Shop Equipment Showcase

Electrical Apparatus, Apr 2004

"Shop Equipment Showcase" is a feature published periodically in Electrical Apparatus to highlight tools and equipment used in electromechanical service. Inclusion of products in this feature does not constitute endorsement by Electrical Apparatus, nor can we verify product claims.

Transformer winding fixture saves time

The air-operated Model 18 quick-release transformer winding fixture collapses to allow finished coil to slide off quickly. Expanding the arms again sets the fixture up for the next coil. Coil sizes range from 3''×4'' to 10''×20'', length 12''. Coil size is preset to precise dimensions. Use with the ACE winding system can save up to 15% in copper and reduces labor and scrap by eliminating pounding coils to size with mallets. Request further information from Armature Coil Equipment Co., Cleveland, Ohio; (216) 267-4361.

More templates for electrical hole-cutting tool

For use by electricians installing electrical systems in commercial buildings, hole-cutting templates are available for 4.0 octagon metal fixture boxes, single-gang metal outlet boxes (RACO-brand or similar), and recessed lighting equipment, to be used with the Perfect Cutter tool from Python Tools, 801 International Pkwy., 5th floor, Lake Mary, FIa. 32746; (800) 860-8709.

Versatile Senses enhance welder comfort

Speedglas 9002 auto-darkening welding lenses offer 61 userselectable combinations of shade/delay sensitivity. Delay settings let user decide how quickly the lens changes from dark to light. Detectors increase sensitivity to wide range of welding methods, including extremely stable arcs like those from low-current TIG inverters. Sensitivity function also improves performance whenever arcs arc obscured or blocked by welder's hands or workpieccs. Infrared and ultraviolet protection is constant. More information is available from Hornell, Inc., 2374 Edison Blvd., Twinsburg, Ohio 44087; (800) 628-9218.

Handheld printer offers wire marking options

The K5100 hand-held portable label and wire-marking printer allows a user to change quickly between label, self-laminating wire wrap, and shrink tubing to mark wires in various ways using cartridge-based supplies. Print resolution is 300 DPI. Other features include auto sizing, quick response time, and downloadable fonts, as well as an internal battery charger. More information is available from Kroy LLC, 3830 Kelley Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44114; (216) 881-5300.

Tool control cases for harsh environments

A line of tool control cases from Huot Manufacturing are made from heavy-guagc aluminum metal and are designed to stand up to rugged handling and harsh environments. Intended for aviation, marine, military, power generation, and similar demanding applications, the cases feature exteriors and interiors with all-weather and corrosion-resistant aluminum and epoxy coating. Custom panels can be used as special inserts to provide additional protection to tools, instruments, and controls. More information from Huot Manufacturing, 550 N. Wheeler St., St. Paul, Minn. 55104; (800) 832-3838; www.huot.com.

Conduit bender has larger foot pedal.

Big Ben series hand conduit benders offer enlarged hook with five times greater durability, increased clearance, highlighting markings, and a 40% larger foot pedal to allow users to operate while wearing work boots. Other features include the Vise-Mate conduit vise, bend-back channel to correct over-bends, sight-down arrows for bending on the floor, and sight-across marks for bending in the air. Benders are available in ½'', ¾'', and 1'' sizes. More details are available from Gardner Bender, 6100 N. Baker Rd., Milwaukee, Wis. 53209; (800) 461-2456.

Welder power sources support automation

Power Wave 455M and 445M/STT inverter welder power sources allow robotic, hard automation, and semiautomatic welding from a single machine platform, including stick, TIG, MIG, flux-cored, pulsed, and gouging processes at input voltages from 208 through 575 at 95% minimum power factor. Units suit all types of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum. Optional DeviceNet and Ethernet communication modules provide networking capabilities. More information is available from Lincoln Electric Co., 22801 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44117-1199; (888) 355-3213.

Safety tester conforms to (lass II standards

The HAL Combi electrical safety tester performs earth ground, a-c/d-c hipot, and insulation testing compliant with standard safety requirements for Class II electrical products (meeting EN50191 directive). Output frequency is selectable, 50 or 60 H/. Features include 30 A constant-current low-voltage ground bond test, high-contrast bar graph display of resistance value and of programmed ampere output, software capable of storing up to 6,000 records, and downloading of test reports direct to PC or printer. Request further information from Clare Instruments US, Inc., 6304 Benjamin Rd., Suite 506, Tampa, FIa. 33634; (813) 886-2775.

Wire stripper for wide range of conductors

Three independently adjustable stripping heads, each with dual rotating carbide stripping blades, are featured in the C300 wire stripper and twister from The Eraser Co., Inc., P.O. Box 4961 Oliva Dr., Syracuse, N.Y. 13221; (315) 454-3237. For coaxial cables, or stranded and solid wire, from 0.028'' to 0.265'' diameter, the C300 twists strands ready for termination. The slug of insulation may be removed or left in place on the wire. Bench-mounted, the C300 is available for either 115V 60 Hz or 220/240 V 50 Hz.