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PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – New Swivel Design on the Bernard FILTAIR Fume Extraction Gun

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT –
New Swivel Design on the Bernard FILTAIR Fume Extraction Gun

The improved swivel design on the Bernard® FILTAIR™ fume extraction MIG gun now uses threads to retain the vacuum hose and eliminates the front band-it clamp from both amperage models. This redesign will improve performance and avoids replacing the hose clamp with a larger head.

What Changed?

The new design threads into the vacuum hose and cannot be removed unless the hose is cut to remove it from the threads. Removing the front band-it clamp also eliminates the possibility of the clamp getting snagged on other equipment, gloves, clothing, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did any part numbers change?

Answer: The new threaded swivels are backwards compatible with existing guns. As a result, swivel part numbers did not change.

  • 300 amp = 2810008
  • 400 amp = 2810009

How can you tell the difference between the old version and the new 2013 design?

Answer: New 2013 design will not have the metal front band-it clamp located on the hose near the rear of the handle. See Figure below: 

Image of FILTAIR connection bracket - OLD
OLD Version
Image of FILTAIR connection bracket removed - NEW
New 2013 Design

    PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT- Tregaskiss Automatic MIG Gun Series Handles

    PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT —
    Tregaskiss Automatic Series MIG Gun Handles

    March 1, 2013

    Tregaskiss is pleased to announce an improvement to our fixed automatic series MIG guns. These robust machine torches are engineered for hard tooling applications requiring a durable welding torch, and they now feature a one-piece high strength phenolic handle.

    Image of old style TOUGH GUN in chrome
    OLD Design
    Image of Tregaskiss MA1 and MW1 MIG Gun
    NEW Design


      NEW PRODUCT – TOUGH GUN TT3 Reamer

      NEW PRODUCT —
      TOUGH GUN TT3 Reamer

      Image of Tregaskiss TT3 Reamer
      TOUGH GUN TT3 Reamer

      April 1, 2013

      More Reliable and Easier to Maintain Than Ever Before!

      Introducing the next evolution of the TOUGH GUN® reamer from Tregaskiss. Improvements to the sprayer system, new plug and play replacement parts, and simplified internal wiring make this new reamer more reliable and faster and easier to maintain than ever before!

      Learn more about the TOUGH GUN TT3 reamer and how it benefits both your bottom line and your production uptime and throughput.


        NEW PRODUCT – Bernard Quik Tip HD Series Consumables

        NEW PRODUCT –
        Bernard Quik Tip HD Series

        View of QUICK TIP HD

        Designed for shipbuilding, trailer fabrication and other heavy equipment manufacturing operations.
         

        • Increased wall thickness and insulating material reduces number of changeovers caused by heat degradation
        • Removeable nozzle cone lowers downtime and consumables cost by allowing operators to replace only the cone, the most frequently damaged part of the nozzle, without removing and replacing the entire nozzle and contact tip
        • Nozzle cleaning made easy – removable cone allows greater access to nozzle body for spatter removal
        • Fully compatible with standard Quik Tip™  Series 1 Contact Tips, gas diffusers and insulating caps – See Bernard Quik Tip Series Spec Sheet for part numbers

        Learn more on the Bernard Quik Tip Series product page.


          NEW PRODUCT – QUICK LOAD Liner AutoLength System

          NEW PRODUCT —
          Tregaskiss QUICK LOAD Liner AutoLength System

          QUICK LOAD Autolength cutaway image

          November 12, 2012

          The QUICK LOAD® liner AutoLength™ system from Tregaskiss is designed specifically to minimize downtime, wire feeding and quality issues commonly associated with the liner being cut to an incorrect length.

          Short liners are a common root cause of poor wire feeding. Further, a short liner does not have a chance of properly seating in the retaining head — often resulting in “bird-nesting” of the welding wire or premature contact tip failure and wear.

          Wire feeding challenges reduce efficiency of the welding process and cause undesirable (and expensive) downtime. A system upgrade to this new innovative product can help improve welding efficiency and reduce costly downtime.

          Learn more about the QUICK LOAD liner AutoLength system.

            NEW PRODUCT – Bernard 250 amp S-Gun MIG Gun

            NEW PRODUCT –
            Bernard 250 amp S-Gun MIG Gun

            Image of 250 amp MIG Gun

            NEW! Ideal for shipbuilding and construction industries to reduce downtime and increase productivity!

            • NEW! Locked rotatable neck eliminates downtime at start of shift due to missing necks resulting in reduced operator costs
            • Locked rotatable neck is easily serviceable by maintenance
            • Steel monocoil power cable is composed of lightweight steel coils that provide exceptional conduit for shielding gas flow and wire feeding
            • Advanced molded handle design can withstand rough conditions and is ergonomically designed to offer better comfort and control even after extended use
            • Quik Tip™ consumables are designed with a threaded taper lock that increases tip life by providing excellent heat transfer and electrical conductivity
            • Built for exceptional performance and comfort in the most demanding environements – specifically shipbuilding and construction industries

             Learn more on the 250 amp S-Gun MIG gun product page. 


              NEW PRODUCT – Bernard FILTAIR Fume Extraction MIG Gun

              NEW PRODUCT –
              Bernard FILTAIR Fume Extraction Gun

              Keeping a clean working environment is important.

              That’s why Bernard engineered the FILTAIR™ fume extraction gun.

              Get right to the source and extract fumes at the weld bead with this new gun!

              FILTAIR fume extraction MIG gun with call outs identifying extraction control regulator and vacuum hose swivel
              • Vacuum regulator on front of handle allows balance of suction with shielding gas flow to protect against porosity
              • Smaller, light weight handle improves maneuverability and operator comfort
              • Vacuum hose swivel on rear of handle improves flexibility and reduces wrist fatigue
              • Compatible with vacuum systems from most major manufacturers
              • Available in 300 and 400 amp models
              • Available with Centerfire™ or Quik Tip™ consumables that ensure reliable arc starting, help reduce spatter and are longer lasting than competitive brands
              • Smaller vacuum chamber improves joint access and visibility
              • Guns configured with a Miller direct plug include a Miller® FILTAIR vacuum hose adapter

                NEW PRODUCT – Dura-Flux Self-Shielded Flux Cored Gun with Replaceable Cable Liner

                NEW PRODUCT – Bernard Dura-Flux Self-Shielded Flux Cored Gun with Replaceable Cable Liner


                NEW! Built to meet the needs of harsh and demanding environments, Bernard introduces the Dura-Flux™ Gun with replaceable power cable liner that is extremely durable yet comfortable to hold and use.

                Dura-Flux MIG Gun with a replaceable liner
                • New replaceable power cable liner allows for quick and easy power cable maintenance
                • Optional dual schedule switch for wire speed adjustment while welding is integrated into the handle to keep it protected from weld spatter
                • Internal trigger leads mean no trigger to cord to get caught on surrounding objects
                • Lightweight, rotatable Hi-Viz™ neck reduces user fatigue and improves weld visibility
                • Provides operator with 350 amp of welding capability
                • Quik Tip™ contact tips are designed with threaded taper lock that increase tip life by providing excellent heat transfer and electrical conductivity
                • Available in multiple cable length options: 8′, 10′, 12′, 15′, 20′, 25′ ft.
                • Amperage rating of 350 amp
                • Small trigger guard provides increased maneuverability and provides more access to weld joints

                Learn more about this new product on the Dura-Flux self-shielded flux-cored gun product page.


                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – New 211-5-8 Extended Lever Switch

                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT –
                  New 211-5-8 Extended Lever Switch

                  An improved switch design for Bernard® T-Gun™ MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss® TOUGH GUN® semi-automatic MIG guns) is now available to improve the performance and the life of the extended lever switch over previous versions.
                   

                  What Changed?

                  The switch casing design has been updated to allow for improved retention tabs between two switch halves, which also reduces the chance of switches tearing apart during use. This updated lever design is more robust with improved strength.
                   

                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  How can you tell the difference between the old version and the new 2011 design?

                  Our new 2011 switch is red (shown below in the comparison between current design and new 2011 design). 

                  Image of Bernard new 2011 switch that is red
                  SIDE VIEW:
                  Current design (top) vs.
                  New 2011 design (bottom)

                    PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – New 211-5 Switch

                    PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT –
                    New 211-5 Switch

                    This improved switch design will significantly improve the performance and the life of the switch over previous versions.

                    The new 211-5 switch became standard on all Bernard® TGX® XS and T-Gun™ semi-automatic compact series MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss® semi-automatic MIG guns) on March 1, 2011. 

                    What Changed?

                    The switch casing design has been updated to allow for improved retention tabs between two switch halves, which also reduces the chance of switches tearing apart during use. This new design also provides for an enhanced connection between the exterior terminals and the switch (see Figure 1 below). 

                    Frequently Asked Questions 

                    How can you tell the difference between the old version and the new 2011 design?

                    New 2011 design has the large tabs as shown in Figure 2 below.

                    Image of Current design (top) vs. New 2011 design (bottom)
                    Figure 1: BOTTOM VIEW – Current design (top) vs.
                    New 2011 design (bottom)
                    SIDE VIEW: Current design (top) vs. New 2011 design (bottom)
                    Figure 2: SIDE VIEW –
                    Current design (top) vs.
                    New 2011 design (bottom)

                      PRODUCT UPDATE – Trigger Lock 411-500

                      PRODUCT UPDATE –
                      Trigger Lock 411-500 for T-Gun Series MIG Guns

                      As of March 13, 2011, the electronic trigger lock (Part Number 411-500) for Bernard® T-Gun™ series MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss® TOUGH GUN® semi-automatic MIG guns) is no longer available. It has been REPLACED with Part Number 411-4. 

                      Affected Part Numbers

                      • DISCONTINUED: 411-500
                      • REPLACEMENT: 411-4

                        NEW PRODUCT – Nozzle Insulator for 600 amp Robotic Water-Cooled MIG Gun

                        NEW PRODUCT —
                        Nozzle Insulator for 600 amp
                        Tregaskiss Robotic Water-Cooled MIG Guns

                        Image of an optional nozzle insulator

                        May 22, 2009

                        This optional insulator for the 601 series water-cooled nozzle is now made of high-temperature Teflon material rather than ceramic. This new design is shorter than the previous ceramic version, but outperforms the previous design since it uses a more durable material.

                        This optional nozzle insulator is available as a separate item: Part #601-5-75-4


                          NEW PRODUCT – Thread-On Nozzle System

                          NEW PRODUCT —
                          Tregaskiss Thread-On Nozzle System

                          May 22, 2009

                          Image of a Thread-On Nozzle System featuring a TOUGH LOCK™ Retaining Head
                          Thread-on nozzle system features a TOUGH LOCK® retaining head

                          This thread-on nozzle system features a TOUGH LOCK® retaining head with an external thread and a tapered seat.

                          • Nozzles thread onto the retaining head, preventing damage
                            to copper threads and prolonging the life of the neck
                          • Tapered seat provides a locking action similar to that of the
                            TOUGH LOCK consumable series
                          • Available for both robotic (part #404-52) and semi-automatic (part #404-53) applications


                              NEW PRODUCT – TOUGH LOCK EHD Contact Tips

                              NEW PRODUCT —
                              TOUGH LOCK Extra Heavy Duty Contact Tips

                              Image of a TOUGH LOCK EHD contact tip

                              May 22, 2009

                              TOUGH LOCK® extra heavy duty (EHD) contact tips (603-20 series) are ideal for large wire sizes, 7/64″ and 1/8″ for example, that can’t be handled with the TOUGH LOCK heavy duty (HD) contact tip series.


                                NEW PRODUCT – TOUGH LOCK Adaptor for Tweco-Style Robotic Necks

                                NEW PRODUCT —
                                TOUGH LOCK Adaptor for Tweco Style Robotic Necks

                                January 29, 2009

                                Image of a TOUGH LOCK adaptor for Tweco

                                This adaptor is designed to allow the use of TOUGH LOCK® consumables on Tweco®-style air-cooled robotic necks without changing the original tool center point (TCP).

                                Part Numbers and Descriptions

                                • 404-63 — Adaptor for Tweco-style air-cooled robotic necks (packages of 10)
                                • 402-19 — Neck insulator for use with 404-63 (packages of 10)

                                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – Miller Quick-Connect Block

                                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT —
                                  Miller Quick Connect Block

                                  Image of a Miller Quick Connect

                                  January 29, 2009

                                  Newly designed, this Miller® quick-connect block (adaptor) receives a 214-1 Miller power pin and assembles into feeders that are compatible with OTC®, Tweco® #4, and Tweco #5 power pins.

                                  Part Number: 417-63


                                    NEW PRODUCT – TOUGH LOCK EXHD Contact Tips

                                    NEW PRODUCT —
                                    TOUGH LOCK Extended Life Heavy Duty Contact Tips

                                    September 19, 2008

                                    Image of EHD contact tip

                                    Due to popular demand, Tregaskiss now offers a TOUGH LOCK® extended life heavy duty (EXHD) contact tip. These contact tips are available in packs of 100 (part #403-27-116).


                                      NEW PRODUCT – Cloos Power Pin

                                      NEW PRODUCT —
                                      Tregaskiss Power Pin Connection for Cloos Wire Feeders

                                      June 8, 2009

                                      Image of a Cloos power pin

                                      Tregaskiss is pleased to offer a new power pin connection for Cloos® SZ-style wire feeders. This is a complete connection (similar to our Euro style MIG guns) which can be ordered on Tregaskiss® TOUGH GUN® robotic and automatic MIG guns and Bernard® T-Gun™ semi-automatic MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN semi-automatic MIG guns). Robotic applications will also require an external cord set for the clutch.

                                      NOTE: This connection is compatible only with a QUICK LOAD® liner.

                                      Ordering Information

                                      This product is considered a Special Product and has a 15-day lead time, and is available as a product upgrade from a power pin or Euro (part #678C), or on a NEW Special Gun (SG) from Tregaskiss (various SG numbers).


                                        NEW PRODUCT – Fronius Power Pin

                                        NEW PRODUCT —

                                        Tregaskiss Power Pin for Fronius VR1500 Wire Feeders

                                        July 1, 2009

                                        Tregaskiss has designed a power pin (part #214-41) that can be used in place of the actual Fronius® Power Pin for the VR15000 wire feeder.

                                        This new power pin is compatible with Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN® robotic and automatic MIG guns and Bernard® T-Gun™ semi-automatic MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN semi-automatic MIG guns).

                                        • Threads into all Tregaskiss unicables (except Euro) and is the standard Fronius power pin for TOUGH GUN ThruArm™ series robotic MIG guns
                                        • Compatible with Motoman® unicables on teh EA/SSA Series robots
                                        • Designed specifically for use with QUICK LOAD® liners

                                        A liner cap adaptor (part #214-41-3) is also available for upgrading existing Fronius power pins to the QUICK LOAD liner system.

                                        Image of a Fronius power pin
                                        Tregaskiss™ Power Pin (part #214-41) is designed to replace the actual Fronius® Power Pin for the VR1500 wire feeder (part #4.045.848.638).
                                        Image of a Fronius power pin
                                        Upgrade the original Fronius® Power Pin to use with the
                                        QUICK LOAD™ Liner System by replacing it with the
                                        Tregaskiss Liner Cap (part #214-41-3).

                                        Fronius wire feeders can come with several types of connections. The following chart indicates the recommended Tregaskiss power pin solution for each:

                                        Fronius® Feeder Connection TypeTregaskiss Part Number
                                        Fronius “North America” Power Pin 214-17
                                        Tweco® #4 214
                                        Euro Connection Euro
                                        Fronius Power Pin #4.045.848.638 for VR1500 Feeder 214-41
                                        Fronius F++ Not Available

                                          PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – Quick-Connect Blocks

                                          PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT —
                                          Quick-Connect Blocks

                                          Image of a Miller quick connect block

                                          September 29, 2009

                                          Tregaskiss has made a change to its quick-connect blocks 417, 417-50, 417-60 and 417-63. The brass fitting on the end of the gas hose (as shown in the 417-63 Miller® quick-connect block image to the right) has been removed from these quick-connect blocks.

                                          Affected Part Numbers and Descriptions

                                          • 417 — Quick Connect Block #4
                                          • 417-50 — Euro Connector Female
                                          • 417-60 — Quick Connect Block #5
                                          • 417-63 — Miller Quick Connect Block

                                            PRODUCT CHANGE – Tregaskiss Bags and Roll Marks

                                            PACKAGING IMPROVEMENT —
                                            Changes to Tregaskiss Bags and Roll Marks

                                            November 26, 2009

                                            Customers may notice that some Tregaskiss® parts and consumables are arriving in different bags. We transitioned from the white bag design branded with the TOUGH GUN® name to a black bag design with the Tregaskiss brand name.

                                            In addition to changing the branding and color of the bags, the overall usability has also been improved. The new Tregaskiss black bags offer a clear window on the printed side of the bag to make visual product identification easier. To increase the hanging capacity of the bags, we’ve added a second hanging hole on our larger bags and a new double-sealed header on all bag sizes. We have also changed all the hanging holes from circular to sombrero shape for compatibility with a wider variety of hook sizes and shapes.

                                            Image of new contact tip bag packaging
                                                New Tregaskiss Bags
                                            Image of new Tregaskiss roll mark
                                            New Tregaskiss Roll Mark

                                            The roll marks pressed into our genuine parts and consumables have also migrated from a plain font “TOUGH GUN” to the script-style Tregaskiss logo. This will help customers more easily distinguish genuine Tregaskiss consumables from generic impostors.

                                            The primary reason for these packaging and roll mark changes is to more accurately market our Tregaskiss consumable platform under the Tregaskiss trademark. Marketing these parts and consumables under the TOUGH GUN name could be misinterpreted to mean that these items can only be used on TOUGH GUN products. However, Tregaskiss parts and consumables have actually been designed to maximize compatibility with Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN robotic and automatic MIG guns, Bernard® T-Gun™ semi-automatic MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN semi-automatic MIG guns), and Bernard TGX® series MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss TGX series MIG guns).


                                              PRODUCT UPDATE – New QUICK LOAD Liner Wire Sizes

                                              PRODUCT UPDATE —
                                              Expanded QUICK LOAD Liner Product Offering

                                              July 14, 2010

                                              Tregaskiss has expanded its QUICK LOAD® liner offering ot include three new wire sizes for 0.030″, 1/16″ to 5/64″, and 0.078″ to 3/32″ wires.

                                              Image of three QUICK LOAD Liners with Liner Retainers

                                              QUICK LOAD liners consist of a two-piece system that requires less than half the time and effort for replacement compared to conventional MIG gun liners, and they also ease routine maintenance. The welding operator simply installs the retainer in the power pin on the first use.

                                              During subsequent liner replacements, the QUICK LOAD liner feeds through the front of the MIG gun, which can remain attached to the wire feeder during liner replacement. The welding operator needs only to remove the front-end consumables (nozzle, retaining head and contact tip) and slide the liner over the wire, using it as a guide. There is no need to cut the wire in the MIG gun.

                                              The QUICK LOAD liners for 0.078” to 3/32” wire require the new 415-24 QUICK LOAD liner retainer, while all other liner sizes use Tregaskiss’ existing 415-26 retainer. Tregaskiss offers QUICK LOAD liners in lengths up to 25 feet for Bernard® T-Gun™ semi-automatic MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss® TOUGH GUN® semi-automatic MIG guns) and up to 15 feet long for robotic applications.

                                              On semi-automatic applications, the liners can be easily changed even when the MIG gun is mounted to feeders on booms; there is no need to climb up to the feeder. Similarly, on robotic applications, the QUICK LOAD liner minimizes downtime by eliminating the trouble of maneuvering around tooling or transferring systems to remove the MIG gun from the wire feeder. It also allows for liner changeover from a safe-zone outside the work cell during routine pauses in production. The QUICK LOAD liners are particularly beneficial when coupled with Tregaskiss’ TOUGH GUN ThruArm® series robotic MIG guns, as the wire feeders in through-arm systems are closely positioned next to the robot’s casting and can be cumbersome to move during conventional liner changeover.


                                                PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – Reamer Cutter Blades

                                                PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT —
                                                TOUGH GUN Reamer Cutter Blades

                                                November 12, 2010

                                                Effective Monday, November 12, 2010, Tregaskiss has released a new design for the TOUGH GUN® reamer cutter blades.

                                                The new product is made in North America and has passed a series of stringent tests. As a result, we are proud to implement this product, approved by the Tregaskiss Engineering team, as our new standard offering.

                                                The new design will be implemented as a ‘running change’ and will be sold under the same part numbers as the previous design.

                                                Summary of Design Changes

                                                TOUGH GUN Reamer changes

                                                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT – Solenoid Valve for TOUGH GUN Reamer Robotic Nozzle Cleaning Stations

                                                  PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT —
                                                  Solenoid Valve for TOUGH GUN Reamers with External Valves

                                                  May 7, 2008

                                                  Image of solenoid valves (made by SMC) for the TOUGH GUN™ Reamer

                                                  Previously we have supplied the type of TR-2210 solenoid valves (made by SMC) for the TOUGH GUN® reamer as shown in the image on the left (OLD). We now offer an improved DIN connection for this product (also from SMC) shown in the image on the right (NEW).

                                                  This new product is rated “IP65” (as defined in international standard IEC 60529), where:

                                                  • 6 = Dust tight; No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact
                                                  • 5 = Protected against water jets; i.e. water projected by a nozzle against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects

                                                  NOTE: This product is designed for use ONLY on TOUGH GUN reamers with externally mounted valves.

                                                  Refer to product insert INS053 for more information about TR-2210 solenoid valves for TOUGH GUN reamers with external valves.