1/18/2011

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has introduced the first-ever Smart Phone application for welding. Available for use with iPhone, Blackberry®, and Android™ devices, the ESAB Welding Parameters Set-up Guide is a user-friendly application that helps welders quickly identify the correct parameters for a specific job. The user simply enters the metal to be welded and the filler metals, and the application determines the appropriate settings for the welding machine.

The free application can be downloaded at http://www.esabna.com/apps.

You can read the rest of this press release over at ESAB –>

And don’t worry, Arc-Zone.com is fully accessible on any Blackberry, Android, or iPhone.  Our live chat option is even accessible by your smart phone!  So for any welding products on the go, oxy-fuel torches and parts, or MiG guns and parts, or Plasma Arc Welding torches and parts, head on over to Arc-Zone, and we’ll get you dialed in and ready to weld.

By Eric Lundin

You purchase raw material.  You cut it, you bend it, you weld it, maybe you even coat it.  You make the best components you can, ship them to your customers, and hope to earn an honest day’s wages for an honest day’s work.  If you’re an OEM, you do much the same thing, but you ship complete products.  Either way, you probably don’t expect to win awards for your work, do you?

Jake Thamm didn’t start his fabricating venture expecting to win awards, but indeed he did.  An avid outdoorsman and entrepreneur, he ran across a unique snowshoe several years ago.  He tracked down the manufacturer, purchased the design, co-founded the Crescent Moon® Snowshoe Co., and in a few years increased the sales of the product tenfold.  And the snowshoe won a couple of awards from outdoor recreation magazines.

CONTINUE READING OVER AT THE FABRICATOR – >

And if you’re the next Jake Thamm looking for TIG parts or torches, or tungsten electrodes for your TIG applications, be sure and check out Arc-Zone for all your welding accessory needs.

Bill’s favorite courses in school were the welding classes he took.  With a brand new welding shop to call his own, Bill is well on his way to making a living in the welding industry.

By Valerie Zehl

Bill Stadelman doesn’t usually smile, his sisters say.

On Wednesday afternoon, though, the 18-year-old was grinning ear to ear.

The Newark Valley High School senior is the latest recipient of a big surprise from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central New York.

Despite the weather and the lack of a street sign on his rural road, more than a dozen people converged to see Bill’s reaction when the door to his new welding shop yawned open.

CONTINUE READING OVER AT PRESSCONNECTS –>

And if you’ve got a welder who needs welding parts of any kind, check out Arc-Zone.com.  We’ve got all kinds of TIG Torches and parts, plasma torches and parts, and we even offer gift cards in time for the holidays so you can let your welder decide!

We love it when our customers call us…  even if they don’t have such glowing praise– bottom line is we are focused on doing our best for our customers, so we look forward to hearing from you, whether you have a comment on one of our products, something we need to add to our store, or a way to improve our website– let us know, and we will work to make those changes!

But it sure is nice to get compliments, so welcome aboard, Joe!

The extremely popular 2010 Fabtech  expo is right around the corner, and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is introducing some really cool new products, including the new Titanium Series welding helmets as well as the new WeldX protective apparel (available at Arc-Zone.com).  And if you’re looking for other TIG related products to go with your Big Blue welder generator, be sure to check out Arc-Zone’s TIG parts and accessories.  And be sure to look for Joe Welder himself, who will be attending this year.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. will showcase a wide range of new and popular welding products, technologies and safety accessories at the FABTECH 2010 show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, November 2 – 4. Miller’s booth this year (#6811 in Hall C) will provide attendees with product selection clarity by featuring market specific solutions designed to address the specific needs and challenges of the manufacturing, fabrication, shipbuilding, construction and commercial welding markets.

• FILTAIR^™ SWX-Series wall-mounted fume extractor
• Big Blue^® 400 Eco Pro welder generator
• Titanium^™ Series heavy-duty welding helmets
• XR^™ Control push-pull wire feeders
• WeldX^™ protective apparel
• Dimension^™ NT 450 WCC

In addition those listed above, Miller will be unveiling several new products and technologies that increase welding productivity, reduce weld costs and improve application adaptability.

Miller’s TIG Solutions Marketing Manager, Brent Williams, will also be giving a presentation on the benefits of TIG inverter technology, and the advanced arc controls it offers, as it relates to aircraft engines and components. The presentation will take place from 4:05 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3.

Plus don’t forget to regularly check Miller’s social media outlets — YouTube, Facebook and Twitter — for regular updates, videos and special promotions from the trade show floor.

FILTAIR SWX

Miller’s new FILTAIR™ SWX Series of space-saving wall-mounted welding fume extractors, are available in either the self-cleaning SWX-S model or the disposable filter SWX-D model. SWX-Series extractors can be fastened to a variety of wall surfaces, allowing companies to improve air quality and protect employees without cluttering their shop floors.

Like the mobile FILTAIR™ MWX Series, the SWX-Series uses surface-loading nanofiber filters designed specifically to capture the 95 percent of sub-micron particles found in welding fumes, including hexavalent chromium and manganese. Because the nanofiber filters are “surface-loading,” they offer more holding capacity and less pressure drop than competitive, “depth-loading” fume filters.

The SWX-S and SWX-D provide 875 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow for excellent fume removal up to the maximum recommended hood distance of 14 in. from the welding arc. Designed for heavy-duty industrial use, both models are suitable for continuous filtration of Stick, flux-cored, MIG and TIG fumes. For added application flexibility, both SWX models are available with one or two extraction arms that come in lengths of 7, 10 or 12 ft.

Big Blue 400 Eco Pro

For pipe welding, structural steel, fabrication, field maintenance and repair applications, the new Big Blue^® 400 Eco Pro welder generator reduces fuel use up to 25 percent and is 44-percent smaller/41-percent lighter than other models with similar output.

Providing Stick, TIG, MIG, FCAW and CAC-A processes, the Big Blue 400 Eco Pro offers 5,500 watts of peak power — plenty to run lights, grinders and many electrical tools. Its Mitsubishi S4L2 Tier 4i compliant diesel engine is designed to run 10,000 hours before a major overhaul and produces 50-percent less noise than previous models.

Taking into account average diesel costs of $4.00/gallon and the habits of a typical user — 50 percent idle time, 40 percent at 150 amps, and 10 percent at 400 amps — a welder can save up to $1,990/year per machine in fuel costs without sacrificing performance.

Titanium Series Helmets

Miller’s new Titanium^™ Series offers a comprehensive choice of helmets to meet the daily demands of industrial welding applications. From standard passive to auto-darkening helmets, with one model featuring an integrated grinding shield, the Titanium Series redefines industrial welding protection through optimal comfort and performance.

Designed for industrial protection, performance and comfort, the Titanium Series is built upon a shell design that is lightweight for extended wear, provides excellent skin coverage, reflects radiant heat and features a quick-release front cover lens to reduce welder downtime.

The Titanium Series is available in three auto-darkening models, featuring auto-on/auto-off, grind mode, independent arc sensors, excellent low-amperage TIG performance (5 amps), magnifying lens holder and they all meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 (High Impact) standards. Also available is a shade #10 passive lens model that features a large, 16-sq.-in. lens.

XR-S/D Controls

Miller’s new XR™-S Control and XR™-D Control push-pull wire feeders feature upgraded point-of-use functionality and performance for a wide variety of aluminum MIG, Pulsed MIG and extended reach welding applications.

Weighing under 43 lbs., the XR-S and XR-D Controls provide a highly portable solution for working up to 135 ft. from the welding power source. An A/C variable speed, high-torque “push” motor responds in real time to the gun-mounted DC “pull” motor to provide true push-pull performance. This allows the welding wire to overcome bends and extreme angles when working in and around large weldments.

The XR-S Control provides a simple, intuitive design and basic functionality, featuring adjustable run-in, pre- and post-flow options and a digital wire feed speed display that allows the user to easily see and adjust wire feed speed with the turn of a dial.

For more advanced applications and increased point-of-use adjustability, the XR-D Control offers remote voltage control, programmable pre- and post-flow and manual start and crater control options.

For the ultimate in aluminum MIG welding technology, Miller offers its Aluma-Feed Synergic Aluminum Welding System, featuring built-in Pulsed MIG programs that set the optimal parameters for the most commonly used aluminum alloys. The Aluma-Feed’s synergic welding mode provides the simplicity of single knob control by automatically choosing the correct voltage and amperage when the welder selects the desired wire feed speed.

WeldX Apparel

Miller’s exclusive new WeldX^™ line of welding safety apparel uses a revolutionary new material that provides exceptional flame and spatter resistance and is 60 percent lighter than leather, resulting in reduced heat stress and operator fatigue.

Originally designed for military applications, the WeldX fabric uses a patented carbonized acrylic base fabric that is then strengthened for durability and treated with a compound that causes weld spatter and sparks to literally “roll off” the material upon contact.

Unlike leather, the WeldX fabric is easily washable and is guaranteed to retain its flame resistant qualities for the life of the garment.

Only available from Miller, the WeldX line of safety apparel includes traditional welding jackets, 1/2 length sleeves, aprons and cape sleeves with an optional bib.

Dimension 452 WCC

Ideal for shipbuilding, marine repair and other applications where the power source and wire feeder are separated by up to hundreds of feet, the new Dimension^™ NT 450 WCC multi-process welding system saves time and increases safety by reducing trips to the power source for parameter adjustment. It also reduces weld quality problems caused by “working around” improper parameter settings, and eliminates control cable set up, maintenance and repair costs.

Using the built-in WCC (Weld Control Cable) feature and a WCC-enabled voltage sensing wire feeder, welding operators can control voltage at the wire feeder, eliminating the need to travel to the power source for parameter adjustments. And, fewer trips to the power source means fewer potential accidents along the way.

Further, because they can control parameters at the wire feeder, operators are less likely to attempt to “weld through” improper settings, a practice that often results in structural and visual weld defects.

By eliminating the need for control cables the WCC feature reduces the time and expense associated with purchasing, repairing and maintaining control cables.

The Dimension NT 450 WCC’s Ez-Bind feature guarantees remote control operation with multiple power sources connected to the same workpiece.

These welding gear packs are going to be popular for Christmas so PRE ORDER your BSX Welder’s Helmet Bag / Gear Pack today!

BSX Welders GearPack / Helmet Bag is styled in black and gray with red accent piping–  AND it’s rugged making it a great way to Store AND Transport your welding gear.

This specialized backpack is constructed of high-quality materials and engineered with a quick-action HelmetCatch (which makes it easy to access your helmet). The side pockets fit two pairs of gloves, and the large storage area with rigid side walls  protects and stores your torch, and other tools–  and even your lunch box!

Roll to the jobsite, welding class or through the airport with the BSX Helmet Bag and you’ll be noticed!  We even joked around the office that this would make a great backpack for cycling to school (with a place to store your bike helmet) or the bowling alley (with a spot for your bowling ball)!

The exclusive quick-action HelmetCatch™ makes this gear pack stand out above all others. It introduces a secure 5-point rigging system and fast drawbridge action designed to make protecting your helmet a snap. The padded construction of the HelmetCatch™ helps protect the expensive lens from bumps and scratches, while the unique shape accommodates welding helmets of all sizes. The gear pack itself can be worn over the shoulders as a rugged backpack with fully adjustable ergonomic straps, or it can also be carried by its sturdy, rivet-reinforced top handle.

Constructed with rigid walls, the GB100 supports a welding helmet and heavy duty welding gloves on the outside, while leaving plenty of storage room within. The inside features pockets designed to organize hammers, brushes, tip cleaners, electrodes and more. A utility carabiner and a free lunch cooler are also included with the package.

Pre-Order your bag Today from  Arc-Zone– they’ll be available in December.  Just in time for the holidays.

Carlsbad, Calif.— Whether you’re using the Thermal Dynamics 2A, 3A, 4A and PWM300 Plasma Arc Welding Torches, setting up a new Plasma Arc Welding station, or optimizing your existing welding station, Arc-Zone.com’s Plasma Arc Welding Accessory Kits are fully loaded with a variety of performance proven parts.

Designed by Arc-Zone.com technicians, the kits allow you to fine-tune your existing plasma arc welding torch, or get your new torch dialed in and ready to weld.

Operations manuals often suggest options for various amperage settings, adjustments and top sizes. “The benefit of the Arc-Zone kit is that every part you need is stored in one convenient and rugged kit box,” says Jim Watson, founder and CEO of Arc-Zone.com. “From replacement shield cups, back caps, pre-ground electrodes, shield cup gaskets, to long tips you’ll have easy access to the parts you need to customize your torch, minimize downtime, and you’ll have the quality to minimize variables.”

Whether you’re ordering the standard kit or the deluxe kit, you’ll also get Joe Welder’s Guide to Optimizing Your Plasma Arc Welding Torch. And re-ordering parts for your kit is easy: each kit is labeled with a custom made lid card that identifies each component, and a super cool Weld Like A PRO™ sticker.

Founded in June 1998, Arc-Zone.com®, Inc. delivers proprietary, brand name and OEM replacement parts and accessories for GMAW, GTAW and Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting applications to customers worldwide.

Though not affiliated with Thermal Dynamics Corporation, Arc-Zone supplies OEM and high quality replacement parts manufactured to demanding specifications and engineered to be interchangeable with Thermal Dynamics® parts, are not OEM parts and are not endorsed by Thermal Dynamics®

For more information, visit the Arc-Zone.com web site at www.arc-zone.com, call 760-931-1500 or email sales@arc-zone.com.

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My sister Lori bought a house with some land in Ramona California. As soon as she moved in she began to convert it to the horse property that she always wanted; she needed some fencing to start. When she asked her fellow horsemen who builds the best corals and arenas, it was unanimous–”Hayes Fencing, they do quality work”.

Steve Hayes owner of Hayes Fencing in Ramona California and his son Ryan fenced the entire property, including a pasture, paddock, pipe corrals and stalls, custom steel cross-ties, hitching posts, a huge arena and obstacle course, tie racks, a wash rack etc. They built some things in their shop, but almost everything was welded on site with their Hobart Handler portable 110V MIG welding machine.

When Lori added a couple of goats, however, she needed to build up her fencing on one area of the goat pen– those critters climbed up to the top of that big rock and jumped over to the neighbors!

I was out visting Lori and was talking to Ryan about welding tools, welding helmets, protective gear etc. when I noticed Ryan was using a Profax MIG gun made in USA (available from Arc-Zone) I asked him about it. He said, “It’s good, but the local supplier has no parts for it.” The supplier actually suggested Ryan buy a new gun ($150) when all he needed was a gas diffuser ($3)!

He was thrilled when I told him we had parts for his MIG welding gun in stock, and that he could order online. “It costs us a lot of time and money to roll into town and take our chances on being able to get the supplies we need– if I can get the parts and other supplies we need from Arc-Zone it will really help us be more productive.” Town, after all is about 20 miles away.

If you want to build a business and make a damn good living, you should look at the Hayes family. They work hard and do what it takes to get the job done right… When Lori needed some extra work done, Ryan came out on a Sunday to make some extra coin.

Don’t buy into all the media balderdash about no jobs, bad economy etc. This job alone was worth over $35,000! So get out there and start building and billing today!

Local parts makers see potential in wind industry

MINONK — At the new 68-turbine Top Crop I wind farm in LaSalle County, a steel ring about 15 feet in diameter connects each turbine’s giant tower to its concrete foundation. Those rings came from a machine shop just down the road.

That shop, Specialty Metal Fabricators in Minonk, with 170 employees, first entered the wind business five years ago, when it made an emergency ring that saved a foundation at another Central Illinois wind farm under construction.

SMF made contacts in the industry, and today wind is about 5 percent of its business and growing, said Paul Halvorsen, co-owner and chief financial officer. SMF’s rings are used across the U.S. and Canada, and it opened a small facility in Texas to handle orders in the south.
In an industry often at the mercy of big players like Caterpillar — a major SMF customer that was hard-hit by the recession — wind is a welcome addition.

CONTINUE READING AT THE PANTAGRAPH ONLINE –>

How has YOUR company diversified to make it through this challenging economy?

I came across this great profile of a small business in Wisconsin (fact: Wisconsin is the home of Weldcraft).  One of the things that caught my attention, is that the company tasks every employee with Customer Service.  That’s how we roll at Arc-Zone.com! I also like their approach, that everyone learns from the shop floor on up. Check out the article from The Fabricator magazine:

The Wisconsin Family Robinson

Robinson Metal’s approach to fabricating has it growing when others weren’t

By Dan Davis
May 28, 2010

Anyone that works for Robinson Metal Inc. learns the business from the ground up. That approached has served it well as the De Pere, Wis., company has grown to become one of the largest fabricating jobs shops in the U.S.

CONTINUE READING ONLINE–>

And speaking of customer service, did you know that Arc-Zone.com offers LIVE CHAT on its website? It’s pretty trick, and we’ve got the lines covered from 6 am to 5 pm California Time. And if you’re not a great typist, don’t worry, we’re still available by phone at 800-944-2243 (USA) and 760-931-1500 (Worldwide). Or you can email sales@arc-zone.com.