Innovation is Springs duo's gauge of success

High on a shelf in Mario Salazar's workshop in north Colorado Springs is an empty cardboard box that used to contain a Sears Craftsman Digital Miter Gauge.

But Mario exudes confidence, emphasizing that he's not a "one-hit wonder." The Salazars have other ideas--some possibly patentable, others improvements of existing products--including a "tape-less tape measure" and a "digital protractor" that gives readings of angles and heights for carpenters, roofers, plumbers and other tradesmen."The (digital) miter was born out of necessity because back in 2001 a tool didn't exist to make precision cuts," Salazar says. "The technology wasn't even around to do that. So Tia said, 'Just invent one.'"Mario, 44, grew up in south Texas in a fatherless home, a self-described "welfare kid." Before going to work at NASA he did landscaping, roofing, trimming, plumbing, welding and electrical work. He's not above going back to any of that work until Salazar Solutions Inc. takes off. Neither is Tia, 52, who along with designing software for their fledging company also helps out with landscaping jobs to pay the bills."Look, if I'm not making any revenue from my invention it's time to go out and dig ditches," Mario says, dispelling the notion that earning a patent and a licensing deal brings instant wealth. "A lot of people assume these things. I'll say, 'No, I was talking to executives just a month ago, and now I'm digging ditches and planting trees for a living.' Look, you've got to do what you've got to do. Nobody cares about a crybaby."The Salazars met several years ago at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where Tia worked on NASA projects as a software engineer and Mario as a technician, building integrated circuit boards for space shuttles.But the Salazars are used to temporary setbacks and waiting for their work to pay off. They received about $100,000 up front in the licensing arrangement with Sears and earn a royalty of 8 percent on sales of the device that Sears sells for $79.99, but that doesn't begin to cover the $300,000 or so they put up to create the prototype.So Mario went and did just that, with Tia adding the software to go with it.So far the Salazars have garnered more praise than revenue for their innovation--including write-ups in Woodworkers' Journal, Wood magazine and American Woodworker. In April, Popular Mechanics gave the digital miter gauge an Editor's Choice Award for most innovative product.Mike Taylor is the managing editor of ColoradoBiz. He writes about small-business money issue and how startups are caunched. Read this and Taylor's past columns on the Web at cobizmag. com and e-mail him at matay @ cobizmag.com.Salazar collaborated on the invention with his wife, Tia, a software engineer. They received a patent in 2005, and last year Sears bought the licensing rights."The rest is not history," Tia says. "We have just begun."The August issue of Popular Mechanics also will feature Mario as an inventor in the magazine's monthly segment titled, "This is My Job." The only disappointment for Mario was learning that only he, and not the other half of Salazar Solutions Inc., would be in the photograph."She has a (software) engineering degree, and I've got an engineering degree from the school of hard knocks," says Mario, who attended technical school and then went to work building space-shuttle hardware. "Every job I've ever had, I've always learned one more skill.""I think the economy has hit people hard," says Mario, who also offers a fancier version of the digital miter gauge for $400 online at salazarsolutions.com. "We don't do a lot of promotion, and we haven't sold much product, mainly because we don't advertise a lot."Suspended high on a wall in the Salazars' workshop is an item that seems out of place in a room full of high-tech machinery: a simple but elegant wood chair frame that Mario designed and built. Originally he planned to launch his own line of what he calls "Frank Lloyd Wright style furniture with an Italian flare." Then a brainstorm intervened."We're husband-and-wife with a vision and a dream," Mario says. "Sadly enough, it's going to be just me in the garage with all the tools around me."They also hope to develop a digital instrument to help orthopedic surgeons perform more precise bone cuts for hip and knee replacements and are trying to line up investors.

Mike Taylor is the managing editor of ColoradoBiz. He writes about small-business money issue and how startups are caunched. Read this and Taylor's past columns on the Web at cobizmag. com and e-mail him at matay @ cobizmag.com.

Double miter saw

PAM Fastening Technology

(704) 394-3141www.pamfast.comCIRCLE 193

CIRCLE 193

Semi-automatic band saw

The Model KS450 Semi-Automatic Band Saw is designed for work requiring sawing of solids and structural shapes up to 14" at 90[degrees] in full cycle, semi-automatic operation, and double mitering-60[degrees] to either left or right--with a variable speed blade from 60 to 360 fpm. The saw frame is canted 5[degrees] to cut through the bottom of a structural section without vibration or slowdown of the sawing rate. It features components for hydraulic operation and a free-standing operator console. When the operator pushes a button, the sawframe senses the material size, the vise clamps, the sawframe makes the cut at the preset rate, then returns to clear the workpiece, opening the vise opens, ready for the next cut. Kalamazoo Machine Tool

www.rsleads.com/811mn-259

Band Saw available in manual and automatic

The SH 1419 Band Saw, with Metal Fabricating Solutions, has a swing head for mitering without material movement, provides straight, ac curate cuts, and can be used in bundle cutting. It has 60[degrees] of mitering ability, with capaci ties of 14"x19" at 902 and 14" x 10-1/2" at 30 [degrees]. Features include a 1-1/4" blade, carbide guides, preset blade-tensioning, power-blade brush, and a 3 hp variable-frequency AC drive, with speeds from 70 to 400 sfpm. Other features include a self-contained hydraulic unit for quick-approach, head hold and separate cutting feed rate, feed force ad justments, a recirculating flood coolant system, and ANSI-required guarding. They are available in both manual and fully-automatic versions. Scotchman Industries

www.rsleads.com/811mn-246

Scissor saw designed for shops

The Model SM-15D dual swivel scissor-type saw is designed for fabrication shops, maintenance departments, and other areas where angle cutting and general purpose sawing takes place. It features a two-piece cast iron saw head that can swivel 60[degrees] right and left for miter cutting, and can cut 11" rounds and 15"-wide x 10"-tall rectangles at 90[degrees]. It has a 3 hp band drive motor with infinitely adjustable VFD band speed control from 50 to 400 fpm, The band wheel is mounted to the output shaft of the heavy-duty worm gearbox to provide the torque necessary to cut tough materials. A control console mounted on an articulating arm lets the operator control band speed, feed rate, and other functions. Other features include a chip/coolant tray that pivots with the saw head to minimize required floor space and collect chips and coolant to reduce housekeeping costs; access to the coolant reservoir, which permits filling and cleaning; and integral fork pockets that simplify transportation and installation. DoALL Sawing Products

www.rsleads.com/903mn-247

Compound miter saw

Makita U.S.A. Inc.

makitatools.comMakita U.S.A. Inc. releases its new Model LS1016L 10-in, dual slide compound miter saw. The saw is engineered with Deep and eXact cutting Technology (DXT), features the crown cutting capacity (vertically nested) of a 12-in, saw and has the increased accuracy of a 10-in, blade without the potential run-out of larger blades, the company says. The saw also has a direct drive gearbox with a 15 amp motor, a guard system engineered for increased vertical cutting capacity, four sliding fences, and a compact and ergonomic design.(800) 462-5482

CIRCLE 117

Cold saw for cool sawing

The Model C370SA cold saw is designed for sawing difficult materials, including exotic metals by giving the operator the ability to fine-tune both the infinitely-variable blade speed from 13 to 76 rpm and control the downfeed. The unit has a blade-powered rotary blade cleaning brush. The saw is designed for semi-automatic operation, with an air-over-hydraulic system. The machine can be operated in a conventional 90[degrees] cutoff mode, or swiveled to angles up to 45[degrees] left or 60[degrees] right for miter cutting. It features a full electronic Control/Information System for optimum operation, including blade drive amps during operation, blade life, cycle timer, piece counter, digital blade speed readout, and diagnostics. Additional features include an air vise supplying infinitely-variable clamping pressure, vertical column construction, a full coolant system, a 4 hp motor, and accepts blades from 12-1/2" to 14-1/2" in diameter. Kalamazoo Machine Tool

www.rsleads.com/905mn-257

Circular saw blades

Vermont American Power Tool Accessories

vermontamerican.comCIRCLE 128(800) 742-3869

CIRCLE 128

SAWING

GOLD SAW DELIVERS SUPERIOR HNISH TO EUMINATC SECONDARY OPERATIONS

Booth 9097Pro Pegasus DS Mitre Semi-Automatic Saws from Pat Mooney Inc. (Addison, IL) include heavy-duty mechanisms for efficient operation. With 1 � in wide saw blades, these precision gear drive saws provide 40 percent greater beam strength than saws with 1 in wide saw blades for faster, more accurate sawing. Electronic display of the cutting angle enhances precision and eliminates operator set-up errors. ferforms semi-automatic operations, including positive hydraulic cutting control, hydraulic clamping and auto return of the saw head after the cutting cycle. Swivel saw head mitre cuts up to 60 deg left and right. Saw head easily rotates via a rack and pinion system. Solidly constructed machine base with locking cabinet, precision carbide blade guides with roller guides and case hardened and ground helical gears contribute to precision. Infinitely variable blade speeds from 50-400 fpm are controlled via the saw inverter. Cutting capacities are 12 � in x 20 in.Booth 13047BAND SAW BLADES FOR INTERRUPTED CUTS AND STRUCTURAL SAWINGBooth 5135Booth 7149INNOVATIVE VERTICAL TILT-FRAME BAND SAWBooth 13137PROGRAMMABLE AUTOMATIC MITER CUTTING BANDSAWThe L.S. Starrett Company (Athol, MA) features their new multi-purpose Versatix(TM) MP band saw blades with an exclusive tooth design that is ideal for interrupted cutting applications in structural steels, tubes and small solids. The new patent-pending design dissipates heat exceptionally during cutting to substantially minimize tooth breakage and maximize saw blade life. Well suited for manual "pull down" band saw machines where uncontrolled feed rates can easily overload the teeth with a standard blade. Feature triple-tempered M-42 cobalt high speed steel teeth, electron-beam welded to a fatigue-resistant alloy steel backing strip. Versatix blades up to 1 in utilize patented bi-metal unique� technology: an exclusive bonding process that provides stronger, longer-lasting and faster cutting blades. Wide range of sizes and thicknesses, from � in x .035 in (19 mm x .90 mm) to 2-5/8 in x .063 in (67.5 mm x 0.62 mm), in a complete selection of variable, positive-rake pitches from 2-3 to 6-10P. Available in coil lengths including 150 ft for 1 � in and 2 in (45 m for 41 mm and 54.5 mm) sizes and 250 ft for � in to 1 � in (76 m for 19 mm to 34 mm) sizes, and welded-to-length on 2-5/8 in x .063 in (67.5 mm x 0.62 mm) blades.Scotchman Industries Inc. (Philip, SD) presents their hydraulic ironworkers, circular cold saws, band saws and advanced feed systems as The Solutions Preferred by Metal Fabricators, including the new DM-20 Double Miter Band Saw with a 20 in capacity and a large 1 � in blade. Other new items being featured are the laser saw guide for cold saws and the laser light for the flat bar shear on most ironworker models. Scotchman is the solution preferred by metal fabricators because of Easy Financing: Easy to buy or lease, on the terms you need, with Scotchman's own in-house financing; Easy Delivery. Your machine ships on time or Scotchman pays the freight. Guaranteed! Easy Operation: More options and accessories keep costs down and productivity and profits up.HEAVY DUTY MITRE SAWS FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCYBehringer Saws, Inc. (Morgantown, PA) introduces the Eisele VMS 400H semiautomatic miter circular cold saw for fast and efficient cutting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. A shock absorbing feature provides smooth cutting of materials on single or multiple cuts. Saw head traverses vertically on square guides. Upper portion of the saw manually rotates for miter cuts while the material is held in place on both sides of the saw blade by a quick-acting pneumatic clamping vise to ensure stability of the work piece and a smooth finish. A variable and hydro-pneumatically controlled saw blade feed controls cut speed into the material. Miter angle range of 45 deg left and 60 deg right; total range of 105 deg. Fixed stops at 45 deg in both directions. Cuts solid rounds to 5.7 in at 45 deg and 5.5 in at 90 deg, squares to 4.7 in x 4.7 in at 45 deg and 90 deg, and rectangles to 5.5 in x 4.7 in (45 deg) and 7.8 in x 4.7 in (90 deg). Can cut at 64/128 or 128/256 sfm with 15.7 in diameter HSS blades. Heavy-duty gear box and twospeed pole changing motor of 2.7 or 3.5 hp cuts through the toughest metals quickly and cleanly. A vertically adjustable protective hood with Plexiglas windows for safe visibility prevents material or fluid dispersal, but allows easy access for quick blade changeovers.Booth 14131Marvel Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Oshkosh, WI) offers the new Marvel 380-APC vertical tilt-frame band saw, with innovations such as Direct Force Sensing Ebctronic Feed for more consistent feed pressure with greater control; Direct Positioning Feedback with the automatic bar feed; new Marvel PC III Control with a full-color touch screen control, graphical part programming, user-friendly interface and memory for 500 iobsand parts stored on removable media. Standard equipment includes 15 in x 20 in cutting capacity with a 1.25 in blade, 60 deg mitering left and right, 48 in double ball screw automatic bar feed with high speed travel for faster cycle times, patent pending Easy Load blade guide design, patent pending quick change column design that easily adjusts from a straight column to a 3 deg cant, linear guides on the automatic bar feed, column feed and guide arm, and an inverter blade speed control with sensorless vector drive.Cosen Saws USA (Charlotte, NC) introduces the C-650MNC automatic miter cutting bandsaw, equipped with a 1 � in blade and full stroke hydraulic vise. The C650MNC has a capacity of 15 in x 25.6 in at 90 deg, 16 in x 16 in at 45 deg, and 16 in x 10 in at 60 deg. The saw stores up to 20 jobs, including quantity and length of cut. The SNC controls automatically shuts down the machine, blade motor, and hydraulics once the programmed number of cuts or out of stock situation is achieved. The saw blade is powered by a 75 hp variable-speed pulley drive with a speed of 80-350 fpm. It can also be powered by an inverter-controlled drive with LED readout with speeds of 66-330 fpm.

Booth 5135

Product briefs

Mail announcements of new products and literature to Editorial Department. Electrical Apparatus (page 2). No faxes, e-mail, electronic submissions (CD-ROM's, etc.), or follow-up calls, please. There is no charge for publication, which does not constitute endorsement, nor can we verify product claims.

The Simple Logger II Model L481 bipolar 850 V d-c data logger records d-c voltage at user-selectable rates from 8/sec to 1 per day, with 0.1 V resolution. Dataview software facilitates real-time viewing of measured data while recording. Internal memory allows storage of more than 240,000 measurements. Other features include extended recording mode, delayed start time, front panel LED's showing status of state and memory usage, and report generation from pre-defined templates or operator custom-designed templates. Request further details from AEMC Instruments, 200 Foxborough Blvd., Foxborough, Mass. 02035; (508) 698-21 15.Features of the PDS5022S 25MHz two-channel bench-top oscilloscope include auto-scale, FFT, and trigger hold, as well as video trigger, 100 MS/s sampling. XY mode, auto-set, averaging, math functions, USB output, and waveform storage. The PDS5022S can automatically measure and display frequency and peak-peak/RMS/mean values. Built-in self-calibration facility improves measurement accuracy. For more information, contaci Saelig Co. Inc., Pittsford, N. Y.: (888) 723-3544.The model 195083-4 jobsite miter saw stand is available from Makita U.S.A.. Inc.. of La Mirada, Calif.; (800) 462-5482. Designed to suit the Makita LS1016L 10 in. dual slide compound miter saw, the stand adjusts to five positions, with spring-loaded mechanism for quick setup. Material support extensions with feed roller will support long crown molding. Large rubberized handle and solid rubber 12-in. wheels facilitate jobsite portability. Net weight is 90.7 lbs. Dimensions are 50.5x21.5x12 inches, length-width-height.TOOLSMEASURING EQUIPMENTA PC-controlled USB-embedded development tool with arbitrary digital waveform generator and logic analyzer capabilities is being offered by Saelig Co., Inc. of Pittsford, N.Y., at (888) 723-3544. The GP-24100 unit includes 100 MHz operation on all 16 digital lines. The control panel software offers instantly usable graphical scripting (TCL/tk) and programming (C/C ) interfaces; permits defining I/O clocks, repetitive sequences, and trigger patterns; and automation of tasks or building of custom applications. ADWG/Pattern Generator mode generates extended depths of arbitrary digital stimuli directly from a PC through USB connection.Edited by the EA staff

Edited by the EA staff

Band saws for Structural materials

DOALL COMPANY, BOOTH N-6656

DoAll Company, call 888-362-5572, or search mmsonline.com/suppliersThe StructurAll family of band saws is designed for cutting all types of structural materials, the company says. The fully hydraulic 500DS model double-swivels 45 degrees in one direction and 60 degrees in the other. Designed for a fabricator cutting multiple angles in the same workpiece, the machine features a 14" x 20" capacity for rectangles and 15" for rounds, at 0 degrees.

DoAll Company, call 888-362-5572, or search mmsonline.com/suppliers

Double-column mitering band saws

Kalamazoo Machine offers the model H6A-NC and model H6 SA double-column mitering band saws for demanding production environments. The automatic H6A-NC model is designed for production sawing of structural, solid and difficult materials, while the H6 SA is designed for precision, semi-automatic sawing in demanding production environments.

The fully programmable H6A-NC enables serial cutting of various lengths, sizes, blade speeds and quantities. Additionally, users can store jobs to ease future setups. The saw also features two vises on the in-feed side to ensure the material is clamped securely during all feeding and sawing operations.Kalamazoo Machine Tool, call 269-321-8860, or search mmsonline.com/suppliers

Kalamazoo Machine Tool, call 269-321-8860, or search mmsonline.com/suppliers

Skil 7A flooring saw

Mount Prospect, Ill.-based Skil introduced its 7A flooring saw designed to cut through hardwood, laminate and engineered flooring up to 8-in. wide and three-quarter-in. thick. The Skil Flooring Saw smoothly makes miter cuts from zero to 47 degrees and also quickly transitions to a fixed saw, allowing rip cuts to width. The flooring saw saves time, energy and money by allowing users to make cross, miter and rip cuts with just one tool--right on the floor. The lightweight tool is designed for transport to use at any project location. The saw also detents at zero, 22.5 and 45 degrees, and comes with a die-cast aluminum miter and rip fence and innovative locking system. (skil.com)

Bosch 12-in. Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw

Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Bosch released a new innovative upgrade to the traditional miter saw sliding mechanism with its new 12-in. Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw. The new saw introduces a dual-beveled glide arm, which saves up to 12 in. of workspace, allowing the saw to work near walls. The machined cast glide system offers durable precision without constant recalibration. The arm's 12 sealed ball bearings maintain constant smoothness and control without sawdust and dirt getting into the mechanism. The saw features up-front bevel controls, allowing for faster adjustments by eliminating the need to ever reach behind the tool. There is also a one-touch lock/unlock expanding fence. The saw has expanded cutting capacity, up to 14 in. for cross-cut and 6.5 in. for vertical and crow cut capacity. (boschtools.com)

Ryobi 5-in. portable flooring saw

Ryobi has introduced a versatile tool that replaces both table and miter saws for flooring applications at a fraction of the cost. The dust collection system accepts standard 1.25-in. vacuum attachments, allowing users to make the cuts in the same room they are laying the floor. All residual dust is directed away from the user. The sliding head provides maximum cross-cut and miter capacity from -15 degrees to 45 degrees, and the spindle lock provides easy single-wrench blade changes. The saw's tool-less dual-function fence provides accurate rip, cross and miter cuts. The saw is available exclusively at The Home Depot. (ryobitools.com)