We recently received a call from a customer that wanted to know if there were any limitations to welding for individuals with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator.  I had never thought about it before and I didn’t know the answer.  I decided to research it and share my findings with all of our readers and customers here on the blog.  Since this is an important issue that affects many men and women, we thought we’d post this blog both here and on the Carmen Electrode blog.

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

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

Head on over here to check it out.

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

• How-to articles
• Stories from Jim Watson aka Joe Welder
• The Ask Joe column
• Unique welding applications
• Welding events

CARMEN ELECTRODE

• New Rosies – profiles of women in metal fabrication
• Metal fabrication industry news
• Favorite product highlights
• Welding education

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.

Want fries with that Plasma Welding Torch?

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. 

NEW: Welding Postitioners!  

Need a Pump for your Water Cooler? 

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!

JoeWelder at the local AWS Meeting

How involved are you in your local AWS chapter?

Jim Watson recently attended an AWS meeting and met some incredible students!

READ ABOUT IT –>

CarmenElectrode.com: Karine Maynard

Our Newest Rosie

Karine Maynard lives in central Kentucky and works as a blacksmith making ornamental & architectural ironwork, mostly custom jobs, like railings and balconies…..

Read more –>

I’m always amazed to find welding wherever I go. 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!

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Gift Ideas for Welders 

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) 

 

Books and DVDs on How to Weld and even some nice coffee table display books

 

Welding Apparel, Decals and Posters –  look stylish and stay safe in the weld shop and in the field!

 

And if you’ve been really good, maybe you’ll get our most popular tungsten grinding tool, the Sharpie(tm) Hand Held.

 

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JoeWelder.com:  ArcTime™

Product Spotlight

ArcTime™ Brand Hybrid, One Tungsten Blend For All Materials
 

Fabricators from around the world are using ArcTime(tm) Hybrid tungsten electrodesto improve weld-quality, lower tungsten inventory costs and minimize weld defects.  What started as “cult  product” with a few specialty manufacturers of yatch towers, aerospace parts, mountain bikes and race cars has grown into our most popular tungsten electrode product.

 

This State-of-the-Art, Non-Radioactive Tungsten Electrode Formula works for all metals and is compatible with all welding machines.

 

 

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Hot Foot™ Remote Amperage Control for TIG Welding

Master Fabricator Mario Lozano from TSR Fabrication (and expert guest on Jesse James’s Monster Garage TV show) stopped by to pick up a remote control for his TIG Welder. He uses his pedal for a variety of applications for his high end custom fabricated header systems and turbo intercoolers- each one welded by hand and on a turntable. Mario chose the Arc-Zone Hot Foot™ brand high-performance foot control “they are durable, comfortable foot pedals with a nice foot bed and extra long cord.”

Read about Mario’s latest visit over at JoeWelder.com. Check out Arc-Zone’s Hot Foot™ brand foot controls and other remote amperage control options.

Plasma Arc Welding Torch Accessories

Did you know the Plasma Arc Welding experts at Arc-Zone.com have put together accessory kits for your plasma arc welding operations… Minimize downtime and have the highest quality replacement parts on hand so you’ll be up and running in no time!

If you do get into a bind, don’t forget, Arc-Zone.com stocks the most comprehensive line of replacement parts for plasma arc welding applications–Count on us to deliver the parts you need!

At CarmenElectrode.com

Tips for taking care of your TIG Torch

At JoeWelder.com

Info on the 2009 FABTECH / AWS welding show

Want to stay up to date with the latest tools, tips and techniques used by the world’s best metal fabricators?
If you haven’t visited Arc-Zone.com lately, you’ve been missing out. We’re adding new products, services and solutions all the time.

OXY-FUEL
Arc-Zone now offers Oxy-Fuel equipment – we’ve taken a great product a step further and now offer our exclusive PRO Packages– high performance torch packages selected by our Oxy-Fuel experts and backed by our industry leading Satisfaction Guarantee so you can Weld, Braze and Cut Like a Pro! Come See

MIG, MIG AND MORE MIG
From Hand Held Air Cooled MIG Guns to Water Cooled Machine MIG Guns, Wire Feeders, Drive Roll Kits, Flow Meters, and Nozzle Cleaning Stations, Arc-Zone.com has the tools and accessories you need to MIG Weld Like A PRO™. Come See

CK TIG TORCHES
Arc-Zone.com is proud to add CK TIG torches to our TIG Welding lineup. From the legacy of the aerospace industry in the Northwest to design innovations with the Master™ Series, Trim-Line™ and Flex-Loc™ TIG torches, CK Worldwide has been a leader in the TIG / GTAW industry since the mid 1960′s. Come See

JoeWelder.com has a new look! Same great commentary and news:
Check out this great story from Joe Welder at the AMA Pro Motocross races — Joe Welder Does It In The Dirt and look for stories from the major players in the industry like Miller Electric’s article, Four Things To Consider When Choosing Welding Equipment.

Carmen Electrode in the shop and in the field:
We want to keep you informed with news about Lincoln Electric’s Welding Fume Awareness Campaign Are You Ready? and inspirational stories about fabricators just like you — Welders Are Everywhere!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Ever wonder what the folks at Arc-Zone.com look like?
Want a behind the scenes tour of the company?
Want to see Joe Welder’s shop?

We’ve completed our first round of videos and we’re offering you a special preview of our Welcome to Arc-Zone video.

Check it out, and let us know what you think! We had a lot of fun putting this together, and hope you have fun watching!

TELL IT LIKE IT IS AT ARC-ZONE.COM®

Did you know that you can write reviews of products you’ve purchased from Arc-Zone.com? It’s easy, and your comments will help others find the right product… and remember, if the product you ordered from Arc-Zone.com is not what you need, give us a call to experience first hand our No Hassle Return policy!

WHEN YOU NEED TO GET TO THE POINT

Did you know Arc-Zone.com has the most comprehensive selection of tungsten grinders in the industry?

We’ve recently added the Sharp Shooter™ tungsten grinder, the Turbo Sharp™ V tungsten grinder, the Turbo-4 tungsten grinder and the TIG 10/175 to our line up of precision tungsten sharpening tools.

SHOW ME THE METAL™

JoeWelder.com™, one of the fastest growing welding industry blogs, has added a new regular feature to the site, Show Me The Metal™ profiling people and companies that use welding applications in unexpected ways.

If you are a welder– a large corporation or a small fabrication shop, or know someone who may want to be featured, contact Joe Welder.

And read the latest from Jim Watson, aka Joe Welder at www.JoeWelder.com.

ANOTHER NEW ROSIE

With a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, Erin Justice was a good catch for the Lincoln Electric® technical sales team. I was recruited right out of college, she says.

Read about Erin Justice at CarmenElectrode.com

And let us know if you– or a woman welder you know– would like to be featured!

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH THE NEW ARCTIME(tm)

Arc-Zone.com introduces the new, improved ArcTime(tm) Hybrid Performance Tungsten Electrode, offering optimal performance at an affordable price for all TIG and Plasma Arc Welding applications.

“Master fabricators have been using ArcTime for years,” says company president Jim Watson. Professional yacht tower fabricators, manufacturers of aerospace parts, and mountain bike builders have all selected ArcTime because of its excellent ignition properties, low burn off rate and longevity according to Watson. As an added bonus, this hybrid tungsten electrode works well with all power sources and all metals from mild steel to titanium. …try it yourself, and find out about our Money Back Guarantee–>

ARC-ZONE.COM(R) ADDS STICK ELECTRODE HOLDERS

We’ve added electrode holders for Stick/SMAW welding to our ecommerce website.

In addition to the standard shortstub and tong style electrode holders, Arc-Zone sells Stick Electrode holders complete with DINSE connectors and leads –choose from 12.5′ to 50′ lengths.

ARC-ZONE.COM(R) GOES HOLLYWOOD!

We’ve added Video to the product detail on the Neutrix tungsten grinder. It’s a great way to see a demo before you buy.

And look for more video soon… get the behind-the-scenes story at JoeWelder.com

ASK JOE ™ AND WIN A T-SHIRT!

We’ve started a new regular feature on the JoeWelder.com site, Ask Joe(tm)

Each week we’ll feature real questions from real customers, and answers from our own Joe Welder(tm). Joe, aka Jim Watson, doesn’t like to toot his own horn, but he has a tremendous amount of expertise in TIG, MIG and Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting products– you can read the details over at Arc-Zone.com or read some of the About Joe Welder posts.

And, if you have a welding question you’d like answered, go ahead and Click on the Contact Joe link. If your question is featured on an Ask Joe post, we’ll send you a t-shirt!

ANOTHER NEW ROSIE

A common thread among many women welders is that they were first introduced to welding by a man in their lives. Laura Knight is no exception. “I started welding copper water lines with a plumber and then married an air conditioning technician who welds steel, and I learned wire feed welding from him,” she says. She now works as a metal artist.

Read about Laura Knight at CarmenElectrode.com

And let us know if you– or a woman welder you know– would like to be featured!