Joe Welder tells you about some exciting things happening at Arc-Zone.com, and why it’s good to be Joe. Here’s a sneak peak:
Reason 1: Joe just got a bunch of new toys from Miller to play with
Reason 2: Arc-Zone HQ is expanding
Reason 3: The Arc-Zone family is expanding too
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.
ATTENTION WELDERS:
We would like to announce that Joe Welder and Carmen Electrode are 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 and Carmen Electrode are 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:
JOE WELDER
CARMEN ELECTRODE
So what do you think? Is there anything you want to see covered in the blog? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
One of the core values of Arc-Zone.com is to focus on Continuous Improvement, a concept I first learned about when I worked for Weldcraft and had the opportunity to take business courses from W. Edwards Deming. If you’re not familiar with Deming, he is the expert in quality control who was instrumental in reviving Japanese manufacturing after World War II and developing the Total Quality Management movement. I was even fortunate to meet him personally.
I try to apply this ideal of continuous improvement in all aspects of my life and I’m always open to learning new things. So when the opportunity to take a workshop with master fabricator Ron Covell came along, I jumped on it!
The workshop took place at Hot Rods & Custom Stuff, a So Cal hot rod shop in Escondido, California not too far from the Arc-Zone.com headquarters. They were working on a project dubbed “Mercedes-Bent,” a mashup between a classic 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL roadster and a 2004 Mercedes SL600. The result was showcased at SEMA, and you can check out the pictures here:
http://www.hotrodscustomstuff.com/mercedes-bent.html
Ron is one of the best in the custom automotive industry with expertise in everything from TIG Welding to hammerforming. He’s worked on some of most bitchin’ hot rods and dragsters, and writes a regular column for Street Rodder magazine. Needless to say, I picked up quite a few tips for myself.
Now if you can’t get to a Covell workshop, you can learn a lot with his DVDs-they’re some of the best in the industry, and Arc-Zone.com carries them in our store. We’ve also just added Covell’s newest DVD, Advanced TIG Welding. I found it has a lot of great information even if you consider yourself an expert in your own right.
Don’t forget, Arc-Zone.com’s warehouse is stocked with the biggest selection of TIG Torch packages and replacement parts from two of the industry leading torch manufacturers: Weldcraft and CK Worldwide. We also offer an amazing array of tungsten electrode grinders, replacement grinding wheels, and tungsten electrodes–from premium quality tungsten like ArcTime brand Hybrid to made in the USA GTP-Sylvania.
We’re always interested in learning new things, and this year we’ll be profiling more customers on our industry-leading blogs-it’d be awesome if you would share your story, or your best welding tips with us. And as always, let us know if there’s something you need and don’t find in our webstore. Our top priority is to make sure you get the best product, service and solutions to Weld Like A PRO!
Best Regards,
Do you need a new wheel for your tungsten electrode grinder?
Find out how to tell when your tungsten grinding wheel is ready to be replaced over at JoeWelder.com.
And when you’re read to replace your tungsten grinding wheel, check out the top quality replacement diamond grinding wheels over at Arc-Zone.com– whether you have a Sharpie, Triad, Power Point, Turbo Sharp,Turbo-4, a Piranha, Neutra, Ultima TIG, Turbo Ace, Neutrix, DGP, or Sharpshooter tungsten electrode sharpener… we’ve got your wheel in stock and ready to ship!
Did you know our editor scooped the LA Times, the New York Times and the Huffington post… you can read a brief article about the passing of Geraldine Doyle, the image of Rosie the Riveter, over at CarmenElectrode.com.
Happy Holidays! The end of the year is always a good time to take stock, and I don’t mean inventory! (although that is on the list for the year’s end). I like to take time to look back on what we’ve accomplished over the past year and give thanks to those who’ve helped us.
This past year has also seen an expansion of our webstore offerings. This is in part thanks to you, our customers, for telling us what you need for your welding application. We’ve added the Miller Safety line of products, from the new WeldX High Temperature Welding Safety apparel to Miller Welding Helmets and Respiratory Safety and Heat Stress safety equipment.
One of my favorite new products is the BSX GearPack/ Helmet Bag. I wrote it about in the last email, but just a reminder– it would make an excellent gift for yourself or any welder in your life! It’s a great way to store and carry your equipment from the shop to the field. And this bag is rugged, well made and looks stylish.
Our line-up of TIG / GTAW torches has been ramped up as well. Now alongside the Weldcraft torches, we’ve added the complete line of CK TIG Torches and replacement parts. Now you can get the two most popular TIG brands with unparalleled service and technical support. No one on the planet has more product on the shelf, and the industry experts that can help you TIG like a Pro!In October we launched our Diamond Grinding Wheel Core Exchange program. If you missed the story in our October e-newsletter you can read about the challenges in bringing this all together right here at WeldLikeAPro.com (where we archive all our newsletters). We’re now offering top quality, made-in-the-USA replacement diamond grinding wheels for nearly every tungsten grinding machine on the market. And the best part? Your used wheel may qualify for our Core Exchange Program. In other words, your spent wheel could be worth cold hard cash.
Anyone that knows me knows how much I love this industry. I’ve always said that the welding industry is a good business to be in because no matter what is happening in the world economy, you can find somone that needs something fabricated. We have had another record-breaking year, and we look forward to 2011 and we wish you all the same.
Best Regards,
Jim Watson, President & CEO
Arc-Zone.com, Inc. (R)
I just got back from the AWS / Fabtech show in Atlanta. It’s great to meet old friends, make new friends (like Paul Sr. from OCC), and check out the new stuff from the manufacturers. There’s some pretty innovative, high-performance products coming down the pike, some of which are already available at Arc-Zone.com and others you’ll be able to get at Arc-Zone.com very soon– we’ll keep you posted.
One of the most exciting products I saw at the show was the BSX Welder’s Helmet Bag / Gear Pack. It’s a backpack fully equipped to store and transport your helmet, your gloves, your torch, your tools, and even a lunch box! They won’t be available to the general public for a couple more weeks, but I convinced the manufacturer to bring one to me, so I can, uh, test it, yeah that’s it…. Available NOW at Arc-Zone
I also got a good look at the new WeldX line from Miller Safety. This line of clothing provides fantastic flame and spatter resistance and it’s lightweight and breathable which should help reduce heat stress related injuries. Bonus– you’ll look good in the classic black welding jacket, sleeves, bib or apron. And you can get those right now at Arc-Zone.com.
Also in time for the holiday season and back by popular demand-the Arc-Zone.com Gift Card! Use the handy Tell a Friend button to let your friends and family know what YOU want!
At Arc-Zone, we know a lot about our wheels… and we learned the hard way! Not too long ago we thought we found an opportunity to introduce a low-impact, recyclable replacement diamond grinding wheel for our comprehensive line of tungsten grinding machines. We found a local (US) manufacturer, and thought we were in business!
The newest product from Miller Safety is now available at Arc-Zone.com. The WeldX line includes a classic black jacket, cape sleeves, welder sleeves, a bib and apron, all in a lightweight yet rugged material desiged to perform in the toughest welding environments.
COMING SOON TO ARC-ZONE ONLINE
We keep hearing from more and more fabricators about how great our ArcTime™ tungsten is– one customer even scored a free sample from one of our competitors and ran some tests– head to head. Ramon over at Headway Performance said the ArcTime delivered a better weld– hands down! And while we don’t give out free samples, we do offer a Money Back Gurantee backed by our industry-leading No Hassle Return Policy. So if you’re looking for a long-lasting tungsten electrode with excellent ignition properties and low burn-off rates, order your ArcTime today!
Did you know that June is National Safety Month?
When I was a kid working with my Dad and Grandfather in their shops, they’d say something like ”A Clean Shop is a Safe Shop.” Like any kid I’d roll my eyes but as an adult, I now know how true it is.
As fabricators, we work with all kinds of things that can potentially harm us: flames, fumes, electricity, molten metal, hot surfaces, chemicals, cables and cords, not to mention sharp objects!
There’s a ton of safety items out there to protect us, and at Arc-Zone.com we use only the highest quality, modern gear. In fact, we’ve just added Miller’s line of Safety Apparel and Equipment: Classic looking Arc Amor Apparel, Top-Of-The-Line Miller Helmets with replacement parts (in stock and ready to ship!), PAPR systems (for respiratory safety) that work with Miller Helmets, and Heat Stress equipment so you can keep your cool. We even carry a full line of replacement parts for the respiratory safety and heat stress equipment.
At Arc-Zone we KNOW safety is important. On our site you’ll find links to Operations Guides (using the equipment properly is the first step to safe operation) and MSDS sheets, and in this newsletter you’ll find a list of resources, including Safety Sheets from the American Welding Society and Safety Tips from the major manufacturers.
Don’t forget to let us know if you have a special request, something you don’t see on our website, or information you need to get your hands on. a kit you’d like customized and give us a call– TollFree at 800.944.2243 (US) or 1.760.931.1500 (worldwide).
Sincerely,
Jim Watson, President & Founder
Arc-Zone.com, Inc.
Miller’s Arc Armor™ PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) features a blower that is 1.3 lbs. lighter than the leading competitor and incorporates a Miller-exclusive belt/shoulder strap design for maximum comfort. The Arc Armor PAPR features a lithium ion battery with no memory retention from frequent charging, dual air speeds for maximum comfort in varied work environments and audible and vibrating alarms for use in noisy workplaces. The PAPR comes with a Miller Elite™ Series auto-darkening helmet (non-auto-darkening lens model also available) and is certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 42 CFR Part 84), which covers requirements for respiratory protective devices. Miller’s PAPR has an assigned protection factor of 25. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PAPR SYSTEM–>
With the internet, it’s easy to stay on top of the latest safety information, not to mention regulations. This list of resources should get you started:
The other day a customer called from gasoline alley in Indianapolis. “Any way you can hook me up with a Double Double?”
No, that’s not a welding term, it’s one the best burgers you’ll ever have– In-N-Out– a Southern California legend. By focusing on top quality, fresh ingredients and made-to-order burgers cooked the way you want, they’ve managed to take “fast food” to a whole ‘nother level.
That’s what we do at Arc-Zone.com– we deliver best-in-class welding supplies to customers worldwide– but sending a Double Double– even UPS Red– wasn’t practical. However, our Customer Care Team went to lunch at In-N-Out and just for fun picked up some decals and a hat and we sent it along with the order. Our customer called the next day and said, “I am so impressed with your products, the packaging, reference materials, and decals! I’m setting up Arc-Zone as my preferred welding supply vendor!”
Now I’m not saying we’ll send In-N-Out hats with every order, but please let us know if you have a special request, something you don’t see on our website, or a kit you’d like customized and give us a call– tollfree at 800.944.2243 (US) or 1.760.931.1500 (worldwide). We’ll even hold the pickles, and get you exactly what you need to Weld Like A Pro!
Sincerely,
Jim Watson, President & Founder
Arc-Zone.com, Inc.
Arc-Zone sells new and professional refurbished top quality, genuine Procon (R) pumps for your welding water cooler. Our pumps come with all the parts you need to hook to install it in your cooler…. for more information about coolant pumps, check out the video.
SAVE an additional $25 on your purchase with our Core Rebate Program. Just send in your used Procon pump!
How involved are you in your local AWS chapter?
Jim Watson recently attended an AWS meeting and met some incredible students!
Our Newest RosieKarine Maynard lives in central Kentucky and works as a blacksmith making ornamental & architectural ironwork, mostly custom jobs, like railings and balconies…..
. Our industry has a presence just about everywhere, and I can’t help but be positive. New Tungsten Electrode Grinders Online, On Sale and Ready to Ship!
We’ve just added the Super Turbo Heavy Duty Tungsten Grinding Machine and the Turbo Ace Semi-Automated Tungsten Grinding Machine to our line up. Both of these machines are manufactured to exacting standards in Japan, and can handle tungsten electrodes up to 3/16″ diameter.
Introductory Offer: 10% Discount
Save 10% off list price on these grinders, and replacement parts from now through the end of the year. Use the discount code TURBO-09 when you place your order.
Distributor Opportunities Available! Additional discounts apply for qualified distributors– Call Arc-Zone at 800-944-2243 to participate!
At Arc-Zone, we have in our store several items that would be a great gift for a welder, even for those on a tight budget.
(HINT: use the Tell a Friend button, to let someone know what you’d like) 
Product Spotlight
ArcTime™ Brand Hybrid, One Tungsten Blend For All Materials
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