72 2017 | TECH blade to use. Selecting the right saw is crucial. If the job requires 24” x 24” tiles and the pattern is a diagonal one, then many diagonal cuts will be needed. A saw that can make a diagonal cut on a 24” x 24” tile would be ideal. With the growing number of hard porce- lain tiles being installed, a saw with a durable motor (i.e. 13 Amp or more) is key. For projects requiring larger than 24” x 24”, a rail saw may be the best option. Chris Ortega, senior product manager QEP www.qep.com We all have a respon- sibility to provide a safe workplace free from serious recognized hazards, complying with industry standards, rules and regulations. Therefore, at QEP we are continuously striving to provide to our customers safe, reliable tools and equipment that when properly used and maintained can reduce various hazards. Many new tile tools that are currently hit- ting the market have “dustless”’ features, including vacuum attach- ments and wet/dry technologies. The professional tile installer is going to see advancements in technologies from removal through to installa- tion, which will not only improve air quality but will also make for easier jobsite cleanup. Some areas where these changes will be visible include demo scrapers, chisels, tile saws, tile cutters and grinders. Scott Lebedz, owner Scodd Industries www.porcelaindrillbit.com We’ve seen a trend toward harder porcelain tiles along with even harder materials such as crystallized glass being installed and the need for these harder surfaces to be drilled into. To efficiently drill holes into these harder materials, you need higher-quality drill bits with better carbides and specially designed tips. Most of the standard carbide spade bits that have been used in the past cannot efficiently drill into these sur- faces. By going with the proper drill bit, you can save a significant amount of time and money drilling into these harder surfaces. Scott Crandall, senior manager North American sales and business development USG www.usg.com The beauty of technology is that it keeps driving opportunity for busi- nesses. Installers, contractors and designers looking for immediate educational material to help their business are turning to things like ‘how-to videos,’ and visual pieces, like infographics, for recommenda- tions around commercial and resi- dential shower system products. The best part is that these resources can be accessed any time, which helps keep productivity on a project mov- ing forward, saving time and money on the job site. Imagine companies that aren’t creating these resources for customers; they risk getting left behind. TOOLS/ACCESSORIES/APPS and SERVICES ––––––––––––––––––––– Barwalt’s Ultrabite Nipper features carbide tips that are ground to a precision finish with industrial diamonds that easily cut most porcelain. This nipper has a mechanical advantage with nipping due to its uniquely designed handle that absorbs most of the shock when cutting, and it is enveloped with cushion sleeves that stay put. Plus, this innovative handle has 50% less weight than most other nippers to reduce cutting fatigue. The Ultrabite Nipper also has a unique feature: the carbide teeth are replaceable. The Ultrabite Nippers now come in a straight and a radius tip version, are rust resistant and made in the U.S. www.barwalt.com European Tile Masters saw the need to design a full line of tools for handling and installing mam- moth large thin porcelain tiles (LTPT) so that installers could take on jobs involving LTPT with confi- dence. For example the ETM Miter Saw (shown) together with and other accessories such as the ETM-Table, ETM Rail Cutter 12’, ETM-Grip to unload, move, handle and back but- ter tile, ETM-EZ Breaker that allows easy breaking of very narrow piec- es of tile up to 12mm thick, ETM- Plunge Cutter – and more – comprise ETM’s complete installation system. www.europeantilemasters.com Lackmond Products is partnering with B+BTec, a European manufactur- er in the drilling and fastening market since 1969, to market and sell its rail saws, manual tile cutters, core drills, rigs and core bits in North America. The new equipment is marketed under the Beast and B+BTec brands. To align with the emphasis on large-format tile, Lackmond’s new Beast/ B+BTec Rail Saws are suited for larger for- Tools, accessories, apps and services