Product Review – March 2012
MATERIALS
SLATE/GLASS COMBO
Florida Tile, Lexington, Ky., expands its PietraArt Bliss line for tiles with a glass/slate combination in six color blends, ranging from ranging from deep blacks and earthy browns to stark whites. The new selection augments the current line of travertine, granite and marble, offered in eight colors and two 12” X 12” formats of 5/8 mosaic and a random-sizes pattern. (Coverings booth #3223)
Contact: Florida Tile, 800-352-8453
CERAMIC SLAB
Lapitec S.p.A., Vedelago, Italy, offer Lapitec® ceramic slabs in a 3,400mm (133.8”) X 1,500mm (59”) and thicknesses of 1.2cm, 2cm and 3cm. Created with technology developed by Breton S.p.A., the product line includes four collections and 48 colors, and is resistant to acid, bases, solvents, fire, freeze-thaw cracking and UV rays. The company also offers the BIOTECH option of incorporating titanium dioxide during production to break down organic particles on the surface after installation. (Coverings booth #2064)
Contact: Lapitec, +39-335-8076585 (Michele Ballarin)
MACHINERY
ANCHOR MACHINE
Omni Cubed Inc., Placerville, Calif., The offers the Pro-Anchor™ T-31 Anchor Machine to easily and precisely cut curved T-slots for attaching anchor bolts used in undermount sinks or architectural facing systems. The machine, accepting any T-31 anchor bit with 1/4” shank, features a split-clamp design for optimum grinder stability, and cuts in both push and pull directions. It’s available in four models, with either pneumatic and electric grinders and with/without a vacuum-powered base (four models available). Two separate vacuum zones on the base can be turned on or off, enabling the machine to be used near cutouts or edges when the entire base isn’t in contact with the surface. The machine also features industrial quick-couplers for both air and water, and the efficiently designed venturi vacuum generator creates high vacuum pressure with very low air consumption. The unit includes a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty. (Grinders are covered under warranties from respective manufacturers).
Contact: Omni Cubed Inc., 877-311-1976
DUST COLLECTION
Braxton-Bragg, Knoxville, Tenn., offers the redesigned Dust Muzzle™ Ultra from Shave Away, Europe in San Diego, with the ability to capture up to 99 percent of the unhealthy dust created during grinding. The DMU8 fits all 4”-5” or 7”-9” electric and pneumatic angle grinders, with a side-mounted exhaust port using the grinding wheel’s centrifugal force to send the dust into the vacuum hose. The design allows more dust to be removed from the workplace with less power. It can be used with a 2 HP industrial shop vacuum. (Coverings booth #3496)
Contact: Braxton-Bragg, 800-575-4401
PREMIUM VACUUM CUP
Wood’s Powr-Grip®, Laurel, Mont., introduces the Premium N-Series hand cups, combining the features of the original N-Series with a cast metal handle, a red-line vacuum indicator and a protective carrying case. The unit is designed to attach to all kinds of flat stone, whether polished or slightly textured; a low-marking rubber compound will not mark or stain most stone surfaces The cups come with a one-year limited warranty and are eligible for the company’s exclusive Exchange Program. (Coverings booth #3799)
Contact: Woods Powr-Grip®, 800-548-7341.
5” POLISHING PAD
Alpha® Professional Tools, Oakland, N.J., expands its line of Ceramica Dry polishing pads to include a 5”-diameter version. The pads utilize a new process to make the diamond layer thicker, thus creating better quality results and long life, and can be used for all natural stones and cement-based composites such as concrete and terrazzo. The units are are hook-and-loop-backed and utilize Alpha® Backer Pads, with grits of 60, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000. (Coverings booth #4296)
Contact: Alpha® Professional Tools, 800-648-7229
