Arc Welding Equipment and Processes

The end goal for all arc welders is the same – an expertly welded, precision product that’s to standard, sturdy, and even beautiful. Getting there though can be vastly different depending on the type of arc welding process they employ. Today, there are five main welding styles, and each uses its own processes, equipment, and applications.

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Top 5 Causes of Bird Nesting in Welding And How To Fix Them

One of the most frustrating challenges of MIG welding is having your progress come to a screeching halt because of a birds nest. No, we aren’t talking about the type that birds make out of sticks, grass, and leaves. 

So what is bird nesting and how do you fix it so you can get back to work?

What is Bird Nesting in Welding?

Bird nesting is when you are welding and the wire gets all tangled up. It can happen anywhere from the drive roll to the contact tip and brings your productivity to a grinding halt while you cut, remove, re-feed, and re-start.

The good news is that with the proper setup and maintenance, MIG wire kinking can be greatly reduced. But to properly fix it, the first step is to figure out what’s causing it. Here’s our how-to guide for fixing the top five causes of bird nesting in welding.

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Women in Manufacturing: How Women Can Save Manufacturing

The times they are a-changin’.

Bob Dylan’s famous song from 1964 is still as relevant today as it was during the cultural revolution that represented the largest generational values shift in our history.

In those days, women were celebrating the Equal Pay Act, reading Betty Friedan, and breaking the mold of the stereotypical housewife to begin careers and live beyond the boundaries of domestic life.’

The History of Women in Manufacturing

The first time we saw the first big wave of women entering the workforce was during World War II. Many of the men went to war leaving a gigantic labor shortage and women stepped up.

By 1943 women actually made up 65% of the labor force and “Rosie the Riveter” was the face of the movement.

But as the war came to an end and the men came back needing jobs, women were expected to return to traditional roles.

The Data

Today, women are present in every aspect of our society. Instead of taking home economics in high school and becoming housewives shortly thereafter, the majority of women are seeking higher education and entering the workforce. They are waiting much longer to have children, prioritizing careers and self-fulfillment over starting a family.

Women overwhelmingly constitute the majority of:

• Preschool & Kindergarten Teachers
• Dental Hygienists & Assistants
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Childcare Workers
• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Medical Records & Health Information Technicians
• Dietitians & Nutritionists
• Hairdressers, Stylists, & Cosmetologists
• Medical Assistants

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women tend to pursue careers that have less strenuous conditions and a lower risk of injury. There are many reasons for this, including societal norms, barriers to entry, unappealing working conditions, and work/life balance.

In contrast, top careers for men include:

• Software Developers
• Farmers
• Construction Workers
• Financial Analysts
• Aerospace Engineers
• Clergy
• Television, Video, & Motion Picture Camera Operators and Editors
• Architects
• Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers
• Firefighters

This data tells us that men are more likely to pursue careers with an increased risk of injury and less desirable working conditions. Some women, however, are completely ignoring the metaphorical “Do Not Enter” signs by entering the trades; and they are succeeding.

So What Does This Mean For Women in Manufacturing?

It is estimated that only 5-7% of welders are female. Women represent 47% of the total US labor force. That means there is a pool of over 50 million working-age women who could fill the estimated 400,000 worker shortage in the welding industry by 2024.

With a significantly higher median wage than most traditionally female careers, this represents a win-win for the industry and women who want to boost their earnings, and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Employers overwhelmingly support an influx of women in the trades as it means a larger pool of available labor resources for them to meet their production goals. Tool, clothing, and safety equipment manufacturers are responding with products designed for those of smaller stature.

If the labor market continues to solicit female trade workers and update working conditions and structures to accommodate women, the result will be a boom in construction and manufacturing output we haven’t seen in decades. Simultaneously, higher wages for female earners cannot be ignored, as their purchasing power will have a ripple effect across consumer goods, retail, and other markets where spend dictates what products are offered.

Change is inevitable. If more women are willing to pursue a career in the trades, they can save manufacturing.

Women Currently Making Great Strides

Speaking of change, there are women currently in the manufacturing industry who are bringing attention to the possibilities for women in manufacturing.

For example, Jessi Combs, the “Fastest Woman On Earth.” Jessie was known for being a television and offroad racing star and was a role model for women in the industry.

Since then many more women have become well-known in the manufacturing and welding industry like Barbie the Welder and Samantha Farr.

Supporting Women in Manufacturing

So what can organizations do about the lack of women in welding?

Consider the steps your organization is taking to break down barriers, from creating a culture that is welcoming to changing hiring practices.

Additionally increasing focus on vocational programs, educator training, apprenticeship programs, and scholarships for women can attract them to the welding profession. One amazing resource is Women Who Weld which offers programs and support for women in the industry.

We are already seeing how STEM classes being offered to girls in middle and high school can help open their eyes to opportunities in the welding industry that they may have never considered.

If we can create an environment that not only welcomes but encourages women in welding, we can fill the shortage and save the industry.

Are you a woman in the manufacturing industry? We have high-quality products to help save you money. Whether you’re looking to do business with us or you need assistance, we’re here to help. Let’s chat!

Multi Process Welder Roundup: Who’s the Best? (Part I)

Top 20 Multi-Process Welder Machines of 2022 Part I

Why spend thousands on multiple machines when one can do it all? In this two-part series, we take a look at the masters of versatility— multi-process welder machines!

Eastwood

Eastwood claims their machines are “Built for The Professional.” We’ll give you the facts, and you can decide for yourself if they live up to that moniker.

Elite MP140i

The first multi-process welder machine on our list is The Eastwood Elite MP140i. As one of the least expensive machines on our list, one might expect it to be sorely lacking in features. After all, how much can you expect for something only 1/7 the cost of the most expensive machine on our list?

The MP140i, however, should be considered a serious value contender. It features 140A of output @ 30% duty cycle, 8″ spool capacity, a heavy-duty metal drive motor, IGBT inverter technology, digital display, built-in spot weld timer, and 3/16″ single-pass capacity on mild steel. You’ll also get a 10′ Trafimet ERGOPLUS 15 MIG gun, 10′ WP-17V TIG torch, and 12.5′ electrode holder, all for an MSRP of $499.99!

Elite MP200i

The MP200i is one of the lightest machines in its class at only 34 pounds. It is just as feature-packed as its little brother, just with more muscle. The MP200i is rated for a 20% duty cycle at 200A of output. It will also run on either 120VAC or 240VAC and has a 3/8″ single-pass capacity on mild steel.

The package includes a Trafimet ERGOPLUS 24 MIG torch, WP-17V TIG torch, and electrode holder. It is also spool gun compatible if you want to weld aluminum. Note that Eastwood does not offer a foot pedal for this machine. The MP200i also has a built-in spot weld timer. At $799.99, the MP200i is also one of the most affordable machines on our list.

Elite MP250i

Eastwood really knocked it out of the park with the MP250i. If you need a machine for serious, all-day-long work on steel, put this one on your shortlist. With a 60% duty cycle @ 250A, a 12″ spool capacity, and dual bottle mounts, you’ll have the power to run hot and fast with the MP250i. You’ll also get a Trafimet ERGOPLUS 24 MIG torch, WP-17V TIG torch, foot pedal, and electrode holder. Don’t expect to tote this powerhouse around the job site, however, as the large number of features tips the scale at a whopping 160 pounds (without gas bottles). For the price though, this package is hard to beat at an MSRP of $1,299.99.

Esab

When it comes to multi-process welder machines, Esab brought their A-Game. The machine boasts features across the board, such as a multilingual TFT display, exclusive sMIG technology, and a five-handle “roll cage” chassis.

Rebel EMP 205ic

The EMP 205ic is one of the most feature-packed machines on our list. It is one of four machines capable of AC TIG mode (a must-have for serious aluminum work) and includes a pulse mode for DC TIG as well as high-frequency arc starting! It has a maximum output of 235A. Included in the box are a 180A Tweco Fusion Velocity MIG gun, Heliarc HW-17 TIG torch, foot pedal, and electrode holder.

A Tweco 200A spool gun is available separately, although this is hardly needed with the AC TIG mode built right in. However, these bells and whistles come at a cost, with the EMP205ic being limited to a 25% duty cycle and breaking the bank at $3,499.00.

Rebel EMP 215ic

The EMP 215ic is Esab’s most budget-friendly multi-process offering. It sheds nine pounds of weight versus the EMP 205ic (40lbs vs. 49lbs) and gives a slight boost to maximum output at 240 amps. The EMP 215ic does give up AC TIG mode, pulse capability, and high-frequency arc starting. If you can live without those features, you’ll save quite a bit, with an MSRP of $2,149.00 (significant savings over the EMP 205ic). Included are a 180A Tweco Fusion MIG gun, 17V style TIG torch, foot pedal, and Tweco electrode holder.

Rebel EMP 235ic

The EMP 235ic is a heavy hitter. With 250A of maximum output and single-pass capacity of ½” mild steel at a reasonable 40% duty cycle, this machine will take the heat and keep on ticking. You’ll change your wireless frequently with this model as well, with a 12″ spool capacity versus 8″ on the smaller models. MSRP is $3,455.00. With this machine, you’ll get a Tweco Spraymaster 250 MIG gun and electrode holder. It does not include a TIG torch (we recommend a 26-series torch).

Everlast

Next up on our list, we have four power-packed multi-process welder machines from Everlast. If you’re not familiar with Everlast, you should be. They are all built on IGBT inverter technology, offer some of the best-in-class machines for the money, and they back all of their machines with an impressive 5-year warranty!

Power MTS 211Si

The MTS 211Si is Everlast’s 210A entry-level multi-process machine and is a serious bang for the buck. It features digital controls with a 9-program memory, high-frequency arc starting for TIG mode, 40% duty cycle, and a robust metal wire feed system. You’ll also get control over start/end amps, up/downslope, pre/post flow, and both 2T and 4T control for TIG mode. The MTS211Si package includes a 10′ 15 series MIG gun, 12.5′ 26 Series TIG torch, 10′ electrode holder assembly, and a foot pedal for precision TIG work. All of this comes with a price tag of $1,199.00.

Power MTS 251Si

As the big brother of the MTS 211Si, this machine is sure to be a fan favorite with its combination of features and price. The MTS251Si has 250A of output, a 12″ wire spool capacity, pulse mode for both MIG and TIG processes, and high-frequency arc start. It has a 40% duty cycle and 3/8″ single-pass capacity on mild steel. So, this machine will be right at home in any fab shop or garage. The MTS251Si package includes a 10’ 24 series MIG gun, 12.5’ 26 series TIG torch, 10’ electrode holder assembly, and a foot pedal for precision TIG work. Add the optional water-cooling unit, and you’ve got a serious TIG rig! MSRP is $1,539.00.

Lightning MTS 225

The Lightning MTS 225 is the lead-in unit for Everlast’s second-generation multi-process machines. This machine features 160A of output @ 35% duty cycle on 240V, a synergistic Power Set function, LCD display, AC TIG mode, 16 slots of memory, pulse mode on both AC and DC TIG, high-frequency start, and square wave AC function. Included in the box are a 10′ 15 series MIG gun, 12.5′ 26 Series TIG torch, 10′ electrode holder assembly, and a foot pedal for precision TIG work. The Lightning MTS 225 is the second of the four machines on our list with AC TIG mode. It is by far the least expensive at $2,000.00.

Lightning MTS 275

According to Everlast, the Lightning MTS 275 “has about everything you need, and nothing that you don’t.” We tend to agree! This machine is the best all-around multi-process unit available today and includes all of the features of its little brother with 250A of output @ 60% duty cycle and a 12” spool capacity. You’ll also get upgraded to a 36 series MIG gun and 18 series TIG torch. All of Everlast’s units are compatible with their TIG torch water coolers and a 20 series torch, but the MTS 275 would see the most benefit due to its higher amperage. With an MSRP of $2,500, this machine tops our list and lands almost $1,000 below comparable units from Esab and Miller!

Stay Up-to-Date With American Torch Tip

For more information and recommendations about welding practices, keep up with American Torch Tips’ blog! And, stay tuned for updates about Part II.

MIG Welding Wire Feed Issues

Poor Wire Feeding

Poor wire feeding is among the most common challenges that a MIG Welding operator deals with on a daily basis. Wire feed issues can lead to increased downtime, premature wearing of consumables, and an overall weld quality that can be very poor in appearance and strength. There are several different issues that can lead to poor wire feeding. Although the most common assumption can be that the filler metal is the source of the problem, there are many other contributing factors that could also be the cause. Below are some of the most common causes of wire feeding issues in MIG welding.

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Remembering Jessi Combs – The “Fastest Woman on Earth”

History is full of trailblazing women. Many of them endeavored to explore, defy, and innovate in spite of the ridicule, doubt, and general disregard they faced from their peers. Their accomplishments were often ignored, downplayed, or outright stolen from them and credited to others. Nevertheless, without their actions, we would not enjoy the freedoms, equality, and scientific advancements that we have today.

Women in automotive industries often face prejudice, but despite that Jessi Combs made a name for herself and became a role model for women everywhere. To honor her memory and celebrate her life we wanted to talk about her life and amazing accomplishments.

Jessi’s Early Life

Jessi Combs was born in Rockerville, South Dakota July 27^th, 1980. She credited her upbringing in the Black Hills as formative in developing her attitude toward life, saying “I think growing up in South Dakota is a huge part of it. Now that I have lived all over, I understand the quality of life we have here and our work ethic. If it needs to get done, we just do it.”

She graduated from Stevens High School in Rapid City in 1998. She had wanted to be an architect growing up but ended up turning down a full-ride scholarship to study interior design and instead did some traveling which eventually led her to Denver, Colorado to try her hand as a professional snowboarder.

When that didn’t pan out, Combs decided to relocate to Laramie to attend the Wyoming Technical Institute (WyoTech), a premier school for automotive technical training at the time. She graduated at the top of her class with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication. She was one of thirty WyoTech students chosen to assist legendary hot rod designer Chip Foose’s “A-Team” on the Season 1 Episode 6 of Overhaulin’, where she worked on a 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

Her Television Career

Upon graduation, WyoTech’s marketing department enlisted Combs and another student, Ben Bright, to build a ’64 Mercury Cyclone from the ground up in only six months for the automotive industry’s largest annual trade show, SEMA. It featured a custom 3-link suspension, a 402ci engine, and carbon fiber body panels.

Her work on this project was enough to jump-start her television career, landing her an offer from Spike TV to co-host the PowerBlock show Xtreme 4×4 alongside Ian Johnson, where the duo worked together for the show’s first four seasons. She was severely injured in an accident in 2007 when a bandsaw fell on her and decided to leave the show shortly afterward.

By that time, Combs was recognized as a bright up-and-coming personality and the popularity of automotive programming during this time meant a lot of open doors for her career. She made guest appearances on shows like 2 Guys Garage, Truck U, Duplicolor TV, Full Throttle TV, Pirate 4×4 TV Live, and Bosch 125.

In 2009, she accepted an offer from Discovery to fill in for host Kari Byron on the show MythBusters during Byron’s maternity leave. She would appear in nine episodes of the show’s seventh season alongside Jamie Hyneman, Adam Savage, Grant Imahara, Tory Belleci, and others.

She also hosted the Autoblog series The List: 1001 Car Things to Do Before You Die with co-host Patrick McIntyre in 2011. The same year, she was chosen to host All Girls Garage on the Velocity network with Cristy Lee and Sarah “Bogi” Lateiner. The show featured an all-female cast and cemented Combs’ position as an industry icon. Later, in 2012, she would also co-host a relaunch of the popular show Overhaulin that she first made her debut on in 2004 during its initial run.

Offroad Racing

At the same time, Combs took up professional offroad racing; competing in Ultra4’s King of the Hammers beginning in 2010. By late 2011, she was racing in the SCORE Baja 1000, where her team finished second in the CLASS 10 category. Two years later, she broke the four-wheel Women’s land speed record as part of the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger team with a top speed of 392.954 MPH, breaking Lee Breedlove’s record of 308.506 MPH set in 1965.

Her team’s ultimate goal was to break the record held by Kitty O’ Neil set in 1976 in the three-wheeled, jet-powered SMI Motivator at 512.710 MPH. She would also go on to participate in the 2015 Rallye Aicha Des Gazelles du Maroc, a grueling all-female offroad rally race held in southern Morocco, as well as being honored as the first woman to compete in the Oilers car club Race of Gentlemen.

The Fastest Woman on Earth

Her career and her life came to an abrupt halt on August 27^th, 2019 in Alvord desert, Oregon while attempting to break the all-time women’s land speed record. The front wheel assembly of her jet-powered car collapsed at a speed in excess of 500 MPH, causing her to crash. In June of 2020, Guinness World Records officially verified her record top speed of 522.783 MPH, posthumously affirming her title as the “Fastest Woman on Earth”.

Combs was one of four inductees into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2021. Her foundation, the Jessi Combs Foundation, awards scholarships to women seeking to get a formal education in the trades. Their mission is to “educate, inspire and empower the next generation of female trailblazers & stereotype-breakers”.

Learn more about Jessi Combs and her foundation by visiting her site www.thejessicombsfoundation.com. 

Are you a woman in automotive? We have high-quality products to help save you money. Whether you’re looking to do business with us or you need technical assistance, we’re here to help. Let’s chat!

All Steel is the Same, right?

When purchasing material, it’s hard not to get sticker shock. Costs have more than doubled on most types and grades over the past year. With those increases comes the need to understand exactly what you are buying so you can make an educated selection of the best material for your application at the lowest cost. When buying mild steel plates, there are two common varieties for you to choose from, and the devil is in the details.

Hot Rolled vs. Cold Rolled Steel

All steel is the same, right?

Wrong.

When selecting the type of steel for your steel plate you need to understand the difference between the two common varieties, cold and hot. Knowing the difference between their price and precision can greatly affect your end results.

So what are the differences between hot rolled vs cold rolled steel?

Hot Rolled Steel (HR A36, HR A1011, HR A1018, etc.)

Steel becomes much more malleable when heated. To manufacture a hot rolled steel plate, a billet is heated in a furnace at a temperature of about 1700° F, then fed into giant rollers which impart thousands of tons of pressure to form the material with a fair degree of accuracy.

It is passed through the rollers multiple times until the desired dimensions are achieved. After forming, the plate cools and the shape is set. Because steel shrinks as it cools, the final dimensions of hot rolled steel are not as precise as the cold rolled variety.

A hot rolled steel plate will typically have the following characteristics:

• A somewhat rough, scaly finish
• Slightly rounded edges from being fed through rollers
• Slight distortion and loss of dimensional accuracy.

Because it costs less to process, hot rolled steel is typically less expensive to buy. For non-critical applications, the cost savings might be an acceptable tradeoff for dimensional imperfections and a rough finish.

If your finished product needs to have a high degree of dimensional accuracy and a smooth finish, plan to spend more time fabricating hot rolled material to achieve your desired results. Hot rolled steel is also often offered in a “Pickled & Oiled” or “P&O” variety, which has been picked in acid to remove mill scale, then oiled to prevent rust.

Cold Rolled Steel (A653, A879 CQ, A1008, etc.)

Cold rolled steel starts off as hot rolled steel. After cooling, the hot rolled steel is then annealed or tempered. The cold rolling process improves dimensional accuracy and produces a better surface finish.

Cold rolling also increases the strength of the material up to 20%. This allows cold rolled steel to be used in applications that require a greater degree of precision and hardness with increased wear resistance and a lower likelihood of deformity. Cold rolled steel will also require less work to achieve a paint-ready surface finish.

Cold rolled steel will be:

• Smoother and more uniform in appearance
• Squared on the edges
• More likely to warp when heated

Expect to pay about twice as much for cold rolled steel, but you’ll be getting a better product for your money that will require less fabrication time to produce a finished product. Either way, plan on bringing a trailer to the supply house: loaded with money to pay for the steel and then to carry it back to your shop while crying.

Want to learn more about hot rolled vs cold rolled steel? Visit our website or call 800-342-8477. Whether you are looking to do business with us or just want to learn more, we’re here to help!

10 MIG Welder Preventative Maintenance Tips

All trade professionals rely on their tools to make a living. Like any piece of equipment, your MIG welder requires regular preventative maintenance to maintain optimal performance. Below are some tips to keep your equipment in tip-top shape.

10. Keep It Covered When Not In Use

Using a cover is one of the most straightforward steps you can take to maintain your MIG welder and often one of the most overlooked. In most fabrication environments, dust, grime, and metallic particles settle and adhere to almost every surface. Just as these can make you sick, they can seriously impair the proper function of your machine.

Dust buildup on the wire spool may be fed into the liner, causing wire feeding issues. Metallic particles can find their way onto sensitive circuitry and cause expensive and dangerous shorts. Grime may obscure small problems such as a cracked wire guide, often leading to wire feeding issues. To avoid these scenarios, simply cover your machine when you’re not using it. Many machines have optional fitted covers, but a common drop cloth will suffice.

9. Turn Off The Gas and Purge Your System

Purging is a good habit to get into whenever you shut down your machine for the day. Turning off your gas bottle and purging the shielding gas from your machine and MIG gun will extend the life of hoses, fittings, valves, regulators, and solenoids and prevent the loss of costly gas if a leak happens to develop while you are away.

First, turn off the tank valve. Then, with the MIG gun pointed away from you, depress the trigger until the regulator output gauge drops to zero. Your MIG gun will feed a few inches of wire during this time, which you can simply snip off. If you wish to avoid this, relieve the tension on the drive roll prior to depressing the trigger on the MIG gun.

8. Hang It Up!

When you finish working for the day, coil your MIG gun loosely and hang it up off the floor. Not only is this a good general practice for keeping your work area clean, but it will also prevent your MIG gun from becoming damaged when not in use and keep the liner from becoming kinked from being would too tightly.

7. Inspect The Ground Lead and Clamp

It can be easy to take ground leads and clamps for granted. We tend to assume that it’s doing its job if the clamp is touching the workpiece or table. The truth is that your ground lead and clamp serve a critical function in the welding process, and they need a little attention from time to time when doing MIG welder maintenance.

First, inspect the cable for damage. Then, check the tightness of the connections at the machine and at the clamp. Lastly, ensure that the clamp is clean and the contact surfaces are free of buildup.

6. Inspect The Cables

Cable checks are just as crucial for safety as it is for the proper function of your equipment. First, unplug your machine. Then start at the back and inspect the power cord for cuts, burn marks, cracks, and any other damage. Ensure that the plug is installed correctly and fits tightly into the socket.

Then, inspect the MIG gun cable. Look for damage. Ensure the strain relief springs are properly attached. Check to make sure that the power pin and control plug connections are secure. Pay special attention to the front end of the cable. Most cable damage occurs within six feet of the handle. If you find any damage, repair the cable or replace the MIG gun.

5. Inspect Gas Hoses and Fittings

Ensure the shielding gas tank is properly secured. Turn on the tank valve and set the output flow rate, then shut off the tank. Inspect the tank and valve for visible damage. Do the same for the hoses, regulators, and fittings.
Wait until at least fifteen minutes have elapsed and check the output gauge. If the reading is lower than initially set at, you have a leak. Fill a spray bottle with soapy water and begin spraying your fittings and hoses. You should see bubbles where the leak exists.

Follow these steps depending on the scenario:

• If the leak is occurring at a fitting, tighten the fitting.
• If this does not resolve the problem, undo the connection, clean with compressed air, and reconnect.
• If the leak is stemming from the hose, repair or replace the hose.

Although MIG welding shielding gases are inert, they are not free, and leaks will not only cost you money but can lead to weld defects such as porosity.

4. Clean Your Liner

The liner is the hidden hero of your MIG gun. It keeps wire feeding smoothly from the feeder to the contact tip. Because it’s not visible while installing the MIG gun, we tend to forget about it until we experience a wire feeding issue (which always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time).

A little bit of love goes a long way with your liner. Get in the habit of cleaning it out every time you change your wire spool. To do this, first, unplug your machine. Then open the side panel and loosen the power pin retaining screw. Unplug the control plug as needed. Pull the MIG gun away from the machine and clip the wire in front of the drive roll (if you clip it behind the drive roll and the spool is full, it will unwind itself and make a mess).

Remove the consumables from the front of the MIG gun and pull the wire out. Then, using a cloth to seal, blow out the liner using compressed air. Reassemble the MIG gun and reconnect it to the machine, and it’s ready in less than five minutes.

3. Keep Your Machine Clean

Even if you follow the first tip and keep your machine covered when not in use, eventually, debris will find its way inside. When you notice that there is an accumulation on and inside your machine, dust it off. Compressed air and a clean cloth work very well for this task. A clean machine is a happy machine!

2. Inspect Drive Rolls and Check Tension

Drive rolls are durable; you do not need to replace them very often, but that doesn’t mean they are maintenance-free. Another good habit for MIG welder maintenance to get into, is that when changing wire spools is to remove and inspect the drive rolls for corrosion and debris buildup. Remove any metal shavings, debris, or rust with a small wire brush. When reinstalling, ensure that you have aligned the right groove with the wire type and correctly set the tension.

1. Clean or replace consumables

It may seem like common sense, but your consumables take a lot of heat. If they are getting long in the tooth, hit them with a wire brush or reamer, clean the spatter off, apply a coating of anti-spatter, or replace them. Waiting until your consumables fail to replace them can come back to haunt you in the form of weld defects and lost time. The cost of a contact tip is small compared to the cost and hassle of fixing a burnback failure or chasing porosity due to a clogged nozzle.

For Tougher MIG Welder Maintenance, You May Need To Contact The Supplier

Following these ten easy preventative maintenance tips will keep you and your machine productive and yield better quality welds with fewer headaches. For more in-depth maintenance, consult your machine’s operator manual or your local welding equipment supplier.

3 Steps To Increase Productivity and Profit

Learn how to identify and fix MIG welding problems that slow your production line and drain your profit.

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Best Things To Do In Chicago While You’re at FABTECH 2017

What’s there to do in Chicago at FABTECH 2017?

While you’re at FABTECH 2017, you might want to step out of McCormick Place to get some coffee or have a nice dinner. We’ve compiled a list of things to do while you’re in Chicago.
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Surelok™-Style Plasma Cutting Consumables

American Torch Tip Co. (ATTC) Now Offering SureLok™-Style Consumables

Bradenton, FL, December 12th, 2018 — American Torch Tip Co. (ATTC), an American manufacturer of welding and cutting torches, consumables, parts and accessories with 78 years of experience is now manufacturing SureLok™-style consumables compatible with the OEM in their Florida facility. Their goal is to help their customers save money and retain quality with American-made consumables with fast turn-around. 

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Miller® Fastip-Style Consumables

American Torch Tip Co. (ATTC) Now Offering Miller^® Fastip™-Style Consumables

Bradenton, FL, December 11th, 2018 — American Torch Tip Co. (ATTC), an American manufacturer of welding and cutting torches, consumables, parts and accessories with 78 years of experience is now manufacturing Miller^® Fastip-style consumables compatible with the OEM in their Florida facility. Their goal is to help their customers save money and retain quality with American-made consumables with fast turn-around.

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