OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Twelve months after we started our warehouse build we've finally finished. We began operating out of our new premises early in the year, just as the old containers we used to store stock in really started to leak like a sieve. Now that we've had a little while to bed ourselves in it seemed a perfect opportunity to hold an open day to showcase our new facilities, demonstrate how we do things, try out some of our equipment for yourself and purchase supplies at special rock bottom prices.

However our open day is not just about The Blast Shop and it's products. There will be four memorial wholesalers with full memorial displays in our two warehouse areas. NAMM and Bridge Insurance will also be there

to discuss any trade or insurance issues you may have. It's going to be a complete mini trade show with arguably more for memorial masons than this years natural stone show and funeral services exhibition combined.

Provisionally our doors will be open for two full days, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September. Both days start with registration at 9:30 and run until 5:00. There will be three seminars run during the day and lunch will be provided. Unfortunately we are not an exhibition centre, we're a working memorial masons yard so we can only accommodate a limited number of people on each day. Places are already booking up fast so if you are interested then please ring or email us so we can confirm there is space on your chosen day.

ACTIVITIES

Whilst there are three seminars planned throughout the day it's not just about sitting down and listening, I doubt we'd get many attendees if that were the case! We have a number of activities for you to try your hand at.

LETTERING AND DESIGN

Recommended as a good early activity is creation of your own PhotoBlast stencil. If you get a chance to do this before 3:00 then there will be the opportunity to blast your stencil and take the results home with you. Gavin will be on hand to show you the stencil production process using our Letralite system (still available at a bargain price of £495!)

While you are in the old Blast Shop offices it might be an idea to

NEWS

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 2 NEWS FOR THE MEMORIAL INDUSTRY

Open Day• Mini Trade Show• Gantry• 3 step polishing• Discount Prices

• Airbrushing• Cleaning• Sandblasting• Secondhand Goldmann

drop in and see the new Graphtec plotter as well as CorelDraw and Signum software packages. If that isn't enough Rob will be demonstrating how to convert graphics into PhotoBlast ready artwork. Whilst we do use Corel when scanning designs to cut into rubber, PhotoBlast stencils are far more flexible and versatile for the vast majority of the designs we do now.

If PhotoBlast isn't detailed enough for you then you can take the next step with the Granite-CP etching machine. Rob will be showing you how to use the impact etcher to produce images suitable for painting.

PAINTING AND CLEANING

As part of the seminar on painting and cleaning we'll be demonstrating some of the Stone Clear range of products as well as taking you back to your childhood and showing that PhotoBlast painting really is as easy as the old painting by numbers books. We've recently sourced some new acrylic paints. The new range of paints includes convincing metallic gold finishes. Not a replacement for gold leaf or as hard wearing as the 2 part gold and silver paints but a good set of colours for design work.

FIXING METHODS

Our new gantry will be on display in the yard. Designed for one man operation, it is compact and easy to set up making an invaluable addition to any memorial masons workshop. The main beam is 2 metres long and capable of lifting up to half a tonne. The legs extend enough to allow you to use the gantry to lift heavy jobs on and off your vehicle.

In addition to demonstrating the gantry Terry will be on hand to demonstrate Blast Shop fixing techniques. We have been using our LockDown system for 13 years now which means many of the inscriptions we are now doing have been locked down. Removal and re-fixing couldn't be easier – undo the expansion bolt, drop the memorial onto the sack truck and walk away!

POLISHING AND DRILLING

Polishing with only 3 discs? Yes it is possible and Jason will be demonstrating how our new 3 step system works in our wet room. He will also be modelling the popular waterproofs first shown at the NFE in June. We will also have a more standard 7-Step set-up for you to try if you prefer to take longer creating the same results!

Also in the wet area - we've had 2 types of diamond core bits available for some time. Our thin walled cores have proved popular with everyone who has used them so come and have a try to see the benefits for yourself. Jason will also be sharpening core bits with a block specifically designed to ensure you use every last millimetre of diamond on the drill. If you're late to visit this activity then it may be worth bringing along a blunt drill because all ours will be sharp by Friday lunchtime!

BLASTING TECHNIQUES

Mike hasn't retired (something about not retiring before his dad does!) and will be stationed next to the automatic cabinet he bought nearly 30 years ago. If there is anything he doesn't know about sandblasting then it probably isn't worth knowing so it's worth a visit just to test him out. In our main blasting area we will be demonstrating the automatic cabinet, spray painting and the workhorse of many memorial masons – the Goldmann dustless sandblaster. If you ask nicely then he may also show you some of the carving and shading techniques that have won him numerous Craftex awards over the years. All of the sandblasting equipment in this area of our workshop was purchased pre 1985 so it's a good opportunity to see how good the equipment is once it's been run in.

As the key developer of Anchor T226 sandblast tape, Mike is also perfectly qualified to explain all the different sandblasting tapes that are available and why you should use one material over another. Whilst a lot of masons only use one tape there are a number of options, each with a specific purpose; our mantra has always

been to use the right tool for the job which explains why we regularly use 4 different types of sandblast tape.

NEW GOLDMANN BLASTER

In our new demonstration area we will have the latest in the Goldmann range of sandblasting solutions. The Star-01 will be in action as well as the more portable Duplo machine. Steve will be demonstrating how to get the most out of a dustless machine as well as giving handy tips and guidance on servicing. Also on display will be a big wheeled truck which makes light work of larger memorials as well as a new Goldmann work table.

We've not forgotten our little PAB blaster which will be available to try in the demo area. Alongside the PAB unit will be a small recycling system with a head designed for use with the PAB model B.

TRADE DISPLAYS

As already mentioned, in addition to the activities we have planned there are also a number of trade stands for you to visit. We have 4 wholesale companies present – CJ Imports, Morris Granite, Odlings and Thomas Group.

OLD GOLDMANN BLASTERS

We've manage to lay our hands on some second hand Goldmann sandblasters. If you are interested in getting hold of one of the most versatile sandblasting units available then please get in touch. Machines like these don't come along all that often so to have a few become available at the same time is very rare.

REGISTRATION EMAIL

It's going to be busy so please ensure you are in contact with us before the day to confirm attendance. Extensive local parking is available, further information will be sent out via email to those that wish to attend. If you have already expressed an interest in coming but haven't given us an email address then please get back in touch so we can fill you in with all the final details closer to the day.

Published by The Blast Shop, S. Critchley & Son Ltd, Langley Road, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 8SS.Tel : 0161-351-6545 Fax : 0161-745-8071 E-mail : info@theblastshop.co.uk Web Site : www.theblastshop.co.uk

Hours of Business : Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm