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Volume 22, Issue 268 The Beacon of the Stone Industry September 2016 Sherpa Stone Success Steeped in Serendipity here are a lot of success Shannon Carey stories in the stone indus- Photos by Deepak Maharjan Ttry, tales of hard-working and Sherpa Stone folks putting in sweat equity to create a solid business. from Santa Fe, she started her first business However, the story of Sherpa right out of high school. Stone in Santa Fe, New Mexico, In the 1980s she opened is arguably one of the best. It’s a limousine business a tale of people reaching outside in Southern California their comfort zones, across cul- and was the opening tural lines, across nationalities, general manager for a to build something great, to grow major restaurant chain family and community right here in New Mexico. She in the U.S.A. then turned her atten- And it all began on the dance tion to government as a floor. grant-maker for the City of Santa Fe, the State of When Ngima Met Patricia New Mexico, and the Patricia Garcia calls herself a Santa Fe Community “serial entrepreneur with a PhD Foundation. Throughout in business startups,” but her alma her career she wrote $25 mater is the school of life. Hailing million worth of grants. Photos (2) Courtesy of Sherpa Stone Driven to help in a deeper way, the weekends. Sherpa was work- she became a consultant on her ing in a stone fabrication shop own, a self-described “turn- and saving to bring his wife and you don’t do for other people, and around specialist.” She would daughter to America. What Will You Live With? he does occasionally call you back take over a struggling nonprofit At the Paramount, “Everybody for stupid stuff – like attaching the or for-profit business for about danced with everybody,” said he late, great Peter Sharon Koehler dishwasher to the granite when it a year, get it back on track, and Garcia, so she never really talked Drucker of Vienna, Artistic Stone Design wasn’t there at install, and it turns hand it over to new leadership. to Sherpa. But, during a break T Austria (not to be con- out to be a side mount model. But During that time she met Ngima between consulting assign- fused with the late great Sam of the job schedule well in ad- he does appreciate your efforts, Sherpa, a Nepalese immigrant, at ments, their paths crossed again Drucker of Hooterville), once vance. Her jobs go in on time. She and he pays fairly regularly – not the Paramount Club, where they at a nonprofit where Garcia was said, “The purpose of business is very rarely calls you back for a in 30 days, but usually in 45 days. both went for social dancing on volunteering. to create and keep a customer.” punch list but when she does, it’s He’s not a bad customer; you just Please turn to Page 2 True enough, but I would like to a real, true problem. And to top it wish he was a bit more organized. amend that statement to say, “The all off, she pays on time! And oc- Kayla and Shane own a mod- purpose of business is to create casionally, when the need arises, erately large company that does and keep a GOOD customer.” you will go above and beyond mostly commercial work. Their Unfortunately, I cannot debate for her or you cut her some slack, jobs are usually large and steady. this issue with Mr. Drucker as he depending on the situation. It’s However, their jobs almost never passed on back in 2005. a good relationship. What more go off on time, they wreak havoc could you ask for in a customer? with your schedule. You find Let’s face it, not every cus- All customers should be this easy yourself jumping through hoops tomer is good for every business. (We wish!). to accommodate them. They call Unfortunately, sometimes we Then there is Corey. Corey’s you back on jobs more than they don’t figure that out until it’s too company is a bit larger and a little should, and sometimes for things late. The thing is – your business less organized. Some of their sales that are not your fault. They are a will have to decide what it can people are on point, and some are bit of a slow pay, generally in the Top: “The client assisted with the layout and wanted the material live with, and what it can’t. not. Sometimes things fall through 60-70 day range, but their work veining to run vertical, with the exception of the backsplash behind Y’all know Elena, right? She is the cracks, and they really need is steady, large and great for your the range. The client selected Blue Macaubas Quartzite from an the cabinet lady down the street. you to jump through some hoops bank account. They’re a tad trou- out-of-state supplier, and we shipped it in for this project.” Above: Her jobs are organized. Her cus- to help keep them looking good to blesome, but so are a lot of other Lagos Blue custom vanity sink. “The curving sink the client wanted required us to laminate seven layers of 3cm Caesarstone, and then tomers are knowledgeable and the customer. You find yourself folks. grind out the bowl to meet the design specification for this sink!” prepared. She keeps you apprised doing some things for him that Please turn to Page 10 Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 2 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette niche in restoration work, includ- Custom sunken tub with a flamed Black Granite deck. “The client ing chip and seam repair, restor- Sherpa Stone wanted a single piece of stone for this tub cap, but due to the slab size ing etched items, dealing with restrictions, we were forced to create a seam. However, it was hidden stains, and retrofitting sink holes Success Steeped in Serendipity so well the clients couldn’t find it. They didn’t want us to point it out and stove inserts to accommodate to them — they preferred the mystery!” Continued from page 1 Photos (3) by Sherpa Stone new appliances. They also han- “The president of the organiza- dle removal and re-installation of tion asked whether I could help countertops. a member with workplace issues, “I just went over to a potential and in walks this young man who client’s home, and she wanted to I’ve been seeing dancing all that replace her gorgeous sandstone time,” she said. outdoor barbecue countertop be- A few months later, in June cause it was grease stained,” said 2002, Sherpa called Garcia from Garcia. “We are going to work the hospital. He had been injured with her to remove the stains on the job, pinned under a slab using a poultice and then sealing and “almost killed.” He was in a the sandstone. It was an opportu- wheelchair with injuries to one nity to educate the client regard- hand and one foot. ing the various products that she “It was late on a Friday, a four- could use and the frugality of man job with two-and-a-half cleaning and sealing what she has men,” Garcia said. versus remove and replace.” Sherpa’s U.S. sponsor was in Specialization combined with Florida, and Garcia was the only diversification helped Sherpa person Sherpa could call on for Stone LLC weather the recession, help. Garcia picked him up from which hit the Santa Fe market in the hospital and let Sherpa conva- was on board as Sherpa’s busi- business prowess, but you need “So many times, clients walk 2009-2010. At that time, Sherpa lesce at her house until his spon- ness partner. Sherpa Stone, LLC the gift. He has the ability to see into our showroom and they’re Stone had 12 employees. They sor returned. Sherpa, an excellent was born. things in ways that other people overwhelmed, with no idea where didn’t do layoffs, instead scaling chef, offered to make Garcia a “I found that I liked it,” said do not see. He taught me every- to start. All our clients are grown staffing numbers back through meal in return for her kindness. Garcia. “I got to use math, geom- thing about stone. He really is the adults with professions, masters at attrition. Today, shop staff is He made good on that offer in etry, design and communication gift that keeps on giving.” what they do, but this is uncharted holding steady at five including September 2002. Sherpa was in skills, administrative, financial — These days, Sherpa has become territory. We want to make them Sherpa, and office staff is Garcia physical therapy and nearing the all the tools in my toolbox,” she the “go-to” fabricator in Santa Fe feel at ease. It’s common for cli- and a full-time assistant. time when he would have to return said. for highly technical or tricky proj- ents to leave the showroom telling “We have learned that keeping a to work, and told Garcia, “I don’t ects, said Garcia. us how much more they under- smaller, well-paid, highly trained want to go back there. I don’t feel Making It in Stone Garcia put her years of business stand the process as a result of staff will insulate us in case of safe, and next time I might not be Sherpa Stone celebrated its 14th acumen to work right away, diver- what we have taught them. They future economic problems that so lucky,” year in March 2016. From the be- sifying Sherpa Stone’s client base appreciate how clearly we relate we have no control over,” Garcia Sherpa asked Garcia’s advice on ginning, it was a team effort be- and focusing on educating clients. the information in a way they can said. “We stay small, sharp, safe starting his own business, perhaps tween Sherpa and Garcia. Sherpa Stone serves homeowners, understand, allowing them to form and focused on the services that a restaurant. Garcia said he should “He’s the talent,” said Garcia. builders, architects and designers. a decision.” we provide,” said Garcia. open his own stone fabrication “There is no Sherpa Stone LLC They also do commercial work Sherpa Stone found a special Please turn to Page 3 shop instead. His talent for the art- with out Ngima Sherpa. He would when appropriate. istry of stone fabrication was and tell you that there is no Sherpa “One of Sherpa Stone LLC’s Left: Rain Forest Green marble kitchen includes a mitered/con- is amazing, she said. Stone LLC without Patrica Garcia. most important services is the tinuous pattern soffit to hide the heating duct. Sherpa Stone’s She helped him develop a busi- But the thing is that Ngima re- time we take to educate and in- client “hated the drywall soffit,” and asked if Sherpa Stone ness plan, and in two weeks, she ally is the talent. You can have form our clients,” said Garcia. could do something to hide it, and create a dramatic effect. Below: Preparing material for client layout. “We invite our clients to assist with the layout process. This enables them the opportunity to determine where seams go, and why seams exist. It is also a great experience for the client, and they truly enjoy participating in the process of customizing their project.”

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 3 Continued from page 2 Photo by Deepak Maharjan

15 foot Black granite floating fireplace apron for Parade of Homes. Sherpa Stone LLC also has maintained a zero-debt policy since the beginning, another fac- tor that helped them through hard times. “The world is a shaky place right now,” she said. “In the recession, we survived off our boneyard with bathrooms and barbecues.” The Sherpa Stone shop is 1,800 square feet. Ngima Sherpa does all the templating, “and the en- tire crew is skilled in fabrication and installation,” Garcia said. The crew runs between 15 and 25 jobs per month. Equipment includes a bridge saw, miter machines and electric routers. “Our equipment supplier of choice has always been Braxton Bragg and we enjoy working with Bill Hickey who provides us with the great service that we demand and expect,” said Garcia. “We purchased our Stinger router in 2003, and it is still doing a great job for us. Along the way, we have purchased metal tables, miter machines, as well as every- day supplies.” Please turn to Page 40 WE BUY BIG! (So You Don’t Have To) Correction to magine if you had to buy an entire Plus, because we buy in such high Why should you settle on quality just July Story pallet worth of pads… or adhesive… volume, we get prices you never to get a low price when you get both Ior a truckload of Makita tools… just could. Even after our mark-up, your the best price and the best quality the July Slippery Rock to get a fair price. end price is still better thanks to us from Braxton-Bragg? INGazette , we published buying so big. the press release Polycor Honors That’s how it would be if Braxton- Answer: You shouldn’t. You should Four Industry Leaders, by Bragg didn’t exist. Higher Quality/Lower Price buy everything from Braxton-Bragg… Genvieve Robichaud. In most cases, we can provide you that way you know you are getting Makes Your Life Easier with higher quality, at even lower the best price and best quality and The article covered the Polycor We buy big and it makes your life prices, than you could get direct on best service — on everything. Black Equinox event in Chicago, easier. You don’t need to deal with your own. where Polycor honored four hundreds of vendors, inventory Start (or continue) saving by placing Stone Industry leaders, women controls, backorders, shelf space, And don’t even get me started on your order with Braxton-Bragg today. who have built and maintained trucks coming and going all hours of the “Van Guys” who buy small. They the day, etc. have to buy junk just to compete on Two Ways to Order stone companies with excellence, price. Order online at www.Braxton-Bragg. through changes in society and com or by phone at 800-575-4401. the industry, including Kathleen Carle, of J.C. Stone. We apologize for the typo to Kathleen Carle’s name, and salute her contributions to the industry. www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501 For the full story, see the Slippery Rock website archives, www.slipperyrockgazette.net . Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 4 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette job, and if you are going to A Father’s Legacy do something, make sure you do it the right way. 1965 the band Jodi Wallace Many years after every- The Byrds told Monarch Solid one was grown and out IN us: Surface Designs of the house, my in-laws slowly began to remodel To everything their home with my father- - turn, turn, turn aggregate rock, building in-law doing most of the There is a season wood seating areas, work- work. Although he would - turn, turn, turn ing on their cars, fixing hire help when he needed And a time to every leaky plumbing, re-wir- it, most things he enjoyed purpose under heaven ing electrical problems. doing himself. He had an Although my father-in-law engineer’s Type A brain That song has been worked at the Lawrence and I can’t think of any- bouncing around in my Livermore Lab for many thing he couldn’t build or head this week as I contem- years, he was a man who do himself. plate and console my hus- enjoyed working with his From installing sim- band, whose father passed hands, fixing and creating. ple baseboards and crown away a few short days ago. The grandmother clock he molding, to laying tile, en- Raising four children built many years ago from larging doorways, fixing When my in-laws de- carefully countersunk and do something. His dad was didn’t leave a lot of extra a kit (the kind where all the plumbing, installing new cided it was finally time to meticulously smoothed so his best reference source money to do things around pieces arrived in a box, and insulation, rewiring fix- replace the old front doors, there were no rough spots. and always just a phone the house, and my hus- had to be assembled from tures, designing and build- they realized that new ones The skills my husband call away. Those of us who band and his brother grew scratch) sits in the hallway. ing a deck, roof repairs – he — especially the prefin- learned from his father have experienced loss know up learning how to build, It is a beautiful heirloom could do it all. And if he ished stained doors they growing up have served it isn’t the big things that rework and fix things made all the more amaz- didn’t know how, the solu- liked — were very expen- him well. It has enabled catch you off guard, but the alongside their father. ing when you realize it tion was only a book-read sive. But if you bought a set him to work on projects small, simple ones such as Throughout the years, my was built from hundreds of away. This was before you of bare wood front doors in our home and help my picking up the phone to call husband has shared stories pieces that arrived in a box. could look things up online, and finished them yourself, daughter and son-in-law and ask a question. of projects they worked on: My father-in-law taught although with the invention the price was much more on their remodeling of the ……… constructing molds, mix- his sons to work hard, do of the Internet, he found it a palatable. fixer-upper they purchased. As we drove home the ing and pouring their own their best, be honest, buy great source of information And that is exactly what Although our son and soon- morning of his dad’s pass- cement with a top layer of the right tools for the right as well! they did. My father-in-law to-be daughter-in-law’s ing, my husband looked at painstakingly worked on new home won’t need a lot me with tears in his eyes the finish for weeks, stain- of work, he will be there to and asked, “Who do I call ing and then sanding in be- help them as well. when I need help?” He real- tween each layer of stain, My father-in-law im- ized he had now become the then carefully applying parted to his children that patriarch of his family. multiple finishing coats of there is always a right way I smiled and told him Varathane, taking his time to do things. These passed- “Now YOUR son will be until the rich, stained finish down skills and knowledge the one calling you.” was just perfect, smooth as allowed us to take a blind The everyday things we glass and ready to install. leap of faith and jump feet teach our children become They say doors are the first into starting and run- the life skills they will guardians of a home, and ning our own business, with keep and pass down to their these beautiful sentinels no prior working experience children. stand ready to welcome all in the field, but with an ab- Life is short – share the who enter. solute faith in my husband’s things you enjoy and trea- The care my father-in- ability to work with his sure with those you love, law took was evident in hands, troubleshoot prob- because one day, those will everything he did, and he lems and visualize solutions. be the things your children set a good example for These skills were passed will remember most. my husband. Nail holes in down from my husband’s wood must always be filled grandfather to his father, Jodi Wallace is the owner and sanded smooth before from his father to him, and of Monarch Solid Surface being painted or stained. from Ken to our son. Designs in San Jose, Baseboards and crown are Even up until the last few California. She volunteers not finished until all gaps weeks, my husband would as a Disaster Responder for between the wood and walls still call his dad if there the American Red Cross. are filled in with silicone. was a question on how to My father-in-law took great care figuring out the details, whether it was building “He who works with his hands is a laborer. garden boxes for my moth- He who works with his hands and his head er-in-law, or designing and is a craftsman. building a pergola. Every He who works with his hands and his head screw in each board of the and his heart is an artist.” large backyard deck was — St. Francis of Assisi

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 5 SLIPPERY ROCK GAZETTE® The Publisher’s Pen The Beacon of the Stone Industry ack in April I asked if a shop ever had to prove its Online Edition www.slipperyrockgazette.net for feedback on the Recently I saw one such commitment to safety train- idea of not exhibiting product. I don’t know if we ing. And, it is FREE! Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net to place Classified ads B and to view current and back issues. at trade shows. I received a will be the ones to bring it to call from Peter de Kok, the market or not, but if we are, I had a preview of the proj- Rich Hassert Publisher founder of GranQuartz and it will be the centerpiece of ect last week and was very im- Larry M. Hood Editor/Design Director a very attentive reader of the our booth. And it is a safety pressed. Once you see it, you G. William Brown Graphic Designer Slippery Rock Gazette. Peter product. can easily imagine where this Shannon Carey Special Contributor told me that he thought I could go. It really is a matter Carmen Ghia Helpful Trivia Dept. might not have considered One of the things that Peter of membership and funding. Joel Davis Special Contributor the entire issue, which was a and I do agree on is that the So, if you are an MIA+BSI very nice way of telling me MIA has been doing a very member, plan on enrolling Frederick M. Hueston Stone Care Consultant that I had no idea what I was good job and is worthy of the your crew as soon as it is re- Sharon Koehler Special Contributor talking about. The upshot is support of everyone connected leased. If you are not yet a Mark Lauzon Special Contributor his letter, which is printed on to the stone industry. Although member, now is the time. Call Rufus B. Leakin Guru of Folklore this page. constrained by money and less- the MIA+BSI at 440-250- Steven Schrenk Polycor than-full participation by the 9222 and tell them you want Bob Murrell Restoration Consultant I love getting calls and members of the stone indus- to join, and they will take it emails telling me where I try, the MIA has accomplished from there. Jessica Sherwood Special Contributor am off target, as that is what many remarkable things. Very Anne Tenna Human Resources Dept. helps me improve. I am still soon they will release the first If you have thoughts or con- Sam Venable Ironical Humor Dept. not sure if the 2017 StonExpo phase of MIA + BSI online cerns, please address them to Jodi Wallace Special Contributor will be our last or not. Every university. The first offering [email protected] . Boomer Winfrey Varmint County Correspondent time I am sure that we should includes free safety courses. not go, we see a new product The course administration – Rich Hassert Please email address updates to [email protected]. that almost begs to be demon- role is very well thought out Please note that subscription requests, classified ad submission form and our strated at the show. and would prove very useful 2016 Advertising Guidelines are available online at www.slipperyrockgazette.net

Featured in this Issue the AMA, said that if Peter would Letters to the Slippery Rock organize it, then he could use Sherpa Stone– Success Steeped in Serendipity, by Shannon Carey. Begins on p. 1 the AMA office and the help of Dear Rich, Peter de Kok Pennie Sable to make it happen. I What Will You Live With? by Sharon Koehler...... Begins on p. 1 This letter refers to your edi- agreed to allow Peter to proceed, A Father’s Legacy, by Jodi Wallace ...... Page 4 torial in the April issue of SRG funded his efforts when required, announcing your (possible) with- and polishing was done with 4 ft. and worked with him through the The Publisher’s Pen, by Rich Hassert ...... Page 5 drawal from StonExpo. Having diameter cast iron wheels, using process. Letters to the Slippery Rock ...... Begins on p. 5 participated in quite a few shows loose silicon carbide as the abra- in my career, I can understand sive medium: at best, very messy So StonExpo was born. Peter set Quartz Vs. Marble, by Stephen Schrenk ...... Begins on p. 6 what you are addressing, but nev- and unpleasant. up a Board such that seats were The Hilgartner Stone Company Over 150 Years of Stonework ertheless feel that perhaps a little available for each individual history may be of interest to you By 1986, there were approxi- association, with an equal or in Style, by Joel Davis ...... Begins on p. 11 and your readers. mately 10 different trade associ- greater number of board seats of- Varmint County, by Boomer Winfrey ...... Begins on p. 12 ations (e.g., MIA, BSI, MBNA, fered to leading industry suppli- In the ’70s there were no trade ILI, EGA, BGA, ASI, AMA, ers (GranQuartz, Park Industries, Countertop Derangement Syndrome, by Aaron Crowley...... Page 16 shows in North America. Europe NGBQ and CGA), several of Diamant Boart, etc.). Stone Restoration and Maintenance Corner, by Bob Murrell...... Begins on p. 17 had an annual show in Sant’ whom sought funding from To ensure advertising support, Ambrogio, Italy, with at most equipment suppliers by offering seats were also offered to the two MIA+BSI Releases New Installation Safety Video...... Page 23 30-40 exhibitors, and in later them a table-top display and later existing trade magazines (Stone Stockett Tile & Granite Wins CTSAA Fabricator of the Year...... Page 24 years, a bi-annual stone show booth displays (which did not World and Dimensional Stone). in Nuremberg, Germany. Thus, allow capital equipment). The ex- Creating a Customer-Centric Company, by Jessica Sherwood...... Begins on p. 26 if any stone company in North ceptions were the MBNA/AMA All associations joined immedi- The Hair of Their “Skin,” by Sam Venable ...... Page 27 America wished to see new ma- shows where machinery displays ately, except for BSI, so the show chinery, tools or equipment, they were sometimes permitted. was off and running with about 19 Join the Revolution! by Mark Lauzon ...... Begins on p. 31 HAD to go to Europe: no choice. Board members. The Slippery Rock Classifieds...... Page 32 Peter Edwards, at the MBNA The stone-working machin- Show in 1986, complained about Now, back to the point of your ery in those days was extremely the lack of accommodation for article. What did we accomplish primitive compared to today. machinery displays to Pennie with this structure, where the sup- No diamond block saws, no Sable, then Manager of the AMA. pliers were the principal force? It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the fixed-abrasive polishers, no dia- Pennie invited him to appear the extent of your own ignorance. mond-blade joint saws, no CNCs, following morning at the AMA Exhibition halls and loca- no waterjets. Sawing was done Board meeting to make a pro- tions were selected for low cost. — Thomas Sowell using silicon carbide wire saws, posal. Jim Stengel, President of Please turn to Page 8

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 6 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette a marble or granite island Durability of Marble Quartz Vs. Marble with an active vein pattern. Countertops Compared Are Look and Performance Mutually Exclusive? Or as a pairing for a unique, to Quartz Countertops handcrafted material like The durability of marble your client’s red Steven Schrenk Vetrazzo’s crushed glass versus quartz is probably wine and pasta Polycor slabs. Here the uniformity one of the most misunder- Sundays are of perimeter counters allows stood subjects to those in- IF Ryan Struck Photography pushing your design from the bar top to stand out as a side and outside the trade. natural stone to quartz, it feature. Marble is luxurious, but may be a myth about dura- In designs where you’re requires maintenance. True. bility driving your design looking for an organic qual- But does its need for main- rather than your eye (or your ity, the natural variations of occurring characteristics. do the same with quartz, but tenance mean it’s fragile or client’s cooking). veining in an American mar- Because marble is made of the difference is like walk- impractical? Actually, no. ble like Pearl Grey work to minerals it has an internal ing into a gallery to choose Back to our illustration of The differences between support a natural feel. Like crystal structure that gives an artist’s unique piece or the Sunday supper. That red marble and quartz, for in- the figuring in a live edge the surface depth and di- buying a screen print at TJ wine and tomato sauce (and stance, are varied and com- wood slab, the vein pattern mension — you can literally Maxx. With quartz surfaces lemon juice too) can stain plex, with each material in a slab of US marble, for look into the stone and see they are printed each one ex- marble are known facts. excelling in different appli- instance, is completely its layers. (Given the choice actly like the one before. However, there are some cations and under different Floating Vetrazzo Blue unique to that piece. If that’s between the stone and a pic- Texture, of course, is a marbles that stand up better conditions. The choice be- Seapearl Finish Vanity your kitchen island, there ture of stone, I’d take the consideration with specify- than others to acidic agents. tween engineered or natu- and Hardware by Toni will never be another one real thing.) ing a countertop material. For this post I’ll be referring ral surfaces is more than an Sabatino Design like it. This especially appeals Both honed and polished specifically to US marble issue of performance; it’s Some quartz manufactur- to clients who are art col- finishes can be applied to which has a higher resis- still about the look. when designs call for consis- ers like Ceasarstone have lectors or who want to cu- marble and quartz (though tance to stains than Italian This article will take a tency and uniformity, like in developed countertops to rate a home with bespoke the usually stain and scratch or Indian marble. look at quartz versus marble, kitchens with ultra modern mimic the veining (though fixtures and furnishings. resistant quartz is prone to Here’s why: offer some comparisons, lacquered cabinetry. The un- not the depth) of natu- April Graves of Aria Stone scratch with a honed finish). Every material has its own plus give you some exam- broken surface of a high pol- ral marble. Whether they Gallery in Texas told me Where natural look and feel absorption rate. It’s a good ples of how the two materi- ished gray or white quartz achieve the effect is up to that her clients are now de- are a priority, marble tends indicator of how quickly als play best together. has a sleek, formal appear- the viewer. Obviously for us signing entire living spaces to win out for its touchabil- something will penetrate the ance. It’s also available in a as quarrier of natural stone, around one showpiece slab ity – a honed marble coun- surface. Organic Vs. Uniform wide variety of shades. we find the luxury of a mate- of natural stone, and even tertop feels and looks like a Please turn to Page 14 Quartz is a good choice It’s also a good foil for rial is its authentic, naturally hanging it as art. You could wind-worn rock. Above and below: traditional kitchen designs in Pearl Grey American marble from the Polycor Quarry in Tate, Georgia. 2017 Quarry Calendar Our quarry calendar measures 12.5" x 19" and features a different picture of a stunning quarry each month of the year. The calendar includes a back page that extends

below the calendar pages. This area Vermont Danby Marble | Vermont Danby Quarry | Vermont Quarries Corp., Dorset Mountain, VT | Photo courtesy of Jeff Handley. JANUARY can be customized, in color, with your SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAYWEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY logo, tagline and contact information 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ($50 set-up fee). Those calendars that CUSTOMIZE8 9 1010 11 12 13 14 are not customized will have the with15 your1616 17 18 19 20 21 Color 22Logo, 23Tagline 24 25 26 27 28 MIA+BSI logo and contact info. and Contact29 30 Info31 Don’t miss this opportunity to impress HERE your design partners and customers.

Stay on their minds all year long. www.naturalstoneinstitute.org Order by October 3, 2016, to reserve your calendars! MIA+BSI will print only enough to fill orders. For more information and ordering go to www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/calendar

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The E-Z Dishwasher Bracket attaches to the cabinet with wood screws, as well as to the countertop with impact absorbing ad- NEW size for compact dishwashers! hesive caulk or silicone. It is made to accommodate virtually any MADE IN THE USA dishwasher on the market and may be installed prior to or after countertop installation. More than 793,325 sold! Michael Peay, a veteran home builder with 30 years of experience that includes hundreds of kitchen installs, was continually confronted with Easy To Use a nagging problem—mounting the dishwasher. Out of frustration, Mi- The E-Z Dishwasher Bracket can be installed in 2 minutes and is a permanent chael Peay invented and patented the solution. solution. If the dishwasher is not installed or not on site, simply fasten the E-Z Dishwasher Bracket to the cabinet with the hardware supplied, apply silicone Installation Problem to dampen the sound, and install the granite. As simple as that, your job is done, Why is installing the dishwasher always on the punch list? There are many rea- with regard to the dishwasher. sons; after all, who is responsible for this task? Is it the granite guy, the plumber, If the dishwasher and countertop are already in place, simply bend the tabs the appliance delivery man, or the general contractor? If the granite installer is to fit in between the cabinets, apply silicone, put in place and fasten with the responsible and the dishwasher is on site, there is no problem, but many times hardware supplied. this is not the case. So in order to preserve your good name and reputation it means an expensive return trip to install the dishwasher. No More Call Backs to Install a Dishwasher! This solution seems so simple, the only question you’ll ask is, “Why didn’t I Installation Solution think of this, before?” This product really works, and we’ll prove it to you. We Can $3.98 solve this costly return trip? The answer is YES! It is estimated that guarantee that you’ll agree this is a real $3.98 solution. Call Braxton-Bragg and it could cost nearly $200 in time, labor and fuel to pull someone off another never have to make that expensive return trip again. Our knowledgeable sales job for this one chore. There is no need for the dishwasher to be on site and you staff wants to let you know “you have a friend in Tennessee,” and we listen to can install before or after the countertop is installed. And it is designed to fit all you. Count on Braxton-Bragg for all your installation needs. standard dishwashers and install them correctly. Call today! Toll free 1-800-575-4401 This Great Low Price has been extended due to popularity!

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for E-Z Dishwasher Bracket Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 8 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette In essence, therefore, the orig- Letters to the Slippery Rock inal StonExpo concept was a “We shape our show run BY the industry, FOR Continued from page 5 and installation companies were the industry, which changed after buildings; selected by bid, and the StonExpo it was sold to Hanley Woods in The first StonExpo was at the board thus ensured lowest cost. 2004. The sale to Hanley Woods Atlanta Convention Center (at the was driven partially by financial thereafter they airport), which was not only free As the stone trade magazines reasons and the recognition that StonExpo, circa 2000, was a of labor unions, but also was sub- were directors, StonExpo had lots the show had grown so big that small community of vendors, shape us.” sidized by the State of Georgia. of heavy advertising at little or no we needed full-time professional suppliers and attendees. Furthermore, StonExpo was in- charge as the activity also helped management. tended as a traveling show to to sell their magazines. The asso- there was a clear demand for what –Winston Churchill make it easier for local stone ciations offered reduced rates for StonExpo was an immediate it offered. The granite kitchen companies to attend. Drayage StonExpo. success and took off strongly as countertop industry started around the same time, and here was a venue for people who were totally new to the industry to find machinery and equipment to pro- You’ve Got To See This Video! duce these tops. This countertop industry has expanded in the last Patent Pending years to over $10 billion in sales and is unquestionably the single largest sector of our industry.

In the 1970s – 1980s the indus- try itself was a fraction of the size it is today, with combined #1 Seller! sales of perhaps $5 billion and an Most Popular employee count of perhaps 50- Sink Support 60,000. Contrast that with today. A thriving industry with sales in Why Pay More to Install a Sink? Sink Harness the fastest and most economical system excess of $15 billion, a total em- Why pay more than $5 for a sink install available, it’s also the most versatile. ployee count in excess of 100,000, ® and fully automated machines kit, when you could use the Hercules Be the Go-To Guy to Repair Failed Installs Universal Sink Harness and complete your While the Sink Harness was being developed and producing countertops, building install project in minutes, with no return tested, we discovered another notable benefit of material and monuments. That’s trip needed? the Sink Harness: it’s a great system to repair failed called progress. ® undermount installations. Many fabricators are asked The Hercules Universal Sink Harness from Braxton- to repair someone else’s poor sink installation job. The Bragg is another great innovation that can save installers Hercules® Universal Sink Harness will get the job Would all of this have been pos- time and money. done quickly. You can become known as the guy who sible without StonExpo? I don’t contractors and home owners in your area call for help. At Last, a Simple, Fast Alternative know, but I submit that without it, The Hercules® Universal Sink Harness is a simple, Supports the Heaviest Sink Loads the industry would not have ex- ingenious alternative to expensive brackets that only Some clips and anchor systems rely on the countertop panded as quickly or effectively work on some installations, and a time-saving, more to support the sink–not so with the Hercules® as it did. This last year saw the professional alternative to building a scrap wood Universal Sink Harness. Just like a suspension bridge, potential combination of the BSI support system to hold the sink in place while the 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 and the MIA, thus strengthening expensive countertops or cutting notches into your installation. It actually transfers all weight to the the industry: would this have hap- customer’s cabinets, and without using messy epoxies cabinet and doesn’t add additional stress to the weakest pened without StonExpo? I very or relying on adhesives to secure sinks. One of the most and most easily damaged part of the countertop: the much doubt it. 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. rigged 2 x 4 supports. So now, before we throw the Try One and You’ll Believe It! baby out with the bathwater, I Fabricator Tested in Thousands of Installs Braxton-Bragg wants to prove it to everyone ® believe this little bit of history The Hercules Universal Sink Harness has been who’s faced sink-installation problem, or fabricator- and installation-tested under demanding is important to you and to your conditions, and can be used to install the most popular just wants to save money and keep their shop customer base, very few of whom types of sinks, including ceramic, stainless steel, and See the animated video! profitable. Visit www.braxton-bragg.com for were in business in 1987. even cast iron undermount. It is effective on either http://www.braxton-bragg. the complete Universal Sink Harness video. double bowl or single bowl steel or ceramic vanity sinks. Just imagine–one simple, inexpensive kit can do com/HerculesSinkHarness Best wishes, all of those sinks! Not only is the Hercules® Universal Peter T. de Kok Item # Description MSRP OUR Price

® “Best doctor in the world MADE IN THE USA 17310 Hercules Universal Sink Harness Kit $9.95 $4.95 is a veterinarian. He can’t ask his patients what’s www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501 the matter. He’s just got to know.” Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. –Will Rogers

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Hercules Sink Harness Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 9 Lost and Found Cheating in “We can complain Wisconsin man has his pros- said they were convinced it was the Carpool because rose bushes Athetic leg back after the lost part of a corpse until they got limb was discovered sticking out close enough to pull it out. (HOV) Lane have thorns, of a beaver dam by two canoers. “I was sure we had found a dead or rejoice because body that someone dumped into Rufus Leakin Elliot Fuller and Jason Franklin the creek,” the Germantown man thorn bushes have spotted the leg while paddling be- said. “We thought it was real at news from the world roses.” tween a pair of lakes near Wabeno first until we got a closer look.” INof viral posts about the in Forest County, the Wisconsin eerily similar ways crafty but — Abraham Lincoln Journal Sentinel reported. Fuller Please turn to Page 15 stupid people try to break the law, we bring you a sad story of carpool chicanery, out of New York. Authorities say a woman has been ticketed for driving in a carpool lane with

a fake passenger – a really bad Are You Paying More than fake passenger. She may not have put a lot of effort into cre- ating the dummy, but you have to appreciate her creative use of 40¢ per Sink Cutout? a briefcase to help complete the *Average sink is 4 linear feet disguise. The driver was pulled over ™ during one Thursday morning Scorpion CNC Finger Bits rush hour on the Long Island Soft Bond for Hard Stone Expressway, in Dix Hills.

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“Hahaha – the cops will be fooled by my clever, denim armless businessman!” Looking For The Right Finger Bit Suffolk County police say to Tackle The Right Stone? the woman was driving in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) Consider the Scorpion CNC Finger Bits... lane, which is restricted to ve- hicles with two or more occu- pants during commute times. With the Scorpion CNC Granite Finger Bit, this customer is The Scorpion™ Soft Bond Finger Bit is ideal for hard Police say the unconvincing averaging 1100 feet per bit, which works out to about 40¢ per stones like granite. Hard stone requires the finger bit dummy was made with a pile sink. With his previous bit, he was only averaging 500 linear feet. bond to be softer, so that the diamonds are exposed of clothes, stuffed in a vest, and sooner to cut the stone. Softer stones are milled best topped with a baseball cap. “After running it extensively we took it off with a finger bit that has a harder bond matrix, so that In his defense, the fake front the diamonds are not exposed as fast. seat passenger must have been and it still had life after cutting 1,068 feet. We realized it had given us over double the linear a legit business commuter. You Item # Description MSRP OUR Price know, because of the briefcase. feet of work from any fingerbit.” 16017 Scorpion™ CNC Granite Finger Bit, 20mm x 40mm, $174.95 $119.95 However, the dummy was not Josh, Stone Spectrum LLC 1/2 Gas Thread, Orange, Twin Seg., 5,500-5,800 RPM wearing a seat belt, as shown 16018 Scorpion™ CNC Granite Finger Bit, 20mm x 40mm, $174.95 $132.55 in photos issued by police. It 1/2 Gas Thread, Orange, 5 seg., 5,500-5,800 RPM is not known whether that will get the driver charged with an www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501 additional fine. Seat belt com- pliance for all passengers is the driver’s responsibility, after all. Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Scorpion CNC Finger Bits Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 10 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette

What Will You Live With? your fault. AND he doesn’t even have the decency to pay on time! Continued from page 1 commissions, just a flat salary so He is usually at 180 – 210 days, So far, these scenarios are rather he has a revolving door of inex- and the only reason that happens reasonable, but we haven’t talked perienced designers coming and is because you start to hound him about Bruce yet. Bruce is a one- going. Every job is a problem. about payment. man show, but he micromanages He makes promises to customers The question becomes, “What EVERY detail of the job. He will that neither he nor anyone else are you willing to live with?” and probably never be truly successful can keep. On one occasion his de- if you decide someone has to go, because he nit-picks every aspect signer took a customer to a local how do you do it? What can you of the job BEFORE the subs are stone wholesaler to look at mate- do? even done. He will start telling the rial, bypassing you all together. There are a couple of things. sub how to do their job before any- They pick a beautiful quartzite You can tell slow payers that they thing ever happens, and if the sub that is 115 inches long for the need to clear up their past due disagrees with him, Bruce has no island. The problem is that the balance before you do any more problem calling them names and island is 122 inches long. Unless in my beautiful island! Are you to her, or had any kind of contact work for them. That puts the ball berating them in front of others. the island is downsized, there is nuts? Get out! Now!” The install with her. in their court. If they are super Your installers hate going there going to be a seam. crew leaves after being screamed Now, if Jim was a good cus- slow payers you can also start because they know he is going to You email Jim to let him know at by the homeowner and comes tomer, you might meet him half- asking for a 50 percent or more start on them, and create a situ- there is going to be a seam un- back to shop cranky and confused. way just to make a bad situation deposit on jobs before you begin ation. You hate seeing his name less he cuts the island size back Upon investigation, it comes easier, but Jim is not a good the work. You can start extend- on caller ID because you know he by about a foot (having an email to light that Jim NEVER told customer. His jobs never go off ing your lead times to them. It’s will keep you on the phone for- paper trail, here, is VERY im- the customer about the seam or on time. They are always cha- hard to argue with, “We are ex- ever, complaining about nothing. portant!). He says, “OK.” When about downsizing the island. The otic and confusing, with a lot of tremely busy right now; it’s going On the bright side, he pays really it’s time to template the job, Jim homeowner goes back and picks last-minute changes. He has made to be three weeks before we get to fast and you can take solace in meets your templater out there larger material BUT everyone, mistakes before and blamed it on you.” If you do it often enough, the fact that if you were as bad as and your templater says, “There including Jim, expects you to you. He expects your installations they will get frustrated and look he says you are, he wouldn’t use is going to be a seam in the is- purchase, fabricate and install it to cover up his shoddy installs, or elsewhere. you to begin with (and most of the land.” Again, Jim says, “OK.” for no additional charge because his sub’s inexplicable mistakes, You can raise your prices. Go time you wish he wouldn’t call). The install crew shows up and the Jim threw you under the bus and and when they don’t, he gets up little by little until you reach Lastly, there is Jim. Jim owns homeowner FLIPS out! “Seam?” blamed you, even though his cus- mad. Plus, on top of all that, he their breaking point. a remodeling business in the nice She screams. “No one told me tomer never darkened your door, calls you back to jobs time after part of town. He doesn’t pay about a seam! I don’t want a seam no one from your shop ever spoke time to fix things that aren’t even Please turn to Page 22 Stone Shield™ Enhancer & Sealer MADE IN THE USA Now Match the Edge to the Surface of Resined Stone. Stone Shield Enhancer & Sealer brings out a deep, rich color in stone. Use it to get that wet-effect look for indoor and out- door applications. Apply it on polished, flamed, rough or sanded surfaces. Works well to disguise small scratches on surfaces. It seals surfaces against oil and water. •Enhances the natural look of granite, marble and travertines •UV stable - Does not change color when exposed to the sun •Offers a wet look indoors and outdoors •Works as a stone color enhancer and a high quality sealer Why pay $66.25 for Ager at GranQuartz? Item # Description MSRP OUR Price Save $20 at Braxton-Bragg! 46407 Stone Shield™ Color Enhancer & Sealer, 1 Quart $59.95 $49.95

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Shield Enhance and Sealer Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 11 downfall of many, Doyle said. Hilgartner Natural Stone Company “We made the conscious decision in the 1990s to not automate. A Over 150 Years of Stonework in Style lot of people made an awful lot of money from automated fabri- cation facilities, but they weren’t in the type of position to survive Hilgartner marble the situation we saw back in 2008. mason hand-carves You can only make one thing and the names and terms nobody is buying it. By going of office on Tennessee with skilled craftsmen, we were marble bases for busts able to shift over to the restoration of Vice Presidents of the side of things. People are able to United States, at the U.S. change. Automated equipment Capitol Building. can’t.” Stone restoration has become a major emphasis for the company. “That’s really a function of look- Sourcing historic and diffi- ing at what is happening in the cult-to-find stone for replica- market,” Doyle said. “More stone tion, repair and restoration was installed between 1990 and is an area where Hilgartner 2010 than probably was installed Stone Company excels. in the previous 60 years. You also Above: Square column of have the stone that was installed Tennessee Rose marble, a in the 1900s that has now had stone that was used exten- some time to be out there, get sively throughout govern- weathered, get beat up on, but is ment buildings and public not ready to get knocked down.” spaces in Washington D.C. . The restoration and repair market can only grow. “It’s not “We send the Roc Doc around espite more than a century Joel Davis small House Rotunda on the first abnormal now for a $200,000 very much like a plumber,” Doyle of service, Hilgartner Photos by Geoff Graham floor of the U.S. Capitol in 2013. house to have granite kitchens said. DNatural Stone Company The company also fabricated two and marble bathrooms,” he said, The Roc Doc gives customers Inc. prides itself on agility in a churches or the government, com- bases for busts of vice presidents adding that used to be confined to control of the situation. “They are changing market. mercial projects, and residential for the Architect of the Capitol. expensive homes. “With 20 years the ones that are there determin- jobs. On a regular basis, it em- Hilgartner restored St. Patrick’s of stone going into those envi- ing how long the man works on Based in Baltimore, the ploys 15 people but will bring Roman Catholic Church in ronments, there is an awful lot of it,” Doyle said. “If they want to 153-year-old company has weath- more on as needed. Baltimore. It is now working on stuff out there that needs a little pay to have him go the extra mile, ered large shifts in the stone in- Hilgartner recently completed multiple items for the St. Patrick’s bit of fixing.” they can.” dustry. This has led it to a focus the restoration of the Centre Cathedral in New York City. This One of the ways that Hilgartner On the commercial side, in re- on restoration, repair, and his- Theatre, an iconic Baltimore is the final step of a five-year has responded to this need is to cent years, Hilgartner worked on toric replication. “We take our structure from the early 1900s, restoration. take its services on the road. It the Ivy Hotel, Baltimore’s first capabilities and try to apply them worked on restoring the Battle The company also built a new markets its Roc Doc service. The true five star hotel. Hilgartner re- where they are most in demand,” Acre Memorial and restored a marble base for the elephant at the mobile van is fully outfitted with ceived two craftsmanship awards, President Tom Doyle said. downtown plaza facility for the entry to the Smithsonian Museum materials and equipment to repair issued by the Building Congress Hilgartner completes between City of York, Pennsylvania. of Natural History. It installed and restore stone. It makes house & Exchange, for marble work this 150 and 200 jobs each year. This The company fabricated a base the base without moving the ele- calls to customers needing a little year. One award was for work at a is split fairly evenly into work for a bronze bust of Winston phant, a pretty remarkable feat of TLC for their stone. new hospice in Baltimore County. for institutions such as colleges, Churchill that was installed in the engineering, in itself. This could be a chipped coun- The other was for the work The residential market for stone tertop, broken floor tile, or a dam- Hilgartner did on its own lobby. shifted dramatically with the ad- aged conference table in an office. vent of automated lines to pro- Please turn to Page 42 duce granite countertops, Doyle said. “There has been great down- ward pressure on the price over the last 25 years.” This automation has proven lucrative for a lot of compa- nies. It has also proven to be the

Left: The bust of Churchill, installed in a prominent location at the U.S. Capitol Building, in 2013.

Right: the RocDoc van is fully outfitted to repair and restore stone. Unlike modern M.D.s, it does make house calls.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 12 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette The Varmint County Chronicles Filstrup Makes His Campaign a Battle of the Sexes, Sasso Flying Flat But He Should’ a Done the Math Engineered for Speed – Built to Last hen last we Boomer Winfrey left you, dear Varmint County Correspondent Wreader, Clyde Filstrup Junior, in a desper- Toony eagerly accepted tacks: the only Mexicans ate attempt to reclaim the the challenge, and a couple around here own the restau- Varmint County mayor’s of weeks before the August rant and hire several local office, had decided to election the two faced people to work alongside campaign on the coattails off down at the Varmint their family members. And of Donald Trump. Clyde County High School gym. as for coal mining, the figured that since he lost The whole thing was broad- last mine that shut down the election to Gabby cast across the county on around here was that strip Aslinger four years ago, WVMT, Varmint County’s job over on the backside of thanks to a large female “Only voice for gos- McCracken’s Peak. They voter turnout, the Donald pel music and full sports employed eight heavy might encourage the local coverage.” equipment operators and a males to get out of their Clyde’s first inclination handful of truck drivers, all bass boats, bars and pool that things might not go of them from over in Burr he Sasso Flying Flat is a • Two models available: five or six halls long enough to cast well was when he noticed County,” Toony shot back. polishing heads, two or four bevelers a ballot and “return men to that seven out of ten folks “It’s not just about our T backsplash polishing machine their rightful place running attending the debate were county, Miss Pyles, We’ve capable of polishing countertops • Micro oscillation the county.” women. got to look at the big pic- up to 36 inches tall. Sasso recom- • Calibrating/Drip edge spindle “Donald Trump has ture and what is going on in mends the Viper ® 6-Step Inline • Corrosion resistant galvanized frame Of course, one small pledged to make America other parts of the country.” problem Clyde overlooked great again and I want to “Ever heard that old Polishing system to achieve a fast, • Easy to set-up, operate and maintain professional polish. is that the presidential elec- make Varmint County great phrase that all politics tion is in November while again. He will revive coal is local, Clyde? It is just the local county election mining, stop all these ille- about our county, and you Since 1974 Sasso has built world-class was held in early August. gal aliens from taking our wouldn’t care a whit for Clyde tried to bridge the jobs and put a stop to all this Donald Trump or any other machinery for the stone industry. election gap by challeng- lawlessness and terrorism,” New York billionaire if you ing Toony Pyles, Varmint Clyde led off in his opening didn’t hope that somehow Elegant Design USA-Based Tech Support County’s colorful state remarks. supporting him will help Sasso machines not only perform, they’ll We understand that occasionally you may representative, to a debate “Exactly how many ille- you win the county mayor’s look great in your shop. We take pride in need tech support or have a simple ques- in July, Clyde arguing for gal aliens have taken jobs office back,” Toony snorted. our products, and it shows in every ma- tion answered. When you call we’ll be the Donald while Toony in Varmint County, Clyde? Please turn to page 20 chine we make. there to assist. took Hillary Clinton’s side. Let’s get down to brass Fast and Productive USA-Based Spare Parts Our innovative designs not only look We stock spare parts in North Carolina. great and last a very long time, Sasso When you need a part, we can usually get builds machines that get the job done fast. it to you within 24 hours.

Corrosion Resistant Now Recommending Viper “I was born on Every machine we build uses corro- The Viper 6-Step Inline System from sion-resistant component. By using hot Braxton-Bragg is a perfect complement election day but galvanized frames, fiberglass, stainless to the speed of the Flying Flat. Unlike never was able to get steel and aluminum, we your machine other inline systems that require a slow elected to anything. will be running long after its paid for. speed, you can run it fast to achieve the How many saw manufacturers can say ultimate, professional shine. I am going to jump the same thing? out some day and be indefinite enough Accuracy and Quality Our engineering team works hard to use about everything high-quality components to ensure your that they will call are the right size with the perfect finish. me a politician, then Every time. 6-Step Inline run on a platform Polishing System of question marks, Clyde Filstrup, Junior, hoping to make a big splash and be elected in the August local elections by riding on Trump’s coattails, appealed to the vanity of Varmint County unanimously.” male voters to “return men to their rightful place — Will Rogers, 888-289-5284 • www.sassousa.com running the county government.” from Weekly Articles

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper Inline tooling Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 13

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Omni Cubed products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 14 September 2016 This contemporary New Jersey kitchen show- Slippery Rock Gazette cases Cherokee White American marble, from Quartz Vs. Marble the Polycor quarry in Tate, Georgia. Continued from page 6 The lower the absorption rate, the more time to wipe up spills. Granite for instance has a very low absorption rate, which makes a good choice for about any sur- face. Quartz also has a low absorption rate because it’s engineered surface is made with resin. Marble is known for staining be- cause unsealed many va- rieties can absorb liquids more quickly. American marbles like Pearl Grey and White Cherokee are the exception though. Their crystalline make-up gives them an absorption rate of just .09, and that’s before a sealer. Quartz is a manufac- tured surface and therefore doesn’t need a sealer. And quartz is durable. True. But does durable mean indestructible? Again, no. There are two things that can damage quartz irrepa- rably—direct sunlight and heat. Any exposure to di- rect sunlight and high UV in the stone, like sinks and Currently Polycor is the rays will warp and discolor inside corners) must be only company producing quartz, causing it to yellow. rounded to maintain their ultra-thin natural stone Similarly a very hot pot integrity. When they come slabs in 1 cm thickness that placed on its surface can together, if they are left also have a reinforced back scorch it. square and straight, there which gives them 10x flex- And there’s no cleaner for are weak portions that can ural strength. that. crack and break. If your de- When appropriately spec- Quartz is harder than sign calls for a square sink ified, both US marble and marble, and it’s well known it can void the warranty on engineered quartz can be that its surface is resistant to the quartz. Marble can be beautiful, durable materi- scratching. Lesser known is left square and not have als for kitchens and baths. its lack of dimensional weak spots. Both marble Knowing their strengths strength which can place and quartz can chip on the and limitations can help limitations on design. For edges. you tailor your design to instance, radius corners in your client’s lifestyle with- quartz surfaces (anywhere Ultra-thin slabs for out restricting your design there is a directional change wall and floor installs based on myths of material Marble and quartz both choices. can be produced in ul- Now, instead of asking, tra-thin slabs for cabinet “What are you cooking and facing and modern-look how often do you clean?” countertops, full slab you can ask, “What’s the showers and backsplashes. look you want to achieve?”

“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It over- comes almost everything, even nature.” PO Box 188, Stinesville, IN 47464 Ph: 812-876-0835 Fax: 812-876-0839 bigcreekstone.com — John D. Rockefeller

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for for SKM Grout Pens Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 15 “I once sent a dozen of my friends and associates a Wait Until You See the Video! telegram saying, ‘Flee at once—all is discovered!’ They all left town Brace Setter Router immediately.” For Floating Countertop Supports NEW! — Mark Twain

SEE THE VIDEO Lost and WWW.BRAXTON- Found BRAGG.COM Continued from page 9 A quick search on Craigslist yielded an ad from Mark Warner, who lost the prosthetic limb when his own canoe tipped over during a July fishing trip on Range Line Lake in Wabeno. The 49-year-old from Green Bay said he rescued his fishing gear and cooler, but the prosthetic limb got away. “I wasn’t overly worried about it because I use my older model for fishing and hunting,” Warner said. “It wasn’t my everyday leg, to put it that way.” Fuller and Franklin found the limb three miles from where Warner lost it. They returned it to The patent-pending Brace Setter is a The precision router attachment What’s even better is the fact Warner on Friday, netting a $50 high performance router housing that cuts a precise groove for your brace that the Brace Setter requires no reward for its safe return. connects to a 5/8 x 11 angle grinder in record breaking time with its two measuring because everything is “Just did what I thought was that will cut a groove 2-9/16” wide by cutting blades. Each blade has 18 preset (width and depth), making it right,” Franklin said. “I hope ¼” or 3/16” deep. teeth giving you a total of 36 long very measurement friendly. With just that if I lost my leg that someone lasting tungsten carbide teeth, a simple cut, your work is done with would return it to me, too.” which easily cut through hardwood, the Brace Setter. Warner said he was sure it was softwood, plywood, and laminates. gone. A friend had to convince him to put up the Craigslist ad. Created by Item # Description OUR Price “I really didn’t expect to see 55228 Brace Setter Router, 1/4” $207.95 it again. On my end, it’s pretty Fabricators for 55230 Brace Setter Router, 3/16” $207.95 amazing and it’s pretty bizarre 55229 Brace Setter Replacement Blade Set $51.95 where it ended up,” Warner said. Fabricators Includes: (2) Blades, (1) Spacer, (5) Bolts

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in Seattle Police say the incident started Another man who spent 25 “You know that thing that hap- with some sort of domestic dis- hours atop a lofty sequoia tree in eattle police have arrested a pens when you glance at the sun pute. The man was wanted for downtown Seattle in March was Sman after he spent nearly 12 and suddenly have to sneeze? domestic violence, vandalism charged with malicious mischief, hours perched in a tree. Scientists have a name for it: an and also had warrants out for his but was later found incompetent Autosomal Cholinergic Helio- arrest. to stand trial. KOMO-TV reports the man Ophthalmic Outburst… also He refused to come down from So, this rash of wanna-be climbed onto the roof of an apart- known as ACHOO. Seriously.” ment building in the Lake City the tree until about 1:30 p.m. that Tarzans compels us to ask: what neighborhood of Seattle at about day. is it about Seattle that attracts (Source: Weird-o-pedia: The 2:45 a.m. one Sunday. He then Fortunately, no one was hurt, tree-climbing nut jobs? Is it the Ultimate Book of Surprising, crawled across some power lines the man was safely extracted from clean air, or perhaps an excess of Strange, and Incredibly Bizarre and made his way into a nearby his perch and taken into police coffee? Inquiring minds want to Facts About (Supposedly) Ordinary tree. custody. know. Things, by Alex Palmer

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for The Brace Setter Router Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 16 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette disincentive; between one do the kind of dreaming and Countertop Derangement Syndrome and two hours distance is scheming that conceived ideal. Just remember that and built the company in the ountertop Derangement Aaron J. Crowley in your truck when you get putting distance between first place. CSyndrome – or CDS as Owner, Crowley’s home… in the evening, and you and your business is Business owners are fa- it is referred to in medical Granite Concepts all weekend. Most of us all for naught if you bring mous (or maybe infamous) circles – is a condition af- don’t have the discipline that wretched smartphone for their perseverance, but fecting stone shop owners While many business to resist the ring tone or vi- along! there comes a point where after prolonged periods of owners are familiar with bration of an incoming call, doing too much for too long uninterrupted contact with the word rest, most are un- voicemail, text or email, so 3. Delegation: Discon- actually works against the impossible customers, unre- familiar with it in practice. removing the temptation necting and distancing owner and his enterprise. liable employees, and igno- The following disciplines is a simple step towards a will enable rest outside of So, if you’re suffering rant bankers. can be implemented slowly more rested and healthy work, but getting a break from CDS, take a dose dis- and incrementally will heal existence. at work is important, too. connecting, distancing, and If left untreated, owners even the most deranged Every business owner (and delegating and call me if loose the ability to think stone shop owner: 2. Distance: Once elec- especially small business you’re not feeling better in rationally as thoughts of tronic disconnection has owners) will inevitably be the morning! escaping the circumstances 1. Disconnect: The smart been mastered, find a quiet responsible for doing work replace the thoughts of how phone is both a blessing retreat and visit it regu- that does not come natu- Aaron Crowley is a stone to improve customer ser- and a curse; for the busi- larly. Your retreat can take rally. If that unnatural work shop owner, author, speak- vice, hiring, and financial everything and everybody ness owner barraged by many forms, and activities comprises more than half of er, and inventor of stone management. behind. When the daydream customers, employees, and can range from sleeping to the owner’s responsibility, safety products. Contact At least that’s how I de- included burning down our bankers, it’s mostly a curse. reading, to hiking or white- call a doctor! Doing that Aaron by email at aaron@ scribe my own bout with the stone shop on the way out Phone calls, texts, and water rafting. For me it was work without interruption fabricatorsfriend.com . disorder. of town, I knew it was time emails at all times of the buying a farm 45+ minutes will do two things: first, it My escape was daydream- for strong medicine. day and night and over the from our shop where I can will limit the effectiveness ing about a secluded beach The strong medicine was weekend permit the owner clear brush, buck hay, split in the areas of work that do somewhere in the Florida not a visit to the pharmacy no relief, and it’s the first firewood, and loose money come naturally; and second, “In times of Keys. It went like this: apply or liquor store. It was much habit a weary owner must raising Scottish Highland it will slowly grind the life for a major credit card, buy needed break from the break! cattle in almost total iso- out of the owner. great stress or an RV, pack up the family in grind. Step one is a baby step: go lation. The point is to do The only way to find re- adversity, it’s the middle of the night and In a word… rest. to lunch without the phone. something you enjoy, some- lief is to delegate that work head for Florida, leaving Step two: leave your phone where far enough away to others. Again, baby steps always best to from your work you can are important here. Begin keep busy, to leave it behind. by identifying a task you Frequency depends on the loathe and assign that work plow your anger level of derangement, but to a capable member of and your energy one day per month is a good your team. Then, repeat as average to pursue. Distance needed. Over time, depart- into something should be far enough away ments and even the entire positive.” that you’re not tempted to company can be placed in return, and close enough the hands of competent per- — Lee Iaccoca that the drive isn’t a sonnel, freeing the owner to

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Nelson Shims Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 17 also a ready-to-use prod- Stone Restoration and uct called Majestic Granite Polishing Compound. Maintenance Corner These products tend to End of Summer Tech Tips perform better with steel wool pads in either #0 or #1 I write this Bob Murrell grades. Some prefer jumbo month’s M3 Technologies steel wool pads while others AS article, prefer the metrix (flat). In another summer is almost Photos by Bob Murrell any case, to avoid clogging over. I happen to love up the pad driver with steel summer and spending they normally require wool fibers, use a hog hair or quality time with my family, some mechanical honing. some other type of polishing as I am sure many of you If lippage is minimal, wear pad between the pad driver do as well. We spend most patterns can normally be and the steel wool. Natural of our free time on nearby successfully re-honed and or hog hair pads can also be Douglas Lake (a TVA lake), feathered into the areas that used to polish granite, but where we enjoy boating, show no wear. my personal preference is to and grilling and chilling As with marble, contrac- use steel wool pads. with friends. I am truly tors routinely ask how much Majestic Crystallizer is blessed to be living in East water to use when polishing, typically used as the lubri- Tennessee at the foot of the how much powder or com- cant for polishing granite Great Smoky Mountains, pound is used per square instead of water. It also where the water is clear foot, what machine weight, contains polymers that aid and deep, and the scenery is what type of pad or brush, in filling the microscopic absolutely spectacular. how many passes or amount voids from ejected crystals

resist the staining from the darker granite products. If Majestic Granite Polishing Compound is the product of choice, either a steel wool pad or natu- ral hair pad can be used. A small amount of water or Majestic Crystallizer can be Grilling and chilling on Douglas Lake with the in the surface. This helps the used to lubricate once the Great Smoky Mountains as the backdrop. surface to be more flat, and product starts to dry. You improves color. will have to decide for your- I thought I would pass of time, are there differences The darker polishing prod- self which works best, based along some more technical between one stone and the ucts tend to make a mess, on the test area results. tips this month that I have next, and so on, and so on. especially when used with A weighted machine picked up through the years. As discussed in previous steel wool pads. Therefore, of 135 pounds or more Some are from my experi- articles, granite does not have some of either Majestic normally produces a bet- The black granite shows wear faster because of both ences, and others from con- normally respond to acids Deep Cleaner Stripper or ter production rate than a the color and the fact that it is a softer stone. tractor customers I know. and therefore polishing Majestic Intensive Cleaner machine with no weights In this article, I will try to granite is typically a much in a mop bucket of warm added. Performance is a concentrate on polishing slower and more labor-in- water with a good mop measurement of results and “Every Candidate always says, ‘Why there granite and similar mate- tensive process. and/or scrub brush ready to efficiency. Higher produc- rials, as well as the associ- Granite polishing prod- clean up after polishing. tion rates come under the is dozens of men (and women) that is more ated procedures involved. I ucts are normally a mixture If there are adjacent or efficiency heading. Granite competent to fill this office than I am.’ Well I know we have covered this of fine abrasives like tin inset marble tiles, do the polishing is extremely labor topic before, but hopefully I oxide and aluminum oxide. granite first, and then pol- intensive and definitely a don’t feel that way about it at all. For after all, will include some additional Carbon black is typically ish the marble, as the mar- two-man operation, hard it’s only the office of Candidate that I am ac- technical tips you may not used to darken these pol- ble polishing products will on the machine and electri- know about, to aid in this ishing products for darker tend to help clean up after cal breakers, and therefore cepting. You know it don’t take near as good process. granites. Most are in pow- the darker granite polish- more costly than polishing a man to be a Candidate as it does to hold the Traffic wear on granite der form, like the Majestic ing products. You may also marble and other easier-to- should be re-polished as Granite Polish Powder, need to tape areas off using polish stones. So charge office. That’s why we wisely defeat more than soon as possible. Once wear which comes in Light & red vinyl tape or a Tape accordingly. we elect.” — Will Rogers patterns become obvious, Dark formulas. There is & Drape product that will Please turn to page 18

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 18 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Top and bottom: before Stone Restoration and and after polishing black ® Maintenance Corner and gray granite, with adjacent and inset marble. Makita 9565CV SJS Continued from page 17 The amount of time or number of passes required to achieve a satisfactory polish on a specific stone can vary. Some experienced 5 ˝ Industrial professionals prefer the use of a timer while others count the number of passes, Variable Speed Grinder on per-square-foot basis. I say whatever works best for you and produces the best •SJS technology prevents tool kickback by accidental wheel binding performance should be your standard. In any case, you •Improved 12 Amp motor for increased output power should certainly develop •Variable speed (2,800 - 10,500 RPM) to match speed to application a repeatable procedure or pattern that provides consis- •Labyrinth construction seals moor and bearings from contamination tent superior, cost-effective •1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty results. Polishing granite effec- tively is hard work. The typical procedure is to #1 apply the Majestic Granite Powder product of choice, SELLER give a squirt or two of Majestic Crystallizer, and buff using the #0 steel wool pad over a surface area of about 9 square feet. This will turn the powder into a paste. Keep buffing until the paste starts to dry (the machine will get hard to handle at this point), and give another squirt or two of the Majestic Crystallizer to re-lubricate into a paste and continue buffing. Repeat this process, going from wet to dry until the desired polish is achieved, before moving to the next area. Complete large areas in a checkerboard pattern, over- lapping areas to blend. You may need to polish the en- complete a test area. Doing questions and offer advice. tire floor or at least a large a test will confirm the re- The phone call is free, the part of it to keep the look sults, the procedure, and advice is free, so what have consistent. help to manage customer you got to lose? Harder granites are usu- expectations. This is a must ally easier to polish than are before production begins. Bob Murrell has worked softer granites, and granites This is by no means a in the natural stone indus- with large crystals are nor- complete list of all the tech- try for over 40 years and is mally harder, and thus eas- nical tips for polishing of well known for his expertise ier to polish. Granites with a granite and similar stones. in the restoration and main- small, tight crystal structure If you have some that you tenance of natural stone, like black granite are typi- would like to share, please terrazzo, ceramic tile, and #Item Description MSRP OUR Price cally much harder to polish, send these to the editor who decorative concretes. He 9375 Makita® 5˝ Grinder, 9565CV $282.95 $149.98 because they are softer, and will in turn get them to me helped develop some of the just like a black car, show for future publication. As main products and processes Fax 800-915-5501 every flaw at the surface. always, check with your which revolutionized the in- www.braxton-bragg.com The most important tip supplier of products for dustry and is currently the I can give anyone who is technical support. That is National Sales Manager for Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before attempting to do a gran- part of their job, to find you M3 Technologies. 5:45 pm eastern for Same Day Shipping. ite-polishing project is to answers to your technical

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NOW AVAILABLE ining for I Safety Tra nstallers This video is the Institute’s fi rst collection of video modules focusing solely on installation safety, highlighting the fact that there is a striking difference between shop safety, where the environment is familiar, and being on location, where each setting is different and requires a clear plan of action.

Modules address the following topics: Natural Stone Installation: Best Practices for Safety and Success • Overview of installation safety • Identifying safety concerns early in the process • RequirementsNatural for personal Stone protective Installation: equipment • InstallationBest casePractices studies for Safety and Success A centerpiece of the ongoing MIA+BSI stone safety initiative, this is the first-ever collection of video modules focusing solely on installation safety. From residential projects to small, mid-range, and • Best majorpractices construction environments, for material the modules explain loading the elements andrequired tounloading keep stone and tile crews safe on the ground and while using portable lifting devices or scaffolds. The modules focus on the fact there is a striking difference between shop safety, where the environment is a familiar, to being • Manpoweron location, where and each locationequipment is different and requires a clear plan of action. Each of the modules is self-contained, but arranged so that each can be viewed separately or as part of an overall installation • Large-scalesafety program. Fromcommercial what to wear on the job installations to maintaining the right attitude on the job site, this Overview of Installation Safety Identifying Safety Concerns Early in the Process program is a must for every stone company’s safety library. It was created by a team of the stone • Tile-settingindustry’s leading bestexperts and practices filmed at sites across the country. MIA+BSI would like to thank the following companies for use of their facilities: Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company • Corcoran Tile & Marble, Inc. Distinctive Marble & Granite • Miller Druck Specialty Contracting Co. • Rocksolid Stone Works “This is a greatRugo Stone training LLC, Natural Stone resource& Mosaic Contractors for • Twin City Tile & Marble Co. Special thanks to the following companies for financial and in-kind support: Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment Installation Case Studies anyone sendingCarrara installers Marble Co. of America, into Inc. • theEuroStone Machine USA, Inc. Omni Cubed, Inc. • Roura Material Handling • Stone Interiors fi eld. TrainingAll safety our programs installers are made possible to by be the MIA+BSI Safety Committee: safe and professional can only enhance the value of our products and help retain great employees.” Best Practices for Material Loading and Unloading Manpower and Equipment Jon Lancto MIA Vice President This video and other education programs can also be found on the Natural Stone University. Visit www.naturalstoneinstitute.org or call 440-250-9222 for information. Preview and order the Large-Scale Commercial Installations Tile Setting Best Practices

© MIA+BSI 2016 8-moduleThis product DVD cannot be usedonline as programming for paidat: programming or reproduced without permission of MIA+BSI. naturalstoneinstitute.org/2016safetyvideo

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Shop2016_slippery_rock_full_sept.indd www.braxton-bragg.com 1 for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry8/5/16 3:59 news PM | 20 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette The Varmint County Chronicles Continued from page 12 Clyde took the bait, and from that point on, the debate was about Clyde Filstrup and Gabby Aslinger, Trump and Clinton cast aside and forgotten. “We can make Varmint County great again. Men are out of work, crime is up and folks don’t have any pride in their government anymore. I want to change that,” Clyde blurted. “Men are out of work be- cause many of them don’t job of it. Men own most of seek your services are wid- want to work, Clyde. Have the businesses, farms and ows. Without women, you you noticed how long that land and pay most of the wouldn’t have a business,” ‘Help Wanted’ ad has been taxes. Why shouldn’t they Toony concluded. in the local paper for a de- make the decisions that ef- … livery driver for Mama fect their property?” Clyde As a result of Clyde’s sex- Caprizzi’s Pizzeria? Stanley argued. ist appeal to make Varmint Aslinger has been looking “Really? Let’s look at County male again, female for a mechanic to service the that claim for a moment. voters turned out at the Lower Primroy Volunteer Do you know what the life polls in record numbers Fire Department’s vehi- expectancy of the average during the August election. cles for three months, and Varmint County male is, The name factor of Donald the sole applicant was sev- Clyde? Trump might have ener- enteen-year-old Curley “I can’t say that I do. gized some additional male Stooksbury, whose only Maybe somewhere between voters, but that did Clyde experience was helping 70 and 75, I’d guess.” Junior little good, as Gabby change oil and clean wind- “Jenny Hamm went Aslinger was re-elected in a shields at his daddy’s Jiffy through the last ten years landslide. Lube & Quick Stop BBQ. of obituaries in her newspa- “Can’t say I didn’t warn “Stanley told me he just per and figured the average you,” Doc Filstrup told WANT PRODUCTIVITY ? hired a mechanic last week,” man’s life expectancy to be his distraught son the day Clyde shot back with a vic- 69. Now if you don’t count after the election. “Thanks torious grin. all the men who get stabbed to your campaign, women “He did, indeed. He in bar brawls, drowned out turned out to vote in re- Why work wet? hired a woman, Sally Ann on Mud Lake, killed in still cord numbers, and not Mayfield, who took some explosions, or drunks who only re-elected Gabby to mechanic courses over drive off the road going the mayor’s office, but at the technical college home from the Dead Rat elected Henrietta Pinetar ™ BULLET PROOF 95 in Burrville and has been Tavern, that average goes and Shirley Beene to the Fabricator’s Apron $ learning how to service en- up a bit, to 73.” county commission. Now 66. gines down at her brother’s “What’s your point, ex- the women are within one Order Item garage.” actly?” Clyde challenged. vote of controlling the 9121 The largely female au- “The average female life whole county.” 79 dience erupted in laughter expectancy for the same “The men let me down. $ as Clyde turned red and period is 86, Clyde. That They didn’t turn out to vote 56. stammered for a comeback. means that most of the like I expected,” Clyde Toony didn’t give him the businesses, farms and land moaned. chance. end up in the hands of the “Nah, they just did what “Clyde, we’ve all heard widows for at least a dozen men most always do when you talk about making years,” Toony shot back. confronted with a choice Varmint County great again, “Women own this county between their manly pride but we’ve also heard what and pay the taxes, Clyde, and the person who cooks Stone Sleeve™ you’re saying in the tav- not you shiftless menfolk.” their meals, washes their Fabricator’s Sleeve erns and pool halls, which is “That’s ridiculous!” clothes and cleans their Order Item ‘make Varmint County male Clyde countered. ‘Most of house. They said, ‘Yes, 9127 again.’ That’s what this is those men leave their prop- Dear’ and kept their mouths all about, isn’t it? Hand con- erty and businesses to their shut,” Doc chuckled. “Son, Available from trol of the courthouse back sons.” you lost this election when to the good ol’ boys?” “Only if mama agrees you made it a battle of the “Men have led this county to that, Clyde. You oper- sexes. You should’a done for nearly two centuries, and ate a funeral home. The the math first.” 800-575-4401 • www.braxton-bragg.com we’ve done a pretty good majority of people who

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Sleeves Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 21 4 Reasons Why Fabricators Say… “Viper Wet Polishing Pads Can’t be Beat!”

Familiar Quote Diamonds with multiple At Braxton-Bragg, we cutting surfaces are the GREAT hear this question about main reason Viper® 7-Step Viper® 7-Step Granite Granite Wet Polishing Pads Wet Polishing Pads from perform at a high level from LOW fabricators all the time: start to finish. Other pads PRICE! start out working well but Are Diamond Pads quit on you before the job is Really Different? done, and yet appear to still Year after year, Viper® is have life remaining. the industry choice. Is this just dumb luck or is there a 3. Bond of a polishing pad reason? is as critical as the diamonds used. The Viper® Polishing 4 Things to Look Pad’s bond achieves a for in a Pad balance of flexibility and 1. Consistency is the strength. Our unique resin primary reason why the bond holds diamonds in Viper® Polishing Pad is place until their useful life so popular, but how is is exhausted, providing this maintained? It turns great pad life. The bond also High-quality diamonds (3x more than the competition) out that Viper® 7-Step has good flexibility keeping Granite Wet Polishing Pads the pad in constant contact Computer controlled production for consistency, pad after pad are manufactured under with the work surface, even Can be used at 1,500-5,000 RPM precise computer controlled when polishing inside or conditions from start to outside radiuses. With the use of a buff pad, reach 102 reading on a gloss meter finish. Nobody is just Item # Description MSRP OUR Price ® sprinkling diamond powder 4. Price of Viper 7-Step Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet 4˝ Polishing Pads Hook & Loop-Backed at their own discretion. Granite Wet Polishing 1730 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 50 Grit, Lime Green $22.95 $14.95 Computer controlled Pads is the final piece to 1732 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 100 Grit, Red $22.95 $14.95 processes produce absolute the puzzle. Combine our 1734 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 200 Grit, Yellow $22.95 $14.95 consistency, reliability and unbeatable price with 1736 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 400 Grit, Light Blue $22.95 $14.95 dependability. Viper® has consistency, quality and 1738 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 800 Grit, Green $22.95 $14.95 it, many others do not. superior bond, and its 1740 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 1,500 Grit, Orange $22.95 $14.95 no wonder fabricators 1742 Viper ® 7-Step Granite Wet, 4˝, 3,000 Grit, Pink $22.95 $14.95 ® 2. Quality is another say, “Viper Granite Wet 55070 Viper Granite Wet Polishing Pad, 4”, Buff Light and Dark Stone $59.95 $35.95 key to Viper® being the Polishing Pads can’t be preferred polishing pad. beat!” Also available in 3˝and 5 ˝

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When it comes time to part ways with a business asso- Stain Removers Don’t Leave Your Miter Cuts ciate, be polite. It never profits you to burn bridges that To Just Any Blade you may need, someday.

et a barbecue stain Gon your favorite shirt? You’d be surprised what can remove it, and it’s not Shout® or a Tide® Bleach pen.

Some strange stain re- movers you may have lying around the house Continued from page 10 and he will bring with him include: I am certainly not ask- the memory of you firing ing you to gouge anyone, him. Even if you are nice • Artificial Sweeteners: but your company’s time or diplomatic, he won’t re- (Equal, etc.) The pow- is worth money. They member it that way. So, you der will absorb the oil should be paying for every don’t really want to do that. from grease stains – use call back, every 45-minute Look at your accounts and it immediately to blot phone call, and every mis- see what you are willing to the stain, at home or at a take that impacts your em- live with. The answer may restaurant. ployees or your schedule. If surprise you. • Milk: Soaking a gar- you know in advance there ment (even colors) is going to be a problem Sharon Koehler is a 10- in milk overnight will (and you know it because year veteran of the stone in- remove ink stains. there always is), add it to dustry and currently head of Don’t forget to wash it your pricing. marketing for ArtisticStone afterwards. You could be up front and Design in Richmond, • Toothpaste: It’s not just tell ‘em you don’t want Virginia. She has been a just for your pearly to work with them anymore. regular contributor to var- whites – non-gel paste The problem with that is the ious trade magazines for can also remove ink Designed to cut sharp, construction industry is a several years. Please send stains. Who knew? fickle industry and the per- your thoughts on this ar- • Shaving Cream: Non- smooth, chip-free son you are talking to today ticle to sharon@artistic gel (cheap) is surpris- edges for miter cuts. will more than likely be at stonerichmond.com. ingly good at removing a new company next year, tomato sauce stains. So when you want to cut sharp, smooth, chip- free edges for miter cuts, use the Talon Miter © MARK ANDERSON. www.andertoons.com Cut Blades. That’s what they were designed for. Choose the Talon Miter Cut Quartz, Granite & Marble Bridge Saw Blades

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Talon Miter Cut Blades Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 23 MIA+BSI Releases New The video will also be made available through Installation Safety Video the MIA+BSI Online University. IA+BSI has released a new Mvideo, Natural Stone Installation: Best Practices for Safety and Success. This video is the Institute’s first collection of video modules focusing solely on installation safety, highlighting the fact that there is a striking difference between shop safety, where the environment is familiar, to being on location, where each setting is different and requires a clear plan of action. Eight modules are included in the video, addressing the following topics:

• Overview of installation safety • Identifying safety concerns early in the fabrication process Rocksolid Stone Works, MIA+BSI: the Natural • Requirements for Rugo Stone, and Twin City Stone Institute serves more personal protective Tile & Marble Company. than 1900 members in 55 equipment Funding and in-kind sup- countries who represent • Installation case studies port was also provided by every aspect of the natu- • Best practices for Carrara Marble Company ral stone industry, offering material loading and of America, EuroStone them a wide array of tech- unloading Machine USA, Inc., Omni nical and training resources, • Manpower and Cubed, Inc., Roura Material professional development, equipment Handling, and Stone regulatory advocacy, and • Large-scale commercial Interiors. networking events. Two installations Physical DVDs of prominent publications — • Tile-setting best Natural Stone Installation: the Dimension Stone Design practices Best Practices for Safety Manual and Building Stone and Success are available Magazine — raise aware- Modules are self-con- for purchase at the asso- ness in both the industry tained and arranged so that ciation bookstore, www. and the design communi- they can be watched indi- naturalstoneinstitute.org/ ties for the promotion and vidually or as part of an bookstore. The video will best use of natural stone. overall installation safety also be made available Learn more at the website program. MIA+BSI Vice free of charge as part of www.naturalstoneinstitute. President Jon Lancto com- the soon-to-be-launched org. mented: “This is a great Natural Stone University. training resource for anyone sending installers into the field. Training our installers to be safe and professional can only enhance the value of our products and help re- tain great employees.”

MIA+BSI would like to thank the following companies for use of their facilities: Cleveland Marble Mosaic Company, Corcoran Tile & Marble, Inc., Distinctive Marble & Granite, Miller Druck Specialty Contracting,

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Groves products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 24 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette “Everything is changing Drills a Clean Hole, Every Time... in America. People are Braxton-Bragg offers an exceptional line of quality, high-performance core bits. taking the comedians Viper ® Dry Core Bits are fast, long-lasting, and designed to handle the toughest coring applications quickly, efficiently, and economically. seriously and the

® politicians as a joke.” Viper Side Protection Dry Core Bits feature very aggressive, high-quality diamonds, designed for a wide range of applications. These diamond core bits are for use on granite, marble and quartz. — Will Rogers

• Diamond segments on side greatly reduce segment breaking • Fast drilling It’s Worse than • Long life We Suspected • Use wet or dry any website and app users • 2,000 to 4,000 RPM recommended for wet use Mare suspected of “agreeing” • 10,000 RPM recommended when using dry to privacy policies and “terms of service” without comprehend- • Our testing proved over 60 holes done dry and more than ing them (or even reading them), 100 holes done wet: average of 30 seconds per hole though most judges routinely as- Call Mike King toll-free 1-800-575-4401 to order sume the user to have consented the long-lasting Viper® Side Protection Core Bit to be bound by them. Viper Side Protection #1 Seller! In a controlled-test report re- Most Popular leased in July, researchers from Dry Core Bit Core Bit York University and University Item # Description MSRP OUR Price of Connecticut found that 74 per- cent skipped the privacy policy ® 7560 Viper SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 1˝ $67.95 $44.95 altogether, but, of the “readers,” 7561 Viper ® SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 1-1/8˝ $71.95 $47.95 the average time spent was 73 seconds (for wordage that should ® 7562 Viper SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 1-1/4˝ $74.95 $49.95 have taken 30 minutes), and time 7563 Viper ® SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 1-3/8˝ $77.95 $54.95 “reading” terms of service was 51 seconds when it should have ® 7564 Viper SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 1-1/2˝ $82.95 $59.95 taken 16 minutes. (If users had 7565 Viper ® SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 2˝ $97.95 $64.95 read closely, they might have noticed that they had agreed to ® 7566 Viper SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 2-1/2˝ $119.95 $79.95 share all their personal data with 7567 Viper ® SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 3˝ $134.95 $89.95 Why have two different the National Security Agency and that terms of service included giv- ® 7568 Viper SP Dry Core Bit, 5/8˝-11 Threaded Arbor, 3-1/2˝ $149.95 $99.95 core bits, when Viper Side ing up their first-born child.) Protection Core Bits perform great wet or dry! www.braxton-bragg.com • Fax 800-915-5501 Stockett Tile and Granite

employees accepted the Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 pm eastern for Same Day Shipping. awards. (From left to right) Ryan Sullivan, Mark Costilow, Ciara Raber and Larry Caine. Stockett Tile & Granite Wins Granite on the fireplace and vani- ties, with waterfall ends. CTSAA Fabricator of the Year “CTSAA is proud to have members like Stockett Tile and hoenix Artisan Group mem- Stockett Tile & Granite also Granite, who do outstanding Pber, Stockett Tile & Granite, won four design awards. These work, in our group,” says Ralph was named Fabricator of the include Residential Custom Williamson, CTSAA Executive Year by Ceramic Tile and Stone Home Combo, Exterior Cladding Director. “This year Stockett Tile Association of Arizona. This Commercial Combo and & Granite achieved the honor of award is based on numerous ex- Commercial Slab Fabrication, and being the Fabricator of the Year cellent fabrication and installa- were won based on meeting many for some first-class work com- tions in 2015, for categories such industry criteria. Multiple Onyx pleted in 2015, and they have as seams, vein match, quality of and Granite slabs were used in established a great reputation for lamination, backsplash, degree of the winning installations, includ- this level of installations.” difficulty and more. ing Pakistan Green Onyx on the Visit www.stockett.com for tub and shower, and Labradorite more information on their work.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper Side Protection Dry Core Bits Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 25

THEST BLEEDING! P We Have the Cure: Non-Bleeding Marble Adhesives ...Touchstone solves the problem of adhesives “bleeding” into marble, travertine and other light-colored stones.

Touchstone Glacier Touchstone Glacier Cartridge Knife Grade Adhesive Marble Adhesive GREAT for Light-Colored Stones Hardener mixes itself with adhesive while dispensing. No muss, No fuss!

This product is a UV stable, clear, non-yellowing, non-staining, two part adhesive, that is easily tintable and has an adjustable cure time. Touchstone Glacier Cartridge is a revolutionary clear, fast-curing, non- It is very user-friendly and bonds well to construction materials. staining, UV-stable adhesive designed for laminating and fabricating natural stone countertops. Compared to competitive products, it will Item # Description OUR Price SAVE you TIME and MONEY, due to its convenient and forgiving mix 16518 Touchstone™ Glacier Knife Grade 1/2 Pint $44.89 ratio of 1:1 by volume and a set time of 20-30 minutes at 70° F. Epoxy Kit, 1/2 Pint Part A, 7 each Part B

16524 Touchstone™ Glacier Non-Yellowing Knife Grade, $147.50 Item # Description OUR Price 1 Quart, 1 Quart Part A, (6) 5 Oz. Tubes Part B 55420 Touchstone Glacier Non-Yellowing White Knife $39.95 38892 Bonstone Last Patch Accelerator, 0.5 Oz Tube $7.95 Grade, 250ml Cartridge, Part A & Part B

www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501

Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for non-bleeding marble adhesives Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 26 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Why spend $100k for an Creating a Customer-Centric Company t’s no secret that coun- Jessica Sherwood Stephen Santana, inline machine when the tertops are a hefty Omni Cubed Customer Customer Service Iinvestment, particularly Service Manager Representative Edgemate 100 will give you a those made of natural and engineered stone. Even the most basic options still PERFECT PROFILE for $6k? cost a pretty penny. It is important to remember that your customers have a SEE THE lot of options for sourcing VIDEO the fabrication and instal- lation of their countertops, HTTP://WWW.BRAXTON-BRAGG. COM/EDGEMATE100 so it is imperative that you and your crew deliver A+ service, 100% of the time.

According to Forbes.com, customers place such a high value on quality of service that even in a price-con- scious market, excellent customer service trumps sticker shock. Many people are willing to pay a little “Great for new employees without more for the same product, fabrication experience. After if they know they will have a better buying experience. just two days, she was producing Here are four simple ways perfect, clean profiles on granite.” to show your customers that you care: – Brian Fansworth, Owner 1) Be responsive. Reply to all inquiries as promptly as possible— Economical even if it’s just to say, “I’ll With the Edgemate 100, there’s no need to buy get back to you shortly…” special profile wheels for a CNC, router or expensive Acknowledgment is key. ® inline tooling. Talon™ Cup Wheels and Viper 2) Educate and empower. Polishing Pads are all you need to produce a finish Educate the customer on that will exceed what you can expect from high-priced industry terms, provide a machines. few practical solutions for customer via their preferred you appreciate that, despite each situation, and then let channel of communica- having several other options Invisible Seams and Laminations them decide what the best tion—whether it’s email, for their granite and marble Use the Edgemate 100 to back-bevel your seams option is for their needs, office phone, mobile phone, needs, they chose to give to achieve a perfect seam. Instead of re-sawing a style, budget, etc. or text message. their business to you. laminated edge, simply polish it out; less stress on 3) Be accessible. 4) Show gratitude. By creating a custom- the stone and on you. Stay up-to-date with com- Send a thank you card, er-centric experience, you munication trends. Make text, or email—something will not only outshine your yourself available to your simple to let them know competition, you’ll leave a lasting impression that your Center and below: Omni Cubed products are engi- clients will want to share Easy to Use! with others. neered, machined, and assembled in the U.S.A., and And you won’t have to buy built, tested and inspected for quality before shipping. Please turn to Page 30 special high-priced tooling!

Item # Description Price* 5104 Edgemate 100 with 12´, 7´- 3˝ and 4´- 6˝ Track $5,995.00

F.O.B. Knoxville, TN *Call for Equipment Financing Options

Fax 800-915-5501 www.braxton-bragg.com Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Edgemate 100 Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 27 The Hair of Their “Skin”

here must be some- Sam Venable Rock fans worldwide owe thing about hair Department of Irony you a debt of gratitude, #1 Seller! T and the surname Coach Skinner. Most Popular “Skinner” that breeds Cup Wheel controversy.

Leonard Skinner, 77, the most famous gym teacher in the history of rock music, died six years ago this month—September 20, 2010, to be precise— in Jacksonville, Florida. His claim to fame oc- curred in the late 1960s, when he sent several stu- dents to the principal’s of- fice because their hair was too long. Among the shags was Cutaway (above) shows how Talon™ Cup Wheel segments dovetail into the wheel body to eliminate segment separation. The unique center segment one Gary Rossington, who groove helps remove grinding slurry while reducing heat build-up. played guitar in a teenage band. In just a few years, entire affair in a four-page Amazing, isn’t it? In an the band would rocket to spread. era when athletes routinely ™ stardom and, bazillions of Oh, and speaking of hair sport chartreuse manes, record sales later, remains and musicians, you surely are tattooed like road Talon Turbo one of the icons of south- know about Phil Everly’s maps, and have enough ern rock. We’re talking, well-documented encoun- piercings to qualify as a Diamond Cup Wheels of course, about Lynyrd ter with West High School metal recycling center, it’s Skynyrd, which mock- Coach Walter Ganz. This hard to fathom that folli- •Designed to operate at “Thanks, everything is great! Thank you ingly took its name from was shortly before he and cles would foment such the ol’ coach. brother Don left Knoxville furor. 10,000 RPM for your awesome quick response. Braxton- Here in Knoxville, an- and headed to interna- 14,000 RPM Max Bragg is the best company we deal with. other “Skinner” and his tional fame in Nashville. Sam Venable is an au- Your entire crew has been great and we •Can be used wet or dry hair were making head- The coach gave him two thor, stand-up comedian, will always do business with you!” •5/8-11˝ thread arbor lines about the same time. choices: get a haircut or and humor columnist That would be the late wear a hair net. The next for the Knoxville (TN) Sincerely, Bill Skinner, a track day, Phil showed up with News Sentinel. He may be Kim Johnson star at the University of a hair net—and wore it reached at sam.venable@ Tennessee, the greatest proudly. outlook.com. javelin thrower of his day. In his first three years at Talon™ Turbo Cup Wheels are designed to be aggressive, fast UT, Skinner hurled the © MARK ANDERSON. www.andertoons.com working tools. The turbo design with two layers of segments with spear to record lengths spacing in between keeps the core and diamonds cool and removes throughout the United States and Europe. But as the dust, or if used wet, the slurry can be readily expelled. a senior, about to graduate with honors, Skinner com- The back of the cup wheel is polished aluminum and this softer mitted a heinous sin. metal allows bounce to be absorbed, reducing chatter and making He grew a mustache. the weight of the cup wheel less than other wheels. I know that seems tame today. But in 1971, it was high crime. The Athletic Department ordered him #Item Description MSRP OUR Price to shave. Skinner refused. 8714 Talon™ Turbo Dry Diamond Cup Wheel, 4”, Extra Coarse $89.95 $59.95 Thus, he was banned from 8715 Talon™ Turbo Dry Diamond Cup Wheel, 4”, Coarse $89.95 $59.95 competition as a Vol. Every word of what I 8716 Talon™ Turbo Dry Diamond Cup Wheel, 4”, Medium $89.95 $59.95 just typed is true. Skinner, 8717 Talon™ Turbo Dry Diamond Cup Wheel, 4”, Fine $89.95 $59.95 who died of pancreatic “However cancer in October 2015, beautiful the strategy, Fax 800-915-5501 won the national javelin www.braxton-bragg.com championship under the you should occasionally colors of the New York Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before Athletic Club. Sports look at the results.” 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. Illustrated chronicled the –Winston Churchill

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Talon Turbo Diamond Cup Wheels Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 28 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Add $200 Pure Profit To Every Job!

Item # 20206 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink: Large Compare to Bowl Size: 29-1/2” x 16-1/8” Bowl Depth:10” Kohler K-3164

Comparable Models: • Kohler K-3164 • Blanco 440247 • Elkay ELU1418 • Franke CPX11013

Vallé ™ 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Undermount Sink Made of surgical grade 304 stainless steel

Quality Practical These designer Vallé™ 18 Gauge Stainless You’ll be able to please the most demanding Give your customers the function and Steel Undermount Sinks could easily retail in homeowner with these quality sinks. convenience of a professional sink. The bowls a showroom for $250-$500.00. However, our Manufactured from heavy gauge, premium in our sinks can accommodate large pots offering is priced so right that it can become a 304 stainless steel, our Braxton-Bragg sinks are and pans without spill over. The undersides true money-maker for fabricators! remarkably resistant to stains and corrosion. are fully coated, and come with extra rubber padding for superior sound deadening. They’re Gonna Buy It Anyway Design & Style Don’t let your customer buy the sink The stylish looks of our sinks compliment Durable from someone else and bring it to you for the latest trends in modern kitchen design. In our search for a suitable sink to offer our installation–give your customers a beautiful, The high luster satin finish and superb crafts- valued customers, our main goal was to find cost-effective alternative with our high-end manship will add long-lasting beauty to any a professionally manufactured, consistently Vallé sinks! kitchen. high-quality product. Our stainless steel sinks hold up to heavy use, look good in any new All stainless steel sinks come with a Limited Lifetime or remodeled kitchen and are easy to maintain Warranty for as long as you own the sink. and clean. What more could you ask for?

­­ #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 20206 Vallé™ 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl Sink, Large, 10-1/8” Deep $194.95 $139.95

www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501

Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Valle Stainless Steel Sinks Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 29

Up to 300% Longer Life... Designed to give you professional results using Hercules, Master, Magnum, and Sector, when fabricating stone • Position 1 comes with 2 bearings countertops. These fabricator-tested router bits use a special manufacturing process that bonds an extra-thick DESIGNED layer of diamond abrasives to help you achieve great results, and up to 300% longer life. • Use pos. 1 bearing when following it with pos. 2 wheel FOR ALL • Recommend running speed is 9,000 RPM Position 1 is a Metal Bond/Sintered Router Bit. This very aggressive and long lasting first step is used for quick ROUTERS! stock removal and rough edge shaping. Supplied with 2 bearings. The first bearing is over-sized to allow the • 6mm layer of diamonds for long tool life second tool to refine the profile edge. The second bearing is used when only using the first profile bit. CALL • Same geometry as Viper CNC profile wheels Position 2 is a Metal Bond/Sintered Router Bit. This second step removes lines, leaving a smooth, honed finish • 8 & 10mm bolts included with all bits 800-575-4401 on the edge making it ready for polishing.

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 1 Pos. 2 2cm Radius 2cm Ogee Router Bits Router Bits

#Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55000 Viper A-20 (2cm), Radius Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $275.95 $179.95 55006 Viper F-20 (2cm), Ogee Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $349.95 $227.95 55001 Viper A-20 (2cm), Radius Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $248.95 $161.95 55007 Viper F-20 (2cm), Ogee Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $334.95 $217.95

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 1 Pos. 2 3cm Radius 3cm Ogee Router Bits Router Bits

#Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55020 Viper A-30 (3cm), Radius Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $415.95 $270.95 55008 Viper F-30 (3cm), Ogee Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $423.95 $275.95 55021 Viper A-30 (3cm), Radius Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $386.95 $251.95 55009 Viper F-30 (3cm), Ogee Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $340.95 $221.95

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 1 Pos. 2 2cm Demi 2cm Full Bullnose Bullnose Router Bits Router Bits #Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55002 Viper B-20 (2cm), Demi Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $388.95 $252.95 55014 Viper V-20 (2cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $362.95 $235.95 55003 Viper B-20 (2cm), Demi Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $379.95 $246.95 55015 Viper V-20 (2cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $357.95 $232.95

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 1 Pos. 2 3cm Demi 3cm Full Bullnose Bullnose Router Bits Router Bits

#Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55004 Viper B-30 (3cm), Demi Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $519.95 $337.95 55016 Viper V-30 (3cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $555.95 $361.95 55005 Viper B-30 (3cm), Demi Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $508.95 $330.95 55017 Viper V-30 (3cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $526.95 $342.95

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 Pos. 1 Pos. 2 2cm Bevel 4cm Full Router Bits Bullnose Router Bits #Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55010 Viper E-20 (2cm), Bevel Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $328.95 $213.95 55018 Viper V-40 (4cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $611.95 $397.95 55011 Viper E-20 (2cm), Bevel Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $312.95 $203.95 55019 Viper V-40 (4cm), Full Bullnose Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $583.95 $379.95

Pos. 1 Pos. 2 3cm Bevel 5cm Straight Z Router Bits Profile Router Bit

#Item Description MSRP OUR Price #Item Description MSRP OUR Price 55012 Viper E-30 (3cm), Bevel Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 1 $472.95 $307.95 10459 Viper Z-50 (5cm), Straight Z Router Profile Wheel, $292.95 $190.95 55013 Viper E-30 (3cm), Bevel Router Profile Wheel, Pos. 2 $443.95 $288.95 Pos. 1, 36 Grit, 2” OD x 2” H, 9,000 RPM Max

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper Diamond Profile Wheels Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 30 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Creating a Customer-Centric #1 Seller! Culture Most Popular Sealer Continued from page 26

Word-of-mouth advertising is in- valuable, and with the increasing popularity of consumer review and referral websites such as Yelp! and Angie’s List, that word is traveling farther, wider, and faster than ever. Stone Shield Penetrating Sealers Remember, delivering high-quality service is just as important as deliv- ering high-quality products. We strive to incorporate this school Q: Who Would Actually Test Countertops Against Stains Like of thought into everything we do at Omni Cubed. From engineering and Ketchup, Mustard, Olive Oil, Wine, and Peanut Butter? machining, to assembly and logis- tics, to parts and service—we want the people who use our tools to know that we care about their safety and A: Your Customer. Are You Prepared? success. Quality, options, and sup- Your Reputation Rides on Ketchup! formulated with the latest solvent-based don’t have time to test and verify all port are all part and parcel with every Think about it. Word of mouth is the best fluoropolymer technology to protect the materials you use. That’s why we tool we produce. advertising. How are your countertops against all oil and water-based stains. offer the Braxton-Bragg unconditional holding up? Often the difference between guarantee on the Stone Shield™ We know you have a lot of options a countertop that looks great for several Stones Gotta Breathe Penetrating Sealer. for stone tooling, so we truly thank years and one that doesn’t is the sealer. Unlike surface sealers, Stone Shield™ you for choosing ours. We welcome is a deep penetrating sealer that leaves Honed, Leather, and Brushed Surfaces and encourage your questions, sug- Your Customer Doesn’t Know a natural look and feel, allowing the These surfaces need even more gestions, and feedback at any time It’s amazing, but most people do stone to breathe. Small molecules allow protection. That’s why we offer Stone regarding our tools and service. To not understand that stone is porous. for deep penetration and long-lasting Shield™ Penetrating Sealer in two contact us, or for more informa- Neither do they understand that harsh protection of the stone without leaving a versions. One is for traditional Polished tion about our products, please visit supermarket cleaners can harm sealers. surface film that quickly wears off. Surfaces and one for Porous Surfaces www.omnicubed.com. To purchase that need extra protection. Omni Cubed products, visit our au- Not All Sealers are Created Equal We Test So You Don’t Have To thorized distributor Braxton-Bragg at ™ ™ www.braxton-bragg.com . Stone Shield Penetrating Sealers are The manufacturer of Stone Shield Won’t change color of stone high performance, impregnator sealers Penetrating Sealers constantly tests for Odorless for all natural stone. Stone Shield™ is real life hazards. We know that you FDA compliant solvent Interior and exterior use

MADE IN THE USA For Porous Surfaces For Polished Surfaces Item # Description MSRP OUR Price Item # Description MSRP OUR Price 4453 Stone Shield™ Penetrating Sealer, Quart $51.95 $39.95 4450 Stone Shield™ Penetrating Sealer, Quart $30.07 $23.07 4452 Stone Shield™ Penetrating Sealer, Gallon $134.95 $118.72 4451 Stone Shield™ Penetrating Sealer, Gallon $74.95 $59.65 “When I am abroad, I always make it a rule to never criti- Coverage: 200-1,500 Sq. Feet/Gallon Coverage: 1,000-1,500 Sq. Feet/Gallon cize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501 home.” Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. — Winston Churchill

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Shield Penetrating Sealer Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 31 less expensive, has one Join the Revolution! drawback particularly for the North American mar- Customer-Driven Design Leads to ket place: North American consumers overwhelm- Unique Inline Polishing Machine ingly prefer a small radius as opposed to a small bevel ise manufactur- Mark Lauzon applied to their countertop ers, regardless edges, so fabricators are left Sasso USA W of which indus- to form the radius edge, or try they serve, understand roll, using hand tools. the critical role end-user line machines: toroidal and feedback plays in product flat. Welcome to the NEW development and improve- Revolution 1/2˝ SIZES ment. Sasso Meccanica, the Toroidal machines typi- In designing the industry leader in five-axis cally have fixed bevels at Revolution, Sasso engi- sawing and line machine the beginning of the spin- neers utilized a large frame technology, listened to fab- dle group for pre-shaping, from an existing toroidal ™ ricators when they designed followed by six to eight ad- machine and mounted a Scorpion CNC Sink & Seam Wheels the line machine destined to ditional spindles that move calibration spindle, two disrupt the industry — the in a toroidal arc. Originally, pre-shaping bevelers, a Revolution. toroidal machines were de- six head toroidal spindle At Last! Sink Wheels that signed to process bullnose group, a five head flat spin- The genesis of line ma- edges, but as motion con- dle group with a micro-os- Maintain a True Shape! chine technology began in trol components grew in so- cillation beam, bringing the late 1960s, and any fab- phistication, a wider array the total spindle count to a ricator who’s ever tied on of edge profiles became staggering fourteen spin- Braxton-Bragg is proud to offer our customers these exceptional center an apron knows that polish- possible. Newer toroidal dles! With this combination water feed sink wheels. They are made for us by a well known ISO9001 ing a stone countertop edge, machines are equipped the toroidal spindle group certified manufacturer and are of the highest quality. These Sink Wheels can be used on CNC machines or the Fab King Fabrication Center.

Fabricators Tip: Item #55146 - #55149: ½˝ Brazed Sink Wheels are ideal for use on Quartz, and have been designed for inside zero radius sinks.

Items #10431 - #10433: 1˝ Brazed Sink Wheels are good tools to use for inside sink cutouts, corners and for tiny radiuses.

Items #10434 - #10436: 2˝ Brazed Sink Wheels are typically used for smoothing out the seams before joining two stone slabs together.

• Tough, reliable and long lasting • 1/2 gas thread fits CNC or • Use on all types of stone radial arm machines • Vacuum brazed bond • Will maintain true shape • Center water feed The Revolution machine by Sasso incorporates new micro-stabilization technology and a combination of 14 linear and toroidal spindles to produce a beautiful eased edge. Item # Description MSRP OUR Price especially without the aid with encoders and PLCs can process the edge radius 55146 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1/2” x 2”, 50 Grit $115.95 $71.95 of water and modern abra- that allow for advanced without pausing to polish sives, is a dusty, labor-in- application functions such the face. Eliminating the 55147 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1/2” x 2”, 100 Grit $94.95 $64.95 tensive process. Early on, as profile memorization, need for the toroidal spin- 55148 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1/2” x 2”, 200 Grit $94.95 $64.95 manufacturers sought to stop polish and countertop dle group to polish the face 55149 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1/2” x 2”, 400 Grit $61.95 $53.95 create a machine that would rodding. allows the machine to ad- 10431 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1” x 2”, 50 Grit $134.95 $89.95 reduce the necessary labor, Another design dominat- vance parts at an incredible 10432 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1” x 2”, 100 Grit $134.95 $89.95 shorten processing times ing the market place is the twenty-four inches per min- 10433 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 1” x 2”, 200 Grit $134.95 $89.95 and produce a consistent flat machine, often referred ute. After the radius is ap- quality product. And with to as a backsplash machine. plied the flat spindle group 10434 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 2” x 2”, 50 Grit $149.95 $99.95 the advent of the line ma- Flat machines are usually polishes the face, resulting 10435 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 2” x 2”, 100 Grit $149.95 $99.95 chine, the once labor-inten- equipped with five to ten in an exceptional quality 10436 Scorpion™ Brazed Sink Wheel, 2” x 2”, 200 Grit $149.95 $99.95 sive process of polishing vertically or, in the case eased edge. stone countertop edges be- of the Sasso FLAT series, came little more than an ex- horizontally orientated This new class of ma- Fax 800-915-5501 ercise in material handling. spindle heads for the rapid chine exists as a direct re- www.braxton-bragg.com Today, more than five flat polishing of backsplash sult of analyzing market decades later, there are two and countertops. This class driven customer needs. Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before common configurations for of machine, while typically Please turn to page 34 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Scorpion CNC Sink & Seam Wheels Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 32 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette TheThe Slippery Slippery Rock Rock ClassClassififiedsieds Together with a chemist that he met wanted it… Yes, everyone! All this, Classified Ad Guidelines Slippery Rock website. though his stone design business, Tom just for their feedback on how we •All faxed ads must be typed–No hand- developed a unique 3-in-1 formu- could improve our product!” Log on Ads not meeting guidelines will not written ads–No exceptions. la that will clean, polish, and pro- to www.consumerstonecare.com. be published. •Please review all your ad info before tect your granite countertops. It is submitting– NO refunds will be given ______•$30.00 per print ad, per month. Ads for ads that are submitted with the non-toxic, biodegradable and safe to June be renewed by contacting the wrong contact info or content and then use around food preparation areas, Slippery Rock Gazette. Free online ads! published. children and pets. Supreme Surface •Maximum of 70 words or less per ad •Best way to submit an ad is by going Granite Cleaner & Conditioner leaves •Payment must be made at the time ad is online at www.slipperyrockgazette.net a streak-free shine, every time — even submitted. Credit or Debit Card only. A for a free ad, or use the online form for on black granite! But Tom wasn’t Credit Authorization Form is available a print ad, then fax payment to 865-688- satisfied. To learn what others thought by fax, or download a PDF from the 8254, (Attn: Karen Richards). Readers Please Note: of his new granite cleaner he gave it away—free. “We sent our free sam- 2016 Classified Ad Deadlines The information contained in our Classifieds section is provided by ples across the USA to everyone that Issue Ad Submission Deadline third parties and not an endorsement October 2016 Tuesday, September 6, 2016 of particular products, companies or employers. The SRG ® encourages all November 2016 Monday, October 3, 2016 interviewing employers to carefully ThassosThassos WhiteWhite MarbleMarble December 2016 Tuesday, November 1, 2016 conduct prescreening of all prospec- tive employees, and purchasers of used equipment are encouraged to use cau- Buy factory direct. We ship all over the U.S. tion and common sense. Buy from the #1 U.S. source for White Thassos since 1988! We Business Opportunities is why we have launched Supreme produce the whitest Thassos available in slabs, 2cm, 3cm and Surface Stone Care Program for stone protecting it from hard water spots, tiles 12 x 12, 18 x 18 and 24 x 24, with over 150,000 sq. feet in How Many More Sales Do You fabricators that purchase their supplies mineral buildup, and stains. Supreme our Houston warehouse. Want This Month? Let’s partner directly from us. It is easy to sign up surface cleaners are the brainchild of up and grow your business. We have and we do all of the work for you! stone industry veteran Tom Munro Call for more information been helping granite fabricators since All you have to do is let us know that who embarked on a quest to find 2009 go from commercial to build a you’re interested in becoming a par- the BEST granite cleaner. What he T. 713-521-1414 direct to consumer marketing channel. ticipant in this program and we will found, however, was no one product 1-877-815-1414 (toll-free) With over 20 million in countertop print for you custom postcards and that offered a no-rinse, streak-free sales at this time, we will help you brochures to hand out to your clients (even on black granite), eco-friend- F. 713-521-2206 Sell More Granite. Call 877-877- and prospective customers interested ly formula that would clean, polish, 1916 or visit www.FireUps.com for in your countertop services. and protect granite and other natural 2502 Dunlavy • Houston, Texas 77006 more details. The postcards and brochures will be stones against stains, and was made ______printed with your company name and in America. www.eurostonemarble.com address. The space | Your Business Since the perfect stone cleaning prod- Name & Address | will be replaced uct didn’t exist, Tom invented it. Help Wanted with your pertinent information to let your customers know how to contact DEMO & CLOSEOUT Granite Marble Quartz Lead you directly. You will also receive a Tools and Equipment Installer — Our company has been in unique discount code that is linked Join Us business for 36 years and is recognized to your Braxton-Bragg account, so as a quality oriented fabrication and that we can track your customers for Each Month! DEAL$ & STEAL$! installation company. We are seeking you to receive a rebate from us when Once They’re Gone — They’re Gone! a full-time lead installer. Candidate For your subscription requests, someone purchases Supreme Surface address changes, and • #4109 Viper 2cm Full Bull, Pos. 2, Profile Bits - NEW, $25 must have excellent communication Products. For more information about • (10) #1415899 Demo Raptor Portable Saws, $499 • (1) #510199 skills and be able to carry heavy this program, please contact one of our FREE CLASSIFIEDS, loads. Must be willing and able to salesmen at 800-575-4401. visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net Demo Sinkmate Tracker Saw, Uses 8 in. Turbo Blade, $995 continue with our current level of • (1) #1016099 Demo Keil Portable Anchor Drilling Machine, $495 quality in the custom home field. What makes Supreme Surface • (3) #889699 Demo Flex LW1509 Center Water Feed Grinder, 4.5 lb, This job position will install slabs Cleaners so special? ioSeal. The 5/8-11, 7.1 Amps, 8300 RPM, $99 • #224999 Slightly used Hercules in kitchens, shower walls, shower stone conditioner in Supreme Surface $695 ceilings, fireplaces, BBQs, etc. Some cleaners is a proprietary ingredient Self-Dumping Hopper, 4,000 lb. capacity, projects will be standard counter called ioSeal. This amazing technol- Call 800-575-4401 or visit the CLOSE OUTS page top installations while many are ogy ionically bonds with the surface at www.braxton-bragg.com complex projects on multiple floors. of your natural stone, sealing it and Must be able to understand technical shop drawings and follow specific installation instructions. Must have a Become a Stone & Tile Inspector valid California drivers license. Must Stone Forensics is now offering its be fluent in English. Spanish speaking Visit the Stone a plus. Contact: Chad Borden at popular Stone Inspection Seminar Forensics website/ as an affordable, self guided Power- 256-859-0291, or send an email to: IGLOO 120 training page and Point presentation. see what seminar [email protected] 640 X 450 Take Dr. Fred’s Stone and Tile graduates say about the class! ______•132 TON SPLITTING FORCE Inspection course and learn how to take your skills to the next level as • 25.2” BLADE LENGTH and a certified stone inspector. Evaluate Stone Care 17.72” SPLITTING HEIGHT installations, understand crack prop- agation, troubleshoot failures, learn •15 KW PUMP UPGRADE problem solving for stain removal, Braxton-Bragg’s Supreme Surface PRODUCING BLADE SPEEDS of; efflorescence, lippage, and more. Stone Care Program. Braxton-Bragg • 6.39” PER SECOND DESCENT firmly believes in offering not only • Learn physical and chemical and 7.17” PER SECOND RETRACT testing, troubleshoot problems the best products for stone fabricators • Earn Up to $300 per hour and installers, but also in providing •TESTED and PRESSURES SET (518) 499-0602 PRIOR TO SHIPMENT • Includes class manual & three our customers with a way to retain [email protected] technical calls to Dr. Fred and maintain great working relation- ships with their customer base. This ApexEquipmentInternational.com Call 321-514-6845 Visit www.stoneforensics.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 33 The Most Advanced Wet Polishing System Since... EVER!

NEW!NEW! As Seen at StonExpo 2016

A true state-of-the-art engineered and manufactured, labor-reducing pad is finally available for Granite, Marble and Quartz polishing.

Elipse 6-Step Wet Polishing Pads combine TrifectaMate™ Pad Technology with the genius of one of the stone industry’s finest minds, Barry Brandt, and the efficiency of elliptical patterned orbital polishing backer pad. This really does put a new spin on how you polish stone.

This breakthrough combination allows you to harness the power of elliptical motion without losing the center water feed vital for stone polishing. The result is a nearly perfect polish with less physical pressure and less manipulation of the hand-held polisher.

In other words, you get a better polish with less effort from your polishing craftsman (50-80% less human energy MUST-SEE needed). The combination of cutting edge engineering, manu- VIDEO facturing and labor reduction is the reason we can confidently say you’ll save up to $2 per foot on your production costs. WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM

Item # Description MSRP OUR Price 4-1/4˝ Elipse® Wet Polishing Pads Hook & Loop-Backed

22509 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 1, Red $41.95 $24.95

22510 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 2, Yellow $41.95 $24.95 Call Andrew Geronimo toll free at 800-575-4401 22511 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 3, Blue $41.95 $24.95 to place your order. 22512 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 4, Green $41.95 $24.95

22513 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 5, Orange $41.95 $24.95

22514 Elipse® 6-Step Granite Wet Pad, Step 6, Pink $41.95 $24.95

22507 Elipse® Aluminum Oscillating Back-Up Pad $49.95 $29.95

www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501

Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop braxton-bragg.com for the New Elipse 6-step Polishing System Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 34 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette

Join the Revolution! The Sasso Revolution machine incorporates new technology and a combination of 14 linear and toroidal spindles to produce a beautiful eased edge that’s com- parable to one produced by hand, and is also considerably faster – processing up to 120 linear feet per hour.

The Viper 6-Step Inline Polishing System offers a versatile polishing wheel developed for use on fast machines. They perform at the speed and with the result the manufacturer intended, and can pro- duce flat or eased edges. Braxton-Bragg recommends their Viper tooling as compatible with all Sasso machines. Continued from page 31 and a lot of it, then maybe it’s Sasso’s Revolution truly offers time to join the revolution. the best of both worlds: For shops For more information on the needing to produce edges such as Revolution machine visit the full bullnose, crescent, demi-bull- website www.sassousa.com . “Only a man who knows nose and bevel, the Revolution is The Viper 6-Step Inline what it is like to be de- more than capable. And for shops Polishing System features propri- wanting to process up to 120 etary TrifectaMate Technology, feated can reach down linear feet per hour of polished and is designed and engineered to the bottom of his soul eased edge, the 14-spindle Sasso for high speed performance and and come up with the Revolution makes it easy. the ultimate in high end gloss At the time of this arti- production. Call Braxton-Bragg extra ounce of power it cle, Sasso has deployed three 800-575-4401 for more informa- takes to win when the new Revolutions in the North tion on the Viper 6-Step Inline match is even.” American market with several Polishing System, available in more on order. If you need a five and six inch systems, or visit – Muhammad Ali 1942 – 2016 beautifully polished eased edge, www.braxton-bragg.com . Makita 4” Stone Polisher “It’s all the power you need.”

The Makita PW5001C is the most used wet polisher in the stone industry with a built-in GFCI for safety.

Makita® 4˝ Wet Polisher Darrell Lynch is waiting for your toll Variable Speed free call at 800-575-4401.

•Five variable speeds 2,000–4,000 RPM (no load) •Built-in GFCI with reset and test buttons OUR Price: $329.95! •Built-in water connections Item # Description MSRP OUR Price •Powerful 7.9 Amp motor ® •5/8-11 spindle thread 9001 Makita 4˝ Wet Polisher, PW5001C $568.95 $329.95 •5.1 lbs. 9376 Brush Set for Makita® PW5001C $19.95 $12 .95 •4˝ Hook & Loop Back-up Pad included Distributed By •1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

Call 800-575-4401 • www.braxton-bragg.com

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Makita PW5001 Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 35 Wanted: Part-Time K-Bond Coloring Kit, 10 Colors, 2 oz. Pokemon Trainer

oo busy with your real life to T play the hit augmented real- ity game “Pokemon Go?” For a price, some enterprising gamers- for-hire will play for you. No, I’m not kidding. Item # 4357 $ New ads are popping up on 54.79

Craigslist nearly every day from MADE IN THE USA people who say they will log on to your “Pokemon Go” account Easy to Color and effectively run up your score Compatible with all major adhesive color mixes including K-Bond while you are stuck at work or sit- MADE IN THE USA Granite Color Pigments — what could be easier? ting in class. On a recent July afternoon, two 24-year-old Pokemon “train- Why is Stone Shield Knife Grade ers,” Lewis Gutierrez and Jordan Adhesive Spreaders Clark, walked through Brooklyn’s Our Best Selling Adhesive? Prospect Park with their eyes & Stirring Sticks glued to their phones, tapping Stone Shield ™ Transparent Can Save You Money! How can glue save you money? Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade is high and swiping away to catch virtual quality polyester adhesive, made in America and offered at a great price. Pokemon for clients paying about $20 per hour for the service. Consistent Performance Smooth consistency makes this a good choice for a wide variety of applications. Can Gutierrez, who described him- after can, you know what you’re getting; it’s never a surprise. Consistent work time, self as a welder and writer, said consistent strength, consistency that you can count on. he began by helping relatives with Universal Application the game after it was released in Since it’s compatible with granite, marble, travertine and quartz, Stone Shield’s Item # the U.S. in early July. Then he put strong bond and fast hardening time is ideal for seams, patching or repairing. This is 4800A the only can of adhesive you’ll ever need! a post on Craigslist advertising $8.95 his services professionally. He said he was immediately in- 4–6 minutes of working time undated with requests from poten- Polishable in 30-60 minutes tial customers and had to recruit Transparent formulation is easy to color-match Clark, a part-time wine purveyor, to help. “I couldn’t even do it by my- self,” Gutierrez said. “I had two phones. I was doing, like, 10- hour days and I got my friend Jordan to come along with me. Please turn to page 37

Item # $ Item # 9100 19.95 4802 MADE IN THE USA $3.74 Razor Blades

Item # Description MSRP OUR Price 46404 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, Quart $15.95 $12.95 46405 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, Gallon $48.95 $43.95 46406 Stone Shield™ Transparent Knife Grade, 5 Gallons $195.95 $169.95 $26

www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501

Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Shield Adhesives Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 36 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette No More Finally!

NOW Eliminate Bouncing Twist andWITH Shout!

RECHARGEABLEBATTERY & Chipping

SR2 Retro Fit Rechargeable Cup Caused by Metal or Carbide Cup Wheels

SEE THE VIDEO WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM Announcing the Stone Pro SR2 Vacuum Support Rail System Have you ever done the fabricator’s “twist and shout?” Imagine you’re carrying a sink section of countertop and suddenly you twist the slab a little too much, hear a crack The Viper ® 30 Grit Bites like a Cup Wheel, and shout in frustration. That’s what the twist and shout is Smooths like a Polishing Pad. all about. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way thanks to this Andrew Geronimo Viper® 30 Grit Wet Polishing brand new system. Recommends the Viper ® 30 Grit Pads have the chops to remove It is simply awesome! It adds rigidity to sink cutouts so you Granite Wet stock, shape edges and prepare can avoid the dreaded “twist and shout.” Polishing Pad cut stone to begin the polish- No one in the stone industry has anything like this that can ing process. This grit will re- vacuum to stone that has a textured surface. It also works move the deepest scratches. great on polished stone surfaces as well. Unlike metal or carbide cup wheels, chipping and bouncing is practically eliminated. You’ll be able to move on to MADE IN THE USA the polishing pro- cess in no time. Item # Description OUR Price 2743 Stone Pro SR2 Combo Pack Vacuum Support $597.95 Rails With Rechargeable Cups, Includes: (1) 3-1/2 Ft Rail, (1) 7 Ft Rail, (1) Charger (4) Suction Cups, including one rechargeable master cup Item # Description MSRP OUR Price 11051 Viper ® Granite Wet Polishing Pad, 4˝, 30 Grit, Purple $22.95 $14.95 Fax 800-915-5501 Fax 800-915-5501 www.braxton-bragg.com www.braxton-bragg.com Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Pro SR2 Support Rail System Visit www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper 30 Grit Polishing Pads | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 37 Wanted: Part-Time Finally, a Manufacturer Who Listens to a Repairman Pokemon Trainer Now the Strongest Guarantee in the Industry—12 Months! Continued from page 35 ONLY $1,995

I am Bill Roberts and I approve this message! Hercules® Single Speed with Hydroplaning System “And now it looks like we are going to have to hire another per- A Repairman’s Story son. So, it’s just been booming.” My name is Bill Roberts and I repair routers Little Things Matter 21 Improvements Later The two college friends liken for Braxton-Bragg. Over the years, I have Often it was the little things that mattered. Well, to make a long story short, the the service to dog walking and worked on hundreds of routers made An engineer in a lab does not know the manufacturer has implemented 21 call themselves Pokewalkers. by most manufacturers including Sector, real world of a stone shop, and how the improvements in the design of the Hercules® And they aren’t the only ones Stinger, MEM and others. shape of the power cord, the thickness of Router. These improvements make it getting in the game. One trainer a belt, or the type of bearings used can perform better and last longer. I believe you will agree with me that this is the most in London offers to boost your I Have Seen a Lot of Wear and Tear… affect performance. Routers get a lot of hard use. Some parts reliable router you have ever used. Pokemon account up to Level simply wear out, and some occasionally Single Phase Power 20, which is very high, for a price break. Over the years I saw patterns and It costs more to produce a powerful Now the BEST Guarantee of $185. Others offer Uber-like often wondered why manufacturers did router with single phase power than with in the Industry—12 Months! driving services with the promise not beef up more of the critical parts. 3-phase, but when asked about making Because of the changes, the router is of taking a player to some of the it 3-phase, I told them that many shops now backed by a 12-month guarantee— hottest Pokemon hunting grounds Nobody Listened only had single phase power…and they the longest in the industry. I would have to say that this is the most reliable router around the city. From time to time, I communicated ideas listened! but for the most part, did not see any that Braxton-Bragg has ever sold. Played on smartphones, changes. “Pokemon Go” has been a phe- nomenon since its release. The Finally, Somebody Did game involves going to real-world Then about three years ago, I was asked locations to chase virtual charac- to provide detailed information on my Item # Description MSRP OUR Price experience with Hercules® Routers. Since ters from the classic Nintendo ® ® 5368 Hercules Router Edge Profiling Machine, Single Speed $3,448.95 $1,995.00 Hercules is our best-selling router, I had game. with Hydroplaning System a lot of practice repairing them. Now Paying people to play a game I finally got the chance to take one F.O.B. Knoxville, TN for you might seem to defy com- completely apart and find the most worn mon sense, but Gutierrez and components. Fax 800-915-5501 Clark say clients come to them mainly for two reasons. www.braxton-bragg.com They want to compete in the game at a high level, but they Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. don’t have time to roam the city and play the game all day. Or, they are getting ready for a as “World of Warcraft” and the practice of transferring access killed by drowning in the Ohio “Pokedate.” “Destiny,” where paid profession- to an account to a third party. River, while hunting “Water-type “It’s a good first date for als help clients gain the necessary … Pokemon.” The Portsmouth flood Tinder,” said Clark, referring to experience and resources in the In related news, irresponsible wall is one of the “Pokestops” the location-based dating app. “A game to compete at a high level and unsupervised use of Pokemon that rewards players on Pokemon lot of people are meeting up that when they are actually playing for Go has resulted in a rash of acci- Go for visiting it. According to way.” Some want to impress their themselves. dents, injuries, and even deaths as witnesses, the children took a raft potential partners by being in the Publishers of such titles deem players fail to watch where they are out to a sandbar in the river. “Reality is merely game at a respectable level. the act cheating and warn they’ll going, or children and teens wan- There is a growing list of Leveling-up services aren’t cancel accounts of users who en- der into dangerous surroundings. churches, museums, cemeteries an illusion, albeit unique to Pokemon Go. list outside assistance to mine for Most recently, tragedy befell the and public institutions that have a very persistent The clandestine practice al- virtual currency or level up their small community of Portsmouth, requested they be “removed” one.” ready occurs with online multi- characters. The terms of service in Ohio, where a group of three as Pokestops, including the player role-playing games such “Pokemon Go” explicitly forbid young children were tragically Holocaust Museum in New York. – Albert Einstein

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Hercules Edge Profiling Machine Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 38 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette New Jersey Lady Officially Named BEST Polishers for Quartz — Guaranteed! This new Viper® 6-Step In-Line System is revolutionary in Oldest American its design and function. In our initial testing on an In-Line Machine, we had expected great results, but what we had 113-year-old New Jersey NEW! achieved was simply amazing! This new system is unique Awoman is the new holder in that it will work on both Vertical and Horizontal In-Line of the title of oldest American. Machines. There is no need to buy separate specific tooling for a particular machine. Now you can use this one system Adele Dunlap became on both platforms. the country’s oldest person in early July following the Achieve better shine with Viper death of Goldie Michelson, of Worcester, Massachusetts, The than with any other wheels! Record newspaper reported. Traditionally you don’t want to run the in-line machine at a fast speed. Doing so may damage the existing tooling in use She also is the 10th oldest by most fabricators. With this new Viper® In-Line Polishing person in the world, accord- System you can run it fast for the ultimate quality of shine. ing to the Los Angeles-based Item # Description MSRP OUR Price The results will surprise you, to say the least! Gerontology Research Group, Viper® 6-Step In-Line Polishing System 5˝ which tracks supercentenari- 58000 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 1 $115.95 $76.67 ans, people 110 or older. Works with any automated 58001 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 2 $115.95 $76.67 Dunlap lives at the Country 58002 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 3 $115.95 $69.95 straight edge shaping, wet- Arch Care Center in Pittstown, where she first arrived at age 58003 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 4 $115.95 $76.67 polishing, multi-head machine. 99 ½. Asked how it feels to be 58004 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 5 $115.95 $76.67 the oldest American, she told 58005 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 6 $123.95 $85.36 the newspaper: “I don’t feel Viper® 6-Step In-Line Polishing System 6˝ any different.” Asked what it 58006 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 1 $132.95 $85.36 means to be an American, she 58007 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 2 $132.95 $85.36 said: “Well, I’ve never been 58008 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 3 $132.95 $85.36 anything else.” 58009 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 4 $132.95 $85.36 Dunlap taught school before 58010 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 5 $132.95 $85.36 marrying and settling down to 58011 6-Step In-Line Polishing System, Step 6 $140.95 $85.36 raise the couple’s three chil- dren. Her husband worked for an insurance company and Give Lee Woodson a call The NEW Viper® 6-Step In-Line Polishing died in 1963. toll free at 800-575-4401 System works on both Vertical and Hori- She doesn’t give an explana- to place your order. zontal In-Line Machines. tion for her longevity, and her 86-year-old son, Earl, is also •Revolutionary design and function at a loss to credit any particu- lar thing for his mother’s long •Achieve exceptional shine life. •Use on both platforms “It’s hard to say,” Earl Dunlap said. “She never went •Can run at fast speeds out jogging or anything like that. She’s not really thin, but As Seen at she never weighed more than 140 pounds. She smoked, StonExpo 2016 and when my father had his first heart attack, they both www.braxton-bragg.com stopped. I think she ate any- Fax 800-915-5501 thing she wanted.” Despite the fact she was Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. born Dec. 12, 1902, in New- ark, she often gives a younger age when asked how old she New Jersey Firemen on her smartphone inside the Eglington, Cemetery. is. passive participant in daily ac- She called 911, and the East Greenwich Township “Last year, when we were tivities and socializes minimal- Rescue Pokemon Hunter Fire and Rescue arrived to get her down with a ladder. telling her it was her 113th ly, but looks forward to the Girl from Cemetery Tree Chief Rob Gould tells WCAU-TV that “she was a birthday, she said, ‘No, no, no, Scouts coming to sing Christmas bit embarrassed at that point.” Fire officials didn’t re- I’m only 102,’” recalled Susan carols. Authorities say a New Jersey woman trying to lease her name to spare her additional embarrassment. Dempster, the care center’s catch Pokemon in a cemetery ended up stuck in a In a Facebook post, the fire department warned activities director. Source: The Record (Woodland tree and had to call 911 to rescue her. “Pokemon Go” players to watch where they’re going Dempster said Dunlap is a Park, N.J.) Firefighters in Clarksboro say the woman climbed a so no one gets hurt. The same advice goes for cross- tree one Tuesday night while playing “Pokemon Go” ing the street.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 39 New & Improved? YES! The New Super Premium Talon Turbo Blades Are Here!

NEW & Polishing is the most time intensive IMPROVED part of your fabrication process, right?

So wouldn’t it be incredible if you could start that process with a smoother cut, before you ever break out the polishing pads?

Well, the new Talon Super Premium Turbo Blade cuts faster, with a much smoother edge compared to other Turbo blades.

Order Yours NOW! Smoother Let’s sum it up: Cut! •Unique 10mm Segment There are two reasons why we’re willing to •These new blades cut faster go on record and say this is the best turbo •Much less chipping blade on the market today: •Dry or wet use •Blades last much longer than other turbo blades out there 1. No other Turbo blade has a 10mm segment like Add a couple (or more) to your cart now. You’re going to this Super Premium Turbo Blade, and that means love the way they cut. We guarantee it.

more diamonds cutting for a faster, smoother cut. Item # Description OUR Price 10030 Talon Turbo Diamond Dry Granite Blade, 5”, 5/8” with Quad Holes, 12,000 RPM Max. $34.95 2. We’ve tested the rest and found them all wishing 10010 Talon Turbo Diamond Dry Granite Blade, 6”, 5/8” with Quad Holes, 10,185 RPM Max. $39.95 they were the Talon Super Premium Turbo Blade.

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Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Super Premium Talon Turbo blade Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 40 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette

Sherpa Stone Left: Ngima Sherpa with his Success Steeped in Serendipity family for his twin daughters’ “Welcome to the Earth” party in September, 2012. Continued from page 3 immigration spe- Sherpa is in the back row, The showroom is 1,000 square cialist” and helped seated with baby in hand, feet with three private offices bring Sherpa’s wife, with her twin sister in the along the front room, which mother and eldest bassinet behind him. In houses samples on display. “We daughter to America. front kneeling, Ngima’s aunt prefer not to ‘overcrowd’ our When the fam- Nuwang – his eldest daughter showroom, and we are sticklers ily was reunited Tsering Sherpa in center, for a calm and pleasant experi- in October 2011, and his mother Ang Chokpa. ence that assists the clients in Garcia was with Back row – Ugyen Norzang, absorbing the information we them. She celebrated Ngima’s wife Sushma Thapa provide,” Garcia said. when Sherpa and his Sherpa, cousin Jazmine Sherpa Stone LLC does not im- wife later welcomed Ing, twin daughters Aurora port their products, instead works twin baby girls to the and Oriana Sherpa, Ngima with suppliers such as The Stone family. Sherpa, Drona Ing and Collection in Denver, Colorado, In the Santa Fe Ngima’s aunt Pasang Sherpa. and Arizona Tile in Albuquerque, community, Sherpa New Mexico. Stone maintains re- Photos (2) by Sherpa Stone Sherpa Stone LLC has part- spect through excellent work of governor of New Mexico and Fountain coping nerships with several stone product and a culture of giving. mayor of Santa Fe. This summer, produced from manufacturers, including “Nothing has ever been handed Garcia was awarded “Woman laminated 2cm Mirasol Soapstone, Caesarstone, to me,” said Garcia. “Resilience Owned Business of the Year” ogee and 3cm NeoLith, IceStone, and Dekton by and drive, they don’t really come from the Santa Fe Chamber of demi bullnose Cosentino. Sherpa Stone LLC’s out of the blue, they develop out Commerce. marble. crew has attended certified train- of needing to do something when Sherpa and Garcia want to see ing courses in order to offer these you have nothing. For me, it in- Sherpa Stone LLC grow, but they options to their clients. cludes needing to do something also want to share in the joys of “Sherpa Stone LLC is uninhib- for others.” their employees, to be part of their ited with the number of natural Sherpa Stone LLC supports personal success stories. and engineered products currently Partners in Education, a nonprofit “We’ve seen our Sherpa family available on the market. We say if that “raises funds and resources grow, and we want to take really it’s in large slab form, it’s for us,” used to put long-term, effective good care of them,” Garcia said. said Garcia. and meaningful art projects in “They’re getting married, hav- schools,” said Garcia. They also ing kids and buying houses. We Growing the Sherpa support the local children’s mu- want to continue that legacy of Stone Family seum, Bike for the Light, the local really contributing to the com- Garcia and Sherpa have grown police and sheriff departments, munity and the economy. The more than a business, they’ve and school fundraisers. way to do that is with superior grown a family and a community. Sherpa and Garcia have received customer service, and extremely Garcia worked with Sherpa to many awards from the Small high standards.” help him achieve U.S. citizenship. Business Administration, the For more information, visit Garcia then became “an ad-hoc City of Santa Fe, and the offices sherpastone.com .

Above, and Right: Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo 3cm with mitered aprons – produced for Santa Fe 2016 Parade of Homes. Patricia Garcia: “We used nine slabs of Caesarstone Calacatta in this showcase home, including mitered slabs in the kitchen, and 2cm Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo to pro- duce shower surrounds with ceiling and mitered niches. Photos (2) by Deepak Maharjan

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 41 Stone Pro’s Seam Machine Like Seams Never Even Happened If you want flawless, tight, nearly invisible seams, then Stone Pro’s Seam Machine is your tool...

This tool is not some pieced-together toy full of plastic parts.

PLUS... the Seam Machine has been fully tested and proven in the As Seen at field so you know you can trust it for your next install. StonExpo 2016

Photos (2) by Sherpa Stone NEW!NEW!

a TOOL not a Toy!

MADE IN THE USA Take one look at the picture and you can see the Seam Machine is Item # Description MSRP OUR Price engineered and designed for the 55800 Stone Pro Seam Machine $1,135.00 $795.00 stone industry by stone industry Notice: Sold individually, not as a set. pros at Stone Pro.

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Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for the Stone Pro Seam Machine Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 42 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Hilgartner Natural Stone Company “Fast and easy to install, very strong Over 150 Years of Stonework in Style and effective...” Continued from page 11 The Hilgartner Severn Street headquarters is also a showcase for an award-winning project. Flooring of the Troy Pilkington, Shop conference room, handicapped bathroom and lobby Manager at TNK Design, uses fully repurposed materials – uninstalled at other buildings and re-installed as mud-set floors, with varying Maryville, TN thicknesses, types of material and varying finishes.

Restroom vanity pictures captured at a tavern in South Illinois The highest rated of the projects is a very The production side of the facility includes special floor installation. “It has some very 5,000 square feet of space for a wet shop Install an ADA Compliant odd angles and different material inter- and about 3,000 square feet for stone carv- mixed,” Doyle said. “It was a historically ing. The facility includes a 1,500-square- wall-hung vanity, quickly, installed floor –a mud set and a honed fin- foot showroom. ish– mixing sandstone, granite, limestone Creating a facility that was easily recon- inexpensively and beautifully! and marble. All salvage. All removed from figurable was important, Doyle said. “The different buildings.” reason for this is a fundamental belief on the The Stone Pro Countertop Support is ADA compliant The company moved into its new facility at part of management that the business battle 2220 Severn Street in Baltimore in late 2015. is not won by the biggest, or wealthiest – but and is one of the best ways to mount and secure The 16,000-square-foot former foundry rather the most nimble. Those organizations wall vanities. provides an open and flexible space for the who not only identify the changes in mar- company. ket needs, but can respond quickly to meet “The most critical aspect of the design is those needs.” It’s a natural stone countertop support that can significant slant towards fundamental flexi- It’s not just the new facility that makes be set at the appropriate height for easy counter bility,” Doyle said. the company agile. “This nimbleness needs The facility includes overhead crane cov- to have a mindset, as well as a facility,” he access for someone in a wheelchair. erage of 50 percent of the entire workspace. said. “We clearly now have the facility –and There is full floor drainage of 50 percent a large part of my job is to make certain that 4´ span – 2 brackets See the video of the workspace. There are four overhead the entire organization maintains the mind- www.braxton- 5´ span – 3 brackets door access points. Compressed air service is set to go along with it.” 8´ span and larger – 4 brackets and on up bragg.com available in 60 percent of the workspace. All with compliant spacing Nimble is probably not a word applied to heavy equipment is surface mounted. many companies more than a century-and-a- “These items combine to allow us to change half old. Hilgartner Natural Stone Company from a marble shop to a granite shop, from a was founded by Ludwig Hilgartner, who production shop to a historic restoration facil- immigrated to the United States to pursue a ity or from a fabrication facility to a carving career in stone cutting. facility literally over a long weekend,” Doyle NEW said. “We’ve got the flexibility to change the LOW nature of the work we perform.” Please turn to Page 44 MADE IN THE USA PRICE!

Item # Description MSRP OUR Price “Don’t rule out work- 3743 Stone Pro, ADA Compliant Countertop Support $224.95 $99.95 ing with your hands. It Fax 800-915-5501 does not preclude using www.braxton-bragg.com your head.” Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping. — Andy Rooney

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone Pro ADA Countertop Support Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 43

“Since using Akemi Platinum we haven’t used any other polyester. It’s clearer and ‘tints right.’ Akemi Platinum is better than anything else.”

Tim Nelson, Supervisor Classic Stone Works Linville, NC Why is AKEMI Platinum the CLEAR leader? Why is Akemi Platinum the clear leader? The Clear Choice Bond Strength Akemi Platinum provides a permanent bond With Akemi Platinum polyesters, there is Bond strength is essential in laminating or that cures faster and clearer than any other no trade-off. The clarity of Akemi Platinum making repairs. Akemi Platinum’s strength polyester adhesive. makes it easy to match the color of the stone. makes it perfect when layering or joining Akemi begins with the best raw materials The appearance of the stone comes through integrity is needed. Akemi Platinum’s strength and engineering, and has more than 75 years more exact and clear. Akemi Platinum “colors and quick cure time eliminates failures in of experience in formulating products for right,” making it easy to tint and match stone. laminating and in seaming countertops. stone applications. Akemi is also dedicated to providing the best in adhesives with its top of Curing Time Another way that Akemi insures a good result the line Platinum Premium Clear Polyester. Akemi Platinum cures in only 30 minutes.* in comparison to other adhesives is that Akemi That means you have less down time with Platinum allows more forgiveness when it Appearance and Clarity Akemi Platinum before you can safely mill, comes to measuring out the mixture. So when Appearance and clarity are a priority in profile, polish or drill. too much or too little hardener is added, the making a seam, lamination or repair invisible. High quality resins and ingredients insure results can still be strong and secure. ** Clear epoxies and “water-clear” polyesters take Akemi Platinum performs exceptionally in hours to cure to a polishable stage, and while many applications such as seams, laminations **Best results will be always be achieved when transparent polyesters may cure in less time, the and repairs. Best of all, it is ideal for working following manufacturer’s instructions. amber appearance they have must be overcome. with granite, marble or engineered stones. Each option requires a trade-off to be made; will you choose quick curing time, or are you *Curing varies with temperature. Cure time is faster willing to sacrifice appearance and clarity? at 70° or higher, and will be slower at 70° or less. Call now to order Akemi Marmorkitt 1000 Platinum Knife Grade Call toll-free 1-800-575-4401 YOU Item # Description MSRP OUR Price SAVE% 4623 Akemi Marmorkitt 1000 Platinum Knife Grade $40.95 $34.95 29 Polyester Adhesive, Quart Price includes the correct amount of paste hardener.

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Akemi Platinum Knife grade Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 44 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette Hilgartner Natural Stone Company Hercules® Variable Speed Over 150 Years of Stonework in Style Wet Air Polisher with Side Exhaust Save time AND money! Get maximum productivity with a high-quality tool that fits your budget!

Continued from page 42 The Hilgartner headquarters in Baltimore has a custom, Doyle came on the scene handicapped bathroom that also showcases their expert in 1986. He bought the and tasteful handling of repurposed stone materials. company after returning home to Baltimore. He #1 Seller! had previously worked for The longevity has brought years for the industry as a Most Popular Eastman Kodak. other advantages. “One of whole.” Although he had no pre- the fringe benefits of being Doyle gives credit to the vious stone industry expe- a 153-year-old company is skill of his employees for rience, Doyle found himself that when times get bad, our the success of the company. in the perfect place to learn. phone rings off the hook,” The trained workforce pro- he said. “There is a real vides great advantages. Five specialized bearings increase “I had a company that tool performance had at that point the only flight to safety in this line “We do the fabrication remaining apprenticeship of work. Contractors want and do the installation,” program in the country,” he to take a quote from some- he said. “All of the work said. “I had the shop fore- one they are sure will be in from beginning to end is man available to teach me business.” done with our own staff, YOU the operations within the This became evident which really is somewhat SAVE00 shop. We were the last sur- during the last period of unique within the stone viving union installer in the economic uncertainty. industry. It’s not pulling $ 116 state of Maryland. I learned “When the markets shrank together a pile of different about traditional installation dramatically in 2008, we subcontractors. methods. I was able to get a were getting a call on virtu- “When we do take a look • Spindle speed: up to 4,500 RPM • 88 Db • Side Exhaust crash course on the industry ally every job in Maryland,” at a larger commercial job • Air consumption: 16 cfm @ 90 psi • Weight: 3 lbs. • Length: 7” as a whole.” Doyle said. “There weren’t having the shop gives us the that many of them, but we flexibility to take advantage • Center water feed • 5/8–11 spindle thread • Built-in Doyle said he also had the benefit of learning from were getting a call on all of of importing a job cut to water dispenser • Reversible side handle • Textured, John F. Hardtke Jr. A mem- them. Over the 30 years I’ve size while still having the rubber coated body for secure grip • 90-day warranty ber of the Hilgartner staff, been here, our best years ability to alter and change Hardtke became president have been recessionary things immediately as they Comes with: Wrench, adapters, 12 foot water hose, of the Marble Institute of years and some of our worst are needed.” America in 1987. years have been expansion Please turn to Page 46 air lubricant; back-up pad sold separately

Hilgartner’s work on its new facilities received the #1 #Item Descripti­­on MSRP OUR Price ranking for all proj- 3803 Hercules® VS Wet Air Polisher, Side Exhaust $285.95 $169.95 ects of any trade evaluated for the Back-Up Pad Sold Separately 2016 BCE awards.

Fax 800-915-5501 www.braxton-bragg.com Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop at www.braxton-bragg.com for Hercules Air Polishers Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 45 NOW there are TWO Stone Pro Coring Vacuum Templates

No dust or mess to clean up. Just attach a shop vac and you’re set! Install for the Truck

IT EVEN WORKS ON NEW! VERTICAL SURFACES AND TEXTURED STONE! Install for the Shop 1 Simply attach a shop vac hose in place.

This template tool was Attaching a wet shop vac to the 2 developed to make coring holes back provides the necessary in the shop or at a customer’s suction for the template to lock Position the Coring Vacuum Template. home much easier. The Coring securely in place on the stone Vacuum Template is easy to surface and evacuate the water operate and works with most and slurry produced while wet commonly used core bits on coring. Connect the shop version stone or marble. to a standard 1/4” NPT air fitting.

Reduce the risk of core bit movement 3 and ruined tops – save money on Drill completely through using the template guide. installs and reduce clean up time!

SEE THE VIDEO As Seen at WWW.BRAXTON- BRAGG.COM StonExpo 2016 MADE IN THE USA

Item # Description MSRP OUR Price 4 55049 Stone Pro Coring Vacuum Template $352.95 $229.95 A perfect hole is drilled, leaving no mess to clean up. 55400 Stone Pro Coring Vacuum Template Shop Version $352.95 $229.95

www.braxton-bragg.com Fax 800-915-5501

Order online or call 1-800-575-4401 before 5:45 p.m. Eastern for Same Day Shipping.

Shop braxton-bragg.com for the Stone Pro Coring Vacuum Template Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 46 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette

Hilgartner Natural Stone Company Continued from page 44 to rubbing things until they come In the commercial arena, flexi- out straight,” Doyle said. “You Over 150 Years of Stonework in Style bility is important as well, Doyle can try to do that with a grind- said. “In the design of office ing tool. What is far better is to buildings and even churches, it’s pick up a 180 grit stone and rub it Top and center: Work at the last moment they’ll make against the edge.” in progress on the Ivy their final decision, and you re- The company does not rely Hotel, Baltimore’s only ally don’t have the time to get on word-of-mouth alone. “A five-star hotel. New something made elsewhere,” he whole lot of people know about construction and repair said. “With us having the ability Hilgartner, but there is an entire in the hotel courtyard to ensure the very last items are generation that if they can’t find included work to steps, correct, while at the same time it on Google, they’re not calling column masonry, patio offering the ability to bring it in it,” Doyle said. deck steps leading to from overseas, that gives us some The new facility allows the interior, and stone unique flexibility that our com- Hilgartner to better support its on- fireplaces throughout. petitors don’t have.” line efforts with bricks-and-mor- Tom Doyle commented, Hilgartner ensures its custom- tar. “We do have an interactive “Hilgartner has the ers are satisfied with its work. retail site where transactions can only accredited marble “Customer satisfaction – that is occur and things can be bought shop-finisher apprentice really a driving force here,” Doyle and sold,” Doyle said. “We sell program in the USA said. “The only dissatisfied cus- a full line of stone maintenance – the equivalent to a tomer is a surprised one.” products and our new facility has Cabinetmaker in wood. Educating the customer starts a nicely inventoried shipping of- We are trying to keep on the front end and ends in the fice. When those orders come in these skills alive.” field. “The field guys or install- off of the internet, we are able to ers are instructed that their job fill them painlessly. That is part is to make these people happy,” of bringing the old and the new he said. “By that time, they’ve together.” already had feedback from sales Balancing the strengths of clas- people, the feedback from draft- sic techniques and the newest ing, and their expectation is set. technology is the secret to satis- At the installation side, they can fied customers. turn a regular generally satisfied “The newer techniques do customer into a truly happy one things faster, therefore they do by giving just a little bit extra.” them cheaper,” Doyle said. “If Shop operations at Hilgartner you know both, you know when combine the best of the new and you’re sacrificing quality for old. For example, in addition to that speed. You have to know newer Park Industries equipment, that you’re making the trade-off. the shop still uses a Tysaman pol- You’ve got to be able to recog- isher and a saw from the 1950s. nize it; then you’re able to satisfy the customers. As long as you “I emphasize to our shop fore- keep the customer apprised of man to always keep yourself ex- his choices and his expectations posed to the new things that come are being delivered to him, that’s up in the marketplace,” Doyle going to be a satisfied customer.” said. The new, however, doesn’t Serenity contemplation trump proven techniques. wall at the Gilchrist Hospice “Frankly, when we get one dip in Center, in Towson, Maryland, quality, the shop foreman makes uses several varieties of them pick up the white stones Jerusalem stone, prized for and hone stones … and go back its warm, honey-brown color. The Serenity Wall incorporates a stone fountain and extends through a glass wall, continu- ing the pattern. Hilgartner imported this stone especially for this project, and processed, chiseled and fabricated it in their own factory.

Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Stone & Tile industry products Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | Slippery Rock Gazette September 2016 47 ATTN: GRANITE CITY TOOL CUSTOMERS “You Have The Right to Choose Your CNC Tooling!” (and get 25% OFF)

“Viper CNC Tooling is like getting the benefits of a luxury jet

Better! Faster! Cheaper! for the investment of a toy plane.”

So, you might as well choose the real deal, industry leader in quality, service and value: Braxton-Bragg’s Viper Tooling, yeah?

Imagine a world where you could get As you probably know by now, But why do we believe it? better quality CNC tooling with better GranQuartz bought Granite City Tool. Because we’ve tested Viper against the value and better service. And because you were a customer of rest — and won. Now, imagine it costs 40% less! Granite City Tool, you’re likely to see a So if you’re going to have to change Well, not only can you imagine it, few changes that may not be in your best brands anyway, why not change to a it’s reality because buying Viper CNC interest. proven winner? Tooling from Braxton-Bragg is like One such change — a change that could PLUS… you’ll get an additional getting the benefits of a luxury jet for the dramatically impact your bottom line 25% OFF as a “conversion investment of a toy plane. and your productivity — is that you’ll be allowance”. asked to switch over to ADI for your CNC Okay… Viper may not be that much less For details and to talk with Daryl Sims, tooling. expensive, but it is 40% less than ADI… our CNC Tooling Pro, call toll free at 877- and the comparison in quality isn’t even Of course, we believe our Viper CNC 493-0394. close - Viper CNC Tooling wins. Tooling is the best.

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Shop www.braxton-bragg.com for Viper CNC Profile Wheels Visit www.slipperyrockgazette.net for more Stone & Tile industry news | 48 September 2016 Slippery Rock Gazette K 4100 S lippery noxville A

ppalachian

R , , rice TN ock $5,000 $49,900 37918

G azette W ay

Great LOW P Miters!

If you are not 100% delighted with with delighted 100% not are you If Cuts 45° 45° Cuts - un be the Judge” “You Braxton-Bragg conditional 30-day money-back Guaran - tee: this saw, we will buy it back.

Knoxville, TN. Call for a freight and installation quote. Husky Bridge Saw Description Husky Bridge Saw 8” Programing Touch Screen (Optional) F F.O.B.

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Fax 800-915-5501 Key Features for Same day Shipping. Same day for Eastern 6´ x 10´ tilt table with 0, 45, 90, and 135 45, 90, 0, table with 10´ tilt 6´ x Machined rail and bridge with overall dimensions of 15´ wide, 13´ deep, 9´ tall Wireless remote control with 2 speed 3 axis control, saw motor stop & start and forward cut Digital read out Direct drive AC heavy duty motors for all 3 Axis Alignment laser for aligning cutting material with blade Amp gauge for determining proper cutting speed Rotating degree stops and innovative variable table locking system 20 HP, 220 Volt, 3 Phase direct drive motor can handle up to an 18˝ blade Easy blade tilt system allows for 45-degree miter cuts Water solenoid automatically turns the water on and off with the spindle motor Vertical movement of 16˝ with adjustable limit switches

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Following his Design Philosophy of Simple, Du - rable, and High Quality, RYE Corp introduced de - been has saw This Saw. Bridge Husky the signed for sawing countertops as well architec - tural stone. An easy blade tilt system allows for 45-degree miter cuts as well. and parts quality durable of USA in the Made for parts common uses saw the components, fast repairs in the event of a breakdown that are readily available at Grainger or Motion Indus - Italy from parts expensive for wait Never tries. The Husky is ruggedly built and weights again. in at 10,000 lbs. The Husky Bridge Saw’s controls are easy to use and you can operate the saw using control panel and the wireless remote at same time. Options include an 8˝ touch pad for program - ming dimensional cuts. There are TWO Huskies Huskies TWO are There

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