PRODUCT UPDATE –
Neck Insulator Selection for BTB MIG Guns

Although no new neck insulators are being introduced due to implementation of the BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG gun platform on June 2, 2014, users should be aware that neck insulator replacement for these guns will be based on several variables including:

• Your gun’s amperage;
• Your gun’s neck / handle combination;
• The consumables series that you are using.  

Please use the following chart when selecting the appropriate replacement neck insulator:

Neck / Handle	Consumables	Insulator Part Number
		200A	300A	400A	500A	600A
Fixed neck for T series handles	TOUGH LOCK®	402-11
	Quik Tip™	4423R
	Centerfire™	4323R		4423R
Rotatable neck for O, B, T series handles	TOUGH LOCK	10012
	Quik Tip	4423R
	Centerfire	4323R		4423R
Fixed necks for O, B series handles	TOUGH LOCK	10012
	Quik Tip	4423R
	Centerfire	4323R		4423R

NEW PRODUCT –
Common Straight Rear Strain Relief for the BTB MIG Gun Platform

New BTB platform MIG guns, launching on June 2, 2014, will feature a common straight rear strain relief (shown right) on almost all configurations.  This straight rear strain relief was originally introduced on Tregaskiss TOUGH GUN semi-automatic MIG guns and allows expansion or maintenance of several key features:

• Allows the QUICK LOAD® liner and QUICK LOAD liner AutoLength™ system to be offered with your choice of curved or straight front handle style
• Allows the double-life MIG gun system to continue to be available to customers who select a straight front handle whereby you can easily switch the front and back ends of the gun if your cable becomes worn at one end.
• Comes with a Lifetime warranty

Exceptions: Black Clamshell Rear Strain Relief with Bernard and Euro Power Pins

Only BTB platform guns configured with Bernard or Euro power pins will incorporate the black clamshell rear strain relief originally introduced on Bernard Q-Gun and S-Gun MIG Guns.  This rear strain relief is also now covered by the same Lifetime Warranty offered on the straight rear strain relief (above) for BTB platform guns.

Please note the following liner compatibility:

• Bernard pin is compatible with Bernard conventional liners and QUICK LOAD liners
• Euro Pin is compatible with Bernard conventional liners, QUICK LOAD liners and the QUICK LOAD liner AutoLength™ system

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT –
Dual Thread Necks for BTB MIG Guns

 
Beginning on June 2, 2014, Bernard’s new BTB MIG gun platform brings our Q-Gun™, S-Gun™ and T-Gun™ semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns into a single gun line and single configurator.  As a part of this launch, all fixed and rotatable necks offered through the new BTB MIG gun configurator will now feature a dual thread that allows the installation of your choice of consumables – TOUGH LOCK®, Centerfire™ or Quik Tip™ – without the need for special adaptor parts.

Please note that not all Bernard necks will have this new dual thread. Necks that will NOT have the new dual thread include:

• All styles of flex necks
• Black polymer necks for the TGX® series
• All water-cooled necks

How can I tell the difference between single and dual thread necks?

There is a subtle difference to the appearance of the threads on the necks as shown below:

Please click here for more details on necks offered through the BTB MIG gun platform.

The Bernard necks spec sheet can be downloaded in PDF format by clicking here.

PRODUCT CHANGE –
Bernard Power Pins

Beginning on June 2, 2014, Bernard’s new BTB MIG gun platform brings our Q-Gun™, S-Gun™ and T-Gun™ MIG Guns into a single gun line and single configurator.  To combine the gun lines, it was necessary to standardize the back ends of all BTB MIG guns with the straight rear strain relief found on Bernard® T-Gun™ MIG guns (formerly Tregaskiss® TOUGH GUN® semi-automatic MIG guns). 

Similarly, the Tregaskiss power pins that mate with the T-Gun series have now been adopted with some slight modifications as the Bernard power pins for both Bernard semi-automatic and Tregaskiss robotic MIG guns. The slight modifications include a new overall hex shape (see image on right) and fixed gas barbs. 

Bernard MIG gun lines that are compatible with these pins include:

• BTB semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns
• TGX® semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns
• T-Gun™ semi-automatic water-cooled MIG guns

Due to the expanded compatibility of these pins, some distributors and end users will be able to reduce inventories of Bernard replacement parts. 

For additional information on power pin kits and power pins, please click here to access the spec sheets in PDF format.

PRODUCT UPDATE –
New Handle Names for the BTB MIG Gun Platform 

Beginning on June 2, 2014, Bernard’s new Best of the Best Platform brings our Q-Gun™, S-Gun™ and T-Gun™ semi-automatic air-cooled MIG guns into a single gun line and single configurator.  Since we now have six gun handle styles within a single configurator, we have developed the following naming scheme for our handles per the chart below:

 

Please note that all handle and trigger combinations previously offered continue to be available within the BTB MIG gun platform. 

To view a summary of trigger options and other features by handle, please click here.

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PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT –
Improved Q-Nut Launching with the BTB MIG Gun Platform 

Along with the new Bernard® semi-automatic MIG guns BTB platform launching on June 2, 2014, Bernard is pleased to announce the launch of the improved Q-Nut used on all Bernard rotatable necks. It has been completely redesigned to offer a significant increase in durability. Please note that the new silicone ring, Q-Nut cover and silicone insulator are now installed from the back of the neck instead of the front.

“How to install the new Q-Nut” instructions are available on our website in the How-To Guides and Videos area of our Technical Support section. Please click here to access this How-To article.
 

PRODUCT UPDATE –
New Internal Stop in Centerfire and Quik Tip Diffusers

We have added internal stops to all Centerfire™ and Quik Tip™ diffusers to improve alignment between the liner and contact tip for enhanced wire feedability.

This product improvement is being implemented as a running change. 
 

What’s Changed?

The new internal stop inside Centerfire and Quik Tip diffusers prevents the liner from going all the way through the diffuser, therefore changing how liners need to be installed. Liner installation will now require the removal of the diffuser.

Please note that trim lengths will also be affected.

See product insert INS-DIFF for more information.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell the difference between Centerfire and Quik Tip diffusers with the NEW internal stop vs. the original style Centerfire and Quik Tip diffusers?

To help distinguish Centerfire diffusers (shown below, left) with the new internal stop, users can check the orientation of the roll mark. In original style diffusers, the roll mark is readable when the tip end is at the top. In diffusers with the new internal stop, the roll mark is readable when the neck end is at the top.

To distinguish Quik Tip diffusers (shown above, right) with the new internal stop, users can check the roll mark. In the original style diffusers, the roll mark has one Bernard starburst stamped before the part number. In diffusers with the new internal stop, the roll mark has a Bernard starburst stamped before AND after the part number.

For both Centerfire and Quik Tip diffusers, a second simple method to check for an internal stop would be to insert a liner into the diffuser. If the liner will not pass all the way through the diffuser, then an internal stop is present.

Please note that it is important to understand which diffuser you are using as this affects liner trim length during replacement. Please refer to the insert inside of your diffuser bag or click here for additional information about liner replacement and trim length details.

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NEW PRODUCT –
Bernard 250 amp S-Gun 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 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!

• 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 – 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.

• 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

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). 

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.