Patterns for Success, Part I
By Kevin M. Padden
When it comes to the life of any project, there’s a set pattern for success that, if followed, is a recipe for a job that runs smoothly from start to finish.
Category: Straight from the Shop
The Hole Truth
By Kevin M. Padden
I’ll bet you never thought about reading an article in Stone Business about accessorizing.
Hand-Held Tools
By Kevin M. Padden
There are so many brands and types of air and electric hand tools available to use in the fabrication process of natural stone that it’s downright mind-boggling. Just take a look at the numerous company reps visiting your shop every week selling their products, or – even more-impressive – all the companies at the various stone trade shows every year.
Power Hand Tools: Air vs. Electric
By Kevin M. Padden
There comes a time when you, as a fabricator, have to make a decision when it comes to powered hand tools: air or electric.
Know What’s Coming Before It Gets There
By Kevin M. Padden
As I tell my customers on a daily basis, (and feel free to use it yourself, with lots of authority and confidence): “We fabricators in the natural-stone business prefer to do something only one time. When you have to eat your mistakes, granite can really do a number on your colon.”
Take Hazard Out of Hazardous Storage
By Kevin M. Padden
At some time – maybe even now – you’ll have a need to store hazardous chemicals at your shop. We’re not talking about plutonium, either; these are common materials in the business that seem harmless, such as construction adhesive or solvents like alcohol and acetone.
Think Rodding Before Rolling
By Kevin M. Padden
You’ve been working extra long hours for a number of days on that really big job that must be done by Friday. You’re rushing, not only because of a deadline, but there’s that other little need you have – getting paid.
Keep Things Moving, Part II
By Kevin M. Padden
Do you remember back when you decided to actually make the plunge and become a stone fabricator? I’ll bet that you wondered about how easy or hard it would be to move heavy pieces of stone around in your new shop with just one or two people.
Keep Things Moving, Part I
By Kevin M. Padden One of the real backbreaking jobs in a fabrication shop is where a lot of people start, as “laborer” or “helper.” He (or she) does the brunt of the bull...
OSHA and EPA? A Quick Quiz
Think you’re ready to face the inspections for OSHA and EPA? Ask yourselves these questions (and remember that every “no” that you answer will cost you): • How do you store your chemicals? (Yes,...