MIA: ‘OSHA’s Proposed Silica Rule a Serious Concern for Construction Industry’

In response to a notice by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it intends to reduce the current silica dust exposure rate by 50 percent, the Marble Institute of America (MIA) is urging OSHA to maintain current levels. According to a release from the MIA, the current silica … Read more

Fabricator Profile: Advanced Marble & Granite

During the economic recession, the owners of Advanced Marble & Granite in Meridian, Idaho, were advised to close the business, but in October 2011, they assumed a new, aggressive stance and made it out intact. One of the ways Advanced Marble & Granite was able to pull through was by … Read more

The Hazards of Silica Exposure in the Countertop Fabrication Industry

With the recent proposed silica standard update from OSHA, new light is being shined on an old problem – silica exposure. It is important that anyone working with natural stone, concrete or quartz surfacing/engineered stone understands the risks of silica exposure and silicosis. This video, put out by the U.S. … Read more

OSHA Announces Proposed Decrease in Allowable Silica Exposure for Countertop Fabricators

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a proposed rule it says is “aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers.” The proposal seeks to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica, which kills hundreds of workers and … Read more

Fabricator Profile: Solid Surfaces, Inc.

Mitch Makowski, owner of Solid Surfaces, Inc. in Rochester, N.Y., understands the value of knowing exactly what his company does and the market niche it serves. Solid Surfaces, Inc. is one of the top five fabricators in Upstate New York by sales volume, and Makowski claims that this success is because of his … Read more

MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual Posted to Australian Stonemasonry School’s Library

The Marble Institute of America’s (MIA) Dimension Stone Design Manual has been posted to South Western Sydney Institute’s online intranet library. It will serve students in the Stonemasonry course at MillerCollege. This course offers a range of stonemasonry experiences that seek to meet the needs of the industry.  At the same … Read more

ISFA Announces New Stone/Quartz and Solid Surface Training Dates

The International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA)  has announced its upcoming training dates for both its solid surface and stone/quartz fabrication training programs. The Stone/Quartz Total Fabricator Training class is being held Oct. 14 to 16 in Las Vegas at the Alpha Tools training facility. The Solid Surface Total Fabricator Training … Read more

Park Industries Celebrates 60th Anniversary

Park Industries,  provider of stone working equipment since 1953, is celebrating its 60 year anniversary in the industry. After 60 years, the company, which is the larges manufacturer of stone working equipment in North America, remains family-owned company. The stated goal of the Schlough family, now in its third generation … Read more

Nano-Crystallized Glass: What Are Your Thoughts?

We recently received an email, here at CountertopResource.com, asking for information on a relatively new surfacing product. This product is commonly referred to as nano-crystallized glass, but it is also known as nano-crystal stone or nonporous marmoglass. After checking the usual sources, we found little readily available information on it, … Read more

Dynabrade Introduces Random Orbit Rotary Sander Line

Dynabrade offers a line of Dynorbital Silver Supreme Random Orbital Sanders, suitable for horizontal or flat high-production use on solid surface, wood, composites, plastic, fiberglass, metal and other materials.   The 12,000-RPM, American-made sanders come in 3-, 3.5-, 5- and 6-in.-dia. models, all of which include a premium, low-profile urethane weight-mated sanding … Read more