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Husqvarna Tile Saw Promotion

As you’re shopping for a new tile saw this winter, don’t pass up Husqvarna’s Tilematic promotion.  With the purchase of a Husqvarna Tilematic XL3 or X3, choose from a free saw stand, a 10” diamond blade, or a Felker FHS-4 hand tile saw.  Save a bunch of money at a time when  all of us need the extra cash!  Husqvarna tile saws offer the highest quality in the industry with the service and durability you require; this, along with the promotion should make anyone’s number one choice a Husqvarna saw.

The Husqvarna Super Tilematic 250 XL3 is capable of cutting a 31” square tile in one pass.  With a blade speed of 2760 rpm, this saw has the power to easily cut through as many tiles as you need during the day.  The 10” blade capacity means operators can be confident they won’t have any trouble cutting through any kind of tile you throw at this saw.  Along with these specifications, the XL3 can make spring-assisted plunge cuts, has an epoxy-coated water pump, and a conveyor cart with an extension to cut larger tiles.

The Husqvarna Tilematic TS 250 X3 has virtually the same specifications as the Super Tilematic XL3, but has a shorter tile cutting capacity.  For your more demanding jobs with large tile, choose the Super Tilematic XL3.  Both tile saws come standard with low-noise v-belts, easy-connect water hoses, a lockable blade shaft, and a 2-year warranty.  

For more information and a place to buy these saws, visit ConstructionComplete and search for ‘tilematic’.  The products with the word ‘Promo’ at the end of their name are the saws that qualify for this promotion.  The offer ends December 31, 2008 so act fast to get the best deal this winter.  For other tile equipment including blades, cutters, saws, and more, visit ConstructionComplete to find the best deals and great customer service!

Architects Suffering as Financial Crisis Continues

A fluctuating U.S. financial market has created economic turmoil as Americans become more and more uncertain about what the future holds.  This has translated into a major decrease in the credit market's profitability and substantial job cuts throughout the country.  Many industries have distanced themselves from the economic downturn in industries that are not directly related to the crisis.  However, this isn't the case for those of us involved in the construction industry, which depends on strong financial markets to fund new building projects.  

This leaves architects in a very bad position, as most in the profession depend on investors to request designs months in advance.  While laborers are still working on projects that were planned months ago, architects are waiting for new deals to come around.  The Architecture Billings Index or ABI reported the lowest score in the index's history in August.  Even worse, construction revenues are projected to drop even lower for 2009.  The AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast predicts retail and hotel building will drop by 10% in 2009 and office construction is projected to drop 12%.

It is difficult to tell whether consumer confidence will increase enough before the end of the year to make a difference for the industrial and commercial construction industries.  However, one thing is clear, if things don't change soon, many of us in the industry will be looking for new jobs.  I wish everyone the best of luck in the next few months; I believe hope will be restored as we emerge into 2009!  If you have anything to add or a question, leave a comment below.

source: www.archrecord.com

2012 Olympic Construction Project in London

The cities who hold the summer Olympics every 4 years benefit from the event in a multitude of ways.  Outsiders are exposed to a country's culture and values, which can increase understanding, and the influx of visitors brings billions of dollars into these regions.  The recent standard set by Beijing, China has put a lot of pressure on the Olympics' next stop, London, England.  England's political and Olympic officials are up to the challenge, however, and have begun "Europe's largest regeneration project" in the previously neglected area of the Lower Lea Valley.

The project calls for the construction of a park almost 1 square mile, including gardens, wildlife areas, and amphitheaters for outdoor concerts and festivals.  This project will mark the largest constructed park in London since the 19th century.  Architects have included paths for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout the park that connect the Valley with the Thames River nearby.

Sustainability is the main concern, as many Olympic projects can become grandiose and unrealistic for long term use.  The goal will be to create excitement and hype around the project without alienating residents by creating a 'one and done' feature within this historic city.  Other projects being complete for the 2012 Games include the Athletes Village, the city's largest natatorium, and a new Olympic Stadium, all of which maintain this idea of longevity.  The juxtaposition of these new developments amongst the background of a rich European architectural history will be exciting to see, and with each Olympic Games being more anticipated than the last, the entire event is sure to be a success worldwide.  

source: http://archrecord.construction.com