Sequoia winners: 13 companies lauded for innovation.

Thirteen companies were honored with Sequoia New Product Awards at the AWFS Vegas Fair in July. The biennial awards program recognizes environmental achievement, innovative technology, ergonomics, productivity and safety.

According to AWFS, winners were chosen from a field of more than 120 new product submissions, a 40% increase from the number submitted at the previous show. "A major hallmark of our association and the trade show is to inspire innovation and support entrepreneurs. The products and level of participation has shown that this initiative has proven to be extremely successful in both regards," said Angelo Gangone, AWFS director of trade shows.

The winning companies, along with a product description, are listed below alphabetically.

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION--GENERAL

Apollo Sprayers Int'l.'s Apollo 7500T-The AtomiZer, features a new design with bronze prated spray head; precision fan control; new technology for atomizing particles; an advance in balance and lightweight design; and more. Apollo says it can deriver enhanced HVLP performance with any turbine or air compressor, 3-hp/20 gallon tank or larger. [phone]; CIRCLE 185

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION & PRODUCTIVITY--MACHINERY OVER $50,000

The Selco EBTR 120 Twin Pusher, from Biesse America, utilizes two independent positioning units for the processing of a variety of cutting patterns. The Twin Pusher's design provides users the opportunity to: process staggered strips; rip and crosscut; crosscut and toad the next cycle; and crosscut and rotate head-cuts simultaneously. [phone]; www.biesseusa.com; CIRCLE 186

LEADERSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT

Delle Vedove says the patented technology of its UV-X system cures UV coatings without generating heat and with significantly less energy. It applies UV coatings on resinous or oily woods, as well as heat sensitive plastics, without deforming or burning the piece. Energy and production time are saved because the UV-X turns "ON" and "OFF" instantly. [phone]; www.dellevedove.com; CIRCLE 187

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION--HARDWARE

The Arena Champagne Collection from Hafele America Co. includes tall and chef's pantries, base pull-outs, interior base cabinet drawers, base and upper corner Susans, spice racks, under-sink pullouts, the Magic Corner I and 11, as well as the LeMans corner system. All products incorporate a unique combination of the Arena shelving, which has a patented non-slip coating on maple shelves, in conjunction with a champagne colored wire surround. [phone]; www.hafele.com; CIRCLE 188

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION--COMPONENTS

Hardwoods Special Products offers Echo Wood, which it says is an environmentally responsible alternative to Lumber and veneers. According to the company, the wood is defect free and consistent in color and grain. The process of manipulating common wood fiber through computer design and technology enables it to produce the natural appearance of most species, the company says. [phone], www.hardwoods-inc.com; CIRCLE 189

LEADERSHIP IN ERGONOMICS/SAFETY

LRH Enterprises says its Magic Molder is the only carbide-tipped moulder head for saws that allows the moulding of natural woods and composite materials. It features 83 different interchangeable profiles, and has a 7-in. diameter head, anti-kickback, chip-limiter designed to produce a safer and quieter tool. [phone]; www.lrhent.com; CIRCLE 190

LEADERSHIP IN PRODUCTIVITY--POWER TOOLS

Onsrud Cutter LP says its Tuff Core Compression 3/8-in.-diameter router bit utilizes a dual-grade carbide with a tough inner core for added strength and a wear resistant outer shell for longer life. The Tuff Core allows feed rates to be increased up to 155% over conventional tools, the company says, adding that higher yields are also possible as standard 1/2-in. compression tools can be replaced with the 3/8-in. tool. [phone]; www.onsrud.com; CIRCLE 191

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION & PRODUCTIVITY--TOOLING

According to Penntek Tools, the Versaclamp is the only clamp that can change from a bench mounted vise system to a standard bar damp. The jaws rotate, enabling the clamp to work at any angle when mounted. The Versaclamp's cam-locking feature can generate up to 400 lbs of force regardless of the users hand strength. [phone]; www.pennunited.com; CIRCLE 192

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION--POWER TOOLS

The Work Sharp WS3000, from Professional Toot Mfg., offers three ways to sharpen tools: top side with toot rest, the chisel and plane iron port and the edge-vision port. The WS3000 sharpens chisel and plane blades up to 2-in.-wide to a 20[degrees], 25[degrees], 30[degrees] or 35[degrees] bevel angle, without any set-up time. The machine uses a 1/5-hp motor and produces a high torque max wheel speed of 580 rpm. [phone]; www.worksharptools.com; CIRCLE 193

LEADERSHIP IN PRODUCTIVITY--MACHINERY UNDER $50,000

TigerStop says the TigerSaw is a fast, push-feed system that features precision-ground tables and heavy-duty construction. TigerSaw pushes, defects, optimizes, cuts and labels material in perpetual motion. The saw is simple to maintain through easy access to system parts and serf-diagnostics, the company adds. [phone], www.tigerstop.com; CIRCLE 194

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION--MACHINERY UNDER $50,000

Travaini Pumps says its EVO Dynaseal vacuum system provides suitable vacuum for CNC router tables in a smaller, maintenance-friendly package. age. The system has a smatter footprint, runs quieter and is cooler than most vacuum technology, the company says. [phone]; www.travaini.com; CIRCLE 195

LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION-GENERAL

Available from Louis and Co., Wurth Fill and Finish water-based wood fitter is a four-in-one product that can be used as a wood putty, crack filler, grain and edge fitter and can be sprayed, stained, sanded, routed, drilled and sawed. Because it does not contain acrylic or latex, it will not shrink, sink, crack or fall out, and can be mixed with any type of stain including water-based, oil-based, spirit stains and oxides. [phone]; www.louisandcompany.com; CIRCLE 196

STUDENTS EARN TOP HONORS IN DESIGN COMPETITION

Chris Hedges, University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College, took top honors in the 2007 Fresh Wood Student Design Contest at the AWFS Vegas Fair. Hedges' reproduction of a classic secretary desk made of cherry, "The Goose: Penn Secretary," was named Best in Show, People's Choice and winner in the Reproduction category at the post-secondary level. He received a Best of Show design sculpture, created by renowned wood artist Sam Maloof, plus a cash reward of $2,500 for himself and a $2,500 grant for his school.

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A total of 58 projects were chosen as finalists from the original field of 210 entries. Students from 41 different schools at the post-secondary and high school levels participated in the contest. In all, 38 awards were presented to 34 students, and a total of $23,750 in prize money was distributed.

In addition to Hedges, other post-secondary category winners were: Casegoods, Christian Lazcano, Cerritos College; Chairs, Greg Klassen, College of the Redwoods; Open, Michael Poorman, Appalachian State University; Production/Contract, Charles Heydinger, Savannah College of Art & Design; and Tables, Cortney Schiappa, Miami University.

Category winners at the high school level were: Casegoods, Jake Grieve, David Douglas High School; Chairs, Mary Van Dempsey, Cedar Ridge High School; Open, Daniel Klus, North Canyon High School; Reproduction, Rebecca Price, David Douglas High School; and Tables, Andrew Prioli, Cedar Ridge High School.

Michael Rowan and Jesus Segovia of Dale Jackson Career Center, won top honors for the "Class Project" category.

All finalists will be featured in the third volume of "Fresh Wood," a coffee table-quality book that will be available in January 2008. (For order information, visit the AWFS Web site at www.awfs.org.)