If you've ever had a malfunction with your below-the-hook vacuum lifter and spent hours, even days trying to troubleshoot the problem, keep your chin up. Help is on the way!

Wood's Powr-Grip is now offering a Vacuum Lifter Troubleshooting and Repair Workshop, on a quarterly basis, to all who are interested. The purpose of the workshop is to inform, educate and equip end-users with the knowledge necessary to diagnose and repair vacuum lifters that may not be functioning to their optimum capability.

Attendees will spend four hours in a classroom situation learning how a vacuum system functions, followed by four hours of hands-on experience in troubleshooting and repairing a vacuum lifter.

Topics to be covered include:

• Understanding vacuum as it applies to the function of a vacuum lifter.
• Components' function and their relationship to the vacuum system.
• Review of the causes and effects of system failure.
• System inspection and identification of component failure.
• Inspection of welds and vacuum pads.
• Assembly techniques and tools required for the job.
• Diagnosis and repair of vacuum lifters.

Upon completion of the course, participants will have a firm understanding of vacuum systems and how to diagnose and repair problems that can occur with a vacuum lifter. Attendees will also be issued a certificate of workshop completion.

Training will be conducted by Engineering Technician, Carl Ritterpusch, who has been a member of the staff at Wood's Powr-Grip for 29 years. Carl started in vacuum pad molding and hand cup manufacturing, and later transferred to equipment assembly, where he learned electrical wiring, pneumatics and basic machining practices. In 1988, he was promoted to Supervisor/Trainer/Maintenance Technician. Over the years, Carl learned hydraulics, welding and expanded machining, and supervised equipment assembly, cut-out, machining, welding and molding. In January of 2003, Carl joined the engineering department as an Engineering Technician where he currently acts as liaison between the production and engineering departments. He is also directly involved in writing and proofing all current troubleshooting information. Carl's expertise and comprehensive knowledge of Wood's Powr-Grip's processes and products make him uniquely qualified to conduct our Vacuum Lifter Troubleshooting and Repair Workshop.

The next Vacuum Lifter Troubleshooting and Repair Workshop is scheduled for Monday, March 15, 2010. It will be conducted at the Wood's Powr-Grip manufacturing plant, located in Laurel, Montana. The cost is $395 per attendee ($295 for each additional attendee from the same company). Lunch will be provided. Attendees will be responsible for their hotel/motel accommodations and transportation to and from the workshop. Advance payment is required. Participants must register at least two weeks in advance of the workshop, and workshops will only be conducted if there are at least two enrollees. Because of space constraints, a maximum number of six attendees will be accepted for each workshop. To register, use our secure ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM. You can also register by contacting us here or by calling Tom Debree toll-free at 1-800-548-7341.

If you are planning to attend the workshop and want to maximize your Montana experience, the following links will provide you with area information that promises adventure on an extended stay.

Yellowstone National Park – http://www.nps.gov/yell/
Red Lodge, Montana – http://www.redlodge.com
Lewis & Clark Caverns -- http://fwp.mt.gov/lands/site_281895.aspx
Little Big Horn Battlefield -- http://www.nps.gov/libi/
Lewis & Clark Trail -- http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us/
Montana State Travel Information -- http://www.visitmt.com/