Here at Arc-Zone, we’re big fans of really bad puns and free stuff.  We weren’t disappointed this morning when Miller announced their “Miller Job Weld Done Giveaway“.   Looks like you can enter with an email address every month.  Here’s what they’re giving away:

April: Millermatic 140 Auto-Set MIG Welder and Spoolmate 100 Series Gun

May: Bobcat 250 EFI Welder/Generator

June: Spectrum 625 X-TREME Plasma Cutter

July: Multimatic 200 MIG/TIG/Stick Welder

August: Maxstar 150 STL DC TIG/Stick Welder

September: Millermatic 212 Auto-Set MIG Welder and Spoolmate 200 Series Gun

October: Diversion 180 Ac/DC TIG Welder

November: Millermatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP MIG Welder and Spoolmate 100 Series Gun

December: 30FX ArcStation and Arc Armor Safety Performance Pak

January 2013: Three grand prizes: 1) EPIC Chopper 2) NASCAR Weekend in Bristol 3) Trip to Vegas for the SEMA Show

If you’re interested, click here to enter.

Today’s blog will be a short one, because I’ve been so busy working on several awesome projects that time is limited.  As those of you who have read this blog for any length of time know, I am the Founder and President of Arc-Zone.com.  When I’m not blogging on Joe Welder about welding, motorsports, cycling or other things that interest me, I run our welding supply company.  Here’s some of the cool stuff happening at the Zone, and the reasons why it’s good to be Joe Welder:

Reason 1: Miller just delivered a bunch of new toys

I’ve been working on a special program with our friends at Miller for some time, and today it finally feels real.  Miller dropped off a Millermatic 211 MIG welder, a Dynasty 200 TIG welder, a Diversion 180 TIG welder, a Spectrum 625 XTREME Plasma Cutter, and some cool accessories like a wireless foot control for us to play with.  I can’t tell you what it’s for yet, but I can say that we’re working on a way to get you more free education and better information to make sure you have what you need to do the job right the first time.

Reason 2: The contractor and designer were here working on our new spaces

Arc-Zone HQ is expanding, and part of that expansion are two spaces that I’ve been dreaming about for some time.  We’ll announce more in the coming months, but what we’re working on is totally unique, and will transform Arc-Zone.com from just an online weld-shop to a real-world destination and hangout for welders.

Reason 3: We’re hiring

The American economy is slowly recovering, and thanks to our great customers, the Arc-Zone business is expanding.  We’re combing Southern California for customer service reps and warehouse staff to meet the demands of our ever-growing customer base.  We’ll profile a couple of the new additions on the blogs very soon.

Thanks to our Arc-Zone.com customers and readers of the Joe Welder and Carmen Electrode blogs (that means you!), I get to watch the big vision that started with our opening in 1998 come to fruition.  We’ll soon be back to our regularly scheduled programming.  Until then, weld on!

There are quite a few changes happening in the tungsten electrode market this year.  One of the notable changes comes from Weldcraft, one of the most trusted brands in TIG / GTAW.  They have just rolled out a more robust, and completely re-styled line of tungsten electrodes.

While there is no change in quality or composition of their premium brand tungsten electrodes, they have made some significant changes to the product offering, with the additions of Zirconiated tungsten and 2% Lanthanated tungsten.  Also, a couple changes to the color code designations now align Weldcraft’s line of electrodes seamlessly with the AWS and ISO standards.

These color changes are a welcome standardization in a market that has, over the years been a bit uneven.  Previously AWS and ISO tungsten electrode color codes were different on certain materials, like Ceriated, Rare Earth, and Zirconiated.  This has lead to some confusion in the marketplace, with different manufacturers having to choose which designation to follow.  But in recent years, the AWS has reclassified the color codes to match the ISO.  Weldcraft’s adoption of these new designations will further unify the tungsten electrode designations.  The new designations are as follows:

AWS Class            Color            Alloying Element

EWP                       Green               None

EWCe-2                  Gray               2% Cerium

EWLa-1.5              Gold                1.5% Lanthanum

EWLa-2                  Blue                2% Lanthanum

EWTh-2                  Red                 2% Thorium

EWZr-1                  Brown             Zirconium

EWG                      Sky Blue           Unspecified Rare Earth Alloys

With Sylvania’s tungsten electrode brand disappearing, Weldcraft’s product line expansions are a welcome addition to the premium electrode market.

Note: While the Sky Blue designation for Rare Earth tungsten electrodes has not been adopted by the AWS, it is consistent with several European and American manufacturers’ color code—including ArcTime Hybrid Performance tungsten electrodes.

RELATED: For more information on selecting the right tungsten electrodes for the TIG welding job, click here.

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.

A lot of folks ask about the M&Ms we include with every order.  Some even ask us to toss in an extra bag for a co-worker.  Our customers like getting the M&Ms, but still, they ask why M&Ms?

When I started Arc-Zone.com in 1998,  the internet and the idea of ecommerce was new.  Folks were hesitant to do business online and with people they never met…    I had a pretty small marketing budget and some big ideas, so including M&Ms in each order was a way to personalize our customer’s shopping experience and say “thank you” for the order.

Our core belief is that our customers deserve the best technical support and top quality, performance proven welding accessories in the marketplace.   But we also believe that work can be fun…   and M&Ms are fun!

After ringing out my first motorcycle, a Yamaha 80, my Dad bought me a 125CC Bultaco Sherpa from Donnie at Big-O-Tires on Holt Blvd in Pomona CA.  Donnie (last name anyone?) was motorcycle racing enthusiast, and a member of our racing club the Lightweights MC of Alta Loma CA.  The bike was traded in by fellow racer and club member Roy Addington of Upland CA, when he upgraded to a Butaco 250 Pursang.  I loved that bike right from the start.  It had classic lines with bright red paint and polished aluminum wheels and fenders. (the image above is a restored 1969 model #63 modified for TT and Flat track racing, very similar to the one I had).

I began to set it up for TT scrambles racing,  first, we bought some new Dunlop K70 tires and took it to the track just to see if I’d like it… I loved it.  I ran the 125 novice class at Adelanto Raceway a big smooth and fast TT track in the desert north east of Los Angeles.

The first day at the track I lead all three moto’s before finishing second to the local track hero.  My Dad was stoked, we started talking about how we could get more power out of it, and that’s were the fun really began!

Here’s some photos of the bike:

I was thirteen when this picture was taken in my Parents back yard in Claremont CA, a few days after we picked up the new bike, and prepared it for my first race at Huntington Beach Speedway.  My AMA novice number was 338.  This was no trail bike, it lived for RPM’s so it put a damper on local trail riding with my junior high school friends — they were riding Hodaka’s, Maico’s and Penton’s.

With this bike, you could throw the throttle away and ride it with the kill switch– full-on or full-off, that’s all it knew.

Here I am (#19) at Perris Speedway’s TT track  in the 125cc Expert class (now know as the lites division) battling Jim Connolly (#20) the multi-time AMA District 37 champion. We ran each other hard, he was “older” (in his late twenties) than me and I will never forget lining up next to him, thinking I’m going to blow him away, never knowing until years later that he was the editor of Dirt Bike magazine and a legend in the sport.

This picture was taken at Adelanto Speedway on the Scrambles track.  I had a different set up on the bike for this series, a lot of gear and a knobby rear tire to try to hook-up to the sandy track conditions.

My first welding machine was a bright green P&H Heliarc or TIG Welder.  P&H was made by The Air Reduction Company (Airco).  I bought the machine used from my Uncle Lynn Watson from San Leandro CA.   Lynn used it in his specialty electronics fabrication business.

The welding machine came complete with a WP-24 low profile TIG torch, a WP-20 general purpose TIG torch and a WP-18 350 Heavy-duty TIG torch. Included in the deal was a pile of accessory parts, collets, collet bodies, gas lenses, tungsten electrodes you name it! I was working at Weldcraft at the time and I had been learning about all the different TIG torches and replacement parts available, each designed for a specific welding job.

If you look around you can find a good machine and start building something right away.  I used my TIG machine for a variety of projects around the shop, and it was my only welding machine.  I even built my first race car trailer with it — sure it’s slower that MIG welding but very effective.  It worked great to weld my 4130 chrome molly steel Sprint Car chassis’s together, I even used my TIG torch to heat metal up for forming and shaping before I had an Oxy-Fuel gas welding torch setup! I bet you don’t know many others that can say that!

The point is, to get started look for the basics and If you have the budget, there is nothing better than having the best tools, but when you are first getting start why burn a lot of cash getting your shop set up, when you can start burning metal instead!

Do you remember YOUR first machine?

Lincoln Electric Launches New Personal Protection Welding Apparel Line

Red Line™ Provides Rugged Protection for All Arc Welding Applications and Environments

Cleveland – Whether it’s welding in the field, in the shop or in a garage, Lincoln’s new personal protection clothing line, Red Line™ Welding Apparel, offers the ideal gear for every application.

“Whether someone welds for a living or is an occasional backyard welder, safety is always at the forefront, and that especially includes body and eye protection,” says Jamy Bulan, Lincoln Electric product manager. “They demand rugged, proven clothing, designed for their body type, application and environment. Red Line delivers that protection.”

The new Red Line apparel product group includes gloves, jackets, caps and safety glasses.

Red Line apparel includes five types of welding gloves – premium leather MIG/stick, traditional MIG/stick, leather TIG, heat-resistant and full leather Steel Worker™ gloves. So whether it’s MIG, TIG or stick welding, or working with hot or rusty metal, Red Line welding gear includes a set of gloves designed to handle the rigors of the task at hand.

Four jacket options effectively protect the arms and upper body. They offer flame retardant cloth panels to keep the welder cool, as well as heavy-duty leather panels in high spatter exposure, high wear areas. Customers can choose from cloth, heavy duty leather or hybrid cloth/ leather jackets.

For wearing under the welding helmet, the product group includes doo rags, beanies and caps that stylishly and effectively protect the top of the head. Made from flame retardant material, they are comfortable, include athletic mesh lining for fast sweat evaporation and are machine washable.

Additionally, four pairs of indoor safety glasses and four for outdoor applications round out the Red Line personal protection welding apparel line. Welders can choose from clear, shaded and mirrored lenses that offer maximum protection and comfort. All eyewear meet ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA Z94.3 standards and offer 99.9 percent UV-A, UV-B and UV-C protection.

“In today’s market, there should be no one size fits all when it comes to welding apparel. It’s about providing technical garments and accessories for specialized tasks,” Bulan explains. “Every piece in the Red Line welding gear group was designed to work hard while providing the right protection for the right job.”

Red Line personal protection apparel is designed to work in tandem with the comprehensive line of Lincoln Electric VIKING™ auto-darkening welding helmets, including the new 1840 and 2450 series.

For more information on Lincoln Electric’s Red Line Welding Apparel and VIKING welding helmets, call (888) 355-3213 or visit www.lincolnelectric.com to obtain bulletin E12.250.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume control systems and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company holds a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

Arc-Zone.com doesn’t have these items in the webstore (yet) but give us a call, or check out the awesome apparel we do have:  Miller Welding Apparel (including the new WeldX line),  Angelfire welding apparel for women, and BSX Welding Gear.  Stay safe and look cool!

From EHS Today (the magazine for environment, health and safety leaders):

OSHA’s fall semi-annual regulatory agenda was published in the Federal Register Dec. 20, featuring updates on regulatory actions including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, modernizing recording and reporting requirements, infectious diseases, hazard communication, combustible dust and more.

CONTINUE READING–>

At Arc-Zone.com we think safety is important also. In fact, you may have noticed that we have been enhancing our line of welding safety apparel and equipment–  from Miller’s Arc Armor and Weld X to Angelfire welding apparel for women, BSX Welding apparel, and some of the best welding helmets on the market.  We’ve also been working behind the scenes as well.   We’ve just put the finishing touches on a Technical Focus  paper, Eye Care for Welders (.pdf), also available in the Arc-Zone.com Welding Library.