ESI Single-Mount Monitor Arm

The ESI Single-Mount Monitor arm is one of the best products I've ever purchased for myself. I bought one back a few months ago and most of my neck pain disappeared, along with a less cluttered desk space. Visually for me, less cluttered means a better workspace that helps my working environment, which in turn makes me more productive. The ESI Single-Mount Monitor arm is well-built, sturdy, and heavy. The brackets, hardware, post, and arm all surprised me when I removed it from the shipping carton. With the weight of this product, I immediately knew it would hold my 22" widescreen LCD monitor and at any angle, height, or distance from my eyes that I wanted. I knew it was going to help me before I even assembled it and mounted my monitor to it.

Buy Keson, Buy American

Many Americans these days are looking reliable, economical products. Keson makes high-quality measuring and marking products such as measuring wheels, measuring tapes (both large and pocket tapes), tally meters, marking flags, and marking chalk. Keson products are designed for professional-grade everyday use and occasional abuse (accidental of course) for professionals. Keson is an American manufacturer and has been known for quality products for over 40 years. Keson quotes one of their customer’s that says it this way, “Keson is big enough to provide a wide variety of high-quality products, yet small enough to care.” When you purchase Keson tools you’ll see the care and thought they put into each of their products. If you’re looking for a high-quality measuring tool from an American manufacturer, choose Keson.

Schonstedt MAC-51Bx “The All Purpose Locator”

I have customers ask me how to locate utilities underground. The first thing I ask is, “what exactly do you want to locate?” This is the most important question when you are purchasing an underground locator. There are two tools for locating items underground a Magnetic Locator and a “Pipe and Cable Locator.” Each locating system will locate different objects underground. The Magnetic Locator will detect ferrous objects, like those made from lead and steel. In other words it will detect anything that a magnet will stick to. Pipe and cable locators detect signals. They can be used to detect power lines, cable lines, telephone lines and plastic pipes (with the use of a sonde.) Schonstedt has a special tool for customers who need both a Magnetic Locator and a Pipe and Cable Locator. The MAC-51Bx is the most cost-effective, all-purpose locating system on the market. It consists of a Transmitter, Pipe and Cable Locator and a Magnetic Locator all in one unit.

Pipe and Cable Locators will ONLY locate objects that have some type of "charge" or "signal" placed on them. Many utilities already have a signal of their own that can sometimes be detected, such as live for power lines. The Mac comes with a transmitter built directly into the hard case. This is used to induce a charge on utilities. It is capable of locating on two different frequencies: 571Hz and 82.5 kHz. Different frequencies work better on different objects and soil types.

To use it as a Magnetic Locator just set the Mode switch to MAG, the Gain control to mid-range, and you're ready to locate underground ferrous pipes, water meters, water valves, and property markers - or anything that has a magnetic field including the 50/60Hz electro-magnetic field generated by energized power lines.

The MAC-51Bx is the most cost-effective, all-purpose locating system on the market. It comes with a Three Year Manufacturer’s Warranty. It comes standard with a Hard Case designed with a built in Transmitter, Receiver (the wand), Instructional Video, Users Manual, Conductive Cable and Clips Assembly (8 Ft long cable with two clips: 1 large, 1 small) and Batteries.

Use a Pipe and Cable Locator to locate the following items underground
electrical power cable made of aluminum or copper, cable TV lines, fiber optic lines with a metallic conductor along side, irrigation lines, plastic pipe or conduit (plastic pipe can be located by inserting a sonde or mini-transmitter and locating the sonde), plastic pipe tracer wire, power lines, streetlight power, and water lines.

Use a Magnetic Locator to locate the following items underground
Anything Ferrous including cast iron pipes, property corner markers, steel enclosures or hardware, hazmat drums, mag & pk nails, manhole and handhole covers, marker magnets, septic tanks, unexploded ordnances, curb & valve boxes, weapons, and well casings. Basically speaking anything a magnet will stick to, a Magnetic Locator will detect.

Don’t throw it away, Fix it instead

EngineerSupply knows its customers are looking for more ways to save money. But accidents still happen. I’ve had multiple customers call me looking for Replacement Parts to fix broken equipment. One customer lost the hard case for his laser when it fell out of the bed of his truck while traveling to a job site. Another customers tripod fell over and damaged the leg clamp and the surveying instrument was unharmed. EngineerSupply has replacement parts for many of the products we represent. You can save money and decrease down-time by purchasing replacement parts and fixing equipment yourself. (I would not recommend repairing tools like lasers and optical instruments - please leave this to the trained technicians.) Most tools like tripods and rods can be fixed by replacing a part. Accessories like cases and glasses can be easily replaced. We carry replacement parts for Safco and Mayline hanging clamp file systems like wing knobs, springs and T-bolts. Browse our website to see our selection of replacement parts. If we do not have the part you need on our website, chances are we can still get them for you direct from the manufacturer so please ask if you don't see it.

Keson Calibrated Measuring Tapes

I have had many customers ask about the calibration for measuring tapes. Calibration refers to the accuracy of the markings on the measuring tool. Keson's Perma-Clad steel tapes meet the standards of the United States Department of Weights and Measures. Keson offers a Report of Calibration for their Perma-Clad steel measuring tapes. This report is available from EngineerSupply free of charge to any customer that needs the calibration report. If you are interested in hearing more about Keson tapes and all of our measuring tapes please visit our website or contact us directly.

Safco Brand Aluminum Hanging Drawing Clamps

If you're looking for Blueprint Storage, or are wanting to organize your blueprints or drawings, try using Safco Planhold Brand Aluminum Hanging Drawing Clamps. They are sold in various sizes (lengths). The most popular size (length) is the 30" Clamps. The reason is because most engineering or construction drawings are prepared on 24"x36" or 30"x42" media. With a 30" clamp, you can clamp either size of drawing without any problems. The 24" side of a 24"x36" drawing will be held by the clamp and you will have some overhang but only 3" on each end of the clamp, which is not a bad thing. Safco Drawing Clamps, or Mayline Brand Drawing Clamps are interchangeable on most Blueprint Drawing Racks. Remember, the 30" drawing clamps are the most popular.

Best Bang for the Buck Rotary Laser Level

The best bang for the buck Rotary Laser Level in our opinion is the Pacific Laser Systems Rotary PLSHVR-505R Kit. It comes with everything you'd need to work indoors and outdoors, including a Laser Detector, Tripod, and Grade Rod. PLS manufacturers a really nice sturdy grade of product. The lasers case is not cheap feeling, and it feels good in your hand. The units just work when you turn them on, without fail from what we've seen. The 505R is a new model that PLS started making a few months ago and the demand for it has been high. They used to make a model 500 that also fit the bill for quality to price ratio, but now with their new 505 model (the "R" stands for Red since it has a red laser beam) they have improved features and reliability.

Most people don't complain, they just move on

I sometimes think some retailers, or any business for that matter, has the thought of if you don't hear them complain, then we must be doing something right....WRONG! The fact is, most people don't complain, they just move on. This has been a firm belief of mine since I started EngineerSupply back in 1999. Knowing this has always helped me grow EngineerSupply into what it is today. We don't give our customers reason to complain. The moment we receive a phone call from a customer, or an order, we start to working for them (actually we have usually been working for the customer before the moment we get the order, as we're always building quotes, answering questions about products, and educating customers on how our products work, many times long before the customer places their order). We have systems in place to track their order from start to finish, finish being the customer received the product delivered on time and at the correct location, and undamaged. Sounds simple, but it's not. It can be a challenge moving products like Blueprint Storage, Surveying Equipment and Supplies, Drafting Tools and Equipment from point A to point B, tracking it from hub to terminal, then watching each orders' tracking number to make sure it was signed for and delivered to the correct location and on time. Theres many other facets of customer service but this one stands out in my mind as what people are wanting. We always remember that if a customer doesn't complain then it doesn't necessarily mean that they're happy.

EngineerSupply Product Guide Video Library

Did you know EngineerSupply has a Video Library of various products? Check em' out, some are very helpful in learning more about the products we represent. More videos are coming soon!

Follow EngineerSupply on Twitter

EngineerSupply is now on Twitter! Of course you can subscribe to this blog via FeedBurner, but you can also follow this EngineerSupply blog via Twitter!

About being Effective and Efficient

Interesting article I found about being Effective and Efficient. This is certainly something to think about in todays business environment. If you're interested in learning more, google Effective and Efficient. I can imagine many AEC and related firms should be thinking Effectiveness and Efficiency and how that relates to how they do business.

Blueline Machines are Reliable and Economical

Blueprint Machines are reliable and offer crisp prints at an economical price. Blueline machines are used to make a print from an original document made from vellum (sometimes known a "trans-bond") or any material that allows light to pass through. Diazo copiers use Diazo-coated papers, vellums, and films, which are readily available and reasonably priced at EngineerSupply. The ammonia, used by most Diazo copier systems, is low in cost and environmentally safe. Diazit Blueprint Copiers have an inherently simple design with relatively few complicated parts. Because of this they require little maintenance. They are very reliable pieces of equipment that provide years of useful life with little down time. Most Diazo blue line machines remain in use for well over 20 years with a high degree of reliability and little down time. EngineerSuppply has all machines in stock now and can ship out within 48 hours. There has never been a better time to buy a Diazit Blueprint Copier.

Reflective Safety Vests

About a week ago, I took some sample products home to test and use to see how they worked (or not). One of the sample products I had brought home was a Reflective Surveying Safety Vest by Seco (Seco brand products are usually awesome and quality made). I was going to walk our dog early this morning and decided to slip the safety vest on and see how well the reflective material would work. I was surprised at what I found happen. It was very early this morning before the sun had come up and people leaving their homes headed for work were driving down our street. To my amazement, they would slow way down, much slower than I've ever seen traffic on our street. Usually they fly by without much regard to anyone walking and seem to forget about the pedestrian has the right-of-way idea. With the reflective safety vest on, they began slowing down far in advance, which made it a very nice walk. I felt much safer with their slower speeds, but also realized that a new safety vest, one that is to the latest safety requirements, really made the difference in my dog and I being safe while walking. The vest worked so well I am now considering walking our dog before the sun comes up just so I can benefit from traffic using their headlights. It was safer walking in the dark than it was in the day time, due to the reflective strips on the safety vest! I would recommend that Land Surveying Company owners invest in safety vests for their surveying crews that meet newer safety requirements. Investing in your employees safety is not only important, but it helps protect your business from losing an employee and hopefully against law suits.

Virginia Begins Licensure Program for Surveyor Photogrammetrists

Virginia Begins Licensure Program for Surveyor Photogrammetrists
Limited-time “grandfathering” period for current practitioners

EngineerSupply wants to ensure it customer’s are up to date on important legislation regarding their profession, because of that dedication we would like to share the following announcement from the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb)

Virginia law now requires individuals who practice land surveying using photogrammetry or other remote-sensing technology to hold a state license.

The legislature established the Surveyor Photogrammetrist licensure requirement during the 2005 General Assembly Session. The Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA Board) developed regulations effective December 1, 2008, to administer the licensure program.

The new state regulations provide for a 12-month license examination waiver for surveyor photogrammetrists. The waiver allows existing photogrammetrists – individuals who practice land surveying using photogrammetry or other remote-sending technology – to be “grandfathered” into the licensure program.

Applicants under the “grandfather” provision may qualify for licensure based on documented education and experience in the field. Licenses will be issued to qualified individuals who apply between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009. After the 12-month grandfathering period expires, applicants must meet additional requirements including examinations.

Applications for the Surveyor Photogrammetrist license are available online at www.dpor.virginia.gov or by contacting the APELSCIDLA Board office at (804) 367-8512.

Current practitioners may waive the examination requirement by submitting an application for a grandfather license no later than November 30, 2009. As of December 1, 2009, all surveyor photogrammetrist license applicants must qualify for and pass examination in order to obtain a license.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
APELSCIDLA Board
(804) 367-8512
apelscidla@dpor.virginia.gov

The Dutch Hill GT2000 is a Great Surveyor's Tripod

The Dutch Hill GT2000 is a Great Surveyor's Tripod

Dutch Hill is known for making heavy-duty ultra reliable Surveying Tripods. The GT2000 is one of their most popular surveying tripods. The construction allows for greater accuracy when taking surveying measurements and allows for easy carrying. The Dutch Hill GT2000 is ultra-lightweight, weighing only 12 lbs. The Fiberglass composite legs will not shrink and swell with changes in moisture. It is made with thermoplastic, stainless and aluminum components for durability and corrosion resistance.

The quick-lock leg clamp adjustment allows for quick and easy setups. Simply extend the legs to the desired height and flip the lever to lock the legs in place. Quick clamp tripods are ideal if your work requires frequent and multiple set ups. The replaceable stainless steel foot points provide the strength needed for pushing the feet into the ground to get a stable set-up and are replaceable incase any damage should occur. This Dutch hill Tripod is ultra reliable and comes with a 5 year manufacturers warranty.

Dutch Hill Tripods are considered by many to be the best available. Dutch Hill Surveying Tripods are used by surveyors, construction crews, the military and photographers. If you want an excellent tripod at an excellent price, now is the time to buy a Dutch Hill.

Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!" so make the most out of winter

Every February 2nd, Americans celebrate one of the most unique holidays I can think of, Groundhog Day. I’m not sure how familiar you are with ground hog’s day but crowds start to gather at 3 am, and wait anxiously for the groundhog predict when spring will come. Most of the groundhogs this year have already made their prediction, and the consensus is six more weeks of winter.

I know winter can be a hard time for the surveying and construction industries, especially with the current economic troubles plaguing our nation. Many are looking forward to spring and the promise it holds for increased work opportunities. Instead of thinking of winter as a disadvantage, think of it as an opportunity. Winter can be a great time to prepare for summer. With spring just around the corner here’s a few steps you can do now to make sure you’re ready…

Read up- start with some trade magazines, industry blogs (like engineersupply.blogspot.com), catch up on new industry developments, and consider taking some continuing education classes. Many surveying associations offer classes that cover everything from surveying classes about new industry developments, legal concerns, and techniques to business classes to help surveyors with their own business.

Make sure all you equipment is in good condition. Make any needed repairs or replacements. EngineerSupply.com carries a wide variety of equipment at great prices. We are to help you get the products you need, with great prices and excellent service! In January of this year new regulations made for surveying safety vests (check out our blog for more information.) Check your safety vests to make sure they are in compliance. Remember that faded vests might not be compliant with the new safety regulations.

Consider alternate sources for business. Check with local government agencies to see if they have any outstanding bids and consider submitting a quote. Make new business connections. Consider social media sites like “Facebook.com”, “Twitter.com” and “Linkedin.com.” This can be a great resource for tapping into social business networks. (EngineerSupply.com can be found on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.)

Set goals with your employees; make it a vision for the company. Choose something attainable and work together. This is great for team building and morale. Consider making minor changes to your business to make it more cost efficient. Here at EngineerSupply we are always conscious of conserving. Not only to decrease business expenses but to conserve natural resources. Take small steps like shutting off the light whenever you leave or reusing old paper as scrap paper (just make sure it doesn’t have any sensitive information on it!)

As I’ve said in previous posts, Surveying Associations are a great resource for surveyors! The winter months are a great time to get involved. Many offer great services like continuing education, trade shows and business directories and that’s just some of the unique services that they offer.

These are just some of the steps you can take now to help your business flourish this year. Remember that spring will be coming soon so take advantage of these winter months to help you make the most of it.