discussion etiquette - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

mike backman · 04-10-2008, 08:24 PM

Nathan: I have a question regarding posting a link to a prototype that I have a patent on. I just want some feed back from some peers, is this cool?

Timster · 04-11-2008, 02:55 AM

I give you my permission.

Greg Di · 04-11-2008, 07:22 PM

Mike,

I guess you're done over at the other site, huh?

mike backman · 04-11-2008, 07:36 PM

I think there done with me. I believe I approached the forum thing all wrong.

**BuiltByMAC** · 04-11-2008, 07:52 PM

Dude, I'm sorry but I can't see the application. (2) 36" clamps and a beam saw will take care of 24 2x4s, sitting on the lumber stack, with no setup time.

This is not me trashing you or your invention, this is a builder telling you try, try again 'cause this one ain't gonna fly.

I don't think Nathan will mind because you're not trying to sell it to us, merely get feedback, but I wouldn't expect a drastically different reaction here.

Mac

mike backman · 04-11-2008, 08:08 PM

Mac, with that method don't you need to measure each and every group of 24?

**BuiltByMAC** · 04-11-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike backman

Mac, with that method don't you need to measure each and every group of 24?

Oh definitely. But with a 12" speed square and a 3' level, I can pull measurement on one and mark line on all 24 before you can get the two pole pieces screwed together. And if I had to do that for 300 studs, I'd have to pull a measurement only 12 more times. I'll bet I'd still beat your tool in total time. Positioning a clamp on one end of the bunch so I can butt all the ends up against the clamp means I'm only making one cut per bunch. Half as many pieces to pick up, half the speed to cut to length. I can keep my saw in one spot (don't have to move it around the lumber pile), move the lumber only once (from stack to wall layout) - it just seems like a helluva lot more expedient way to cut than using your tool.

What application are you focusing on? For new construction, wall heights are built to standard stud lengths - 92 1/4", 96" or 108". I've never seen a jobsite where they needed to cut 300 studs to the same length. Remods and basement pony walls are not usually that perfect - each stud gets cut to fit.

But I'm getting ahead of the thread - I know what you're working on 'cause I, like some others, frequent multiple forums. Go ahead and start up a thread with your YouTube video and get some more feedback. I'll stay outta that thread and let the opinions fly. The crowd's more blunt here though, keep that in mind...

Mac

Jason W · 04-11-2008, 10:55 PM

Let me see it

*and by the way Mac, blunt is what I love about this place!

(and obviously many others feel the same)

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 08:46 AM

mac, That is a prototype. the threaded poles have been redesigned. i have a piece of hardware that makes the same flush connection with 1/4 turn. and this tool is basically the same as your method but you need to measure once. what if you need to cut 200 studs? plus the clamp out front has been re designed.

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 08:51 AM

also you don't necessarily need to square both ends that other end can be used as a stop. this is also an east coast west coast thing. most lumber yards don't do custom order studs out here and if they do there expensive.

**BuiltByMAC** · 04-12-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike backman

mac, That is a prototype. the threaded poles have been redesigned.
what if you need to cut 200 studs? plus the clamp out front has been re designed.

I can only comment on the tool I saw on the video - if you've completely changed it, that's great, but you can't use that as a valid argument to rebut my statements about your original tool.

You've built a tool that works for one application - cutting a crapload of studs. That would only be one small aspect of building a house. It's a large ungainly tool that takes several minutes to set up, takes up space in the truck, takes up space on the jobsite and is probably going to cost more than $100.

If I need to cut 200 studs, I'll make 9 measurements on bundles of 24 studs. 9, dude! That's it. Say we figure 7 minutes per bundle to measure, mark, cut and move - assuming the wall layout is within 20 yards of the stud stack. 3 trips w/ 8 studs - moved once...from stack to layout.

That's one hour spent cutting studs out of the entire time it takes to build a house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike backman

most lumber yards don't do custom order studs out here and if they do there expensive.

The lengths I mentioned aren't custom order, they come from the mill that way. Where are you located? You can update your profile to fill in your location by clicking on the "User CP" button in the blue bar above and clicking on "Edit Profile" in the left-hand box.

Mac

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 11:41 AM

maine

**joasis** · 04-12-2008, 11:48 AM

I, for one, would like to see it.....

I have never had the need to cut multiples of wall studs....we make the lumber yard do that.

SelfContract · 04-12-2008, 11:48 AM

WWW.USPTO.GOV, search for all prior patents/ideas have been owned/licensed/published/sold/used/copied, etc.

mickeyco · 04-12-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

I, for one, would like to see it.....

I have never had the need to cut multiples of wall studs....we make the lumber yard do that.

That was going to be my question, what would be the application, and after all the set up work, then cutting what if you need to shave a 1/16" or 1/8" off the ends?

If you're trying to generate interest you might set yourself up a website that shows and explains it's operation, applications and benefits. Then you can put that link in your signature here and other places. If you have something good people will be interested.

.

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 01:02 PM

I'm a carpenter this whole website thing is over my head. I am currently tiryng to get help with that

Jason W · 04-12-2008, 01:04 PM

I took a look at it. I'm not to sure of it, I can measure once on my chop saw set up and gang cut 6 studs at a time with out having to clamp it down. I don't understand cutting both ends either for framing materials. The stuff I get is usually pretty square on the ends. Why not just a stop on one end? Or option of.

Seems like a lot of wasted motion and material just to cut 10 studs at a time. To each his own I guess. I can cut more lumber than two framers can put up with my set up just the way it is now.

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 01:10 PM

you can use one end as a stop, as for the "clamp" i have a way faster piece of hardware for that.

mike backman · 04-12-2008, 01:12 PM

I believe that a chopsaw should be use for trim. and doing that many cuts kill them.

Jason W · 04-12-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike backman

you can use one end as a stop, as for the "clamp" i have a way faster piece of hardware for that.

Not to bust your balls or anything, but if you have made improvements to this you should do a new video and then post it. If set up time was cut in half you would do much better with it. Maybe a specialty mill or something along those lines would have an interest in it. I don't see it as a practical field tool the way it is now.