STEEL PRODUCTS

ANGLE GRINDERS
More Torque and Power
The 9-in. D28494N, operating at 6,000 RPM with 125 in./lb of torque, is one model in a new line-up of four 7 and 9-in. large angle grinders. Welders, structural steel fabricators and other tradespeople can choose from grinders with different ranges of torque and RPM for fast material removal. Each model is built around a 15-amp AC/DC motor with 4-hp maximum motor output and 3,084 maximum watts output. With AC/DC switches, the grinders can operate from welding machines and generators. DEWALT; 800/433-9258; www.DeWALT.com

HAND TORCH
Total Gas Management Design
New SL100 hand torch is featured in this 1 Torch RPT (Replacement Plasma Torch) brochure. It can be used as a replacement on virtually any plasma cutting power supply and has a unique tip that offers a total gas management design that eliminates the need for a gas distributor or swing ring in the torch. The tip is tuned to optimize cut performance at its rated cutting current. Thermal Dynamics, division of Thermadyne Holdings, 800/752-7621; www.thermal-dynamics.com

ABRASIVE CUT-OFF SAW
Non-Slip
This 14-in. abrasive cut-off saw weighs 51 lb and can be used to cut rebar as well as other metals such as pipe iron, angle iron and metal studs. Model CM1450 has a hold-down chain and carrying handle for ease of transportation to and from jobsites. It is designed to make 45� cuts at both right and left angles. In addition, it features a heavy-duty cast-iron base with non-slip rubber feet. Ridge Tool Co; 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.

COR-MAP CORROSSION STRUCTURAL ANALYZER
Large Visible Display
Cor-Map II allows the user to quickly identify areas of probable reinforcement steel corrosion in the field. According to the manufacturer, the system utilizes the widely applied half-cell potential method to locate areas of corrosion without expensive and time-consuming demolition. The unit can store over 5,000 individual readings and has a large daylight visible display that lets the engineer evaluate this data in the field. James Instruments Inc.; 800/462-6500; www.ndtjames.com

WELDER
Multi-Process Capabilities
Vantage 500, a welding machine with two engine choices, has multi-process capabilities, including stick, TIG, MIG, flux-cored and gouging. With chopper technology, the unit offers a better DC arc welding performance, the maker says. It delivers 500 amps of welding power at 100% duty cycle or 575 amps at 50% duty cycle–rated at 104� F/ 40� C. It also is capable of producing up to 12,000 watts of AC generator power. Lincoln Electric Co.; 888/355-3213; www.lincolnelectric.com

ENGINEERS ADDRESS CORROSION Boston University Invests In Steel Coatings Corrosion has become a chief concern for two firms designing 6,200 tons of structural steel for a $220-million building project at Boston University. Acting on research during refurbishing projects in Boston in which they noticed steel was corroding underneath fireproofing, Cannon Structural Group and LeMessurier Consultants Inc. convinced the university to spend up to $130,000 on coatings designed to protect perimeter steel while providing an adequate substrate for sprayed-on fireproofing. "We’ve peeled away material from steel built years ago and we’re seeing beautifully primed steel. But as cementitious fireproofing became more commonplace, it became more of a challenge to apply it to primed steel. It’s not a closed system, and we’re concerned about that," says Bill Lovallo, vice president of Cambridge, Mass.-based LeMessurier, structural engineer for Boston University’s 6,100-seat sports arena hired by Cannon Structural, Grand Island, N.Y. Located on a 10-acre site, the arena will sit opposite a 268,000-sq-ft fitness and recreation center with structural design by Cannon Structural, a division of Cannon Design, architect for the entire project. Work on both buildings began in May 2002 and the owner expects the arena to open in January 2005 and the recreation center in March 2005. Barton Malow Co., Southfield, Mich., and Walsh Bros. Inc., Cambridge, are the construction-manager joint venture operating as Barton Malow/Walsh Bros. Sports Partnership. Frank Morse, associate vice president of Walsh Bros. and project manager, says construction now is 30% complete. Coatings manufacturer Tnemec Co. Inc., Kansas City, Mo., supplied the primer for about 350 tons of perimeter steel and 1,300 tons of interior steel in both buildings. Called PerimePrime and developed two years ago, it uses a urethane film surrounding a layer of iron oxide, zinc and mica. With surface preparation and application at the fabricator, it costs about $100 per ton. According to George Shannon, Tnemec executive vice president, the paint "does not interfere with the adhesion of the fireproofing on the building." For cost savings, not all steel members were primed in Boston. "We did not do the columns. The column sections are typically much heavier," says Lovallo. "We chose only to prime the spandrel beams and supplemental steel supporting the facade."