the happy result just the right of calcite, it’s possible for the ble has qualities that cannot be marble/, from Geology.com Slippery Rock Gazette. amount of iron oxide. Photos courtesy of Tennessee Marble

“We always pay dearly for chasing after what is cheap.” —Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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