SAM Coverage
Tools
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Bolted Connections
The all-important nuts and bolts of nuts and bolts—and how to use them properly. There are bolted connections throughout a ski area,…
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Tools of the Trade
Creating great and safe freestyle terrain requires an arsenal of specialized tools. Great terrain parks result from thoughtful planning, sufficient resources, thorough execution, proper…
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Ski Tuner Brings Profits
A report on the the purchase and use of a Montana multi-function robotic tuner at Sunday River, Me. The Robo Tune machine has meant…
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Chainsaws: Power Means More Than Size
A review of 17 chainsaws and how they performed on sloped test sites. Includes separate reviews of each of the saws provided and a…
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Portable Bandsaws: Better Than Expected
A comparison of portable bandsaws that are a necessity in many shops. Included are individual reviews of nine machines, a table of specifications and…
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Drill Presses: Good News And Bad News
Most models tested well but require options and accessories to achieve top performance. A look at six models of drill presses that are an…
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Reciprocating Saws: Versatile And Variable
A review of 12 reciprocating saws for cutting metal and wood. Includes reviews of each model, photos of the individual saws and a chart…
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Power Drills: Handy And Steady
This familiar tool is important for a variety of jobs at ski areas. From tests of 11 models in the 1/2-inch size, here are…
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Nibblers: Cutting Capacity With Control
Cutting steel sheet stock becomes manageable and precise when the correct nibbler is selected from a variety of machines available. Reviews each model with…
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Cordless Drills: Becoming Essential
Power, small size and convenience have made cordless drills one of the most popular tools in the shop. Seventeen models were tested with varying…
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Hand-Held Grinders: Tougher Is Better
Reviews fourteen top right-angle grinders for shop and lift use. Typically one of the most heavily-used items, this feature helps readers know a little…
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Trailblazers : : Ron Ratnik
From World War II refugee to snowmaking innovator. SAM: How did you come to America? Ratnik: My family fled Estonia in 1944 as the…
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Why Bother With A Safety Loop Monitor?
An emergency stop order on a lift must be carried out immediately, given the sheer power of the machinery involved and its capacity to…
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Impact Wrenches: Ratcheting Quick And Easy
Removal and replacement of nuts and bolts is an everyday occurrence for shop mechanics. Impact wrenches make the job easier and safer because of…
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Chop Saws: Quick, Safe, Perfect Cuts
Welders and pipe-fitters have used chop saws to cut tubing, angle and other metal shapes at precise 90-degree angles with one swift downward motion…