As I mentioned in my last blog, we had the pleasure of seeing our good buddies, Weldcraft Regional Sales Manager Joshua Sprinkle, and Weldcraft National Sales Manager Greg Mayer in the office last week.  We’ve worked with Josh for years, and he always treats us right.  Proving he knows the quickest way to a welder’s heart, he showed up with a huge lunch spread from Claim Jumper for the entire office.  He also brought some exciting stuff that Weldcraft has been working on.  Here’s an interview with Josh with more details:

What is the purpose of your visit to Arc-Zone?

To show the crew at Arc-Zone some new products, including a new Super Cool™ Technology water-cooled TIG torch called the WP-280, changes in the color coding of our tungsten electrodes, and some new additions to our line of tungsten electrodes.

What is different about the new WP-280 torch?

The new torch has features that improve its durability, comfort, and safety.  First, it has Super Cool Technology, which will help the head run cooler for longer torch life and greater operator comfort.  Second, the torch features an upgraded handle designed with a new locking system and more ergonomic design for greater operator comfort.  Finally, an improved cable cover design improves safety while also providing easier access for repairs.

Click here for the WP-280 Spec Sheet.

When will this new torch be available?

The torch is currently available in the Arc-Zone.com store.

What makes Weldcraft different from its competitors?

Weldcraft is different due to the quality of the materials and thoroughness of the research & development that goes into the products that we sell.  It takes us a while to develop and debut new products, but when we do, the new products have been thoroughly tested and we know they meet the standards that our customers expect.

Without giving away any secrets, what are some future innovations coming down the pike from Weldcraft?

I can’t give away too much, but expect more improvements on the best TIG welding accessories on the market.

Anything else you want to tell Arc-Zone customers?

Buy more Weldcraft (laughs).  To be serious, we appreciate the partnership we have with Arc-Zone, because Arc-Zone is a huge knowledge and product resource for the TIG industry.

Note from Joe Welder: We’ll have more very soon about changes to the color-coding of Weldcraft tungsten, but for now, click here for a guide to the changes.

I was watching American Chopper with my wife last night and when they did a close up of Rick Petko TIG welding a custom gas tank together, my wife said, “He is using a Crafter Series TIG torch!”

That brought back memories of 1994 when we were dating and I was the Regional Sales Manager for Weldcraft, the world’s leading TIG torch manufacturer.  I was living in the western suburbs of Chicago, Saint Charles, IL to be exact.  I had a nice 1,000 Sq Ft fab shop behind my ranch house.

That shop is where I tinkered with an idea to solve a major problem with the TIG torches on the market at that time.  There was not a torch on the market that was ready to go right out of the box, with nozzle, tungsten, connectors and all.  I also added a flat side on the handle so that the welder can know which direction the torch is facing without lifting his helmet.  I built the first prototypes of what became the Crafter Series TIG torch, complete with the silicone rubber test molds, handle mock ups, etc.

I was working with long time racing buddy and good friend, John Dimock, the Southwest Sales Manager for Weldcraft.  We were getting ready for that AWS (American Welding Society) trade show in Chicago. Our sister company at the time was Bernard Welding Equipment located in the South suburbs, so it was important and all the Executives would be at the show.  Based on my travels to distributors all over the world, it became clear that there was a need for a high-performance TIG torch that was easy to sell and more than a copy of a 30-year-old design.  Besides the prototype sample torches, we put together a complete marketing proposal and sales plan.  We assembled all of the executives in one room and laid out the prototype and marketing plan to them.  I was surprised when the response was, “How much do you need and when can we get it done?”

That was the beginning of the Crafter Series line – the next generation of high-performance water-cooled TIG torches, and one of the best-selling premium TIG torches of all time.  Since that time, the concept has been copied by WeldTec and branded as a “Speedway” series, and of course there is no shortage of “import” TIG torches that are branded with a variety of names on them, but all share the same reverse-engineered components from a generation ago.

Times change and that leads me to today.  Arc-Zone welcomed Josh Sprinkle, the Weldcraft regional Sales Manager.  He stopped by the Zone today to share with us the next step forward in TIG torch design and performance from Weldcraft.

The WP-280 is a re-engineered version of the world’s most popular TIG torch model.  This torch rocks, it has an integral Super Cool™ water chamber built into the head, an improved cable and hose design with ColorSmart™ identification, and the hoses easily connect to the TIG torch body with screw-on hose nipples.  No more stainless steel wire ties!  Lastly, the new WP-280 series has a compact and friendly handle with just the right feel to it, and for those of us who value a small, comfortable and powerful TIG torch, the new Weldcraft WP-280 fits the bill.  I have one on my machine and I love it!

This is what the Crafter Series concept was all about, a TIG torch that was created in the engineering department by electrical and mechanical engineers, tested in the lab, and field tested by some of the top fabricators in the metal working industry.  Stay tuned, in a few days I’ll post an interview we did with Josh from Weldcraft that gives the scoop on this cool new torch.  Meanwhile, check it out for yourself right here in our store.

Here’s a spec sheet of the WP-280 from Weldcraft.

One of the most common questions we get from customers shopping for a dedicated tungsten electrode  grinder are:  how long will the wheel last?  and how do you know when your diamond grinding wheel is worn out?

As for how long a wheel will last–  not to be cagey, but it’s hard to say.  It depends on how much you use it, and how hard you use it…  in other words are you consistently prepping 1/8-in tungsten or .040-in tungsten  for your TIG welding or  plasma arc welding application?

NOTE:  if you are running an automated TIG or Plasma Arc Welding application you may want to consider pre-ground tungsten electrodes, prepped to your specifications to minimize variables.

You’ll have to visually inspect your grinding wheel to see the signs of wear:   “grooves” where there is no diamond grinding media.  On most tungsten grinders you can simply adjust the pick up point (where the tungsten contacts the wheel) this will engage fresh diamond media for continued grinding.  When you have moved across the entire face of the wheel it’s done — replace it!

In some cases the wheels become glazed over or smooth and no longer grind.  In that case you need to replace the wheel as well.

And don’t forget–Arc-Zone.com offers the industry leading Core Exchange program for Diamond Grinding Wheels…   a great way to stretch your budget, check out the details at our webstore.  And while you’re over there, check out the line up of diamond grinding wheels for most every tungsten electrode sharpener on the market! (and Made in the U.S.A)

We also carry a line of tungsten electrodes for your TIG and Plasma Arc Welding needs, including premium brands like ArcTime Hybrid (good for all metals and all machines) and tungsten from top quality manufacturers like CK,  Sylvania and Weldcraft.

ARC-ZONE.COM®, INC. DELIVERS PLASMA ARC WELDING ACCESSORY KITS

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.

# # #

It happens every year, heat wave after heat wave hitting nearly every region in the country at some point. At this writing heat warnings have been issued for the central U.S. and with another month (at least!) left of summer, no doubt more are on the way.

One new weapon in the welder’s arsenal against heat fatigue is Miller’s new Arc Armor™ Heat Stress Protection products:  The CoolBand™ and the CoolBelt™.

The CoolBand™ is an integrated system that works with most Miller Arc Armor helmets to reduce under-the-hood temperature by up to 8 degrees (Farenheit).  You’ll get up to six hours of continuous cooling from one battery charge!

“Improved productivity, work quality and overall well-being of the employees are all benefits our customers are realizing through the utilization of these products by their welders.”  -Bill Gardner, product manager, Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

For an even more robust solution to heat stress, check out the CoolBelt™ system. The lightweight, belt mounting system can lower temperatures under the hood up to 17 degrees!  The CoolBelt offers multiple air speeds and directional air controls to keep air moving over the users face and head.

Especially when working in the field, it may be impossible to avoid the heat, so if you do work in extreme heat environments, consider an investment in your health with these great products from Miller.

Also, be sure to check out  the Centers for Disease Control’s tips for maintaining personal safety in the heat, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Guide to Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat (.pdf) and the OSHA Fact Sheet on Working Outdoors in Warm Climates (.pdf).  And always keep your cool!

And for even more information, check out the Heat Stress Webinar hosted by the folks over at Miller–  an hour long discussion with Product Manager Bill Gardner and industrial hygiene and safety experts.  You can register and listen for free.

You’ve probably seen the clear Pyrex (R) nozzles you can put on your TIG Torch.  To be honest when we first saw them, we thought they were nothing more than a cool party trick….

These nozzles come with a gas lens collet set up to provide optimal coverage, coherent gas flow, and minimal turbulance–  great for welding metals like titanium or stainless steel where oxygen contamination in your weld zone can ruin your weld.  And the clear nozzle offer great visibility.  It’s way more than a party trick.

These nozzles are the brainchild of the folks over at CK Worldwide, well-respected TIG torch  engineers who got their start in the aerospace industry.  And these nozzles will not only work on CK TIG Torches, but on all major brands of TIG torches  (Weldcraft, Weldtec, TecTorch, Radnor, BestWelds, Master TIG, Profax, etc.)

At Arc-Zone, we’ve assembled  PRO Kits from the Deluxe Gas Saver Pro Kit that has everything you need for your 9/20/CS3210 series TIG Torch, to the Standard Diameter Gas Saver Pro Kits for your 17/18/and 26 series TIG Torch. These kits come with everything you need to Weld Like A PRO(tm)!

Not only do you get a box full of accessories for a variety of TIG  welding applications, you get a TIG Welding calculator you take with you on the job as well as several of our popular articles like  ”Joe Welders Guide to Optimizing your TIG Torch.”

The new and improved Miller® Welding Helmet line-up is the ultimate in safety, Protection, Performance, and Comfort.

From basic hobby applications to working in an extreme heat, high-tech welding environment, these welding helmets will keep you safe and comfortable and with the variety of designs we offer, you will look cool while doing it.

Designed to protect your eyes and face in some of the most intense welding environments, Miller’s welding helmets meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 (High Impact) industry standards.  Hard hat adapters are available and most of the helmets come standard with an auto-darkening lens.  Miller’s passive welding helmets can be upgraded to an auto-darkening lens with the Digital Elite™ Upgrade kit.

BENEFITS:

The auto-darkening features are awesome, instead of having to stop what you’re doing to adjust your helmet, your helmet’s arc sensors will automatically darken to preset shades at lightning fast speed as soon as the arc is detected.

Highly sensitive Electromagnetic Digital Arc Sensing is also available for use when welding outdoors or at very low amperages.

Auto-darkening lenses can be preset to your shade preference in a variety of different standard shade options: (all lenses include light shade #3)

• MP-10™ Series – non auto-darkening, Passive Shade #10 lens
• Pro-Hobby™ Series FS#10 – fixed shade #10
• Pro-Hobby™ Series – variable shade #8 – #12
• Performance™ Series – variable shade #8 – #13
• Elite™ Series – variable shade #8 – #13
• Digital Elite™ Series – Electromagnetic digital arc sensing
  • Weld Mode – variable shade #8 – #13
  • Cut Mode – variable shade #5 – #8
  • Grind Mode – Light Shade #3
  • X-Mode – variable shade #8 – #13
• Titanium™ Series – used for extreme heat and industrial welding, can come equipped with most of the auto-darkening options available.

Auto-darkening viewing areas up to 3.85 x 2.38 in / 9.22 sq in.

Lithium Ion batteries are included and come pre-installed

Magnification lenses are available from 0.75 – 2.50 and all helmets come standard with a magnification lens holder

Most helmets are compatible with the Arc Armor™ Heat Stress products, including the CoolBelt™ and CoolBand™ which both help to increase air flow and lower the temperature under the helmet.

The welding accessory experts at Arc-Zone.com deliver a complete line of replacement parts and accessories to upgrade or maintain your Miller welding helmet.

When you’re welding in a production environment, you want to make sure you minimize your production variables.  And as great as some of the grinders we have are (we do have the most comprehensive line up of tungsten grinders in the industry) precision, pre-ground tungsten electrodes are definitely the way to go.  With a pre-ground tungsten electrode you’ll maximize your TIG or Plasma Arc Welding operations.  Pre-grounds  offer consistent finish, and a precision repeatability you’ll not find with a benchtop grinder.

Arc-Zone.com’s pre-grounds are made with exceptional quality electrodes that meet or exceed ISO 6848 and AWS A5.12 standards and prepared on precision CNC grinding machines.

We stock pre-ground tungsten electrodes for Weldcraft® WP-125 (MT-125) and WP-50 Micro TIG torches, and for your Thermal Dynamics® Plasma Arc Welding Torches.  Ready for immediate delivery — We can work with you to schedule deliveries based on your production demands.

• Precise… Maintain specified electrode geometry for precise welds.
• Practical… Our pre-ground electrodes minimize electrode shedding.
• Efficient… Use our pre-ground electrodes to eliminate the maintenance and repair of dedicated tungsten grinding equipment.
• Safe… Our pre-ground electrodes help you Improve safety and eliminate electrode grinding hazards.
• Cost-effective… Save time and money because there’s no need to stock bulk-quantities of expensive electrodes.

Ordering Options

• Use your welding equipment manufacturer’s part number (if available)
• Complete form (below) specifying, material type, length, diameter, grind angle, tip flat and finish.
• If you are not sure what you need, or if you would like us to make a recommendation — take a moment to describe your welding equipment and application in the field below. Based on that information an Arc-Zone.com Plasma Arc Welding Specialist will provide you with a electrode solution engineered to improve your weld quality and productivity.

Note: Our pre-ground electrodes are produced on precision CNC grinding machines. To cover our set-up costs, we require a 50 Piece Minimum Order.

Place Your Order Here!

I can’t tell you how many calls we get from distributors and end users trying to get the parts they need to hook up a TIG torch.

We solved the problem with the New Plug-n-Weld TIG Connector Kits. No more wasted time trying to find adapters, converters, or the proper connectors. If you’re a counter salesman at a welding supply shop, this kit makes it easy for you to get your customers exactly what they need. If you’re a buyer for a construction site, tool room or maintenance department you can save valuable time and money with Plug-n-Weld kits.

Choose the Air Cooled TIG Torch Plug-N-Weld ™ Kit or the Water Cooled TIG Torch Plug-N-Weld ™ Kit– Thes handy kits include everything you’ll need to hook up an air, or water-cooled TIG torch to welding machines with small and large Dinse type recepticles, gas-through and standard solid pin, the also includes a threaded stud adapted to convert machines with mechanical stud connections to the Dinse style, for simple no tools-needed torch change out.
Save time and money — Plug-n-Weld Kits are organized into one sturdy kit box, with a lid card that identifies each part, making re-orders quick and easy.

Now when you arrive on a job site you can start building – no more jackin’ around with suppliers and OEM’s trying to figure out what you need to connect your torches. With your torch, the TIG machine and a Plug-n-Weld Kit you are ready to start burning some rod!