With numerous studies pointing to heat’s negative impact on performance, fabricators are naturally searching for technologies that offer a combination of convenience and results. Miller’s CoolBand™ and CoolBelt™ are solutions that have been shown to reduce temperatures significantly with minimal extra weight or feeling cumbersome to the welder. At a price of $150 and $295, respectively, they also offer a quick return on investment through increased productivity and product quality.

There is no singular solution when it comes to heat stress prevention, and specialized apparel by itself may not be enough to keep workers functioning at their best. Every welding environment is different, and organizations typically employ a combination of measures that meet their needs. However, the welding helmet cooling devices now available on the market represent a big step forward in terms of convenience and effectiveness. Already used in a variety of demanding environments, they’ve proven to be highly effective as part of an overall plan to maintain the welder’s well-being and performance.

Check out this article for more on welder heat stress relief and actions you can take to keep your staff safe and productive: read now!

Don’t miss Miller at these premier farm and ranch shows. Hands-on demos will be available from the Miller booths where you can try MIG, TIG and Plasma cutting equipment.

Farm Progress Show:
Aug. 30–Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill. (booth #1056)

Husker Harvest Days:
Sept. 13–15 in Grand Island, Neb. (booth #227)

And, register at the hospitality tents at either show for a chance to WIN a Bobcat™ 250 EFI engine-driven welder/generator or an American Eagle II™ auto-darkening helmet from Miller.

Running a welding business/department isn’t easy – we’ve compiled 10 of the most common pitfalls people make and easy ways to avoid them in this article.

Here’s the top 5 – check out the article for the rest:

1: Improper filler metal storage

2: Repurposing old equipment

3: Using the wrong sized MIG gun

4: Improper preheat or interpass temperature control

5: Ignoring preventative maintenance

Remember to take some time up front to identify the projects that will occupy the biggest percentage of your welding activity. This will help you determine the specific thickness of the metal you likely weld most often, and ultimately select the most suitable welder model.

Do you intend to restore an old muscle car in your garage? Will you need to weld 4130 chromoly on your race car?  Does the motorcycle you bought years ago require some fabrication?

The type of welder you use should be best suited for the specific functions you require as well as the projects will you will be working on the most. Think about your end goal and consider opportunities to expand the usefulness of your welder.  In other words, will you need more power and amperage in the future? Or, would it be best to job-out a few repairs or projects that are beyond the capabilities of your existing skill-set or the machine’s capacity?

When considering your budget, don’t forget to include costs for accessories and supplies you’ll need to operate your welder. This includes welding protection (helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.) as well as gas and consumables.

Until next time,

Andy Weyenberg
Motorsports Marketing Manager

Looking to buy your first welder? Read this article for informative and practical information to assist you in making the appropriate choice.