Patent ID: 8592710
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A metalworking system with the application of a vacuum during operation of a TIG welding arrangement to evacuate particulate matter, smoke, excess gasses, and molten metal from a work area during weld removal, cutting, and gouging, the metalworking system comprising: a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding arrangement with a welding head, an electrode holder retained by the welding head, a nonconsumable tungsten electrode retained by the electrode holder for creating a welding arc, a welding power supply connected to the welding head, and an inert gas supply for providing shielding gas during a metalworking operation; a vacuum system with a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle retained by the vacuum head; and a mounting bracket arrangement wherein the mounting bracket arrangement couples the welding head to the vacuum head wherein the mounting bracket arrangement includes a means for permitting an adjustment of a disposition of the welding head in relation to the vacuum head wherein the means for permitting an adjustment of the disposition of the welding head in relation to the vacuum head permits an adjustment of a distance between the tungsten electrode of the welding head and the vacuum nozzle of the vacuum system; wherein the vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece during weld removal, cutting, and gouging whereby the vacuum nozzle can provide support to the vacuum head and the welding head and whereby a height and supported position of the tungsten electrode above the surface of the workpiece can be adjusted by use of the means for permitting an adjustment of a disposition of the welding head in relation to the vacuum head and wherein the vacuum nozzle has an inner annular wall that tapers toward a distal end of the vacuum nozzle.