The Power of Networking: 3 Reasons Why You Should Say “Hello!”

For some of us, going to a conference, meeting, or any group session can be intimidating. Networking can be a chore and somehow always seems awkward at first.

What do I say? How do I react? When should I approach someone?

Although it may be against your normal instincts to throw yourself out there and meet as many people as possible, it is one of the best ways to get the most out of every group experience in your professional career.

Our CM Hoist School is rapidly approaching. This training seminar provides a lot of benefits, including high quality-training from industry-leading instructors and exclusive sessions with representatives from the brands of gear we use every day in the field.

Read more

Share Button

New Vendor Sessions at CM Hoist School: Lunch and Learn

This year we are introducing a new series of vendor sessions that will give our attendees first-hand seminars with the renowned brands that they use on a daily basis. The CM Hoist School Lunch and Learn vendor sessions will provide discussions hosted by brand representatives that are focused on informing and updating our attendees on the latest equipment they have to offer.

CM Hoist School - Leica & KASK Product Demos

While attendees enjoy lunch, our vendors will present a quick dive into their products and most recent offerings. Students are encouraged to interact and ask questions—you’ll get the answer straight from the source!

Read more

Share Button

The French Connection: Checking in with our first International CM Hoist School student

One of our favorite things about CM Hoist School is getting to meet the diverse group of students we receive each year. Over the years, we’ve worked hard to make sure that the CM Hoist School is an enjoyable and informative experience in every way, and we have been grateful to welcome students from all over the globe as the school’s popularity grew.

We love to hear back from our graduates, and how our training has helped them to succeed with their individual endeavors. Recently, we were contacted by one of our past attendees, whose story is too good not to share…

Cedric

Read more

Share Button

[Q+A] Insight from the Experts – Ed Leahy and The Chicago Flyhouse

We’re excited to host Ed Leahy from Chicago Flyhouse as the new rigging trainer at our 32nd CM Hoist School event. Ed is a veteran of the rigging industry, working with the world renowned Chicago Shakespeare Theater as their Technical Director before transitioning to The Chicago Flyhouse Inc. as their Head Trainer and Cruise Ship Division Manager. Chicago Flyhouse is a diverse production company providing a wide range of theatrical rigging services, including stage/studio rigging, automation, softgoods, safety/fall protection, and more. Ed took some time to talk to us about the Safer Venue program (Chicago Flyhouse’s rigging inspection program), what he’s seen change in the industry over the years, his career launch into rigging and more.

Ed Leahy from The Chicago Flyhouse

Read more

Share Button

CM Lodestar Lubricant Guide

We’re back with another handy resource detailing the proper lubrication procedures for 5 areas of a CM Lodestar. Maintaining hoists will greatly improve the operation and longevity of your equipment—make sure you’re taking the steps necessary to get the most out of your hoists. This is a quick reference guide, but if you need more information or assistance, we’re only a phone call away. Enjoy!

Read more

Share Button

CM Tech of the Month: Wade Mannes and LMG

We’re excited to announce Wade Mannes from LMG as our CM Technician of the Month! Wade gave us some quick info about himself and his career before bustling away to his next job. Read more below.

LMG-pic1-blog2

Read more

Share Button

Visual Guide to Common Cable Connectors

There’s a ton of different types of cable connectors in use, and it’s important to choose the right one for your application. Both feeder and motor (fly) cables are required for our jobs, and our electric shop often encounter the same type of connectors used throughout entertainment production specialists.

This visual guide below gives a quick reference to what these common cable connectors look like, and what they’re used for. Take a look!

Read more

Share Button

CM Lodestar Current Draw Chart

Here’s another printable chart to pin up in the production shop. This chart helps you easily identify the amperage requirement for your hoists for when you need to order cable or control systems.

With the vast amount of CM Lodestar models and the variable voltage, phase, and hertz settings, this chart provides a quick reference for chain hoist models A through RRS.

Check it out and feel free to share with your colleagues!

Read more

Share Button

[FEATURED PRODUCTS] Accessorize in minutes with our 3 new Product Bundles

dropprevention-blog-img

Drop Prevention Package

Fall protection is a must, but don’t neglect stocking up on drop prevention items as well. Python Safety’s drop prevention products include tethers, holsters and wristbands that keep your tools and loose items safe from accidental drops at height. Our Drop Prevention Package includes the Hammer Holster (includes Hook2Quick Ring Coil Tether), Adjustable Radio Holster, and Slim Pullaway Wristband (available in SM, MED, and LG). Be a safety role model on site with these 3 reliable products that keep you, and those below you, safe.

Read more

Share Button

CM Lodestar Contactor History

When performing maintenance on your CM Lodestar chain hoists, it’s important to know the style and model of hoist you’re working with, as each Lodestar model requires different components. One electric chain hoist part that has a variety of part numbers per hoist model is the contactor. In CM’s Entertainment Product Maintenance Manual ©2010, they outline the different contactors that have been used over the years, which part numbers refer to which hoist, and if they are still currently in use. We’ve put this helpful information in a chart below that’s a great resource to have available next time you’re reordering parts. Enjoy!

Read more

Share Button