Archive for the ‘TIG Welding’ Category

Ever wonder about the History of Your Welder?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Interesting behind the scenes look at Miller Electric, including some great old photos

And did you know Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895?

And did you know that whatever your machine… you can Weld Like A Pro(TM) with welding accessories, from TIG Torches to MIG torches and from welding apparel to welding positioners… from Arc-Zone.com, of course!

Product Spotlight: Gas Saver Kits

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

You’ve probably seen the clear Pyrex (R) nozzles you can put on your TIG Torch.  To be honest when we first saw them, we thought they were nothing more than a cool party trick….

These nozzles come with a gas lens collet set up to provide optimal coverage, coherent gas flow, and minimal turbulance–  great for welding metals like titanium or stainless steel where oxygen contamination in your weld zone can ruin your weld.  And the clear nozzle offer great visibility.  It’s way more than a party trick.

These nozzles are the brainchild of the folks over at CK Worldwide, well-respected TIG torch  engineers who got their start in the aerospace industry.  And these nozzles will not only work on CK TIG Torches, but on all major brands of TIG torches  (Weldcraft, Weldtec, TecTorch, Radnor, BestWelds, Master TIG, Profax, etc.)

Deluxe Gas Saver Pro Kit for the 9, 20, or CS310 TIG Torch

At Arc-Zone, we’ve assembled  PRO Kits from the Deluxe Gas Saver Pro Kit that has everything you need for your 9/20/CS3210 series TIG Torch, to the Standard Diameter Gas Saver Pro Kits for your 17/18/and 26 series TIG Torch. These kits come with everything you need to Weld Like A PRO(tm)!

Not only do you get a box full of accessories for a variety of TIG  welding applications, you get a TIG Welding calculator you take with you on the job as well as several of our popular articles like  ”Joe Welders Guide to Optimizing your TIG Torch.”

Everything you ever wanted to know about Thorium

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

As many TIG welders know, thoriated (red) tungsten has in the past, been a preferred tungsten electrode blend.  But that’s old skool thinking– there’s better options out there… more on that later.

If you’re like me, you enjoy learning about all kinds of things especially as it relates to welding and metal fabrication.  I recently stumbled across this column over at Salon.com, Blogging the Periodic Table.  It’s a fascinating look at each of the elements in the periodic table–  and each one has a story.  You can read all about Thorium. Though this column doesn’t include information on welding, there some interesting and fun facts sprinkled throughout.

Now if you’ve been TIG welding for a while, you’re all too familiar with the RED tungsten electrodes.  This thoriated blend of tungsten electrode is popular because it is a good general purpose electrode (good for all metals and all machines) has excellent arc behavior and lasts long….  because of the nature of thorium, however, there are some health concerns due to vapors and grinding dust. At Arc-Zone we recommend you only use it if you are contractually required to, especially as there are better alternatives out there.

For more detailed information on health and safety concerns regarding the use of thoriated tungsten electrodes, check out the AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheet: Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes.

We almost always recommend our ArcTime Hybrid Tungsten… it is truly a state-of-the-art improvement over the old thoriated electrodes with excellent ignition properties, low burn off rate and it lasts a long time! I’ll let our spokes model tell you more about it:

To explore other options, check out Arc-Zone.com’s Guide to Selecting Tungsten Electrodes.

TIG Welding a bit of history

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Finally catching up on my newsletter reading and came across this awesome article from Lincoln…

Two years ago, Ridler Award winner (and from the looks of this car, a master fabricator) Dan Webb set out to honor this iconic creation by building a low-sloping hotrod variation of the original, the iconic 1917 Golden Submarine Racecar.

The project, powered by Lincoln, is showcased over on the Lincoln website… check it out–>

And if you’re looking to create the kind of TIG welds Webb did, check out Arc-Zone.com’s line up of  TIG Torches. We feature  CK Worldwide and Weldcraft, two fine manufacturers of TIG Torches and replacement parts.

And, did you know Arc-Zone.com  now has CK TIG Torch replacement parts online?  You’ll find the replacement parts listed along side the torches we offer.

Powerful, Affordable TIG Welder for DIYers

Monday, May 10th, 2010
This just in from Miller…
APPLETON, Wis., May 5, 2010—Continuing to adapt to the needs of personal users in the TIG welding market, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. introduces the Diversion™ 180 AC/DC TIG welder. The Diversion 180 delivers several operator conveniences such as input power selection; a digital interface and included foot pedal remote control. This upgraded model takes its place next to the popular Diversion 165 as an easy-to-use, affordable TIG welder for metalworking enthusiasts in automotive repair, motorsports, DIY and hobby markets. The Diversion 180 has an MSRP of $2,150.

More Power
Featuring Miller’s patented Multi Voltage Plug (MVP™), the Diversion 180 connects to 115V or 230V input power with a quick and simple change of the plug without tools, allowing the machine to operate just about anywhere. Only Miller offers the convenience of MVP plugs, look for this feature on select MIG and TIG welders.
More Control
Retaining the simple setup of the previous model that uses just two controlsone for selecting the metal type and one for heat inputthe Diversion 180 features a new digital interface that allows for more accurate adjustments to the welding amperage and allows easy troubleshooting as it can communicate error codes. In addition to this simplicity, the machine’s stable arc and positive arc starts make it easier for beginners to achieve good results.

The Diversion 180 now includes a remote foot pedal control, highly favored by bench-top TIG welders. This feature, in addition to the built-in fingertip control of the Weldcraft® LS17 TIG torch, allows users to choose their preference for controlling the welding power. Users can also customize their torch head, optimizing it for their welding application, by selecting between a flex-head, number 9-Series flex or standard head, or a pencil torch configuration.

JOE WELDER RECOMMENDS:  Get the most out of your TIG torch with an Arc-Zone.com (r) PRO Kit for the LS17 TIG torch. Choose from the popular AK-2 PRO kit to the Deluxe Gas Saver Kit, and everything in between–everything you need to Weld Like A PRO (TM)
Weighing in at just 50 lbs. (90 lbs. less than other units), the Diversion 180 only needs a 25-amp circuit breaker on 1-phase power to produce its full welding output of 180 amps (on 230V), 150 amps at 20 percent duty cycle. The unit can weld material as thin as .030-in. and as thick as 3/16-in. in a single pass with its 10- to 180-amp output.

Every Diversion 165 and 180 box includes a 68-page TIG Welding for Dummies book and a DVD on how to set up, operate and weld with the unit, along with some basic TIG welding tips.
(more…)

Elektrogrill für Männer

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Crazy Germans and their sausage.  And I fully mean that as a compliment, because we here at Arc-Zone.com were all amazed and highly entertained by what happened next.

German welders + sausage + welding machine = Electric grill for men???

Adventurous Germans Grill Sausages with an Industrial Welder

“Eventually, the tube was so hot that the arc had to be shut down because the fat was on the verge of spontaneous combustion.”

By Vin Marshall  Posted 03.22.2010

Barbecue grills don’t typically require eye protection, but then, they’re typically not made from a giant TIG welder and an industrial sausage positioner either.

That’s something these Germans set out to change with the “Electric Grill For Men.”

What would you do if you needed to endurance-test a large industrial welding power supply?

You’d probably rig up something like the apparatus pictured here, in which a TIG welding torch draws a continuous arc along a slowly rotating piece of aluminum tubing mounted in a work positioner normally used for pipe welding.

As the long weld bead is laid down, the power supply is tested to verify that it can maintain its rated output and duty cycle without melting down. In the process, a great deal of heat is generated.

What would you do if you hated to see all of that heat going to waste? And furthermore, if you loved sausage?

CONTINUE READING ONLINE ->

Defying Gravity

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Gravity.  It’s simply a fact of life; we can’t change it.  But we may be able to work around it.

Gravity Can Make Welding More Expensive, Learn How to Lower Your Welding Costs

12/28/2009 9:46:00 AM – Article #2909

By Mechanizing the Weld System Using the Proper Positioning Equipment and Multi Wire Welding, Expect a 60 Lb. Weld Deposition per Hour

912289488Gravity makes welding more expensive, it’s a fact.

That is why downhand welding will cost less than vertical or overhead welding.

It’s all about deposition rates.

When welding in the vertical or overhead position, the higher your metal deposition rate, the more likely the weld metal is to sag and run out of the joint.

To combat these problems try using a pulsed power source that produces less heat, or use current and voltage settings that reduce the burn-off rate or use smaller diameter electrodes with good out of position characteristics.

CONTINUE READING ONLINE ->

Welding on Classic Cars

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Interested in learning about restoring classic cars? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

The folks over at Second Chance Garage have given us a step-by-step guide to choosing the right welder for the job:

Selecting the Right Welder for Classic Car Restoration Projects

What Welder To Use?

The most common welders used in auto restoration, therefore, are MIG (metal arc welders, gas or flux-cored), TIG (tungsten arc welders using shielding gas) and Arc Welders (the traditional “stick” electrode).

To choose the most appropriate one for your needs, you have to consider the following parameters:

* What is the maximum and minimum thickness of metal to be welded? Fortunately, automobiles use metals that fall into a relatively narrow range.

* What is the metal type? Again, automobiles generally are made of steel and, rarely, aluminum.

* What is the normal position the welding “head” will be put in? Do you need to do a lot of welding overhead? The answer is usually no here.

* How much current is available in your shop and do you have 220 volts? Check your circuits.

Let’s be frank. Our overwhelming favorite type of welder is the MIG. We’ll explain why shortly, but first we’ll give an overview of the other contenders. Here we go!

CONTINUE READING ONLINE ->

Once you’ve chosen a welder, come on over to Arc-Zone.com where you’ll find MIG guns, TIG Torches, Oxy-Fuel Torches, Plasma Arc Cutting Torches…  not to mention some really trick accessories like Trailing Shields, and everything you need to Weld Like a Pro!

Connect with Miller and Win!

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Want some free Miller welding equipment???

This month, Miller Electric is giving away over $2,000 worth of welding supplies to one lucky grand prize winner!

To enter for a chance to win, just sign up for one of Miller’s eNewsletters to keep in touch with industry news and the latest how-to advice!

Complete Grand Prize Package:

Product Spotlight: ArcTime™

Friday, November 20th, 2009
ArcTime™ Brand Hybrid, One Tungsten Blend For All Materials
The Sky’s The Limit With The NEW ArcTime™ Hybrid Tungsten Electrodes!
State-of-the-Art, Non-Radioactive Tungsten Electrode Formula: For all metals, compatible with all welding machines.
Fabricators from around the world are using ArcTime™ Hybrid to 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 poular tungsten electorde product.
Professional fabricators choose ArcTime™ because of its excellent ignition properties, low burn off rate and Tip longevity. As an added bonus, ArcTime™ hybrid tungsten electrodes work well with all power sources and all metals from mild steel to titanium. The material is clearly differentiated by it’s Sky Blue™ color code.
The NEW ArcTime™ offers all that, at a price even a hobbyist or small weld shop can afford.
We are so certain that you will benefit from the new ArcTime™ Hybrid, we are offering a Unconditional Money Back Guarantee backed by our industry-leading No-Hassle Return Policy.
“You’ll notice a difference just by striking the first arc– no finer electrode exists anywhere,” says Jim Watson, president and founder of Arc-Zone.com, Inc.
ArcTime™ Hybrid Performance Tungsten Electrodes™ pass Arc-Zone.com’s 5-Point Inspection Program and are delivered complete with Arc-Zone’s popular Guide to Tungsten (pdf), and Material Safety Data Sheet (pdf) .

ArcTime™ Brand Hybrid, One Tungsten Blend For All Materials

State-of-the-Art, Non-Radioactive Tungsten Electrode Formula: For all metals, compatible with all welding machines.

arctimeFabricators from around the world are using ArcTime™ Hybrid tungsten electrodes to 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 poular tungsten electrode product.

arctimepicProfessional fabricators choose ArcTime™ because of its excellent ignition properties, low burn off rate and tip longevity.  In other words, this stuff lasts!

As an added bonus, ArcTime™ hybrid tungsten electrodes work well with all power sources and all metals from mild steel to titanium. The material is clearly differentiated by it’s Sky Blue™ color code.

The NEW ArcTime™ offers all that, at a price even a hobbyist or small weld shop can afford.

We are so certain that you will benefit from the new ArcTime™ Hybrid, we are offering a Unconditional Money Back Guarantee backed by our industry-leading No-Hassle Return Policy.

“You’ll notice a difference just by striking the first arc– no finer electrode exists anywhere,” says Jim Watson, president and founder of Arc-Zone.com, Inc.

ArcTime™ Hybrid Performance Tungsten Electrodes™ pass Arc-Zone.com’s 5-Point Inspection Program and are delivered complete with Arc-Zone’s popular Guide to Tungsten (pdf), and Material Safety Data Sheet (pdf) .

See What Customers Are Saying:

Amazing TUNGSTEN. I never have to switch it out when I weld something new and the arc always strikes perfectly. I am on this for the rest of my welding days!!

Date Added: 05/14/2009 by Roger Wilcox

Some of the best large tungsten I have ever used. I am a definite believer from now on. And they set me up with a Net account in a couple of minutes. A wonderful experience.

Date Added: 05/25/2009 by Duncan Moore

We started using the ArcTime after we had some major quality issues with our tungsten supply. One of the challenges of being a government entity is the material is supplied for a variety of reasons, and most times quality is not one of them! We were using the 1.5% and 2% Lanthanated material, and it varied in performance and each supplier had a box with a different label on it which did not sit well with our welding shop instructor. We tested the ArcTime material and were very pleased with the look of the material, the supporting documentation and most importantly the performance. We do maintenance welds on Aluminum ship hulls – the ArcTime hybrid tungsten out performs all other materials, and saves us a lot of headaches. Now we can focus on welding!

HT2 Hull Technician Pacific Fleet (sent via email)

Date Added: 06/25/2008 by Arc-Zone Admin

Check out what our very own Roxy Fuel has to say about ArcTime™:

Try it for yourself, then tell us what YOU think!