I can’t tell you how many calls we get from distributors and end users trying to get the parts they need to hook up a TIG torch.

We solved the problem with the New Plug-n-Weld TIG Connector Kits. No more wasted time trying to find adapters, converters, or the proper connectors. If you’re a counter salesman at a welding supply shop, this kit makes it easy for you to get your customers exactly what they need. If you’re a buyer for a construction site, tool room or maintenance department you can save valuable time and money with Plug-n-Weld kits.

Choose the Air Cooled TIG Torch Plug-N-Weld ™ Kit or the Water Cooled TIG Torch Plug-N-Weld ™ Kit– Thes handy kits include everything you’ll need to hook up an air, or water-cooled TIG torch to welding machines with small and large Dinse type recepticles, gas-through and standard solid pin, the also includes a threaded stud adapted to convert machines with mechanical stud connections to the Dinse style, for simple no tools-needed torch change out.
Save time and money — Plug-n-Weld Kits are organized into one sturdy kit box, with a lid card that identifies each part, making re-orders quick and easy.

Now when you arrive on a job site you can start building – no more jackin’ around with suppliers and OEM’s trying to figure out what you need to connect your torches. With your torch, the TIG machine and a Plug-n-Weld Kit you are ready to start burning some rod!

Bellingham Technical College hosts an elaborate metal sculpture competition annually. Ten amatuer highschool and college teams must capture their artistic visions in scrap metal sculptures in just eight hours. This exciting event exemplifies altruism in action as artworks are subject public auction, with the proceeds benefiting the BTC Welding Student Scholarship Fund, the Welding Rodeo, and participating artists. Visit their website for more pictures and information.

What have YOU built lately? What do you do with your scrap metal?

How does your structural steel shop measure up?  The Fabricator magazine has some helpful guidelines that you can use to see whether or not your shop hits the mark.

1. How close can your drilling operations get to 50 inches per minute?

2. Can you claim material handling costs of less than $50 every time you move a beam?

3. Can your plasma cutting system deliver a cut with a tolerance of 0.010 in.?

4. Can your software packages accommodate the use of CAD models to generate CNC codes automatically?

Technologies help to make shops structurally sound

4 benchmarks your operations need to beat

By Michael Bishop, Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of Peddinghaus Corp.

Tough economic conditions have hit the construction industry as hard as they have many other industries. These problems in commercial construction are affecting structural steel fabricators. New technologies are especially benefiting four important structural steel fabricating processes by reducing labor costs. These represent some of the bigger developments in recent years.

CONTINUE READING ONLINE ->

At Arc-Zone.com we’re always on the lookout for new business opportunities and ways to streamline operations… what are YOUR best tips for streamlining operations? and How are YOU weathering the economy?

We were all so sad to see Jay Leno leave the Tonight Show, but did you know that there’s going to be a Jay Leno show?  No kidding – it premieres this September.  In the mean time, if you’re in need of a little Leno pick-me-up, watch this segment from WeldTv.  In it, Leno talks about his love of cars, welding, and going green.

Be sure to watch it in HQ – the quality is much better.

If you’re welding on the job in a position that requires wearing a hard hat, why don’t you check out the new Sperian helmet.  Called the “Galaxy”, it’s a “passive flip front, high impact approved welding helmet… with a hard hat adaptor”.  That means no more switching back and forth between welding helmet and hard hat while you’re on the job.

Sperian’s Galaxy high impact welding helmet now with hard hat adaptor

10 July 2009

SPERIAN has launched the Galaxy high impact welding helmet with a hard hat adaptor.

According to Sperian, its Galaxy high impact welding helmet is currently the only passive flip front, high impact approved welding helmet on the market. It is tested to Australian Standards, and approved by SAI Global.

The Galaxy welding helmet is now fitted with a hard hat adaptor to suit PA620V and MSA V-Guard Elite hard hats.

Also available as a spare part, users can quickly convert their standard Galaxy high impact welding helmets to be used with a hard hat.

This provides protection for the head without needing to switch helmets and hardhats. The Galaxy high impact welding helmet with hard hat adaptor can be used at construction sites.

Welders using the Galaxy high impact welding helmet with hard hat adaptor can change the distance from the Auto Darkening Filter (ADF) to the eye, and the angle of the welding helmet to the hard hat to suit to their personal needs and working environment.

At SEMA this year, Miller promises not only to be there with their newest products, but also to let anyone and everyone test them out right there on the floor.  This’ll be a great opportunity for welders everywhere to test out the new machines before they actually write out a check.

Miller Offers Special Discounts, Hands-on Demonstrations Of New Welding and Cutting Equipment at 2009 SEMA Show

Visitors encouraged to “get under the hood” or ask for professional demonstrations of MIG welding, TIG welding and plasma cutting, protective apparel and auto-darkening welding helmets.

Highlights/Key Facts

Visit Miller booth #23813 in the Racing & Performance pavilion

Newest products available to “try before you buy”

APPLETON, Wis. Aug. 10, 2009—Miller Electric Mfg. Co. plans to offer special show discounts and hands-on demonstrations of its newest generation of MIG welding, TIG welding and plasma cutting equipment at the 2009 SEMA Show, Nov. 3 to 6 in Las Vegas. Discount details will not be released until show time. To learn more, visit Miller at booth #23813 in the Racing & Performance pavilion, located in the Central Hall of the Convention Center.

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For more information about the SEMA show, you can visit their website HERE ->.

Are you planning on attending? Tuesday, November 3 – Friday, November 6, 2009… LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA … and remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

Then maybe you should come and join the Milwaukee Inventors’ and Entrepreneurs’ Forum.  The meetings, founded by Jill Welytok, are a forum in which inventors and entrepreneurs can work hand in hand, providing important feedback for each other, insider advice, and maybe even an investment or two.

Milwaukee forum brings inventors, entrepreneurs together

Tannette Johnson-Elie | Connections
Posted: July 21, 2009

As a patent attorney, Jill Gilbert Welytok frequently encounters people who come up with clever inventions but lack the resources and connections to launch their products.

Photo By: MaryJo Walicki --- Doug Bartelt stands in a heavy-duty lifter mounted in the back of his truck.

“Many people will go through great expense filing a patent for products that they couldn’t sell or make money from,” said Welytok, a managing partner with Absolute Technology Law Group LLC, a 3-year-old Milwaukee company that specializes in patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing agreements and due diligence. “Sometimes people have a great idea or product, but what matters most is what the market thinks.”

If the market thinks your product stinks, you’re not going to make money from it. But what if you could test your invention on other inventors and entrepreneurs who have successfully developed and marketed products?

Thanks to Welytok, there now is a place where local inventors can come together to network and share ideas: The Downtown Milwaukee Inventors’ and Entrepreneurs’ Forum. The forum meets monthly at the Germania Building, 135 W. Wells St., and draws 60 to 120 people.

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Check out this video showcasing a technique known as explosion welding…. Explosion welding also produces high quality welds on almost any combination of metals, not only is it a surprisingly dangerous type of welding but surprisingly effective as well.

Want to turn metal into money? The At Home Welder website provides tips for breaking into welding, even for the absolute beginner. Features include free designs and videos of how to make them.

Opportunity without preparation is wasted. In the following video, Andy, with The At Home Welder shows you 10 essentials tools you need to get started as a welder as well a pricing and places where these items can be purchased.

Of course, as always shop Arc-Zone.com for everything from welding safety apparel, to TIG Torches – replacement parts- and accessories, MIG Guns, Oxy-Fuel torches, remote amperage controls, tungsten electrodes, and welding helmets…. we even have a nice selection of books and DVDs for your welding library.

What are your Weld Shop Must Haves? Is there one tool you couldn’t do without?

We have posted a lot of information regarding employment opportunities in the welding and metal fabrication industries. But, how can you get started? An article in The Fabricator Magazine features practical advice for beginning your career as a welder. Marty Rice, a welding instructor from a high school career center in Texas and an honorary member of the Ironworkers Local 263, shares his story- his challenges and his triumphs. He also provides tips for achieving the career goals you set for yourself. With a little smarts and alot of sweat, you can achieve the goals you set.

Learn your trade, pay your dues
Advice for new welders
By Marty Rice, Contributing Writer

Welding jobs may not be as plentiful as they once were, but welding instructor Marty Rice believes a lot of welding work is “waiting to bust loose once the economy straightens out, and there’s always work in welding, if you’re willing to pack a suitcase.”

Rice has some advice for those embarking on a welding journey.

I’ve paid my dues during my long and crazy welding career. I’ve had good jobs and bad jobs, good bosses and bad bosses, and I’ve met good and bad people in the field. In my opinion, one good person makes up for a bunch of lousy people. Which do you want to be?

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And, Arc-Zone.com has the PRO Gear Packages to get you started

And don’t forget to ask about our Student Discount Program!