Winter Is Coming for Your Welder: 2025 Guide

Winter Is Coming for Your Welder: 2025 Guide

Canadian winters are tough — we all know that. The kind of cold that freezes your coffee before you hit the jobsite and has your welder struggling to start before sunrise.

At Kristian Electric, we’ve spent over 60 winters helping welders prepare for that reality. So as the frost creeps in and the temperatures dip, it’s time to get your machine ready for another round with the Canadian cold.

Because one thing’s for sure: winter is coming, and it can be brutal on your equipment if you’re not ready.

1. Start with the Basics — Your Owner’s Manual

Before you make any changes, always start with your welder’s owner’s manual. It’s packed with specific maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer.

Brands like Miller often include cold-weather operation tips right inside the machine. If you’ve misplaced your manual, our team can help you find a digital copy so you have the right info on hand.

2. Switch to the Right Oil

When the temperature drops below -20°C, your engine oil thickens and makes it harder for your welder to start.
Switching to a lighter-weight or synthetic oil keeps everything flowing smoothly, even in freezing weather.

Synthetic oil offers better protection during cold starts and reduces wear — a small step that makes a big difference when the mercury plunges.

3. Check Your Coolant and Antifreeze

Cold weather is hard on cooling systems. Check your coolant levels and make sure your antifreeze can handle sub-zero temperatures.

A quick hydrometer test will tell you if you’re ready for the cold. If you’re not sure, our service teams in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon can test and top off your system before problems hit.

4. Keep Your Fuel Flowing

Fuel can thicken or separate in the cold — and that’s never good news.

If your welder runs on gasoline, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent phase separation and moisture damage.
If it’s diesel-powered, use an anti-gel additive to stop your fuel from turning to slush.

A little prep now can save you from frozen lines and mid-winter frustration later.

5. Watch Out for Carburetor Icing

Cold, humid air can lead to carburetor icing — which can cause rough starts or engine stalling.
Adding isopropyl alcohol to your fuel can prevent icing.

If you weld regularly in extreme cold, consider a cold-weather kit to help your welder start faster. We can install one for you or provide a DIY kit.

6. Add Heaters for Easier Starts

Cold starts cause the most wear on your engine. Adding a block heater, oil pan heater, or Webasto heater keeps your welder warm and ready to run.

We install and supply heaters for both diesel and gasoline welders, giving your machine a much easier start when the cold sets in.

7. Cover Up

Even the toughest welder deserves a little protection from the elements.
A welder cover keeps snow, moisture, and debris off your machine and extends its life.

We stock covers from Miller and Lincoln Electric, plus custom Alberta-made covers designed to fit your specific model perfectly.

Canada's authorized welder repair depot

8. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Winter in Canada is no joke, but with a little preparation, your welder will keep running strong through every blizzard and cold snap.

If you need oil, fuel additives, heaters, or a full service inspection, our certified techs can help.

Book your winter service check-up today: 

Because when it comes to the cold, it’s always better to be ready — before it hits.

Meet the Miller Copilot Cobot: Welding Automation Made Simple

Meet the Miller Copilot Cobot: Welding Automation Made Simple

In today’s manufacturing world, efficiency, quality, and flexibility are everything. For shops of all sizes, robotic welding has often seemed out of reach: too expensive, too complex, and too difficult to implement. Enter the Miller Copilot Cobot Welding Automation Systems: a new era of accessible, welder-friendly automation designed to amplify your workforce from day one.

And here at Kristian Electric Ltd., we’re proud to be your trusted source for Miller’s newest cobot technology, backed by our decades of experience in welding equipment sales, service, and support.

What Is the Miller Copilot Cobot?

The Copilot and Copilot Builder are entry-level collaborative welding systems built with welders in mind. They’re not intimidating industrial robots hidden behind safety cages. Instead, they’re cobots (collaborative robots) designed to work with people in the shop, not replace them.

The goal is to eliminate the barriers that have kept many fabricators from exploring welding automation. With simple controls, easy setup, and welder-centric design, the Copilot line makes automation possible for operators of all skill levels.

At Kristian Electric, we understand the realities of shop floors: tight deadlines, skilled labour shortages, and growing pressure for quality and throughput. The Copilot gives you the automation advantage without the steep learning curve.

Why Choose a Welding Cobot?

Automation is no longer a luxury. It’s becoming a necessity for staying competitive. Shops are facing workforce shortages, high turnover, and increasing pressure to deliver consistent weld quality faster. The Miller Copilot cobot helps bridge that gap:

  • Easy to Learn: No complex programming languages, no steep training curve. Most operators are welding within hours of setup.

  • Consistent Quality: Every weld is precise, repeatable, and reliable, reducing rework and scrap costs.

  • Boosted Productivity: High-mix, low-volume shops benefit from quick changeovers and flexible reconfiguration.

  • Scalable Automation: Whether you need a standard table system or a modular, reconfigurable setup, there’s a Copilot model to fit your workflow.

With support from Kristian Electric’s welding experts, you’ll have the guidance to choose the right model and keep it working reliably alongside the rest of your equipment.

 

Key Features That Set Copilot Apart

  • AccuGuide Precision Joystick: Pinpoint torch positioning at your fingertips.

  • IntelliSet Weld Settings Assistant: Smart, intuitive settings management that makes setup a breeze.

  • Touch Sensing: The welding wire itself acts as a probe to detect parts, compensating for poor fit-up or inconsistent joints.

  • Seam Tracking: Real-time amperage feedback adjusts the weld path automatically, ensuring accuracy even with distorted or variable parts.

Training, Service and Support

Adopting new technology can feel daunting, but Miller makes it seamless. Copilot systems include:

  • Video-supported online training modules with tips and how-to guides.

  • 24/7 customer service support to troubleshoot challenges.

  • On-demand resources for components, consumables, and accessories to keep your operation running at peak performance.

When you purchase through Kristian Electric, you also gain the confidence of our full-service welding team. Our technicians not only service Miller equipment but also repair and maintain all major welding brands, ensuring your entire fleet—new or old—runs smoothly. With local branches in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, we’re always close by when you need us.

The Future of Welding Is Collaborative

The Miller Copilot cobot proves that automation doesn’t have to be complicated or reserved for massive factories. Whether you’re a small fabrication shop or a large-scale manufacturer, this system delivers the speed, consistency, and scalability needed to stay competitive in today’s market.

By pairing human skill with robotic precision, the Copilot isn’t replacing welders—it’s empowering them.

And with Kristian Electric as your partner, you’re not only getting the latest technology, you’re backed by a team that services all brands of welding equipment and knows how to keep your shop productive.

 

Why Buy  from Kristian Electric?

🔹 Authorized Miller Warranty Depot: If your welder has issues in the first year, bring it back to us, and we’ll handle the warranty claim.

🔹 Authorized Miller Service & Repair Depot: We can break in your engine-driven welder, install a positive air shutoff system, a Webasto heater, winterize your rig, complete a tune-up, or replace a board.

🔹 Welding Supply and Parts: Whether you need repair parts, consumables, or accessories, our showrooms and warehouses are stocked to meet your needs.

🔹 Locally-Owned and Operated: As a local business, we reinvest in the community, supporting the local economy more than national chains

🔹 Service for All Brands: Our technicians repair and maintain all major welding equipment brands, so your entire fleet is supported — not just Miller.

Miller Build with Blue Holiday Rebate – Save Big This Winter Season!

Miller Build with Blue Holiday Rebate – Save Big This Winter Season!

Winter is Coming and So are the Holiday Savings!

Miller’s Build with Blue rebate promotion is back at Kristian Electric — and this round brings fresh savings on some of the most popular machines for Canadian welders.

From October 1 to December 31, 2025, Miller’s Build with Blue rebate promotion is back at Kristian Electric — with some of the biggest savings of the year on welders, multiprocess machines, and safety gear.

Whether you’re outfitting your shop for 2026 or upgrading before year-end, these limited-time rebates make it easier to get pro-grade equipment for less.

What’s New for Build with Blue Holiday 2025?

This season’s promotion brings even bigger savings and bonus offers:

  • Trailblazer® 330 – $700 rebate + Free Machine Cover ($341 value)

  • Fusion 185 – rebate increased to $700

  • Millermatic® 211 MIG Welder – now up to $800 back

  • Multimatic® 215 – rebate of $650

  • Maxstar® 161 (STL/STH or S) – rebate of $600

  • PAPR II with T94-R™ or T94i-R™ – rebates up to $175

  • Digital Elite™ & Digital Infinity™ Helmets – $75 rebate each

💡 Bonus savings:
Buy qualifying Miller or Hobart accessories with your machine purchase and get up to $200 extra back:

  • $150+ in accessories → $50 rebate

  • $300+ in accessories → $100 rebate

  • $500+ in accessories → $200 rebate

Qualifying Equipment & Rebate Amounts

Product Rebate
Trailblazer 330 Engine-Driven Welder $700 + Free Machine Cover
Bobcat 265 (Vanguard) $500
Bobcat 265 (Kohler) $300
Bobcat 230 (Vanguard) $500
Multimatic 215 $215
Maxstar 161 STL/STH $600
Maxstar 161 S $600
Millermatic 211 MIG Welder $800
Syncrowave 210 TIG Welder $600
Fusion 185 $700
PAPR II with T94-R $150
PAPR II with T94i-R $150
Digital Elite or Infinity Helmet with ClearLight 4X $75 (each)

💡 Bonus offer: Spend $150+ on Miller or Hobart accessories with your machine purchase and receive an extra rebate.

How to Claim Your Miller Rebate in Canada

It’s easy:

  1. Purchase a qualifying product between July 1 – September 30, 2025
  2. Keep your invoice or receipt (electronic or printed)
  3. Submit your claim online at:
    👉 www.MillerRebateCenter.com/ca

Be sure to have your product serial number and receipt ready. For accessory rebates, circle the item on your invoice.

Buy from a Trusted Canadian Miller Distributor

At Kristian Electric, we make it easy to get your rebate and your machine.

✔ We stock eligible Miller welders in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon!
✔ We’re a Canadian-owned distributor — no border delays, duties, or confusion
✔ We offer local service, setup advice, and real-person support

Skip the guesswork. If you need help choosing the right machine or filing your claim, we’re here for you.

Don’t Miss Out

Miller’s Build with Blue rebates are only available for a limited time. Machines like the Bobcat and Trailblazer often sell out before the promo ends, so don’t wait too long to make your move.

🔗 Explore eligible models and learn more at kristian.ca/build-with-blue

Or call your nearest Kristian Electric location today.

Demag Hoists Canada | #1 Sales & Parts Centre – Kristian Electric

Demag Hoists Canada | #1 Sales & Parts Centre – Kristian Electric

Archived Content: Kristian Electric was an Authorized Demag Dealer & Warranty Depot until October 2025. We remain a Canadian service depot for all crane types and brands.

Crane Hoist at Kristian Electric

Kristian Electric – Canada’s #1 Demag Sales & Parts Centre

For over 60 years, Kristian Electric Ltd. has been a trusted name in the crane and hoist industry. From our earliest days in 1964 to today, we’ve been proud to support Canadian industry with reliable lifting solutions—and at the heart of that history are the legendary Demag P and DH Series hoists.

These hoists are widely recognized across the material handling world as some of the best ever built. From galvanizing operations to heavy-duty lifting applications, Demag’s reputation for strength, durability, and reliability is unmatched. Many of these iconic machines are still running strong decades later—and Kristian Electric is here to keep them that way.

At Kristian Electric, we’ve been doing this since 1964. Cranes are in our blood. We offer reliable, professional crane repair services across Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, and we’re proud to be a go-to name for crane sales and repairs in Canada.

Why Kristian Electric?

As Canada’s #1 Demag sales and parts centre, Kristian Electric offers unmatched expertise and support for both new and legacy equipment:

  • Vast Inventory: New, used, and refurbished Demag parts and hoists, including hard-to-find legacy P-Series and DH models.
  • Refurbished-as-New Solutions: Swap in foot-mounted hoists while keeping your existing trolley and controls—like our recent DH316 with F10 rebuild.
  • Fast Delivery: Our deep inventory and sourcing capability mean we can often get you what you need faster than anyone else in Canada.
  • Expertise You Can Trust: With six decades of service and technical know-how, our technicians know Demag inside and out.

The Power of the Demag DH Series

The Demag DH wire rope hoist remains a benchmark for lifting performance. Known for versatility and reliability, the DH lineup covers everything from standard lifting applications to specialized stationary setups.

In 2024, the DH family expanded with the DH400 model, covering 1–10 tons. Combined with the DH600, DH1000, and DH2000, Demag now offers a full lifting range up to 100 tons—ensuring no job is out of reach.

Keeping Industry Moving Forward

At Kristian Electric, our mission is simple: to keep your operations running. Whether you need a rare part, a full refurbishment, or a brand-new hoist, we are Canada’s one-stop source for Demag sales, service, and parts.

Contact us today to learn how Kristian Electric can keep your Demag hoists running strong for decades to come.

Kristian Electric – Proudly Canadian. Proudly #1 for Demag.

Book Your Crane Repair or Service Today

Reach out to Kristian Electric — your trusted source for crane service and repair in Canada.

👉 Call your nearest branch, or submit a service request online.
Let’s get you back to work.

Serving cranes across Canada — with brick-and-mortar locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon!

Welding Machine Acting Up? Let’s Fix It.

Welder Plasma Service - Kristian Electric

Okay, let’s be real for a second…

When your welder stops working — it’s not just annoying, it’s stressful. You’ve got jobs to do, deadlines to meet, and now the machine you rely on is giving you grief. We’ve all been there. And that’s why I’m writing this — because if you’re looking for welder repair or welder service, you need someone you can actually trust to fix it right (and not just try to sell you a new one).

At Kristian Electric, we’ve been doing this since 1964. Welding machines are in our blood. We offer reliable, professional welder repair services across Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, and we’re proud to be a go-to name for welding pros in Canada.

What We Fix (Spoiler: Basically Everything)

  • MIG welder repair

  • TIG welder repair

  • Stick welder repair

  • Plasma cutter repair

  • Engine-driven welder service

  • Wire feeder repair

We repair all major brands, including:

If you’ve got a newer multimatic welder, a rugged old Trailblazer, or something in between — we can fix it.

    Welding Repair Shops Near You

    Kristian Electric offers welding machine repair in:

    • Calgary, Alberta

    • Edmonton, Alberta

    • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

    And yes — we also do field service calls if you can’t bring your equipment in. Just call your local branch and we’ll make it work.

      ⚡ Why Welders Trust Us

      Certified welding service technicians
      Factory-authorized repair for Miller, Lincoln, and more
      Quick turnaround and honest diagnostics
      We use OEM parts — no off-brand shortcuts
      We’re not here to upsell — we’re here to help

      You’re not just another job ticket to us. You’re a welder who needs a solution — and fast.

      Real Talk: Common Welding Issues We Fix

      “My MIG welder isn’t feeding wire.”

      “TIG arc is jumping all over the place.”

      “The plasma cutter’s lost power.”

      “The engine welder won’t start.”

      “My welder powers on, but nothing happens.”

      Sound familiar? These are the kinds of issues we troubleshoot every day. Our welder repair service is fast, thorough, and backed by decades of experience.

      Book Your Welder Repair or Service Today

      Ready to get that machine working again? Reach out to Kristian Electric — your trusted source for welding equipment service and repair in Canada.

      👉 Call your nearest branch, or submit a service request online.
      Let’s get you back to work.

      Serving welders across Canada — with brick-and-mortar locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon!