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.

Conclusion and Disclaimer

Since this is a very serious medical issue and we are not very serious medical people, we will post the most important conclusion of this blog post right up front: consult your doctor!  Only your heart doctor can tell you what activities are dangerous, and how you should handle them.  Welding is an activity that is considered dangerous, so read up on the resources we provide below, do your own research, and most importantly, call your doc!  We provide resources and information that we’ve found in our research, but this is no replacement for your doctor’s expertise.  They didn’t spend years in medical school for nothing.

Electromagnetic Energy

The primary concern when welding with a pacemaker or defibrillator is the high electromagnetic (EM) energy created by the welding machine.  This electromagnetic energy can cause your pacemaker to continuously pace the heart, which can cause an irregular heart rate if your heart is already beating fine on its own.  On the other hand, the spike in EM energy when spot welding or starting a bead can cause a pacemaker to pause temporarily if it were pacing your heart.  Both of these situations are not good.  Implanted defibrillators could detect the EM energy from the welder as a fast heart rhythm, causing it to deliver shock (yikes!).

Interestingly, according to medtronic, the electromagnetic field created by a welding machine won’t cause any permanent damage or re-programming to your pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.  The primary concern is how these devices behave in the presence of the intense electromagnetic energy.  Any potential effects will end when the welding is stopped or turned off.

Another point to note is that Oxy-Fuel welding does not create an electromagnetic field, so it is safe to use with an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.

How Can I Reduce The Risk?

Here’s a good list of precautions that we found from Medtronic:

• Limit welding current to less than 120 amps
• Work in a dry area with dry gloves and shoes
• Maintain a 2 foot distance between the welding arc and the heart device
• Keep the welding cables close together (twist them together if possible) and as far away as possible from your heart device
• Place the welding machine as far away as possible, and at least 5 feet away from your work area
• Wait several seconds between attempts when having difficulty starting a weld (don’t rapidly pulse the welder)
• Work in an area that offers firm footing and plenty of room for movement
• Work with an informed person that understands what you’re dealing with
• Immediately stop welding and step away from the area if you start to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or you believe your implantable defibrillator has delivered a shock

Resources

AWS

Medtronic

American Heart Association

Pacemaker Club discussion on the topic

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!

Yesterday, Pete dropped off the finished product, and everyone in the office was blown away by how great these helmet shells look.  The level of detail in each of these helmets is mind boggling.  Hot Dog is a master at all the old school styles – flake, gold leaf, pinstriping, lettering, flames, airbrush.  There are custom-look welding helmets for sale, but these are on another level.

Pete, a.k.a. Hot Dog, has been creating world-class custom paint jobs since 1982.  Pete began his career airbrushing surfboards and progressed rapidly to master all the various aspects of custom paint, including airbrush sign paint and pinstriping.  For several years, Pete worked as the in-house painter for West Coast Choppers.  Nowadays, Pete remains busy with various custom painting jobs through his company, Hot Dog Kustoms, and participates in painting competitions at auto and motorcycle shows nationwide.

The darker orange and blue helmet will be the first custom-painted helmet shell I’ve ever had in all my years of welding.  In the past, I have always decorated my helmet with stickers.  I remember back in the day when my dad and I painted our own welding helmets because we wanted a custom look on a shoestring budget.  Having a famous hot rod painter like Hot Dog paint a welding helmet for me was something I only dreamed about back then.  It’s good to be Joe Welder!

As I am sure you are all wondering, we have big plans for one lucky Arc-Zone customer to get their hands on the other Hot Dog Kustoms welding helmet, and we will be making that announcement soon.  Stay tuned!

The helmet is orange with yellow airbrushed flames on the sides, front, and top.  On each side is the Arc-Zone.com logo, and the top reads “Weld Like a Pro”.  In the front, the helmet is signed by Hot Dog Kustoms and dated 2012.

]]> http://www.arc-zone.com/blog/joewelder/2012/03/21/custom-painted-helmets/feed/ 6 http://www.arc-zone.com/blog/joewelder/2012/03/15/avoid-tungsten-confusion-joes-guide-to-the-latest-tungsten-electrode-color-code-changes/ http://www.arc-zone.com/blog/joewelder/2012/03/15/avoid-tungsten-confusion-joes-guide-to-the-latest-tungsten-electrode-color-code-changes/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:42:28 +0000 Jim Watson, aka Joe Welder http://www.arc-zone.com/blog/joewelder/?p=3650

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.

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.

1. Know Your Welding Machine

To properly hook up your TIG torch to your welding machine, the first thing you need to know is what kind of connection your machine supports.  With older power supplies the TIG torch bolts onto the machine via a threaded stud terminal on the front panel of the power supply.  Newer welding machines make use of an international style Dinse connector which is a twist-locking quick disconnect system.  There are two sizes of Dinse connectors:  small, which the pin size is 3/8″ (9.5mm) in diameter, or the more common large Dinse connector with a pin size of 1/2″ (12.7mm) in diameter.  Some machines allow for a Gas Through Dinse connection, whereby your torch’s shield gas supply flows through the Dinse connector, eliminating the need for an additional gas connection.  The gas flows from your tank and flowmeter/regulator through the machine to the connector and into the torch.  Some power supplies use a Tweco type (also called American style) split pin connector that also twists and locks into place.

The newest twist on machine connections is happening with the increasing prevalence of import machines using a quick-disconnect for gas and water connections.  And some cases, the female receptacle on the Dinse plug may be slightly shorter than the industry standard, and you may need to trim off a portion of the male pin on the Dinse connector.

Consult your welding machine manual to know which connector type you have.  Or, if you no longer have your manual, contact the manufacturer directly and have ready your machine’s model and serial number.

2. Know Your TIG Torch

Different TIG torches have different TIG torch adapter connections at the machine end.  A water cooled TIG torch has a 7/8” x 14 left-hand threaded male fitting on the end of the power/water return line.  Generally an air-cooled TIG torch rated 200 amps or above has a 7/8” x 14 right-hand threaded male fitting and an air-cooled torch rated 150 amps or below has a 3/8” x 24 right-hand threaded male fitting on the end.  Some specialty torches like the CK TrimLine series use a “B” size 5/8” x 18 right-hand thread. While these fittings may look like parts you can buy at your local hardware store, they are unique to the welding industry and available through welding suppliers only.

3. Standardize Your Connections

Upgrade your machine(s) to accept a Dinse style connector to make switching from one torch to another easy.  For a large corporation, this means you can standardize your connections and run different applications at different times, or accommodate different shifts, removing and storing torches to protect them from theft or damage.  Even a small fabrication shop will want to be able to use different torches on the same welding machine.  With the Dinse connectors you don’t need tools to change your torch, and all your torches will connect the same way.  Also, the connection is insulated with a rubber or plastic boot.

If you have an older style welding machine with the threaded stud, you can buy a stud-to-Dinse female converter to upgrade your machine’s stud connection.  A machine with a Tweco style connection can also be converted to accept a Dinse style plug with an adapter that mounts onto the machine as well.

4. Use Quick Release Gas And Water Hose Couplers

Standard gas and water hoses require the use of a wrench to tighten the mechanical connection.  If you’re in the field or in the shop and need to change torches frequently, this can be cumbersome.  Like the Dinse connectors, quick-release hose couplers are available and allow you to change torches without tools.  These quick-release couplers thread onto the male fitting at the end of your gas and water hoses then mate to a corresponding female adapter that is mounted on your water cooler or gas connection.  They are similar to air line quick release couplers, and connect by twisting and locking into place.

Heavy-duty gas hose couplers are also available for just a couple dollars more and are a better choice for welding in the field.

If you’re not sure what type of adapter you need, give Arc-Zone.com a call toll free, 800-944-2243 (US) or 1-760-931-1500 (worldwide).  We have welding experts on staff that can help you find what you’re looking for!

We would like to announce that Joe Welder is back, energized, excited and ready to blog. Due to some staffing changes and record sales at our welding supply store, Arc-Zone.com, we have really lagged over the last few months on updating the blog for all of you readers.

But Joe Welder is back and ready to rock it with a weekly blog post that contains interesting and helpful info for all you welders out there. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come:

• How-to articles
• Stories from Jim Watson aka Joe Welder
• Metal fabrication industry news
• Favorite product highlights
• Welding education
• The Ask Joe column
• Unique welding applications
• Welding events
• And So Much More….

So what do you think? Our goal is to be the go-to blog for metal fabricators. Is there anything you want to see covered in the blog? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

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