Joist Drill

Joist Drill

The End Of The Beam Drill Line?

For structural steel fabricators - the guys who cut, weld, shape and create joists, trusses and beams for office towers, hospitals, bridges, arenas - the last word in automation over the past several years has been the CNC beam drill line. A beam drill line is a machine tool that uses a conveyor to move a steel beam or "girder"into position, then drills holes - specifically bolt holes - in various locations along the steel piece, following the details provided in an engineering drawing of what the end product is to be.

An automated beam drill line is a big step in efficiency, compared to the traditional way of making various measurements on the bare beam to mark it as indicated by the engineering drawing, then drilling the holes manually - typically using a standard drill press. This time-consuming approach was an all manual process.

The Computer-Numerical-Controlled (CNC) beam drill line can download the digital drawing file, assess exactly where the holes belong, "probe" the beam using the drill head and positioners, then drill through the steel at very high speeds using super-hard carbide drill bits and cutting fluids. The bolt holes are made seemingly in the "blink of an eye" and most of the labor is getting the on and off the line and uploading the digital drawing into the machine's software.

That's a huge advantage over the "old fashioned" method, but there's a certain limitation, and it's a pretty important one. THERE ARE TYPICALLY MANY MORE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS THAT MUST BE DONE ON THE STEEL BEAM. Cutting different features (such as copes, notches, bevels) into the , trimming off the end of the section to get it to the required length, and "scribing" different characters and symbols into the workpiece are additional operations typically required on many steel beams. How many of these can be performed by a CNC beam drill line? Sadly, none of them.

In summary, while a beam drill line boosts productivity of drilling bolt holes, it doesn't automate any of these other tasks.

A radically different fabrication method has come to the fabrication industry that performs hole drilling operation just as fast and accurately as the beam drill line, but performs a comparable level of automation to the many additional operations done to structural beams. It uses high-definition plasma cutting to thermally cut through or scribe the steel.

This technology is similar to the beam drill line in that the steel is transferred into the plasma torch vicinity, the digital file containing all the feature information is loaded into the plasma machine's PC-based control system, and the cutting torch tip touches the workpiece to figure out (and remember) precisely where it's located and envelope and surface features. Then the plasma torch starts cutting bolt holes . . . and notches, copes, cutouts, bevel cuts, miter cuts . . . the full range of operations associated with structural steel fabrication.

The automated plasma cutting machines can produce all these needed features, going from one side of the beam to the other side. When it's done, all the needed operations are finished - there's no need to move the steel piece to another operation. The plasma machines are kind of a "one stop shop" for fabricators.

Different versions of these plasma machines are coming on the market, with a variety of capacities and prices. As for the venerable beam drill line . . . the heyday of beam drill line technology has come and is on its way out.

There's a lot more info here: The Demise of the Beam Drill Line?
How To Cope Steel Beams - Completey Automated

About the Author

I'm a writer and blogger specializing in explaining new manufacturing technology that exists in one sector, but that holds promise for application in other sectors. Boring stuff, yes, but useful for the cross-pollenization of ideas.

Dewalt Dewalt 1 2 in Std & Joist Drill DW124K $435.53 1/2 std & joist drill Mechanically controlled 2-speed to match RPM/torque to application requirement 100% ball-bearing construction provides durability and longer tool life Adjustable front handle and 2-position side handle provide maximum leverage and control Mechanical-slip clutch in low gear to prevent bit lock-up and to provide control of reactionary torque Triple gear reduction provides increased torque and reduces gear stress 21 overall length No load speed 300/1200RPM Capacity in wood (spade bit) 1-1/2 Capacity in wood (self-feed) 4-5/8 Capacity in wood (hole saw) 6/ Capacity in wood (auger bit) 1-1/2 Capacity in steel (twist bit) 1/2 Capacity in steel (hole saw) 5 Tool weight: 13.5 lb Includes: Chuck key with holder, 2-position side handle, bail handle heavy-duty kit box 8.0A Brand #: Dewalt DW124K UPC: 028876101249 Keywords: stud and joist drill

DEWALT DW124K 1/2-in 300/1,200 RPM 11.5 AMP Stud & Joist Drill Kit $369.99 1/2-in 300/1,200 RPM 11.5 AMP Stud & Joist Drill Kit - DW124K. 2-Position Side Handle. Bail Handle. Chuck Key w/ Holder. Kit Box

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DWD460KR 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch & Bind-Up Control Kit $269.99 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch & Bind-Up Control Kit - DWD460KR. 2-Position Side Handle. Bail Handle. Chuck Key w/ Holder

Factory Reconditioned DEWALT DWD460R 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch & Bind-Up Control $229.99 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch and Bind-Up Control - DWD460R. 2-Position Side Handle. Bail Handle. Chuck Key w/ Holder

DEWALT DWD460 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch & Bind-Up Control $289.99 1/2-in Heavy-Duty VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch and Bind-Up Control - DWD460. 2-Position Side Handle. Bail Handle. Chuck Key w/ Holder

Dw124K - 1/2 inch Joist & Stud Rightangle Drill Kit 300/120 $485.45 [115-DW124K] UPC: 02887610124 28.36 LB

This Is Not A Drill $10.49 This Is Not A Drill

Drill, The $7.49 Drill, The

Dewalt Dewalt 1 2 RIGHT ANGLE STUD & JOIST DRILL w BIND-UP CONTROL and CLUTCH DWD460 $396.5 Bind-Up Control??¢ stall-sensing technology for increased control of reactionary torque Mechanical clutch in low speed delivers increased gear protection 11.0 Amp heavy-duty DEWALT built motor for increased power and performance in high torque applications 2 variable speed ranges: 0-330 / 0-1300 RPM to match appropriate speed to the application Metal gear housing for jobsite durability and increased reliability Adjustable front handle and 2-position side handle provide maximum leverage and control 100% ball-bearing construction provides durability and longer tool life Brand #: Dewalt DWD460 UPC: 885911034555

Dewalt Dewalt 1 2 RIGHT ANGLE STUD & JOIST DRILL KIT w BIND-UP CONTROL and CLUTCH DWD460K $419.9 Bind-Up Control??¢ stall-sensing technology for increased control of reactionary torque Mechanical clutch in low speed delivers increased gear protection 11.0 Amp heavy duty DEWALT built motor for increased power and performance in high torque applications 2 variable speed ranges: 0-330 / 0-1300 RPM to match appropriate speed to the application Metal gear housing for jobsite durability and increased reliability Adjustable front handle and 2-position side handle provide maximum leverage and control 100% ball-bearing contruction provides durability and longer tool life Brand #: Dewalt DWD460K UPC: 885911091121

Dewalt Tools 1/2 (13mm) VSR Stud & Joist Drill with Clutch and Bind-Up Control. Each $475.84 Manufacturer: Dewalt Tools. Each. Bind-Up Control stall sensing technology provides increased control of reactionary torque Mechanical clutch in low speed delivers increased gear protection 100% ball-bearing construction provides durability and longer too

The Drill $19.99 The Drill - Premium Poster

Grabber Grabber 2pk Joist Jaw Clamp GJJ2 $45.05 2pk joist jaw clamp The Grabber joist jaw is the perfect accessory for the professional wood framer Like a second pair of hands, the joist jaw holds up the rafters and joists, eliminating the need for 2 people The joist jaw automatically levels the crossmember with the rimjoist or ledger giving the framer a hands free position while installing the joist hanger or other connectors With just a couple of twists, the joist jaw clamps down on its target from the top or the bottom and holds your lumber tight This tool increases the accuracy and production of a 2-man framing crew whether they're building a deck, a roof, or a floor, saving time and money The joist jaw is reusable and made of zinc-plated durable steel Package comes complete with 2 joist jaws per package Brand #: Grabber GJJ2 UPC: 045622042977 Keywords: hanger joist jaw clamp grabber

Chief CMA-385 Internal Joist Mount Kit $68.99 1 1/2" NPT threaded extension column 300 lb CMA-385 Internal Joist Mount Kit includes: 2 x Internal Joist Mount Half 4 x 1/4-20X4" Carriage Bolt 1 x Internal Joist Mount Top Plate 4 x 1/4-20 Nylock Nuts 1 x Internal Joist Mount Bottom Plate 8 x #10X1.5" Wood Screw CMA CMA-385 CMA-385 Internal Joist Mount Kit CMA-385 expands to bridge ceiling joists on 10"-23" centers Ceiling Mount Chief Chief Manufacturing www.chiefmfg.com

Primesource 3gs Primesource 3gs 50lb 1-1 2 in Joist Nail 112JST $52.72 50lb 1-1/2? joist nail Short strong nail used to fasten braces between floor joists without coming through other side of floor joist 50 lb. carton 1-1/2? Brand #: PrimeSource/ 3Gs 112JST UPC: 764666147300 Keywords: nail joist fasten braces

Sanus VMCA4b-01 Dual-Joist Adapter Plate $50.99 1.50" 18.50" 300 lb Sanus Ceiling Mount: LC2A LC1A VMCM1 VMPR1 Black Milestone AV Technologies Mounting Adapter Sanus VMCA4b-01 VisionMount VisionMount VMCA4b-01 Dual-Joist Adapter Plate www.milestone.com

Drill $78.07 A drill or drill motor is a tool fitted with a rotating cutting implement used for drilling holes in various materials. The drill bit is gripped by a chuck at one end of the drill and rotated while pressed against the target material. The tip of the drill bit does the work of cutting into the target material, either slicing off thin shavings (twist drills or auger bits), grinding off small particles (oil drilling), or crushing and removing pieces of the workpiece (SDS masonry drill). Drills are commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, construction and most do it yourself projects. Specially designed drills are also used in medicine, space missions and other applications. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 82 Publication Date: 2010/01/11 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.19 inches

Simpson Strong-tie Simpson Strong-tie 4x6 Joist Hanger LUS46 $1.84 4x6 joist hanger This hanger features patented double shear nailing, which distributes the load through 2 points on each joist nail for greater strength It also allows for the use of fewer nails, faster installation, and the use of common nails for all connections 18-gauge galvanized steel Some double shear joist hangers are available in ZMAX coating Brand #: Simpson Strong-Tie LUS46 UPC: 044315686306 Keywords: double shear joist hange connector hanger triple bracket

Usp Lumber 2in. X 8in. Joist Hangers JUS28 Pack of 50 $55.9 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 2 x 8 . Length: 6.63. Width: 1.75. Height: 1.56

Usp Lumber 2in. X 6in. Joist Hangers JUS26 Pack of 100 $82.49 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 2 x 6 . Length: 4.81. Width: 1.75. Height: 1.56

Usp Lumber 2in. X 10in. Joist Hangers JUS210 Pack of 50 $59.8 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 2 X 10 . Length: 7.81. Width: 1.75. Height: 1.56

Usp Lumber 4in. X 4in. Joist Hangers JUS44 Pack of 50 $105.3 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 4 x 4 . Length: 3.19. Width: 2. Height: 3.63

Usp Lumber 2in. X 6in. Joist Hangers JUS26TZ Pack of 100 $105.3 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Triple Zinc. 2 x 6 . Length: 1.75. Width: 4.82. Height: 1.56

Usp Lumber 4in. X 6in. Joist Hangers JUS46 Pack of 50 $109.69 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 4 x 6 . Length: 5. Width: 2. Height: 3.63

Usp Lumber 2in. X 4in. Joist Hangers JUS24 Pack of 100 $59.15 The SU series of joist hangers offer both standard nailing into the joist or the alternate nailing feature that accepts a standard 10d common nail installed into both the joist and the header giving higher load and uplift values. Ideal for framing floors decks patio covers carports and other common applications. This efficient and economical joist hanger is designed to satisfy most common load requirements. Made from 18 gauge galvanized steel. 2 x 4 . Length: 3.13. Width: 1.75. Height: 1.56

Gjj2 - Grabber Joist Jaw $68.42 [2396612] UPC: 045622042977 14L x 14.2W x 8.5H 4.97 LB 0.98 Cubes

Drill Bits $5.99 Drill Bits