Ralph Davis at IBS

When the Show Is Over...

Well, I have to say, it was a really interesting experience. I saw a lot of neat stuff while I was there. One thing that sticks out in particular is Nuconsteel, where they've got a system that allows builders to fabricate a steel frame right on the jobsite.

]]> If it's used onsite, the system includes a big roll of steel. The builder works with Nuconsteel to set up the computer program that shoots out the "studs." At the show, the vendors did a demonstration where they assembled a wall in just a few minutes. I had a few questions that were answered in fairly short order (Does it interfere with radio broadcasts? Not appreciably. Does it cost the same as wood framing? Material costs are slightly higher, but labor costs are much lower. Any other issues? Drywall has to be screwed in, rather than nailed; also, there's more room for insulation, and mold isn't an issue because it can't grow on steel studs.)

Another cool thing I ran across was The Builder Cam. This system allows project managers to watch their buildings -- from several different angles -- in real time as they're being built, from the comfort of their office. In addition, if the cameras are being used on residential projects, they can be left in place after construction is complete and used as part of a home security system.

Anyway, those are some of the things that were top-of-mind as I spent my final hours at the show. Hope you've enjoyed reading our blogs as the days have gone by. Now that we've had some experience putting them together, we'll see about doing more of them in the future.

-Ralph

Guess who I ran into...

Well, this was pretty neat. We were conducting a focus group study (so we can keep making our site better and better for you), and had taken a lunch break when all of a sudden, out walks...

]]> Paul Senior, from Orange County Choppers! I think Paul Jr. might have been with him as well, but I couldn't swear to that.

I don't think he recognized me. I guess I should feel insulted, but to be fair it was a little dark.

-Ralph

Currently Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Well, I'm not actually being plagued by tech problems today. Yesterday, though --- that was frustrating. One of the things you discover when you're trying to use the wireless network at a tradeshow is that everyone else is trying to use the wireless network as well. It all worked itself out eventually, but I only got to spend a very few minutes on the floor.

]]> As I walked onto the show floor yesterday, the first things I noticed were some really cool garage doors. Apparently these things work the same way as traditional garage doors, but they look a lot nicer than the plain white doors you see on most homes. There were two booths really close together: Amarr (7309) and Taylor (7401).

Something else I noticed: A lot of the regular door companies out here have some flippin' HUGE doors in their booths. Now, I'm a pretty big guy (6' 4"), but I felt like a Munchkin walking around these things. It's actually a pretty good strategy, I guess. Gives you a good idea of the detail and the overall look of the doors. Plus, with the tradeshow being as big as it is, the doors don't look so huge until you're right next to them.

Something I was a pleasantly surprised to see was the number of online services and software companies on the floor. It seems that contractors are really taking hold of the new technologies that are available to them (which is somewhat reassuring, seeing as how I work on a website).

Oh, and something else I was pleasantly surprised to see was the composite decking systems are looking better and better. I was accustomed to seeing the plain brown-gray boards of the past, but these are looking a lot more like real wood. And that has me interested in getting something for my own house.

Oh, and I got to do something REALLY cool yesterday. I got to ride a Segway for a little bit. Didn't really take it out and put it through its paces, but they let me stand on it and move around a little. If you ever have a chance to try one of these things out, do it! It's an experience unlike any you've ever encountered.

(By the way, I figured out what I forgot to pack: neckties. I've been able to wing it, but I feel woefully underdressed. Oh, well --- there's always next year.)

See you later.
-Ralph

Zip, the Robot-Man

Okay, I know I'm supposed to be here at the show to look at cool new products, listen to seminars, and all that, but this was too fun to pass up.

]]> If you haven't already seen him, you should keep a lookout for Zip. He's a robot-man. Sort of. It's actually a guy in a robot suit built onto a Segway scooter, but he's funny, and I thought he was a neat addition to the show. Apparently, he's just here to add to the ambiance (I asked him) and to serenade anyone who catches his optic sensors.

First Day Here...

Well, I'm finally here, and I've had a chance to look around a little. A very little. As in, I've barely scratched the surface. They told me this thing was big, but WOW!

]]> One of the things I'm planning to do through these blogs is to share some of the interesting things I come across.

One thing I kinda liked was the fall protection from Safety Maker (booth W6094). I talked with Sandra Hilliard, who explained that their method of fall protection is OSHA-compliant, but it doesn't affect framing the way typical fall-protection devices typically do. The trick is that Safety Maker's product actually screws down into the subfloor, rather than being attached to the framing of the house as it's being built.

Something else that was pretty cool was the demonstration over at the Quikrete booth (W5660). They've made some interesting advances over the years in decorative applications (countertops, walkways, etc.) that homeowners will want to know about, and a lot of things for builders as well.

Another thing of interest was a residential elevator from Inclinator. I talked with Jim Patterson about it; he told me they've been in business for 80+ years and that they handle wheelchair lifts and other things of that sort.

There was also something I'd never heard of called a "window well system" from the folks at Scapewel (booth W5945). It allows natural light into basement rooms in addition to adding safety (there's enough room for occupants to escape through the opening -- as well as to allow rescue workers to get in if necessary.

I'll keep blogging. Hope you folks are enjoying the show as much as I am!

-Ralph

Getting ready for the show

Well, we're down to the final hours, and things are going full-speed. Won't be long before we're all on planes heading down to fun, sunny Orlando. I wonder what I'll forget to pack.

]]> We're going great guns on getting the new site features ready for everyone, and I think you'll be impressed. I know I am! We're beefing up our news area, putting a stronger focus on products, and making the site more intuitive as well.

As for the show, I've got to head to the store over the weekend and get some new pants. Was bending down to pick up my son after church a couple of weeks ago, and the silly things split on me. Guess it was better that it happened after church, rather than during. And I'd probably better polish the old shoes as well. And from what I hear, I'll need some of those "gellin'" insoles, too. Gonna be a lot of walkin' to do over the next week.

Oh, and today's my mom's 60th birthday. Happy birthday, Mom!