Screws and Bolts

Check out this site: http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Measuring/TPIandPitch.aspx

The site talks about thread count and pitch and has some useful charts. What I like best however is the printable PDF thread gauge. There are a variety of tools that I think it is nice to have around the shop for information like a drill index guide (so your bits always get returned to the right spot), and this guide, printed (and maybe even laminated!) needs to join the ranks.

By the way, Bolt Depot, the site where the threat gauge is at also has a variety of other printable PDF's. http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Printable-Tools/Default.aspx Will get you to that site.

Also, at the same site is a chart describing metric us grading. http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Materials-and-Grades/Bolt-Grade-Chart.aspx

In short, the Bolt Depot definitely cuts it as site of the day.

Happy surfing.

Gage-it

Gage it is a gadget that would be handy to have around the shop. And, it isn't even expensive (1.95 plus shipping). you can find it at http://www.gatewayelex.com/gadgets2_F.htm. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page. Basically it measures nails and bolts, small pipes and the like.

Colored MDF

One of the most exciting parts about work right now is the amount of new materials and techniques that I am able to use and learn. Earlier today I came across a product made by Great Lakes MDF called SpectraTech color mdf. It is available in a variety of panel sizes (up to 5'x16') and comes in 9 colors including black. It can be sanded and refinished (for the scratches that always happen) and the color goes all the way through the material. I think it would be a great material to try on a stage floor.

More information is available at:http://www.spectratechmdf.com/

Vectorworks viewer

Vectorworks has a free viewer available for download for people who do not use the full program. Available at http://www.nemetschek.net/downloads/fundamentals/, it can be downloaded and installed on your computer. It allows you to open and view files from versions 9-12. It doesn't do conversion from vectorworks to autocad, but it will allow you to see the drawing as it was in the original program (conversion between formats sometimes causes formatting issues).

Pipe Fittings

When you are working with pipe it is a real chore to thread the end to accept standard threaded couplers and flanges. Also, you have a limited array of fittings available. Enter Kee Klamp and Hollaender. Both have a wide array of fittings that slip onto the pipe and tighten down with a set screw. They are great, totally reusable, and worth the investment (it is however, and investment as they can easily run 25 each, meaning that to build a first project can run you a couple hundred to start out). There are engineering specs available for both so they can be used for load bearing structures.
Also, looking at what they use them for is a good way to get ideas.

http://www.hollaender.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=1
http://www.keeklamp.com/us/Catalog.aspx

Tear-aid

Here is a product that I might have to get: http://www.tear-aid.com/

The word is that it works really well, but you have to follow the directions carefully. While useful in theatre (RP screens for instance), this seems like a must while I am camping with my 3 large mutts.

Yardage Charts

If you ever recover furniture, you may know that estimating fabric can be a chore. Thankfully a variety of yardage charts for common styles of chairs and couches. A PDF version can be found at http://www.m-sfabrics.com/ms_pdf/ydg_chrt.pdf.

DI Upholstery has a separate website for chairs and couches which you can get to at http://www.diyupholsterysupply.com/ChairChart.html

http://www.designersketchbook.com/calculators/c_upholstery/
Has a variety of chairs, couches, foot stools and the like as well as slide shows about the business.

Easy to make drawers

An alternative to making drawers is metabox. http://www.cabinetware.com/DrawerSystems-Metabox.asp Its basically a drawer system that eliminates the hassle and difficulty of making cabinetry. you attach a bottom plate and from plate to the metabox hardware and your off and running with a drawer. It installs into preexisting cabinetry as well. The link listed above has a variety of PDF's about metabox available (as well as other products).

I think its an interesting idea. I know when I build storage projects around my house I always avoid drawers because I don't like the hassle of all of the hardware and joinery. Of course my excuse is that my home shop doesn't have the capability of the fine joinery (rabbit joints, planers, etc) that I would like to have to do the job right.

Proburger

Proburger is an alternative to cheeseboroughs or mega-couplers. They have half couplers and snap couplers which are interesting alternatives. I particularly think that the snap couplers could be useful for rigging frames directly to battens. A black finish is also available. TMB also has a variety of other theatrical products.

Mega-Couplers have a wide range of products including one that threads directly to a pipe which is great for booms. You can check them out at the 2nd link below.

Resources:
http://www.tmb.com/products/ProBurger/
http://www.thelightsource.com/products/

New Haven Moving Equipment

I just got a catalog from New Haven moving equipment today. They have more locations than just New Haven, they are in multiple large metropolitan areas. They stock moving equipment for movers, but they also rent equipment. While some of their equipment is beyond the need of most theatrical endeavors, they do carry (and reasonably priced) j-bars - or lift levers as they call them. They have two styles - one with rubber wheels and one with steel, in three different sizes each. They even have a reference section in their catalog that discusses the rigging capacity of their webbing.

All in all its a site worth a look:
www.newhaven-usa.com