The meeting focused on addressing glass tempering issues and quality control measures, including discussions about industry tolerances, potential solutions, and techniques for handling warped glass. The group explored advancements in door hardware technology, particularly heavy-duty hinges and new gasket designs, while also discussing the merger of Portals with Bole and their product offerings. The conversation concluded with discussions about glass polishing kits and scratch removal techniques, as well as plans for upcoming events and methods for installing floating mirrors.Glass Installation and Tempering TechniquesChris explains the process of removing tempering from glass and how to straighten a bowed door during installation. The group discusses techniques for dealing with warped glass, including using thicker glass for larger panels. Saul mentions a reliable vendor who can produce large glass panels without issues. The conversation then shifts to the use of hinges on glass doors, with the consensus being that two hinges are preferable to three due to potential alignment issues with uneven walls.Heavy-Duty Door Hardware InnovationsThe group discusses advancements in door hardware technology, particularly focusing on heavy-duty hinges for large doors. Adrian praises Portals' ultra heavy-duty hinges, which can support doors up to 40 inches wide and 160 pounds. The conversation then shifts to FHC's new glued-in gasket hinges, which Cameron reports his team recently used successfully. The group notes that these new hinges are gradually replacing the older models with separate gaskets, and they discuss the improved quality and rigidity of the new gasket material.Bole-Portals Hardware Integration DiscussionThe group discusses Portals, a company that has merged with Bole. They note that Portals offers a wide range of hardware, including handles, glass cutters, and UV adhesives. Chris mentions that some of Bole's previous tools, such as water-fed drills and polishing systems, are no longer available on the Portals website. Ryan and Tim share their positive experiences with Bole's glass cutting tools, while Adrian expresses interest in checking out Portals' offerings.Glass Scratch Removal Kit DiscussionThe group discusses glass polishing kits and their experiences with scratch removal. Ryan shares that his company uses a Glass Weld kit to offer scratch removal services for vandalized storefronts, noting that they can remove a 6-inch scratch in about 5 minutes. Daniel and Chris mention having similar kits, but with varying degrees of success. The consensus is that while these kits can be effective for surface-level scratches, deeper scratches that can be felt with a fingernail are usually not removable. Saul points out that the main challenge is maintaining the correct temperature range during the polishing process.Glass Restoration and Event PlanningThe group discusses glass scratch removal techniques and equipment, with Ryan sharing that his company paid for a Glasweld machine in six weeks through service calls. They compare different polishing compounds and methods, noting the challenges of avoiding swirl marks. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Glass Build event in November, with participants discussing registration details and costs. Daniel asks about sourcing raw brass U-channel, having only found pricing from US Horizon so far.Floating Mirror Installation TechniquesThe group discusses various methods for installing floating mirrors, particularly large ones. Chris recommends using Gunther Bond adhesive with French clips or aluminum thresholds as mechanical supports. Ryan suggests using MDF cleats cut at a 45-degree angle and attached with Spec 2 silicone. They also discuss safety measures like creating a grid pattern on the back of the mirror with adhesive. The conversation concludes with Chris announcing that future meetings will be moved to Thursdays starting in August.
