Abstract: A system and method are provided for framing at least a portion of a wide variety of structures. In each embodiment, the framing system includes a base, which may be attached to a foundation of the structure by conventional means, which preferably comprises at least one rectangular or square metal tube. Alternatively, the base may be made of other metal structures. The framing system further includes a plurality of lower connecting members attached to and extending upwardly from the base and a plurality of upwardly extending support members which are interconnected to the lower connecting members. The framing system may further include an upper member and a plurality of upper connecting members attached to and extending downwardly from the upper member. Each of the support members is also interconnected to one of the upper connecting members, which is aligned with one of the lower connecting members.

Abstract: A tool is provided for working a shaped metal tube, such as a square or rectangular metal tube, having a hollow interior and an outer surface to produce an end reduction in the tube. The tool includes a head having a longitudinally extending interior cavity and a plurality of roller cavities, each communicating with the interior cavity. A plurality of grooved rollers are rotatably mounted within the head, one within each of the roller cavities. Each of the grooved rollers has a periphery extending into the interior cavity and configured to engage a portion of the outer surface of the tube to be reduced, such as a corner portion of a square tube. Depending upon the shape of the tube being reduced, the tool may further include a pair of flat-area rollers. The flat-area rollers may be used to engage the relatively long sides of a rectangular tube.