Grab your free coloring page below and GET CREATIVE! We will have new coloring pages throughout the year so be sure to check back in to make sure you don’t miss anything!
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1) Sub Zero Temperatures? You Won’t Be the Only One Who Needs to Bundle Up!
When the temperature begins to creep below freezing, there are a few things that you need to do to keep your drill running smoothly. If you need to use the water mist dust suppression system while working, insulate your water lines to prevent them from freezing in severe temperatures. If it’s really cold, you can bundle up your mist pump in a heated blanket to take the chill off! One thing to remember if temperatures are low, make sure to drain ALL of the water out of your mist pump at the end of the day so that it doesn’t freeze up while not in use.
2) Not Drilling as Quickly As You Used To? Your Bit Could Have Something to do With It
Have you noticed that you aren’t drilling as quickly as you were at the start of your project? There are many factors that could be at play in this situation but one common culprit is your bit. As to be expected, your bit sees a lot of friction during the drilling process that can wear it down. If you’ve noticed this slowdown and you know that the soil conditions have not changed, check the bottom of your bit between holes. If the rounded tungsten carbide teeth have flattened out, it’s time to give us a call and we can get a new one on its way to you!
3) It Might be a Good Idea to Keep Sawdust or Bentonite on Hand, Here’s Why
When it comes to drilling, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected … especially when it comes to soil conditions. Even with advanced technology and geotechnical site mapping you can still come across unexpected surprises. One such surprise that can make drilling difficult is the presence of cracks or fissures in the rock. These cracks can decrease the air pressure down the hole and increase the likelihood of your bit getting stuck. Putting sawdust or bentonite down the hole while you’re drilling will help fill these cracks and help maintain the needed air pressure while drilling.
4) Blowing Out the Top Of Your Big Holes? Try Some DIY Temporary Casing to Prevent Cave-In
Particularly when drilling holes in the 10″ – 14″ range in soft soils the air pressure moving through the bit to clear the hole can cause the top of your hole to blow out. This blowout creates excess material in the hole that can cause your bit to get stuck. To help prevent this from happening, you can use Tube Form from the local hardware store to create a temporary casing that can be removed once the drilling is done.
5) Working Near a Radio or Cell Phone Tower? You Might Have to Teather Your Radio Remote
If your Excavator or Skid Steer Attachment operates with a radio remote control, nearby radio or cell phone towers may be interfering with your remote functions. If you have tried changing frequencies on your radio with no success or are looking for a quicker solution to get back up and running. Luckily, tethering your remote is quick and easy. Pop the identical round black caps on the side of both your receiver and your remote and screw in the end of the 20M cable provided with your machine. If you are experiencing radio interference and would like to try out different frequencies before tethering, give us a call and our service team will walk you through the process!
“In the beginning was the Word , and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:1-4
We often get the question “Why WORD?” and the scripture above is the reason. Our founders’ long-standing faith in the Lord to take care of their family and provide.
As we have grown throughout the years, and God has provided for us and the many families that are now on our team, we have been blessed beyond measure and sought out ways to extend our good fortune to others. We have made it part of our company culture to be humble servants and always help where we can within our team, local community, and beyond.
Serving through Our Team
A passion for serving within our team has led us to participate in a number of local organizations that have made an impact on a global level. Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child, Wine to Water, and Habitat for Humanity are ministries that were collective team favorites to participate in. Through these three ministries, our team has had the opportunity to engage in hands-on service activities that have resulted in a global impact. Not only do these service days offer a positive outlet for our team to give, but they are also wonderful team-building opportunities that help us to build on our core values as an organization.
Monthly Educational Active Team Building Opportunities
Activities our team can really sink their teeth into, we offer monthly Educational Active Team-building (EAT) outings for our team and their families. These monthly outings were developed as a fun way to give our team the chance to learn new things that aren’t necessarily work-related. Typically a mix of service, learning, or hobby-type activities. These outings have included volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Team golf lessons, an afternoon at the lake, and a painting class. All fun and educational team-building activities that add a little change of pace to the month and give our team the opportunity to learn a new skill or serve the community.
IFCEE 2021: The Most Anticipated Drilling Trade Show in 2021
74Days
7Hours
16Minutes
41Seconds
The Countdown is ON!
The Excitement is building in this office and in offices throughout the foundation industry for IFCEE 2021! Although we’ve had a rocky start to 2021 there is hope on the horizon with the effective measures of continued COVID precautions and vaccine distribution to bring back a little normalcy. On our path back to normalcy, we are excited to get out and begin safely socializing once again at industry events. Starting with IFCEE 2021 in Dallas, TX this coming May.
So … what do we have up our sleeves for IFCEE??
1. The Container is BACK
The booth that was such a hit at CONEXPO 2020 will be back again! If you missed it at CONEXPO 2020 you definitely want to catch it this time around. Created from a repurposed shipping container this display was completely upcycled and outfitted with a second level observation desk, social area, and bar.
2. Bring on the Party
Safe socialization is a cause worth celebrating and it wouldn’t be a celebration without a LIVE Band! That’s right, we will have LIVE Music in our booth during the Outdoor Reception Thursday Evening of the show. This will be the premier performance of our rooftop shipping container stage and is sure to be a hit!
2. Something up our Sleeve
Number THREE is something special up our sleeve that we can’t wait to share with you! We are keeping this one a surprise so you’ll have to visit our booth and see for yourself!
Register TODAY!
We are Off to the Races with 2021 trade shows and the outlook for May looks better by the day.
At a little over two and a half months away, registration is now open and ready for you to secure your tickets! We hope to see you there!
Christmas is on it’s way early this year with WORD Rock Drills 3rd Annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing Party!
Founded through faith
Every team member at WORD works throughout the year to be the best version of themselves, embodying the core values of the company. Being a servant to others, diligent, positive, humble, and a listener are values that each WORD employee treasures. So, as the holiday season approaches each year, the participation in Operation Christmas Child has become a great tradition in servitude.
Operation Christmas Child (OCC), an extension of the Samaritans Purse non-profit organization, is a program that sends gifts to children in need around the world. These gifts come in the form of shoeboxes stuffed with essentials such as washcloths, cups, soap, eating utensils and a WOW toy to bring a smile to these children’s faces. The best part, ALL of these boxes are donated by organizations and individuals across the U.S. in the spirit of giving.
This years goal …. 150 Boxes!!
With our goal in mind we set to it! Each team member brining in as many items as they could to fill the boxes. Monster trucks, baby dolls, coloring books, rubber balls … You name it! If it fit it shipped!
The packing party was a HUGE success! With the help of our team and their families, we all came together and pack our goal of 150 boxes. We even had toys leftover that were donated to another organization packing shoeboxes this year.
With our 3rd year of Operation Christmas Child a success this is a tradition we hope to carry into the future as an embodiment of our company core values during the holiday season!
With over 30 years of combined experience in the rock drill industry, our sales team works diligently with each customer to ensure that the needs of their project are met. Each WORD customer receives an individualized consultation to make sure that the details of the project are accounted for. Centered on customer satisfaction, we will help find the best equipment for your job. If that equipment is not a WORD machine we are not too proud to admit it.
Will I need to hire an experienced driller to operate my WORD Rock Drill?
WORD Rock Drills are designed for drillers at all levels of experience. Additionally, installation and training is included with each WORD Drill purchase. This training ensures that your crew understands how to operate and maintain your new machine.
Can WORD Drills attach to any Excavator or Skid Steer?
WORD Drilling attachments can be used with any excavator or skid steer. However, certain hydraulic flow requirements must me met for the attachment to run efficiently. As you discuss your job site needs with our sales team, they will talk you through the requirements of the machine. Talking through these things will help clarify what equipment you will need to support your drill. Want more information on WORD Drilling Attachments? Click HERE.
What size hole can a WORD Drill accommodate?
WORD Drills can accommodate a range of hole sizes from 1” to 12” in diameter. These options are available through a variety of drilling heads that can be mounted to your attachment. During the consultation period with your WORD salesman, your salesman may ask not only about your current project but also about other types of drilling work you may encounter. Many of the drilling heads we offer can accommodate a range of hole sizes. Asking these questions will help your salesman determine which drilling head will best fit your current and future projects.
If I need to drill a smaller/larger hole for another project will I have to purchase a completely new machine?
WORD Drills are designed to switch drilling heads between jobs so the customer can complete multiple types of work with one machine. Your WORD salesman will be able to help you figure out what options are available with you current machine. Check out all of the drilling head options WORD offers HERE.
How are WORD Drilling Attachments priced?
When you purchase your WORD Drilling machine the price is determined by three primary elements. This includes the type of attachment (Excavator or skid steer), the drilling head, and the accessories needed for the job. Each of these elements are determined primarily by the job site requirements such as hole size, hole depth, number of holes, feed rail length, and environmental concerns. You can use the “Price Your Drill Today” feature on our website to get an estimated cost based on your needs.
There is no denying that rock drilling machines are expensive. Stand alone machines in particular can cost a pretty penny, taking a chunk out of your budget and profits. Fortunately, Rock Drilling Attachments are another option out there that are more cost effective. As a bonus, Rock Drilling Attachments give you more flexibility, as you can easily take the attachment on and off your equipment as needed.
Although most Rock Drilling Attachments are more cost effective than a stand alone drilling machine, this industry has fallen into a pattern that inhibits its customers from reaching true versatility. A majority of rock drilling attachments are engineered to perform a specific type of work. And they perform this type of work well. However, your company does a variety of work and the specs that fit the job you purchased the drill for don’t do anything to help you on the next job.
So, what gives? Why can’t your rock drill do more? Why do you need a completely new machine for EVERY job?
Well … the WORD on the street is that you DON’T!
That’s right! You DON’T have to pay big bucks for a Rock Drilling Attachment that you can only use once in a blue moon! If you want a drilling attachment that will become a tool in your arsenal, rather than an ornament in your equipment yard, WORD is the way to go!
WORD Drilling Attachments are MADE for versatility. We like to call ourselves the multi-tool of the rock drilling industry because of this. WORD Drills are specifically designed to accommodate multiple drilling heads with a patent pending Quick Change Mount.
The Quick Change Motor Mount is a unique system of pins and hoses that allow you to quickly switch the motor on your drill. With this ability, you can switch the type of work you perform from one job to the next or even on the same job. Some customers have even told us that they can switch their motors in as little as 30 Minutes!
When you purchase a WORD Drill you aren’t just investing in the project in front of you, you are investing if the future of your company.
Most all contractors have had to deal with limited access issues at some point within their careers. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but the more time I spend in the construction industry the more I have come to realize that working with limited access is almost inevitable. When a limited access job site also needs a rock drill, creativity, versatility, and innovation becomes key to helping the contractor come up with a solution to get the job done.
Adaptability and Limited Access Drilling
In all honesty, I am relatively new to the rock drilling industry. However, in my two years of working at WORD Rock Drills I have heard dozens of impressive stories about how contractors overcome the constraints of limited access drilling. Most recently, one of our customers at WORD purchased an M125 drill motor to do just that.
Lakes & Rivers Contracting out of Illinois won a contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remove and replace a pier protection cell for I-80 over the Des Plaines River in Joliet, IL. The previous cell, having been struck by a barge, had been badly damaged and had fallen. To replace the damaged pier, Lakes & Rivers Co. planned to anchor a replacement cell into the underlying limestone with 2.5” rock anchors, increasing the cells ability to withstand barge impacts in the future. In order to complete the anchoring process, Lakes & Rivers Co. needed to be able to drill 24 rock anchors in a cell that was only 26’ in diameter and approximately 10’ below the top of the sheet piling.
Creating Drilling Solutions
Confronted with limited access within the cell, Lakes & Rivers Co. knew that conventional drilling rigs would be challenging to put in place and operate once inside. As an alternative solution, they reached out to WORD Rock Drills and purchased our M125 drill motor. This motor provided the needed torque and DTH hammer capabilities to drill the 6” diameter holes needed for this job. They then built a sled system onto their existing crane and mounted the drill onto the sled, allowing the drill to travel up and down the crane leads to drill.
Working With WORD
Through this drilling method, Lakes & Rivers Co. was able to successfully complete their job, mending the protection cell and helping to keep the bridge safe from future harm. Their purchase of a WORD M125 drill motor also increased the capabilities of their fleet for future projects. When asked about their experience working with WORD Rock Drills, Lakes & Rivers Co. Project Superintendent on the job replied, “Working with WORD was a great experience, their salesman, John, helped me through specifying the equipment for the project and was willing to offer some input to follow-up questions we had through the drilling procedure.”
Let’s be honest. ConExpo 2020 was something none of us expected. Between the rain, coronavirus, and a shortened show; this years ConExpo was not lacking in drama.
However, despite the strange circumstances of the show this year, there was an amazing turnout! The smaller number of attendees actually turned out to be beneficial, giving us time to have quality conversations with each person that entered our booth. From an attendee perspective, many Attendees also seemed to enjoy the show more because they didn’t have to constantly fight masses of people to get to the booths they wanted to see.
WORD Braving the Storm
Premier of WORD Rock Tour
If you made it out to ConExpo this year you may have seen us in our inaugural “WORD Rock Tour” themed T-shirts for 2019. These shirts represent a yearly initiative WORD is making to represent our customers and bring some fun into the rock drilling industry. These T-shirts will come out at the end of each year, themed to fit a popular rock band but with a WORD twist. The back of the T-shirts will list the locations that each drill in that year was delivered too! But that’s not even the best part! Each WORD drill customer from that year will receive a commemorative tour t-shirt to celebrate!
Shipping Container Transformation
Conexpo 2020 was a time of firsts for WORD Rock Drills! Not only did we premier our new WORD Tour T-shirts but we also designed a new booth for the show! Unlike anything we’ve done before, this display actually started its life as a shipping container! After months of planning and modifications, we turned a shipping container into a casual booth space with a bar, couch, and even a second level observation deck! If you didn’t make it to this ConExpo, come check out our shipping container display at MineExpo 2020 or IFCEE 2021! It’s a great place to escape the trade show chaos, kick your feet up, and enjoy an afternoon happy hour!
Team Bonding
Our last big initiative for ConExpo 2020 was to have all of our WORD Rock Drills team attend! ConExpo is an amazing show in our industry. With the amount of exhibitors and equipment showcased every three years we believe that attendance is an experience no employee should be left out of. Focusing on team bonding and education, we gave every WORD employee the opportunity to attend ConExpo and experience its magnitude. Having the capability to bring our team together for experiences like this is something we value deeply at WORD and we hope to continue this tradition moving forward!
Price Your Drill Today and Join the WORD Rock Drills Team!
The excitement for ConExpo is something that builds for months. There are ads in every construction magazine for “Big Reveals” and exciting activities that keep the event buzzing. Leading up to the 2020 ConExpo was no different, everyone was excited, ready to show off new products and booths. Things played out a little different than usual, but this may not have been a bad thing.
“ConExpo 2020 was something none of us expected.”
ConExpo 2020 was something none of us expected. Between the rain, coronavirus*, and a shortened show; this years ConExpo was not lacking in drama. With worries about potential exposure and looming travel restrictions, attendees and exhibitors were jumping ship left and right. Oddly enough, this smaller number of attendees and exhibitors may have been the best thing to happen to the smaller businesses in the construction industry exhibiting at ConExpo this year.
Having attended ConExpo for 5 years as a small company out of North Carolina, this show has always been a great opportunity for WORD Rock Drills to generate leads across the U.S. and internationally that we may not have otherwise made contact with. However, as a small business at this type of show we are often bombarded with vendors trying to push their own products and unrelated attendees who only visit our booth hoping to leave with free stuff. These categories of attendees can take away from the time our team can spend answering real questions and clog up our lead tracking system making it difficult to pursue follow-ups.
“The quality of leads we received at this ConExpo was beyond what we expected!”
The quality of leads we received at this ConExpo was beyond what we expected! Of course there could be a number of reasons for this: a better booth location, an enhanced booth setup, or the increase in pre-show marketing. Or … it could have been because of the attendees that DID show up! Attendees at this ConExpo had to be dedicated and determined in order to face the potential risk and show up regardless. These attendees were serious about their product research and truly looking for quality products. The smaller crowd made their mission easier and gave us more quality time to spend with these attendees answering their questions.
Overall, the drama surrounding ConExpo 2020 turned out to be a blessing for us as a small business. We are so thankful for the attendees that made the choice to show up and we feel like we were truly able to serve them amidst the circumstances. The results of this ConExpo is a testament to the small ways that God is looking out for small businesses during periods of uncertainty. Returning to the office we are energized and ready to serve our customers through the coming weeks and beyond.
*This article is not intended to diminish the seriousness of COVID-19 or the current pandemic. Please refer to the CDC and local governing officials for facts and current legislation surrounding COVID-19.
