MRED board tours Bonecutter Body Shop

Steve Bonecutter shows several members of the MRED the heating system installed at the new location of Bonecutter Body Shop and Beta Motorcycles. Sawdust is put into the top of the bin on the right, taken by auger to a wood burning furnace inside the metal building. Then the water heated through a heat-exchange system is piped into the building.
Steve Bonecutter shows several members of the MRED the heating system installed at the new location of Bonecutter Body Shop and Beta Motorcycles. Sawdust is put into the top of the bin on the right, taken by auger to a wood burning furnace inside the metal building. Then the water heated through a heat-exchange system is piped into the building.

The MRED (Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Committee) Board toured the new facilities of Bonecutter Body Shop and Beta Motorcycles following its regular meeting.

Owners Steve and Melissa Bonecutter discussed the greater convenience of the businesses new and expanded facility. Plans are to take out some interior walls to open up an area for a motorcycle showroom, and possibly return some of the building at 500 West Buchanan Street, California, closer to its appearance as it was about 1950.

The new building is large enough to permit all the work to be done inside. Previously, some work, such as that done on buses or large trucks, had to be done outside.

Steve showed the group the current heating system, which is behind the building. Heat is provided via water heated by burning sawdust in an outside heater. The sawdust is fed by an electrically powered auger to a wood burning furnace. The water is heated by a heat-exchanger and piped into the building. It was pointed out that this is important because the paint shop areas must be kept warm - sometimes very warm - while paint is applied and is curing. In addition to be more environmentally friendly, it is more cost efficient.

The group was informed about the new waterborne paint being used instead of the old solvent-borne paint. It is more environmentally friendly, takes one coat instead of six and is much better in many ways. Although there are still environmental concerns and safety precautions to be taken, overall, it appears to work better for the local shop.

The business began in 1995 in a small two-bay garage near Centertown. This is the fourth location for the business.