TIG Welder Pro

Getting Started with TIG Welding

2007-02-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

What do I need to get started in TIG Welding? This is a question we get asked often at Arc-Zone.com, and it's really hard to answer unless we know exactly what you're hoping to accomplish.

I can offer a few tips here, covering the basics.

First, you'll need a welding machine. There are several welding machine manufacturers, the most popular being Miller Electric (a member of the ITW family), Hobart Welders (also a member of the ITW family), Lincoln Electric and ESAB.

Each of these manufacturers offer a quality product, but Miller has a terrific online tool they just launched called the Smart Selector which you can use to determine which machine is right for you.

Next, you'll need a TIG torch. TIG torches are either water-cooled, and require some sort of connection to a water source, or air-cooled, and require no additional air or gas hookup other than the shield gas you'll already be using.

Several manufacturers offer some sort of start up kit to go along with their machine. Not a bad place to start, but not necessarily the TIG package that is the best for what you're going to be doing. Miller, for example, offers a "Contractors Kit" which includes a 17 series TIG torch, a basic accessory kit,
a regulator, a remote amperage control, a DINSE plug, work clamp, gas hose and gas hose coupler. And it comes in nice carrying case, for out in the field.

Don't get me wrong. The 17 series is a fine torch, just not necessarily the best torch for you. If you're working in a shop, and have access to a water source, you may want to consider a water cooled torch, for example. Maybe a WP-20 TIG torch-- it's lighter weight, smaller and easier to handle and allows you keep welding without having to stop to let your torch cool off.

One of our customers, David Anthony of Empty Tomb Choppers got tired of burning his hands on his air-cooled TIG torch, "Especially when you're doing a long run on a seam. I'd be in a hurry to finish before my torch got too hot," he said.

We upgraded his set up to a WP-20 and he hasn't looked back since. We offer a complete Cool Kit(TM) for a water cooled TIG torch set up.

When buying a TIG torch, make sure you get the front end parts (nozzles, collets and collet bodies) for welding, and the connectors you'll need to hook up to your machine. Often welding suppliers offer what is called a Torch Package, which only includes the torch body and the cable set. Be sure to ask if you need an accessory kit for your torch. At Arc-Zone we sell a TIG Torch PRO kit which has 3/32" front end parts already installed, and comes with a DINSE connector and a cable cover. Our PRO TIG Torches are fully loaded and ready to weld. You may also want to consider adding a gas lens to your TIG torch set up. This will provide a more coherent sheild of gas over your weld zone, which means less turbulance and less contamination. Arc-Zone's PRO Accessory Kits all include gas lens collet bodies.

You should also have a TIG Welding Flowmeter / Regulator to improve overall welding performance and regulate the flow of gases.

Which tungsten you choose to use, and how you prepare it is an important step, and often overlooked. There is a huge difference in quality of tungsten electrodes out there in the market. At Arc-Zone we not only sell our own premium brand of tungsten electrodes, Amplify(TM) we also offer Weldcraft(R) Tungsten Electrodes. Ceriated or Lanthanated tungsten is recommended for use with the newer welding machines, or for even better performance check out the our own ArcTime(TM) All Purpose Hyperformance tungsten, or Weldcraft's Rare Earth blend. Whichever you choose, go ahead and spring for the 10 pack-- as a new welder you'll need it.

Other accessories you may want to consider: a fingertip remote amperage control or a foot pedal, a water cooler (if you're going with a water-cooled TIG torch). And last, but not least, you may want to prepare your tungsten electrodes with a dedicated tungsten grinder.

If you want to take welding lessons, check with your local adult education program, community college, or here in California we have the Regional Occupation Program. The American Welding Society has a Welding School Locator on their website.

And finally, you'll need a gas tank as well as a good relationship with your local welding supplier for gas (that's one thing we don't sell online yet-- argon!).

All in one TIG Torch?

2007-02-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, we like Weldcraft. Their products are great, their customer service is awesome (Hi Mark!) but I have to wonder if this Modular Flex Kit really solves any problems for welders.

From Weldcraft's press release:

APPLETON, Wis. 6 February 2007-Weldcraft designed its AK-150 Modular Flex (AK-150MF) Kit to provide maximum flexibility on a wide range of TIG welding applications. The AK-150MF is an "all-in-one" kit that allows operators to convert their standard 17F or 17FV TIG torch into 20 different torch styles using an existing cable. By delivering multiple configurations in a single package, the AK-150MF eliminates the need to purchase and carry extra torches and reduces downtime associated with torch changeovers

Continue reading about Weldcraft's AK-150 here over at the ThomasNet Industrial News Room....

Gas Lens for TIG / GTAW welding

2007-02-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

I see a lot of questions out there on the internet about gas lenses. Some people swear by them, and others don't think its worth the extra couple of bucks. At Arc-Zone we definitely are in the use-'em-'cause-they-optimize-your-TIG-torch Camp. With a gas lens you get better gas coverage, and a more coherent, less turbulent gas flow. In other words, you won't draw oxygen into your weld zone which can contaminate your weld. But don't take my word for it, check out this great article from The Fabricator magazine, by Mike Sammons of Weldcraft...

Seeing GTAW through a new lens: Gas lens basics and use

By Mike Sammons
January 9, 2007

Not every welder uses a gas lens on his or her GTAW torch, but gas lenses should be considered for a variety of applications and for several reasons. Knowing what a gas lens does, how to choose one, and how to install and take care of one are critical to getting the most benefits out of it ....READ GAS LENS BASICS ONLINE....

And a final note about gas lenses, they are not all created equally. Some manufacturers may offer lower priced gas lenses, and yes, its easy to be seduced by a lower price, but with a quality manufacturer, you get parts that are engineered to work together, not "reverse engineered" to create a similar item.

Technically Speaking about Technology

2007-02-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

At Arc-Zone we're getting ready to unveil a new tungsten grinder. It is a pretty significant improvement over the current ArcTime LTG liquid tungsten grinder we currently offer... more later, it's all very hush hush now.

However, in writing up the copy, we got into a discussion between "Technologically Advanced" and "Technically Advanced."

As the local wordsmith, I voted for technologically ... as the new machine's motor speed and torque is regulated by a micro chip. My boss thought that phrase was overused and suggested technically.

So I did a little word sleuthing and Merriam Webster online is not only a great resource, but apparently serves as my posse... backin' me up.

Technological (relating to technology-- a micro chip-- resulting from improvements in technical processes that increase productivity of machines... ) Definitely the way to go.

New Look for Carmen Electrode's Blog

2007-01-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our new webguy.. my blog got a facelift!

Good things happenin' at Arc-Zone.com

2007-01-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Lots of things going on behind the scenes-- new web guy-- and on the front page.

Upgrade your TIG welder

2007-01-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Did you know you can upgrade your older style TIG welder to accept international style DINSE plugs? This will make it a whole lot easier to connect, disconnect, and re-connect TIG torch(es). No tools required, and the DINSE plugs are insulated with a rubber boot.

At Arc-Zone, you can buy a stud-to-DINSE connector for about $30. Put a DINSE plug on the end of your TIG torch and you're in business.

Weldcraft Tungsten

2007-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

In case you have not noticed... at Arc-Zone we sell a lot of Weldcraft TIG Torches. We've been impressed with their quality, and plus we like dealing with everyone at the Appleton Wisconsin facility. Of course we liked it better when they were just up the road in Burbank, it was like they were neighbors, but we are still getting really great service, and great products from them.

Weldcraft is now selling tungsten.

Weldcraft will offer five types of tungsten: pure, 2% ceriated, 2% thoriated, 1.5% lanthanum and rare earth. Each type of tungsten will be available in 7-inch lengths in industry standard diameters of 0.40-, 1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8- and 5/32-inches.

Weldcraft's new line of premium tungsten meets even the most demanding of TIG welding applications. Weldcraft evaluated multiple sources to find the highest quality tungsten in the industry. According to Mike Sammons, sales and marketing manager, Weldcraft, "We are excited to be able to provide our customers with this new product offering. Our commitment to supply quality TIG products to our customers is extremely important to us. Adding the tungsten line expands that commitment." Weldcraft's engineers conducted several rigorous tests to ensure quality and durability. Sammons continues, "Our new line of tungsten line is far superior to other tungsten available on the market-we guarantee it."

So. If their tungsten is as good as their TIG torches, we may have to start offering Weldcraft tungsten along with our own Amplify brand tungsten....

Rosie the Riveter

2006-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

Great interview posted over at StoryCorps, a women recalling her mother, one of the original Rosie the Riveters... or rather a real live Wendy the Welder. And while you're at it, check out some of the other interviews as well.

Lightweight, Versatile WP-9 TIG Torch from Weldcraft

2007-01-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

APPLETON, Wis. 14 December 2006-For optimal control when welding thin gauge materials (up to 1/4 inch), Weldcraft offers its 125-amp, air cooled WP-9 torch series. This series is comprised of the WP-9, WP-9V and WP-9P torches, each of which is rated at 60-percent duty cycle at 125-amps with a DC power source and work especially well in confined areas.

To maximize operator comfort and allow access in hard-to-reach areas, the WP-9 and WP-9V torches weigh only 3 oz. (excluding the power cable) and measure 7 inches long with a 3/4 inch handle diameter. The WP-9P pencil torch offers the same lightweight body, but measures only 6-inches long and does not utilize a back cap. This model also features a 180-degree head, making it ideal for welding in especially restricted joints.

Each torch features a quick-release tungsten adjustment designed for easy adjustment of the collet and collet body assembly and fine-tuning of the tungsten extension. For TIG welding power sources that do not include a gas solenoid, the WP-9V includes a shielding gas valve conveniently located on the handle, making it easy for welding operators to adjust shielding gas flow.

"The WP-9 series of TIG torches are a great alternative to many of the larger sized torches on the market today, " says Mike Sammons, sales and marketing manager, Weldcraft. "They are very versatile torches that can be used in any application or industry where an operator works in thinner gauge materials or in smaller spaces.

"To simplify inventory and parts management within shops, the WP-9 series of torches use the same parts as Weldcraft's WP-20 TIG torch. "What's great about the WP-9 torches is that if a welder wants to add it to their arsenal of welding equipment, they can do so without having to purchase all new supporting hardware," adds Sammons.

Each of the WP-9 torches is available with one- or two-piece power cables in 12.5, 25 and 50 foot lengths.

Weldcraft is the world's leading manufacturer of GTAW (TIG) welding torches and accessories. A broad line of premium products includes the unique Crafter Series, MicroTig,(TM) Quick Connect System,(TM) WP Series Super Cool, Super-Flex, and Single Piece Collet/Collet Body. Weldcraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.

Arc-Zone.com, Inc. distributes Genuine Weldcraft TIG Torches, from Arc-Zone's PRO Torch packages to industry standard torch packages and a full ine of replacement parts.

New TIG/MIG Welding Flowmeter Regular Saves Gas

2006-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Accroding to ITW's Smith Equipment, their new Optimizer™ Anti-Surge Flowmeter Regulator Reduces Shielding Gas Consumption and Costs.... At Arc-Zone we'll soon be adding these to our current lineup of MIG and TIG Welding Flowmeter / Regulators.

Here's the details:

WATERTOWN, SD. December 7, 2006—To eliminate costly shielding gas surges, Smith Equipment has announced the release of its new Optimizer™ Anti-Surge Flowmeter Regulator. Designed for MIG and TIG welding applications, the Optimizer helps prevent gas flow surges that normally occur when a welding operator activates a MIG gun or TIG torch.

The Optimizer can lower gas costs by up to 50 percent and, by reducing overall gas consumption, also reduces cylinder handling. The Optimizer’s two-stage anti-surge design provides highly accurate gas flow and constant outlet pressure to help assure welding operators achieve optimum welding performance.

“The Optimizer is a top quality, highly accurate gas handling device that will virtually eliminate gas surges and dramatically reduce gas consumption,” explains Bruce Buhler, product manager, Smith Equipment. He adds, “The gas savings realized will pay for the regulator in a short period of time.”

The Optimizer’s high-flow capacity offers a delivery range of up to 70 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) and is designed for use with either straight Argon shielding gas or an Argon/CO2 mixture. Designed with a CGA 580 inlet connection and a 5/8-inch, 18 RH internal outlet connection, the Optimizer provides maximum pressure inlet of 3000 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge). Smith Equipment backs each Optimizer regulator with a three-year limited warranty.

With headquarters in Watertown, SD, Smith Equipment is a leading manufacturer of oxy-fuel cutting, welding and brazing equipment and specialty gas regulators. Smith products are proudly manufactured in the United States with an ISO 9001 Registered Quality System. Smith is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, IL. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.
# # #

Weldcraft upgrades WP-17 TIG Torch

2006-12-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

Press Release: November 28, 2006

Weldcraft Upgrades Its WP-17 TIG Torch With Patented Grip, Torch Body

--Provides ergonomic contact points for fingers
--Optimizes operator comfort and durability

APPLETON, Wis. 28 November 2006-As part of the engineering and design alignments between innovative TIG torch manufacturer, Weldcraft, and industry leader, Miller Electric Mfg. Co., Weldcraft announced that its air-cooled WP-17 TIG torch series now includes the patented Diamond Grip (previously found on the Miller Diamond Back torches). To increase operator comfort, the Diamond Grip helps operators maintain a secure grip for superior torch control in all welding positions. Weldcraft's upgraded WP-17 torch is now featured on Miller's Syncrowave® 200 AC/DC TIG/Stick welder to deliver professional quality welds on hobbyist or light industrial applications.

Engineered for Comfort, Durability
The addition of the Diamond Grip combined with the WP-17's and WP-17V's compact and durable design, make both torches ideal for professional or hobbyist welders working in the shop or in the field. The ergonomic torch body helps the operator maintain the correct relationship between the torch and weld joint and helps to reduce downtime associated with operator fatigue.

"The addition of the Diamond Grip to the WP-17 torch series is only one of many exciting steps our engineering and product development teams have taken to optimize the quality of our entire TIG torch and accessory product lines" says Mike Sammons, sales and marketing manager, Weldcraft.

The ribbed handle remains cool even after prolonged operation. "The Diamond Grip will help operators deliver excellent results on critical or limited-access TIG applications," continues Sammons.

For operator convenience, the WP-17V includes a fingertip gas control valve and both torches use 10N series consumables. Available with either 12.5- or 25-foot cable lengths and single or two-piece power cable assemblies.

Weldcraft is the world's leading manufacturer of GTAW (TIG) welding torches and accessories. A broad line of premium products includes the unique Crafter Series, MicroTig(TM), Quick Connect System(TM), WP Series and Single Piece Collet/Collet Body. Weldcraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.

Arc-Zone.com is a value-added reseller of premium Weldcraft products, inlcuding the WP-17 series TIG Torch. Ask about WP-17 TIG Torch PRO packages, fully loaded and ready to weld!

The Perfect Gift for Welders

2006-12-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Arc-Zone just came out with a Gift Card program, the perfect gift for the fabricator in your life. And just in time for Christmas.

Flexibility...

2006-11-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Weldcraft manufactures a line of Flexible TIG torches for optimal positioning. For any of the guys over at the Ask Andy board wanting to know more:

All About Weldcraft Flex Torches (.pdf) (SF-225 (20F), WP-25, WP-24F, WP-9F, WP-17F, WP-26F, WP-16F, WP-150, WP-200)

and thanks for stopping by! ;-)

This Just In From Weldcraft...

2006-11-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

Press Release
Release date: September 26, 2006

OK, it's not just in, but I haven't figured out how to get on Weldcraft's press list yet... but still, it's some good info here.

New Weldcraft TIG Torch Packages Ease Ordering,
Inventorying

APPLETON, Wis. 26 September 2006-Today Weldcraft announced the availability of six new TIG torch packages designed to ease ordering and inventorying by offering all the components necessary for TIG welding in one package. Weldcraft will offer four torch packages for air-cooled applications ranging from 150 to 200 amps and two water-cooled torch packages including either a 250- or a 350-amp torch.

All You Need, One Complete Package
To complement a wide range of TIG power sources and applications, Weldcraft TIG torch packages are available with WP17, W17VR, WP26 or WP26VR air-cooled TIG torches with rubber cables. Packages featuring the company's WP18MR and WP20MR water-cooled TIG torches with flex cables are also available for higher amperage applications.

Each torch package has one part number to ease ordering and
inventory of multiple TIG welding components. In addition, the torch packages each contain a 25-ft. power cable and cable cover, a power cable adapter (when required) and a 15-ft. ground cable.

Weldcraft also provides water and gas hoses (as required), a Smith Equipment flow meter regulator and a welding accessory kit featuring additional nozzles, collets, collet bodies and tungsten in every torch package.

"At Weldcraft, we think it is important to make the job of welding and
doing business with us as easy as possible," explains Mike Sammons, sales and marketing manager, Weldcraft. "Our new torch packages do just that-welding operators get everything they need in one package by ordering just one part number. That saves time and money."

Sammons adds that Weldcraft also provides a complementary TIG welding handbook in each torch package. The TIG welding handbook outlines the fundamentals of operating TIG power sources, provides information on welding preparation, electrodes and consumables, and features important welding safety recommendations.

For more information, contact Weldcraft at 800-752-7620 or 920-882-6800; fax: 920-882-6840; visit www.weldcraft.com; e-mail
customerservice@weldcraft.com or write to Weldcraft Customer Service, 2741 N. Roemer Road, Appleton, WI 54911.

Weldcraft is the world's leading manufacturer of GTAW (TIG) welding torches and accessories. A broad line of premium products includes the unique Crafter Series, Legacy(TM) Series, MicroTig,(TM) Quick Connect System,(TM) WP Series, and Single Piece Collet/Collet Body.

Weldcraft is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill.

ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered
components, assemblies and systems.

# # #

And a plug for the home team... Arc-Zone carries Weldcraft TIG torches, and we even have our own line of TIG Torch PRO packages. Start with an Arc-Zone PRO package, and custom add the parts you need, from a PRO accessory kit to a dual flowmeter / regulator...

2006 AWS Show in Atlanta

2006-11-07T16:28:00.000-08:00

Over at Arc-Zone we thought about going to the American Welding Society/FabTech show this year in Atlanta but since we didn't go I thought I'd poke around the internet for some reports.

From The Fabricator magazine blog, executive editor Dan Davis profiles the Top 8 Things You Missed at the 2006 FABTECH/AWS Welding Show

Interestingly (sadly) 5 of them are not at all welding related...

and not mentioned... the FMA Foundation Auction, specifically:

Medalist Laserfab Inc., a progressive specialty sheet metal fabricator from Oshkosh, Wis., is building and donating a custom, bobber-style motorcycle that will be placed in the Fabricator & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation's charitable auction this fall.

Inspired by motorcycle fabricating television shows, the Medalist team will custom-design and -build the bike in time for the start of the online auction slated for Sept. 27. Medalist will have the advisory help of Matt Hotch, the two-time winner of the Discovery Channel’s “Biker Build-Off.” Bidding will continue on the bike at a live auction on the floor of FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in Atlanta, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.

and even more sadly... the bike apparently did not sell at auction, and so 100 percent of the proceeds (that's 100% of 0, that's zero, zip, nada) will go to the Foundation's manufacturing camps for teens and scholarships to young adults entering the metal fabricating and forming industry.... and so the shortage of skilled labor will get no boon from this project. Sad, really sad.

Of course if someone has different information, please let me know. I'm not much of a phone person, and the Contact Us form over at the FMA foundation doesn't seem to be working.

To see what you missed, check out the photos of the custom bobber on the FMA Foundation website.

TIG Torch Parts to get you Welding Like a Pro (tm)

2006-11-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

Arc-Zone's in-house experts have put together another article for publication over at Practical Welding Today:

Once you know some basic information about the equipment on the front of your GTAW torch, you can get the right parts for your application and start improving your welding performance.

An industry-standard manual gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch package includes a torch body and a cable set, either 12-1/2 or 25 feet long. Front-end parts generally aren't included. While it may sound like the manufacturers are being cheap, it's really in your best interest, because it lets you customize your torch for the job at hand or to use front-end parts already in stock.

Everything from the handle forward is considered a front-end part. This includes gaskets, nozzles, collets, and collet bodies that make the torch functional. Typically, the torch body in a package will have the Teflon® gasket installed

Read the full article, Improve your GTAW in 3 steps: Front-end torch parts that make a difference By Jennifer Simpson....

If you ask, she'll tell you she had some input from Arc-Zone's founder and TIG torch expert Jim Watson.

How To Select and Prepare Tungsten Electrodes

2006-11-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Over at Arc-Zone.com we sell a lot of tungsten. Mostly for TIG/GTAW welding applications, but we do quite a bit of business for Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) applications as well.

Whatever your application, choosing the right tungsten is something between art and science, a bit of personal preference and what you're used to. For some government applications, where everything is spec'd out, you don't have a choice...

If you do have a choice, check out the "Guide to Selecting Tungsten" over in the Arc-Zone Library.

You always have a choice to select a supplier that will provide high quality tungsten, however.

It's no secret that most of the tungsten in the world comes from China. As with any product, remember there is a difference between manufacturers. If your tungsten is out of round it will affect arc performance. If the paint is chipping off and flaking into your weld zone, it will affect weld quality.

At Arc-Zone we make sure that each stick of tungsten is inspected before we send it to you. And we include M&Ms with every order!

MIG /GMAW welding versus TIG/GTAW welding

2006-10-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

So I was doing a little research, boning up on my welding knowledge and came across this article over at ezine.com. Thought I'd share:

What Is The Difference Between A MIG Weld And A TIG Weld?
By Steve Bishop

A MIG welder and a TIG welder can be used during welding, which is the process involving the fusing together of metals by melting the metal where they meet and will be joined. In many cases, pressure and / or filler material is used to aid in the fusion process.

Both MIG and TIG welds are types of arc welding, which utilizes the concentrated heat of an electric arc to join together metals by fusion of the parent metal by a consumable electrode. Depending on the material to be welded and the electrode used, the process utilizes either direct or alternating current for the welding arc.

The MIG weld process, or Metal Inert Gas weld, fuses the metal by heating with an arc. With this type of weld, the arc is placed between the filler metal electrode and the work piece. Shielding is provided by outwardly supplied gas or gas mixtures. A TIG weld or Tungsten Inert Gas, on the other hand, functions by joining metals through the process of heating with tungsten electrodes that do not become part of the completed weld. The process utilizes argon or other inert gas mixtures as shielding and filler metals are rarely used.

Some of the basic differences between the two types of welds are that MIG welding is faster than using TIG welding, as utilizing TIG welding requires more skill that MIG welding. A solid wire is used in the MIG Flux Cored Arc Welding-Gas Shield (FCAW-G) while TIG uses a flux cored electrode.

Another obvious difference is that TIG uses Tungsten to carry the arc, and a user of a TIG welder needs to have sufficient experience in the craft of welding. A MIG weld user, meanwhile, can carry on working despite being a novice welder.

Overall, while both MIG and TIG are gas shielded arc welding processes, the primary difference lies in the way the filler metal is added to produce the weld. With the TIG process, the arc is created between a tungsten electrode mounted in a hand-held torch and the work piece to be welded. The welder initiates the arc by means of a switch. The filler metal, in the form of a hand held rod, is then added to the weld puddle by the welder as the torch is manipulated along the joint which is to be welded. The MIG process uses a filler metal which is the electrode and the arc is created when the filler metal comes into contact with the work surface.

To Discover more about learning how to weld please goto http://www.startwelding.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Bishop

Tube and Pipe Journal

2006-08-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Simpson at our office recently wrote another article (ok, it was last month, but we've been busy around here!), this time for the Tube and Pipe Journal:

Dam the purge gas and full speed ahead
A look at water-soluble purge dam methods

Shielding gas is an often overlooked area of savings in tube and pipe welding. Creating a purge dam in one of several different ways can help you isolate the weld area and minimize the amount of gas and time needed to purge the weld zone properly.

This article takes a look at the various methods for creating a purge dam.

TIG Welding, MIG Welding, parts is parts, right?

2006-07-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

We get a lot of calls from folks checking "price and availability" for a part. Rarely does anyone call up and say, "Hey, what kind of quality guarantee do you offer?" or or "Are they ISO certified?"

These are often buyers looking for the cheapest stuff they can find. And when I say "cheap" I mean cheap, as in not the best quality. Aferall, what do you expect for cheap.

The problem with buying cheap TIG or MIG welding parts, and especially Plasma Arc Welding parts, is that it is only cheap in the short term. For the long haul, buying good quality is the way to go. What you save in cash outflow by buying "cheap" you spend in higher labor costs and production downtime as you have to stop and replace those cheap parts more frequently. The Fabricator magazine had a really good article about this last year, "How to choose the consumables you use" by Bill Giese.

I'm not saying there aren't bargains to be had, that you can't find a quality replacement part for a good price, but experience tells me that if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Actually, I think my dad told me that, but it does hold true. Dad was a smart guy.

I always recommend buying from a trusted welding distributor or supplier. That way, whether you're buying an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part or one made by an aftermarket supplier, you'll get a quality replacement part for your TIG/GTAW torch, MIG/GMAW gun or a replacement Plasma Arc Welding torch.

I just finished reading some articles about tungst...

2006-05-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading some articles about tungsten, and thought I'd pass along my thoughts... and a few links as well.

Arc-Zone has been selling ArcTime™ All-Purpose Tungsten for quite awhile now.

What's the Secret Ingredient ?
What we sell as ArcTime™, other folks are calling "Rare Earth" tungsten. Part of the confusion, and let's face it suspicion is that the additives are not standardized and are not identified, sort of like McDonald's secret sauce.

The AWS classification is EWG, but the color code is either gray or cream (we sell cream-colored, by the way). We also have an MSDS sheet(.pdf) in our Welding Resource Center (Library), and included with every order.

Bottom line is, this tungsten works great. It has excellent arc starting (and re-starting) properties and it lasts longer. It works well for all metals, and with all welding machines, and, if you're using a welding machine with inverter technology, according to this recent article from The Fabricator magazine, it makes even more sense:

"...because inverters take more heat off the tungsten. The inverter does this with increased balance control and adjustable AC output frequency. With less heat focused on the tungsten, balling action is minimized, and a point can be maintained on the electrode. Because a pointed electrode provides a narrow, focused arc, you can enhance arc control and direct the heat more precisely at the joint. This helps to control bead width, which directly affects distortion. " Read The Full Article Online

Thoriated Tungsten
A lot of welders still swear by the 2% thoriated tungsten. A lot of procedures still spec out 2% thoriated tungsten. The fact is, however, thoriated tungsten is radioactive (see AWS Safety & Health Fact Sheet Number 27). If you do use it, be sure to follow the safety guidelines. But really, why use it if you don't have to?

Go ahead....
Try some ArcTime™ All-Purpose Cream Colored Tungsten today.

We also carry a complete line of standard tungsten blends...

Purge Gas Equipment

2006-05-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

We've been making some updates to the Purge Gas section on the Arc-Zone.com website. We've got listed a variety of accessories like Flooding Cups and Shielding devices that connect right up to your TIG torch for coherent gas flow.

We've also added EZ Purge dams and bulk purge paper... and look for an article coming out soon in Tube and Pipe Journal, written by Arc-Zone's own Jennifer Simpson, which offers an overview of the various devices.

Finally! A Tale of Two Welders...

2006-03-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Fabricator magazine, March issue is done. Read the whole story unfolding...
“A Tale of Two Welders: Users share tips for upgrading to a water-cooled GTAW system.”

A sneak peek...

2006-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

We've been very busy at Arc-Zone.com, and I have not had a chance to post in a while.

This month, we have an article coming out in The Fabricator magazine, "A Tale of Two Welders," which profiles, well, two welders who are upgrading to a water cooled TIG torch, but one built his own water cooler, the other bought one.

The coolest part (no pun intended) was that the photo on the cover of the magazine is also from us! Our photographer, Vic Goodpasture, took some great shots down at Empty Tomb Choppers, and one was selected for the cover. Good job, Vic!

Jennifer Simpson interviewed David Anthony, and George Bright (a regular on the Hobart Weld Talk Bulletin Board) and wrote a good article that includes a little how-to as well as some tips for maintaining your system. I'll link to that article when it comes out, but in the meantime, check out preview version, "Why Upgrade" (.pdf).