HOT OFF THE PRESS (as it were) FROM BERNARD:

Packaged with Miller SuitCase 12RC and X-TREME 12VS wire feeders comes standard with Bernard’s Centerfire contact tips

BEECHER, Ill., August 20, 2007—To meet the demanding needs and harsh environments of construction, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing and rental applications, Bernard introduces its first ever self-shielded flux-cored gun, the Dura-Flux™.

To increase operator comfort, Dura-Flux guns feature a non-metallic trigger that absorbs less heat than metal triggers. The trigger is also made with a sealed microswitch, which keeps out dust and dirt, to provide a long work life. Welders will also appreciate the smaller trigger guard, which improves maneuverability compared to guns with larger heat shields.

“The small trigger guard doesn’t obstruct our access to narrow access joints the way the larger heat shields do,” says Daniel Stinson, Ironworkers Local 492, Nashville, Tenn. “We usually end up removing the heat shields so that they don’t get in the way while welding joints without much room to maneuver, such as the bottom flanges on structural jobs.”

The Dura-Flux is rated to 350 amps at 100 percent duty cycle and can handle higher current loads at reduced duty cycles. It accepts flux-cored wire up to 3/32-in. and is equipped with a heavy-duty monocoil power cable and Bernard’s Centerfire™ contact tips, which last up to three times longer than other brands.
The Dura-Flux gun also features interchangeable power pins and trigger leads for compatibility with both Miller and Lincoln products, along with power pin liners that are easily changed without tools to simplify maintenance.

The Dura-Flux will be packaged with Miller SuitCase™ 12RC and SuitCase X-TREME™ 12VS wire feeders for a limited time beginning in August. The gun’s inclusion comes at no additional charge, a $400 value.
The Dura-Flux gun shipped with Miller SuitCase feeders is configured to meet the precise application requirements of most users. A 15-foot gun with a 6-inch, 60-degree neck is standard. In applications that require a shorter gun, Bernard’s gun exchange program allows welders to exchange the unused Dura-Flux gun shipped with Miller SuitCase feeders for a 10-foot gun.

A variety of jacketed and armored Dura-Flux necks are also available.

Bernard Welding Equipment, located in Beecher, Ill, manufactures premium GMAW (MIG) welding guns, consumables, accessories and manual arc products. For over 50 years Bernard has been an innovator in heavy-duty MIG welding and a contributor to improved welding productivity.

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Arc-Zone specializes in TIG / GTAW Welding equipment, however we do sell MIG guns… you can shop online or give us a call. And keep a look out, we’re launching a new webstore soon, and you’ll see lots of new product, live chat, and more.

At Arc-Zone.com we frequently get inquiries from customers looking for other TIG torches, or want to know the difference between one brand versus another. They’ve seen a Weldtec torch, or heard about CK or their local welding supplier sells Best Welds. At Arc-Zone.com we sell Weldcraft TIG Torches.

Not all TIG / GTAW welding torches are created equally. One difference is in the quality raw materials used and the quality of the manufacturing process. I can’t think of a specific example with a tig torch, but I have seen, for example, a cheap gas lens that basically was not brazed and the screens were just stuffed in so the gas flow– well– didn’t. And then the thing fell apart.

Both Weldtec and CK are fine brands. I haven’t heard much about the Best Welds brand. It should be noted, however, that many of these TIG Torch brands call themselves “Weldcraft style.” Bottom line is that Weldcraft is an industry leader and innovator, known for quality products.

Weldcraft® is not the cheapest brand in the marketplace, but using the best engineered torches will get you the best performance from your TIG welder.

When it comes to cables and hoses, it’s not just rubber / braided versus vinyl. The tubing all looks the same, but if the insides are not constructed to spec, and are not taut on the inside (which is difficult to see from looking at the cable) you’ll not get good power flow and if the fittings are not constructed well the cable could in fact pull out.

We recommend the rubber mostly because vinyl is really just a fancy word for plastic, and heat and plastic is not a good combination.

There are a lot of options from Air-Cooled (great for TIG Welding in the field) or Water-Cooled (smaller, lighter and stays cool longer in your hand), from Micro-TIG (for small work) to Flexible Head TIG torches (for– well, flexibilty!) . If you need some help deciding, you can always call Arc-Zone. We have a toll free number 800.944.2243 (US) or call 760.931.1500. Ask for Jim Watson, he’s our TIG Torch expert.

You know, some times you just need to follow your instinct…  On a fairly regular basis we get an order for a remote amperage control for a Miller TIG welding machine.  And the customer has requested a 5 pin plug.  You see, Miller used to offer a 5 pin plug, but has now moved to a 14 pin plug.  The problem is that the 14 pin plug only has 5 “live” pins but sometimes has 14 pins installed and sometimes only 5 pins are installed.  Confused yet?  Makes my head spin!

 

 The 14 pin plug, regardless of how many pins are installed, is approximately 1 1/2″ in diameter. (see photo above)

It’s only the older machines that have the actual 5 pin plug.  That plug is shown above.

And of course whenever we get an order for a Remote Amperage Control with a 5 pin plug, we usually call and double check.  And when we don’t–  well we get a call from a customer who’s got the wrong one for their machine.

So, if you order one from Arc-Zone.com don’t be surprised if you get a call from Jim.   We like to make sure our customers get exactly what they need.