Abstract: An example welding cable connector system comprises: a male connector comprising a first conductive body for conveying welding power, a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the first sealed passageway and configured to stop flow of the shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged; and a female connector comprising a second conductive body for conveying the welding power, a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying the shielding gas, and a second preassembled valve assembly coupled to threads within the second sealed passageway and configured to stop the flow of the shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged.

Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.

Abstract: A voltage sensing wire feeder includes a storage device and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive a first selection and a second selection. The first selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a first group of settings stored in the storage device, and the second selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a second group of settings stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A drive roll carrier includes a hub coupled to and extending axially from a gear along a rotational axis, an engagement feature coupled to and extending axially from the gear, and a retainer disposed about the hub. The gear is rotatable via a wire feed motor. The engagement feature is configured to engage the drive roll and urge rotation of the drive roll as the gear is rotated. The retainer includes an alignment feature configured to receive the drive roll. The retainer may be selectively locked into one of a first position relative to the hub and a second position relative to the hub. The alignment feature and the engagement feature are aligned in the first position and not aligned in the second position, and the retainer may be transitioned between the first and second positions without being translated along the hub in a direction of the rotational axis.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.

Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.

Abstract: A voltage sensing wire feeder includes a storage device and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive a first selection and a second selection. The first selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a first group of settings stored in the storage device, and the second selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a second group of settings stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A voltage sensing wire feeder includes a storage device and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive a first selection and a second selection. The first selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a first group of settings stored in the storage device, and the second selection is configured to direct the voltage sensing wire feeder to use a second group of settings stored in the storage device.

Abstract: A welding cable connector system having a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a first conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector also includes a first sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the first conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a first Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The female connector includes a second conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector also includes a second sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a second Schrader valve configured to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough. The first and second Schrader valves seal the flow of shielding gas when the connectors are not mutually engaged.

Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.

Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.

Abstract: A drive roll carrier includes a hub coupled to and extending axially from a gear along a rotational axis, an engagement feature coupled to and extending axially from the gear, and a retainer disposed about the hub. The gear is rotatable via a wire feed motor. The engagement feature is configured to engage the drive roll and urge rotation of the drive roll as the gear is rotated. The retainer includes an alignment feature configured to receive the drive roll. The retainer may be selectively locked into one of a first position relative to the hub and a second position relative to the hub. The alignment feature and the engagement feature are aligned in the first position and not aligned in the second position, and the retainer may be transitioned between the first and second positions without being translated along the hub in a direction of the rotational axis.

Abstract: A drive roll carrier includes a hub coupled to and extending axially from a gear along a rotational axis, an engagement feature coupled to and extending axially from the gear, and a retainer disposed about the hub. The gear is rotatable via a wire feed motor. The engagement feature is configured to engage the drive roll and urge rotation of the drive roll as the gear is rotated. The retainer includes an alignment feature configured to receive the drive roll. The retainer may be selectively locked into one of a first position relative to the hub and a second position relative to the hub. The alignment feature and the engagement feature are aligned in the first position and not aligned in the second position, and the retainer may be transitioned between the first and second positions without being translated along the hub in a direction of the rotational axis.

Abstract: A shielding gas filter assembly for a welding apparatus. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having a filter disposed therein. The filter assembly also includes a filter guard coupled to the filter housing and configured to receive shielding gas. The filter guard includes a tamper resistant portion configured to inhibit an object from contacting the filter when the object is inserted into the filter guard.

Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.

Abstract: A weld electrical and gas connector with sealed gas flow is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a welding cable connector system includes a male connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The male connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the male connector is not engaged. The system also includes a female connector having a conductive body for conveying welding power. The female connector includes a sealed passageway disposed coaxially of the conductive body for conveying shielding gas, and a gas sealing valve configured to seat to stop flow of shielding gas when the female connector is not engaged. The male and female connectors are mutually engageable to conduct welding power and shielding gas therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a welding gas leak is provided. One welding power supply includes a gas valve configured to control the flow of shielding gas to a welding device through a gas line. The welding power supply also includes a sensor coupled to the gas line and configured to detect a parameter of the shielding gas. The welding power supply includes control circuitry coupled to the gas valve and to the sensor, and configured to control the operation of the gas valve, and to receive device value representative of the detected parameter. The control circuitry is further configured to determine a leak test result based upon the parameter value, and to provide an operator indicator of the leak test result.

Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.

Abstract: A drive roll carrier includes a hub coupled to and extending axially from a gear along a rotational axis, an engagement feature coupled to and extending axially from the gear, and a retainer disposed about the hub. The gear is rotatable via a wire feed motor. The engagement feature is configured to engage the drive roll and urge rotation of the drive roll as the gear is rotated. The retainer includes an alignment feature configured to receive the drive roll. The retainer may be selectively locked into one of a first position relative to the hub and a second position relative to the hub. The alignment feature and the engagement feature are aligned in the first position and not aligned in the second position, and the retainer may be transitioned between the first and second positions without being translated along the hub in a direction of the rotational axis.