Masonry Magazine February 2003 Page. 38
MCAA News
Online Blueprint Reading and Construction Estimating Courses
The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) Education Board is offering two, online courses for the benefit of members and non-members. "Construction Blueprint Reading" begins April 7, 2003, and "Introduction to Construction Estimating" is a self-paced course that can be started at any time.
Construction Blueprint Reading
Students will learn how to read architectural, structural, civil, mechanical and electrical blueprints. We will practice looking up information and solving common construction problems by reading the blueprints.
The tuition for this course is $395 for ASPE members and $425 for non-members. Class starts on April 7 and runs for 10 weeks. Once registration is completed, students will be given early entry into the course to take advantage of an online orientation module.
All course materials including the textbook, blueprints, an architectural scale, and other class materials are included in the price of the course.
Introduction to Construction Estimating
Students who successfully complete "Introduction to Construction Estimating" will learn the basic principles of construction estimating. Topics to be studied include:
* Organization of the estimate
* Types of estimates
* Elements of an estimate
* Quantity take off techniques
* Pricing techniques
* Adjusting the estimate for a variety of variable factors
* Estimating labor, materials and equipment
* Profit and overhead markups
Upon completing this course the student will understand the different types of estimates and how to organize an estimating document. This course will build a foundation of knowledge that the student will use while estimating virtually any individual trade or project type.
This self-paced course can be started at anytime. Students are allowed 10 weeks to complete the course, although most students complete it in less time than that.
The cost of the course is $325 for members and $350 for non-members.
For more information, visit www.aspeeducation.com or e-mail Bob George at Bob@ConstructionClasses.com.
Sanders Saws Turns 50
Sanders Saws Inc., one of the most respected names in cutting tools and diamond blades, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
"We've had a lot of loyal customers who've stuck with us and have helped make Sanders Saws what it is today," said President Robert B. Priest. "The industry has changed drastically in the last 50 years: the cost of diamond blades has dropped and the quality has improved significantly."
Founded in 1953 by Eugene Sanders, the tradition-rich Honey Brook, Penn., manufacturer serves the professional concrete contractor and the masonry, refractory and quarry industries. Sanders Saws' product line includes a full line of concrete and masonry saws, diamond core bits, diamond blades, and grinding heads.
Under Eugene Sanders, the company was among the first to develop the popular hotpressed process, which blends powdered metals and diamonds to produce superior diamond blades that boast faster cutter speeds, wear longer, and are more cost efficient.
In 1983, Priest purchased Sanders Saws. The same year, the company acquired Mission Diamond Products of Mission Viejo, Calif., which was then renamed CPR Diamond Research Division and relocated to Sanders Saws' headquarters in Honey Brook, Penn. In 1985, Sanders Saws added diamond blade manufacturer Wispurr Cut of Vancouver, Canada.
To accommodate the rapid expansion, improve production efficiencies, and continue its goal of high quality manufacturing, the company moved into a new manufacturing plant in 1992. A decade later, Sanders Saws was acquired by California-based Multiquip Inc., one of the world's leading light- and medium-sized construction equipment suppliers.
Today, Sanders Saws Inc., a Multiquip company, continues to thrive as one of the premier manufacturers and marketers of concrete saws, diamond blades and cutting tools.
Obituaries
Durwood L. Boeglen, of Bethesda, Md., passed away January 14, 2003. Mr. Boeglen founded Cushwa Brick and Building Supply Co. in Washington in 1947 and served as its president until 1977, helped found Maryland Dry Wall Co. in 1963, and finished his career at P&P Contractors Inc. in 1998. Mr. Boeglen was also a founder of the Masonry Institute of Washington, president of the National Association of Distributors of Structural Clay Products, and a director of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Washington. MCAA sends their deepest condolences to the Boeglen family.
C. W. "Big Red" Brookshire, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away January 12, 2003, at the age of 74. Mr. Brookshire and his brother, Red Brookshire, incorporated in 1954 as Brookshire Masonry, Inc., ending the corporation in 1979. Services were held Wednesday, January 15, in Alexander County. Memorials are requested to be sent to Popular Springs Baptist Church, 4710 All Healing Springs Road, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681. MCAA sends their deepest condolences to the Brookshire family.