From: J & D Goldman (jmgoldma_at_dwx.com)
Date: 06/30/02
Message-ID: <005601c220a4$62d5cf60$8adececf@gateway> From: "J & D Goldman" <jmgoldma_at_dwx.com> Subject: continous raw stock for domes Date: Sun, 30 Jun 2002 21:09:26 -0500
Yes, I'm still chipping away at "Domes for the Third Millenium". One
of the proposed chapters pertains to materials that are especially
useful in dome construction. Here is a related topic proposed for
discussion.
The problem (or perception thereof) of waste material in dome
constructions is well known to most readers of this list. You cut
triangles from a 4x8 rectangle and you have, at best, a clever method
of utilizing the pieces, at worst, pure waste.
One remedy that has been discussed is the use of raw material from the
mill that is more compatible with dome construction, that is,
something better than 4x8 sheets. For example, if you needed a large
number of triangles about 48 inches in height, you could buy OSB that
is 48 inches wide and 24 feet long. When you cut this in alternating
triangles tip up and tip down, you still have "ends". However, you do
have a lot more solid (no seam, no tips, etc.) triangles in relation
the amount of waste. If you could cut the material from even longer
sheets, or even cut it as it leaves the forming process, the number of
"ends" would be even fewer. In addition, if you had some control over
the width of the material, to keep it close to the triangle height you
need (32 inch, 60 inch, etc.), you make a production run at the width
you need when you have enough volume to make a run in that size.
The question follows - would dome manufacturers be willing to pool
their orders to generate enough volume to take advantage of this at
some mill willing to work with them? A few possible flaws in my
thinking:
- my ignorance of the milling process for OSB, plywood and other
suitable materials, how feasible is this really. I can probably fix
that...
- how likely is this to benefit dome manufacturers (or individuals
who will pool and order?) really, based on the way they currently do
business, or can do business
- even if there is a real benefit, dealing with perceptions: how
*willing* are the buyers of the materials to do this, or how willing
are they to change the way they do business to capture the advantage?
So what if we found a mill willing to work with a group of companies
and individuals who wanted hundreds or thousands of triangular panels.
Is there anyone who would really be interested in taking advantage of
this, and getting solid triangular panels, only paying for what you
get (e.g. no waste) and not having to dink around with "pieces"?
Is this ridiculous? Tell me why.
Thoughts and insights anyone?
-Dan G.