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.

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.

Need A Wheel?

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!

LA Times Scooped!

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.

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!

We’ve also expanded our MIG / GMAW offerings, including MIG Guns and replacement parts and Automatic and Semi-Automatic Nozzle Cleaning Stations.

And when you need to connect all this equipment to your current set up, be sure to check out the Connectors section.  From argon couplers to color-coded cable-to-cable connectors, we’ll hook you up!

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)

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!

WeldX: Safe, Comfortable and Extreme Flame Resistant Welding Apparel– NEW from Miller

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

Welding for the Navy and for Future Rosies

ArcTime™ Hybrid Tungsten Electrodes

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!

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.

Breathe Easy (and Weld Safely!) with Miller

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:

• Safety and Health Fact Sheets
• Safety in Welding Cutting and Allied Processes Handbook ( no charge for this PDF download)

Just last month I took my family to the Del Mar National Horse Show, one of the premier horse show events in the country– and conveniently located 20 minutes from Arc-Zone’s So Cal headquarters.  While the horse show itself was pretty awesome, what really got me excited was the new roof they installed over the open air stadium.  Metal!  Read all about it and check out some pictures on JoeWelder.com.

On behalf of the team here at Arc-Zone, I wanted to say thank you for your business this past year.  Give us a call if you have any questions about any of the products we’ve mentioned below, or if you need some help figuring out what you need.

Sincerely,

Jim Watson, President & Founder
Arc-Zone.com, Inc.

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.

ArcTime™ Brand Hybrid, One Tungsten Blend For All Materials

Sincerely,

Jim Watson, President & Founder
Arc-Zone.com, Inc.

Turbo 4 Tungsten Grinder

This highly engineered tungsten grinder is now exclusively available at Arc-Zone.com.  Manufactured in Japan the Turbo 4 is a Medium-Duty high-performance tungsten grinder is the best in its class  Its compact, semi-portable design allows you to grind tungsten electrodes from .040″ to 1/8″ diameter while the enclosed chamber protects the operator– and your weld shop– from grinding dust and debris.

At JoeWelder.com:  Product Spotlight:  Gas Saver PRO Kits

The Gas Saver Pro Kits(TM) are a convenient and cost effective way to get all the components needed to convert your TIG torch to the benefits of a CK Gas Saver front end.  It saves time and money by organizing all the parts in one kit with a lid card and part numbers for easy replacement.

Customers tell us all the time that the gas saver pro kits improve their  TIG welding performance, improve weld visibility, and offer better shield gas coverage and lower gas consumption.

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

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!