1st SFA Mega-W’kshop Launches
The three-day event at the Gateway Center convention complex included plenty of hands-on demos, vendor interaction and a stone-event first – 10 pieces of major stone equipment all cutting and processing slabs and countertop parts.
In a major effort of temporary construction, a clean-water feed/gray-water return connected CNCs, saws and edgers from CMS Brembana, Comandulli, Gmm, Montresor, Northwood Machine Manufacturing Co., Park Industries and Sassomecannica srl, with the wastwater going through an Ebbco Inc. filtration/collection system.
The major-machine area also featured temporary overhead-crane/vacuum-lifter systems for moving slabs and pieces. The donated stone for the machine demos also became donations, going to local Habitat for Humanity projects and resale efforts.
The event also featured “The Cage,” with demos of techniques using power hand tools and real-time refinishing of natural-stone floors (including tiles bought at the local Home Depot in Collinsville).
The Mega-Workshop also included an after-hours barbecue dinner and live music on Oct. 8, as well as a raffle of products and services donated by vendors.
Initial plans by event organizers include a repeat of the Mega-Workshop sometime in October 2011.
For more information on future SFA events, go to www.stonefabricatorsalliance.com.
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