Rosie the Riveter

Great interview posted over at StoryCorps, a women recalling her mother, one of the original Rosie the Riveters... or rather a real live Wendy the Welder. And while you're at it, check out some of the other interviews as well.

New TIG/MIG Welding Flowmeter Regular Saves Gas

Accroding to ITW's Smith Equipment, their new Optimizer™ Anti-Surge Flowmeter Regulator Reduces Shielding Gas Consumption and Costs.... At Arc-Zone we'll soon be adding these to our current lineup of MIG and TIG Welding Flowmeter / Regulators.

Here's the details:

WATERTOWN, SD. December 7, 2006—To eliminate costly shielding gas surges, Smith Equipment has announced the release of its new Optimizer™ Anti-Surge Flowmeter Regulator. Designed for MIG and TIG welding applications, the Optimizer helps prevent gas flow surges that normally occur when a welding operator activates a MIG gun or TIG torch.

The Optimizer can lower gas costs by up to 50 percent and, by reducing overall gas consumption, also reduces cylinder handling. The Optimizer’s two-stage anti-surge design provides highly accurate gas flow and constant outlet pressure to help assure welding operators achieve optimum welding performance.

“The Optimizer is a top quality, highly accurate gas handling device that will virtually eliminate gas surges and dramatically reduce gas consumption,” explains Bruce Buhler, product manager, Smith Equipment. He adds, “The gas savings realized will pay for the regulator in a short period of time.”

The Optimizer’s high-flow capacity offers a delivery range of up to 70 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) and is designed for use with either straight Argon shielding gas or an Argon/CO2 mixture. Designed with a CGA 580 inlet connection and a 5/8-inch, 18 RH internal outlet connection, the Optimizer provides maximum pressure inlet of 3000 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). Smith Equipment backs each Optimizer regulator with a three-year limited warranty.

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With headquarters in Watertown, SD, Smith Equipment is a leading manufacturer of oxy-fuel cutting, welding and brazing equipment and specialty gas regulators. Smith products are proudly manufactured in the United States with an ISO 9001 Registered Quality System. Smith is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, IL. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.
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Weldcraft upgrades WP-17 TIG Torch

Press Release: November 28, 2006

Weldcraft Upgrades Its WP-17 TIG Torch With Patented Grip, Torch Body

--Provides ergonomic contact points for fingers
--Optimizes operator comfort and durability

APPLETON, Wis. 28 November 2006-As part of the engineering and design alignments between innovative TIG torch manufacturer, Weldcraft, and industry leader, Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Weldcraft announced that its air-cooled WP-17 TIG torch series now includes the patented Diamond Grip (previously found on the Miller Diamond Back torches). To increase operator comfort, the Diamond Grip helps operators maintain a secure grip for superior torch control in all welding positions. Weldcraft's upgraded WP-17 torch is now featured on Miller's Syncrowave® 200 AC/DC TIG/Stick welder to deliver professional quality welds on hobbyist or light industrial applications.

Engineered for Comfort, Durability
The addition of the Diamond Grip combined with the WP-17's and WP-17V's compact and durable design, make both torches ideal for professional or hobbyist welders working in the shop or in the field. The ergonomic torch body helps the operator maintain the correct relationship between the torch and weld joint and helps to reduce downtime associated with operator fatigue.

"The addition of the Diamond Grip to the WP-17 torch series is only one of many exciting steps our engineering and product development teams have taken to optimize the quality of our entire TIG torch and accessory product lines" says Mike Sammons, sales and marketing manager, Weldcraft.

The ribbed handle remains cool even after prolonged operation. "The Diamond Grip will help operators deliver excellent results on critical or limited-access TIG applications," continues Sammons.

For operator convenience, the WP-17V includes a fingertip gas control valve and both torches use 10N series consumables. Available with either 12.5- or 25-foot cable lengths and single or two-piece power cable assemblies.

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Weldcraft is the world's leading manufacturer of GTAW (TIG) welding torches and accessories. A broad line of premium products includes the unique Crafter Series, MicroTig(TM), Quick Connect System(TM), WP Series and Single Piece Collet/Collet Body. Weldcraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.

Arc-Zone.com is a value-added reseller of premium Weldcraft products, inlcuding the WP-17 series TIG Torch. Ask about WP-17 TIG Torch PRO packages, fully loaded and ready to weld!

The Perfect Gift for Welders

Arc-Zone just came out with a Gift Card program, the perfect gift for the fabricator in your life. And just in time for Christmas.