Molten pig iron is a relatively impure alloy of iron, with about 4 percent carbon and other materials. It is used chiefly as a primary ingredient of steel, but is also used for many finished products such as pipe fittings and structural castings. However, these products are rarely made directly from blast furnace iron. In most cases, the cold pig iron is re-melted in brick or refractory lined cupolas or malleable iron furnaces. In these lined furnaces the quality and analysis of the iron can be more accurately adjusted and controlled, before casting the metal into final form.

"We bought a For-Most squeeze chute this winter, and it has completely changed our operation," says Chad Sullivan, Campbellsville, Kentucky. "We actually look forward to working cattle."Randy and Minda Witt, Lamar, Colorado, say a recently installed livestock handling facility with sorting tub and chute "has made our life much easier and is safer and faster for everyone involved.""I recently purchased a new Prifert squeeze chute and sweep gate system and 20 canal gates, which helps me better care for my dairy and beef cattle," writes Mike Murphy, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.Fence ''em inProducts tied to fencing systems, especially those related to management intensive grazing, are popular with survey respondents. Changes in grazing management are among those most-mentioned by producers as a way to improve their business.

Any new hand tools? I didn''t find much, except for Malco''s new MAX 2000 aviation snips. This is mostly a redesign of its line of snips to beef them up and to make them more comfortable to use. The most noticeable change is a plastic handle covering for less fatigue in prolonged-use conditions. They also boast a full 1 1/4-in. cut and everyday 18-gauge capacity.Equipment and systemsSince there were few hvac equipment manufacturers at the show, there is little to tell on that front. Some odds and ends, however, are worth noting.

Though light in weight, Airbor magnetic drill has a powerful 1.6-hp air motor and 1,600-lb magnetic holding strength. With its extra rack, stroke length is extended to 10 1/4 in. Annular cutter capacity is up to 2 1/16 in. diam. Geared chuck adapter converts the unit to a standard drill press. The Slugger Air Force pneumatic drill, at 24 lbs, 6 1/4" high, is useful for confined area drilling. The drill''s features include a permanent magnet that turns on or off by air power, a cutter capacity of up to 1 1/16" diameter x 3/4" depth and the ability to use ShortSlugger cutters and frame cutters. These cutters'' geometry allows the operator to drill multi-layered truck frames in a single pass.

©2003 www.circular-saws.net All rights reserved.