SMITH EQUIPMENT’S NEW DUAL GUARD™ TORCH KITS  FEATURE HANDY CUTTING, WELDING AND HEATING TIPS

• In-head flash arrestor provides double safety protection against flashbacks

WATERTOWN, S.D. (April 6, 2004) -- Smith Equipment is introducing a complete line of Dual Guard cutting, welding and heating outfits. The Dual Guard™ Torch, first introduced last year, provides double safety protection with its revolutionary in-head flash arrestor in combination with Smith’s proven in-tip gas mixing technology.

Smith’s Dual Guard cutting, welding and heating outfits are available in heavy duty and medium duty kits. The heavy duty kit includes three cutting tips, a heating tip (“rosebud”) and a welding tip. It also contains two rugged, highly accurate brass regulators, a Dual Guard cutting assembly, Dual Guard handle and a tip cleaner. Optional accessories include a 25-foot hose, goggles and a striker. The heavy duty Dual Guard torch is capable of cutting up to 8” thick steel.

The medium duty kit includes two cutting tips, a heating tip and a welding tip. It also contains brass regulators, a Dual Guard cutting assembly, Dual Guard handle and a tip cleaner. The medium duty kit also is available with or without the hose, goggles and striker accessories. The medium duty Dual Guard torch is capable of cutting up to 6” thick steel.

Safety is Key

Smith Equipment places a premium on safety, and the Dual Guard Torch’s exclusive in-head flash arresting module provides added safety for users.

“The Dual Guard Torch is designed to stop flashbacks in the head of the torch. This reduces weight and bulk at the back of the torch produced by add-on flash arrestors and helps protect the operator from injury,” says Bruce Buhler, product manager for Smith Equipment. Suppressing flashbacks at the torch head also protects torch components, reducing torch damage, repairs and downtime.

“The flash arrestor module in the torch head is a stainless steel filter that absorbs heat energy away from the flashback and prevents it from going any farther into the equipment,” Buhler says. A flashback is a fire or explosion that occurs when mixed gases are ignited in the equipment.

The in-head flash arrestor module weighs less than two ounces and, like the torch itself, it is also covered by Smith’s Lifetime Warranty and Service Agreement. The Lifetime Warranty can save the average industrial torch user up to $65 per year in repair costs. “We built the Dual Guard Torch to last a lifetime, and to help protect the owner for a lifetime,” Buhler says.

Additional Exclusive Features

Smith has Dual Guard Torch designs for all cutting applications. Large diameter, heavy-wall stainless tubes allow high-volume gas flow for superior strength and cutting capacity. These extremely durable torches feature a heavy wall “hammer style head” to minimize heat warping and help maintain a positive seat with the cutting tip for optimum performance.

Cutting tips can be changed by hand because Dual Guard Torches feature Smith’s exclusive Graf-tite^® “soft seat” tips which eliminate all metal-to-metal seating.  Straight cutting torches are designed with a reversible cutting lever that is easily changed for top or bottom mounting and a new ergonomic handle with raised ribs for a more secure, comfortable grip to minimize operator fatigue.

       Other Dual Guard Torches benefits include:

• Reverse-flow check valves with replaceable filters to stop debris from entering the torch.

• “Ease-on-oxygen” control that prevents “key-holed” starts, restarts and slag blow-back.

• Nickel plating to reflect heat for extended torch and tip life.

• 100 percent flame-tested.

• Made in the United States.

A short video clip is available at www.smithequipment.com. Note: Smith Equipment offers a comprehensive oxyfuel equipment operation and safety video. It is available at www.smithequipment.com or contact customer service 1-800-843-7912.

For more information on Dual Guard Torches, call Smith Equipment at 800-843-7912, fax 605-882-2100, visit www.smithequipment.com, or write to Smith Equipment, 2601 Lockheed Ave, Watertown, S.D. 57201.  With headquarters in Watertown, S.D., Smith Equipment is a leading manufacturer of oxy-fuel cutting, welding, brazing and specialty gas equipment. Smith products are proudly manufactured in the United States with a quality system certified to ISO 9001. Smith is a division of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.