July 2007

The 2000 International Residential Code (IRC) states that guards . . . shall not be constructed with horizontal members or other ornamental pattern that results in a ladder effect. It has never been in the International Building Code (IBC).

This wording was deleted in the 2001 IRC supplement and is not in the 2003 or the 2006 IRC or IBC model codes. Despite this, many believe that this guard limitation is the standard throughout the country.

Due to the continuing controversy and confusion on guard climbability, the International Code Council (ICC) Board requested that the Code Technology Committee (CTC) examine the issue. In July 2005, the CTC formed the Guard Study Group. One of the early acknowledgements by the study group was that not enough data existed to definitively support either side of the debate. That being the case, the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) Education Foundation agreed to fund a research study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center to review all existing studies and case histories to determine whether a problem exists that would require code restrictions. The NAHB Research Center report is due out in the near future.

Wagner offers an AIA CEU program titled, The Myth of the Ladder Effect and other Railing Code Issues. If you are interested in a "Lunch-and-Learn" featuring this program, contact Wagner.

Wagner -- along with our trade associations the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) and NOMMA -- remains active in this process and will provide updates as we hear of them. 

NEW AUTOMATIC TUBE POLISHER

The Wagner Companies has added a long length automatic tube polisher to our manufacturing operation for circumferential finishing of stainless steel pipe, tube or solid round bar.

The machine has four heads and is capable of automatically feeding 21 foot lengths of material with an outside diameter between 1 and 9 inches at a rate of approximately 4 feet per minute.

The machine's multiple heads allow up to four different abrasive operations to run in one pass providing a consistent texture and surface appearance. The desired finish can be specified by a belt finish designation – 240-grit or 320-grit finishes – or by common mechanical finishing terms – #4 or #6 satin finishes – to match other fittings and components.

Wagner estimates the automatic tube polisher will shorten lead times for circumferentially polished long length material significantly allowing for fast turnaround and better consistency.

STRAIT-O-FLEX

Exclusively from Wagner, the Strait-O-Flex is portable and simple to use. Weighing only 22 pounds, the Strait-O-Flex can be readily taken out in the field and used in any position. Yet its multiple uses also make it an excellent tool for stationary mounting in the shop.

Work to be straightened or curved is set on the two adjustable support blocks and pressure is applied via the lever. The lever acts on an eccentric shaft and roller-bearing mounted pressure roll to apply five tons of pressure with minimal effort.

Use the Strait-O-Flex for straightening stringers, floor gratings, plates, channel door frames, pipe, bars or angles that have been deformed during welding or punching.

The Strait-O-Flex may be used for large radius bending of pipe, bars, handrail moulding, tubing, and small angles or channels.

ONLINE CONFIGURATOR FOR SWAGED CABLE -- BETA

For a quick way to price and order pre-swaged cable for use with existing 4 x 4 wooden posts, go to http://design.wagnerail.com/cableRailOnly/cableOnlyOnline.htm. Select railing height, cable diameter, outside-to-outside post spacing and then hit "Calculate Price and Create Drawing". Pricing and drawings will be produced quickly. Try it and let us know what you think.

HAVE A TECHNICAL QUESTION?
Ask the Wagner Technical Support Team

New Automatic Tube Polisher

 
New One Piece Splice Lock now in stock for
1-1/4" Pipe

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