Whether you’re new to TIG Welding, or a master fabricator, the myriad adapters, connectors and couplers on the market can be overwhelming.  To complicate matters further, over the years manufacturers changed the design of their welding machines, taking advantage of inverter technology and streamlining the options.  There are many different styles of machines in the field today; these tips will make hooking up your TIG/GTAW torch to any machine easy.  We provided links to product pages as well if you find a connector that sounds familiar.

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!

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!

Never take life too seriously, I always say. The team here at Arc Zone presents a hilarious clip to lighten up your lunch break.

By the way.. Weldlikeapro.com has added a video page with new videos added weekly. Come check it out for yourself!

SPECIAL OFFER- Through Sunday Only!
Place your order before Sunday March 15, 2009 and save 10%.
Just use the coupon code “azmadness” when you check out.

POSTERS Hot and Hotter – You Choose!
They’re hot! While supplies last, we’re offering a poster deal: For orders over $150 placed by phone or online from Arc-Zone.com you qualify for one of our hot new posters. Choose from our official spokesmodel “Roxy Fuel™” or “One Torch, No Limits™” that was featured on the cover of Fabricator Magazine. Either one would look great and add some sizzle to your weld shop!

MOTORSPORTS and WELDING
If you are in the business of welding race cars and related parts, Arc-Zone.com has the TIG Torch you need. Check out the water-cooled WP-125 Micro TIG Torch Packages for restricted space applications, and the air-cooled WP-150 Modular TIG Torch which you can configure for a variety of applications.

If you’re interested in automotive fabrication and want to improve your skills, check out Lincoln’s Motorsports Welding School, which hosted an Advanced Motorsports Welding Seminar this past December. Read the full story here

SHOW ME THE METAL™
JoeWelder.com™ will showcase the best in welding– from the unexpected to specialty applications like aerospace, oil and gas or food processing– introducing companies and fabricators that are innovative and highly skilled. If you, or someone you know would like to be featured in the Show Me the Metal™ showcase, email us at editor@joewelder.com

Jesse James Teaches Donald Trump to Weld
If you’re not a fan of the Celebrity Apprentice you may want to take a second look. On the show (NBC Sunday night @ 9pm California time) is our own SoCal welder Jesse James. That’s right, the founder of West Coast Choppers – the Long Beach Calif. shop that builds what I think are the absolute best looking custom bikes and more is on the show! I’m betting on Jesse to go all the way to the finals – I think he will win. How do you think he will do? Vote here now – it’s fun and easy…

INTRODUCING ROXY…
You may have noticed a new face on the Arc-Zone.com website, and in the Arc-Zone.com videos. We call her Roxy Fuel™. You’ll find her modeling apparel here, and featured on one of our Poster Calendars here, and she’s the “hot” foot on the Hot Foot™ amperage control.

FROM AEROSPACE TO ARC-ZONE.COM
Arc-Zone has just added CK Worldwide torches to our line-up of high-quality TIG Torches. CK has been a leader in the TIG/GTAW industry since the mid 1960′s developing specialty TIG Torches for aerospace industry in the Northwest. Be sure to check out the Flex Loc™ torch, a variable angle torch that locks into any position. We’ll be adding more to our website, so keep checking, or call and ask about the specific CK Torch that you want.

DID YOU KNOW…
Arc-Zone offers a Student Discount Program. We’ve extended our standard 10% school discout to welding students. Your welding school must be enrolled in the program, but it’s really easy to do. Just call 800-944-2243 (toll free) and say “Show Me The Discount!”

Arc-Zone.com re-launches its web superstore with a whole new look and added features to make buying decisions even easier. The new store will be open for business August 25, 2008.

“The revamped website is the first created in-house to our exact specifications and style”, says company founder and President Jim Watson. Other new features include a rotating gallery of featured products on the home page, and video. “Our ‘Welcome to Arc-Zone’ video will show visitors first-hand what differentiates Arc-Zone from our competitors while our Weld Like A Pro™ series of How-To videos will showcase our technical expertise and the added value of buying from Arc-Zone.com.”

The remodeled store will also allow customers to write reviews of products they have purchased. This is a great tool for other buyers to assess which product is right for them. The new store will continue to feature secure checkout, easy sign-in, real time actual UPS shipping quotes and Live Chat support with customer service and technical representatives. See the new store for yourself at www.Arc-Zone.com.

The welding industry’s best selection of premium tungsten electrodes..

ArcTime™, Amplify™, Weldcraft®, Multi-Strike™ and now Sylvania®

The Arc-Zone.com webstore now offers Made-in-the-U.S.A. Sylvania tungsten electrodes now available for sale at Arc-Zone.com – in stock and ready to ship.

Arc-Zone.com will maintain stock of SYLVANIA tungsten in 7″ length in the most popular diameters (.040″ to 1/8″) in the following tungsten blends:

* PURETUNG® / Pure Tungsten (Color Code Green)
* 1% Thoriated (Yellow) Tungsten Electrodes
* 2% Thoriated (Red) Tungsten Electrodes
* 1.5% Lanthanated (Gray) Tungsten Electrodes
* 2% Ceriated (Orange) Tungsten Electrodes and
* ZIRTUNG® / Zirconiated (Brown) Tungsten Electrodes

Other diameters are available, contact Arc-Zone.com to discuss your specialized welding application

Arc-Zone.com® Inc., the first internet-only company to sell welding and cutting accessories online, launches its new web superstore, Arc-Zone.com® V.2 online and a New and Improved ultra-modern office and warehouse, with room for even more products, services and solutions!

WHY THE CHANGE?

Arc-Zone.com® came online in 1998 as the first ecommerce site selling MIG, TIG and Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting accessories. That ecommerce site served us well for many years.

With the new store, Arc-Zone.com® is taking the lead again with an ecommerce site developed with state-of-the-art technology and features that will make online shopping even easier.

WHAT’S NEW?

* Easy Sign-In for regular shoppers– save your contact information with multiple shipping addresses, and track your order status.
* Real Time domestic and international shipping rates via UPS.
* Detailed photos and custom graphics for easy navigation.
* Secure checkout to pay with credit card, PayPal or with your pre-approved Arc-Zone.com® Account or store credit.
* Live Chat with customer service representatives from technical sales, shipping and even accounting.

Our virtual shelves are stocked with even more high performance TIG, MIG and Plasma Arc Welding and Cutting accessories than before, and more coming soon… Come see for yourself!
www.Arc-Zone.com