• Part One: Fabricating knee-rise contour cushions

    Published On: January 1, 2020Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    By Terri Madden Stylish, durable hi-lo/knee-rise contour cushions have become extremely popular. Translating a customer request for durable, comfortable and impressive contour cushions when you’re starting with a blank canvas can be quite challenging. Stylish, durable hi-lo/knee-rise contour cushions have become extremely popular. Executing these successfully can elevate your company. However, a project with contour [...]

  • Knowledge is power in marine flooring

    Published On: January 1, 2020Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    By Rob Kotowski At Lake Shore Boat Top Co. in St. Clair Shores, Mich., we fabricate custom marine canvas year-round. Our customers come to us for high-quality marine fabrication, and we depend on our staff to help provide new ideas to make every boat truly a work of art. We treat our flooring the same [...]

  • Succession planning strategies: Determining the true value of your company.

    Published On: January 1, 2020Categories: Business, Shop Techniques

    By Larry Oxenham Succession planning can be a tricky matter, especially if you’re passing your business on to a family member. Sometimes keeping it in the family is viable, but not in every case. If it comes time to sell the business instead, you should be armed with some strategies for getting what it’s really [...]

  • Tools, tips and tricks

    Published On: January 1, 2020Categories: Shop Techniques

    These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest.  Tip 1: Smooth, indestructible tabletop A combination of wood and 12-gauge sheet metal creates a smooth tabletop surface that is indestructible and isn’t damaged by a hot knife. Combine three adjustable wheeled tables with 12-gauge steel (8’ x 13’, [...]

  • Tools, tips and tricks

    Published On: September 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest.  The 2020 contest submission deadline is Dec. 10 at marine.ifai.com/marine-fabricators-conference/tools-tips-and-tricks/. Tip 1  Prevent burning on stainless steel frames Here is a simple and clean solution for keeping window materials from touching and burning stainless steel frames. Attach a narrow [...]

  • Simplify employee training and patterning

    Published On: September 1, 2019Categories: Exterior, Shop Techniques

    Simplifying employee training and complicated patterning By Broc Wodzien Grand Traverse Canvas Works, in Traverse City, Mich., has had many wonderful employees over the past 30-plus years. Our shop has grown from just my mother, Mary Wodzien, using the skills she learned at her stepfather’s canvas shop, to a staff of 16 employees. Growing and [...]

  • Choosing seating materials and finishes

    Published On: September 1, 2019Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    By Terri Madden I moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1995 with a degree in textile design and experience in custom fabrication for residential spaces, leather bags and apparel. Fortunately, my brother-in-law had a fledgling canvas business specializing in exterior marine fabrication that desperately needed skilled employees. I was fascinated to learn about materials that [...]

  • Portuguese bridge cushions

    Published On: July 1, 2019Categories: Interior, Shop Techniques

    By Terri Madden Recently, Sand Sea and Air welcomed a 134-foot luxury motor yacht built in 1988 to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was designed to cruise in lavish comfort and classic elegance. The large exterior deck cushions below the bridge were located in an ideal space for lounging while cruising, yet over time, some [...]

  • Tools, tips and tricks

    Published On: July 1, 2019Categories: Shop Techniques

    These are submissions to the 2018 and 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest. Tip 1  Redesigned button die (2019 First-Place Don Racine Award winner) This tool is a redesigned version of the button die for the Hoover Pres-N-Snap Tool. The problem with the original is that the outside rubber ring gets in [...]

  • Expanding your business without going broke

    Published On: July 1, 2019Categories: Business, Shop Techniques

    By Kathryn J. Maisto, MFC Whether your business is merchandising, servicing or manufacturing in the marine canvas industry, owners of small businesses often share the same primary concerns: how to keep busy in the off-season and how to effectively hire, train and retain quality employees without breaking the bank. But knowing the warning signs of [...]