In an effort to to provide more and better information on the Loewer machines I will be putting together more video content. The hope is to provide a repository of information to help you with a machine you have or one you are looking to purchase. These will range from a basic walk around to single topics in more depth. I will do my best to get content produced and uploaded on a consistent basis and add to it topics presented as areas of interest. So if you have ideas for content you think would be helpful please feel free to share your suggestions. The videos will be on our website as well as Youtube to make it easier to find where you may be looking for it. So feel free to post comments or to let me know what you would like to see covered.

As is always the case looking for ways to save money often leads to looking at many different paths. It can be the time invested in a process to vendor supplies and services. One area to look at that often hides savings is finishing.

 

All stroke sanders "should" have a flat table of some fashion to allow placement of parts or material being worked. The size and weight capacity tends to be where the conversation ends. With the better machines you may even have a twin belt setup to make life and use of the machine better still. But when you get to the very best of stroke sanders an articulating mount comes into play. What they allow you to do is have the machine hold a given 3D or formed part at just about any angle or height. If you are working with a range hood for example, you can have the mount hold the part at the needed angle while you grind down the weld and blend the finish with the second belt. Before you would need to make a fixture to hold the part and it would be a one off fixture no less. With the articulating mount that is not an issue any longer. Together the features of the better stoke sanders save time per part by not needing fixtures and belt changes. Then add in the fact you don't need to remove the part from the machine for a belt or fixture change and you cut down on injury to the part as well as the staff. Watch the video at the link below to see the mount on a KBM stroke sander. And as always feel free to send in any questions we are happy to help.

Due to the demand and lead time we rarely get a unit in stock. We have managed to get an extra unit with our current delivery. The KBM stroke sander is built in Germany and is the twin belt design. This allows you to grain and blend without changing belts or unloading the parts. It is also equipped with the articulating mount for doing formed, welded or odd shaped parts. This is a very flexible configuration and by far the most popular.

We have seen a large increase in demand for wheel finishing in the last year. From smaller custom wheel makers to large volume OEM caliber companies. There has been a general trend in some of the questions asked and in an effort to share the answers I will cover some of them here.

Fabtech is open and running currently in Atlanta. Its a little rainy but the people are coming to see the wide range of machines on display. We have machines on display and welcome every one to stop by. We have factory staff present from Germany and Spain to answer questions and help you choose the right machine. Booth B7711 just to your right as you enter the hall. Feel free to stop in any time during the show and if you are at the show, safe travels.

The general feeling when it comes to sheet metal finishing is that it is a necessary evil. Its the dirty process shoved in a dark corner that no one wants to deal with. The truth is that it can be and is a value added service. It is another opportunity for your product to be better than the competition. If you buy good material and invest in quality cutting equipment why stop short and not invest in quality finishing? When you present your samples to a prospective customer the look of the part and the feel of the edges are the first thing they will see and pick up on. The part could be cut or formed to the exact specs requested but it has sharp edges or a variety of random handling marks. The potential client will see that and it could make them question the quality be it warranted or not. The finishing operation is that chance to make the part reflect your effort in producing it.