VANCOUVER, WA -- TigerStop LLC, the leader in linear positioning systems and WoodLINKS USA, an organization dedicated to the educational development of incoming woodworkers, joined forces to support local middle and high school wood shop teachers. WoodLINKS USA is an industry driven, secondary and post-secondary woodworking partnership program, which helps to build and maintain a strong, skilled workforce. TigerStop, a supporter of WoodLINKS, donated its SawGear, a portable, length measuring automation tool, to Kelso High School located in Kelso, WA. Cory Torppa, won the SawGear during a WoodLINKS in-service educational conference hosted at the TigerStop factory.

“As the industry leader in linear positioning systems, TigerStop is the perfect partner for WoodLINKS,” said Dave Anderson, Northwest Director for WoodLINKS. “Support from TigerStop for the woodworking program at local schools is one of the primary goals of WoodLINKS. The vital, engaging woodworking programs such as the one at Kelso High School are a very important link to the success of wood manufacturing in this country. I’m confident this support will bring many benefits.”

In addition to the donated SawGear being used in the wood technology program to build cabinets for houses, another SawGear will be used in a new program at Kelso High School next year called Geometry in Construction. The program will build a house from the ground up which will teach geometry and will be educating over 100 students per day. The program has applied for a Lowes grant and is looking to community support for this valuable program. Those interested in contributing to this worthy cause may contact Cindy Wardlow at 360-501-1839 or e-mail [email protected].

"It was a great day for the woodworking program at Kelso High School,” said Cory Torppa, wood shop teacher at Kelso High School in Kelso, WA. “The SawGear allows me to teach decimals, fractions, production, and precision in a simple way that would not be possible without the SawGear. Having the SawGear system is a good way to expose students to technology used in the woodworking and manufacturing world. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the future of house construction and groundbreaking techniques utliziled by the SawGear which reduces labor time by 30% for framing, siding, and finish work,” said Torppa. “I’m excited to be a part of this innovative movement in the construction industry and give my students the chance to learn the tools that will be part of their future.”

Torppa became a woodshop teacher because he grew up in a family centered around construction and teaching. He absolutely loves kids and his goal is to teach them life-skills and give them the opportunity to be more employable.

SawGear is a portable, precise, rugged automated length measuring system for miter and chop saws. It is a proven productivity tool offering contractors and carpenters the ability to complete jobs up to 30 percent faster, allowing them to reduce costs and bid jobs more aggressively.

“We believe the next generation of carpenters and woodworkers will be more technology savvy,” said Spencer Dick, CEO and founder of TigerStop LLC. “It is our obligation as the industry leader to give back to the community, reach a younger generation by continuously developing innovative, cutting edge products, and help groom them by involvement in programs such as WoodLINKS .”

 Source: TigerStop LLC