On behalf of the entire editorial team here at SNIPS magazine, we all want to wish you a happy Turkey Day. In celebration of Thanksgiving, and in the spirit of giving thanks all around, we've compiled a list of our five most popular articles featuring expert tips for sheet metal contractors. Here they are ranked: 

1. The importance of good sheet metal machinery layout to your company’s operations

A proper shop layout should result in producing the largest amount of work with the least amount of time, taking into account the machinery you have available. For maximum efficiency in shop production, you must do all the operations in their proper sequence. The main idea is to eliminate unnecessary movements, keeping the amount of footsteps you and your employees must take to a minimum. Remember: Wasted space and wasted time are wasted money.

2. Tips for soldering damaged HVAC

HVAC ductwork soldering is not something that should be attempted by the average DIYer. It requires many specialty tools and some techniques that can be difficult to master. Make sure your technicians have all of the proper tools and training to properly handle the soldering equipment. This training doesn’t just stop when they’re hired though — continuing their education as new techniques or equipment become available can make your process more efficient and help to keep your technicians safe on the job.

3. 10 FAQs on gas tungsten arc welding

The GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding) process has long been touted for its ability to weld on a variety of materials, as well as its capacity to create clean, high quality welds with no sparks, spatter or slag.  It is also an excellent welding process for applications using thin materials, like sheet metal, that are quarter-inch thick or less. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

4. Tips on putting together your BIM coordination program

Spatial coordination with 3-D modeling is a valued capability of many MEP contracting firms and should be instrumental to your estimating and negotiating process for any project. When you find a requirement for spatial coordination, 3-D modeling, or BIM in a request for proposal (RFP), you want to be prepared to add to the proposal a description of your company’s unique capabilities to complete the job and fulfill the BIM special requirements of the project.

5. Why using spiral duct improves duct design

As computers dominate the engineering world of today, powerful computer calculations can be used to optimize the spiral duct sizes and bring the ductwork system into balance with better acoustics, lower brake horsepower and less air leakage.