Home > Bob on TV > Home Again > Two-Family Greystone > Engineered Beams and Plumbing > MacMillan-Bloedel Parallam Wood Beam Factory Tour Video



Two-Family Greystone Project


MacMillan-Bloedel Parallam Wood Beam Factory Tour Video

Bob meets with Dave Parker to tour the MacMillan-Bloedel parallam engineered wood beam factory. Outside is a car and beam supported by cardboard boxes demonstrating the strength of parallam beams. David explains they use both good and waste Douglas Fir veneer to create their beams. The veneer pieces initially have a high moisture content, so they are first passed through a dryer that blows three hundred degree air on the sheets of veneer. After they are dry, they are put into a shredder, which cuts the veneer sheets into large strips. A gap in the conveyer belt allows the small strips to fall through. These scrap pieces of veneer are used to fuel the dryer. Next resin is applied to glue the strips together. A belt moves around and from side to side so the strips drop into a trough parallel and overlapping, key factors in the strength of a parallam beam. The trough is thirty inches deep and, after it is filled, it is compacted to a depth of eleven inches. Next, the beam is cured in a microwave to ensure a secure bond. It is passed through a cooling station and then a saw cuts it to the desired length. After cutting, the beam is inspected for imperfections, and once approved, is then wrapped and shipped.



Additional Bob Vila Showrooms
ZN Custom Building - Modular Homes
Chadsworth's - Columns, Pillars, Pilasters & Balustrades
Rinnai - Endless hot water for your home or business by America's leading tankless water heating company
A.I.M. Radiant Heating - Clean, Quiet, Efficient Heating
Bellawood - Prefinished Hardwood Floors
eFaucets - Find all the best names in kitchen and bath fixtures


Other Video Clips from this Episode


Progress Report on the Home Renovation

Bob meets up with general contractor Ron Gan to discuss the progress on the project. The plaster has been taken off the load bearing wall to reveal the studs. The ...
Watch video and view full description



NOW PLAYING

MacMillan-Bloedel Parallam Wood Beam Factory Tour

Bob meets with Dave Parker to tour the MacMillan-Bloedel parallam engineered wood beam factory. Outside is a car and beam supported by cardboard boxes demonstrating the strength of parallam beams. ...









 

About | FAQ | Contact | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Help
© BobVila.com 2008