Expensive Vs. Cheap Gas Cooled TIG Torches

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I have used Lincoln and CK TIG torches and they work fine. I just bought a 12 dollar torch from weldingcity.com and it seems to be just as good quality as the expensive except for minor fit and finish. So, my question is: is there a real difference? Do the cheap ones wear out or burn up quicker?
Reply:I can assure you there are major differences between a $12 tig torch and a weldcraft, ck etc.Millermatic 211Miller Syncrowave 350lx with cooler and tigrunner Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 811955 National Cylinder Gas O/A setup with original patina
Reply:Originally Posted by justin1098I have used Lincoln and CK TIG torches and they work fine. I just bought a 12 dollar torch from weldingcity.com and it seems to be just as good quality as the expensive except for minor fit and finish. So, my question is: is there a real difference? Do the cheap ones wear out or burn up quicker?
Reply:What torch did you get from Weldcity?
Reply:you might find $2. cheaper means the difference of junk and good enough. that is $12 and $24 tig torch you get more for the few extra dollars.$5 Rolex watches rarely work for long. $20. to $50 watches often last for years but amazing that people still buy the $5 ones
Reply:The torch I bought was their WP-9F.
Reply:I have a cheap one it works ok. Some things don't fit as well as they should. Can't wait to get a ck17f and ditch this cheap oneI also feel IMO the Ck torches don't get as hot as quick as the cheap ones.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:primary reason Chinese make cheap tig torches and small inverter welders is they make a lot of stainless window railings and awning roofs to hang clothes to dry, saving using electricity on a clothes dryer.literally there are millions of Chinese welders doing tig welding on mostly less than 16 ga stainless. would not surprise me if the made the welding machines and tig torches in quantities of over 10,000 year easily which price goes done when factory setup for larger quantities. raw materials are cheaper when bought by the truck load or tons at a time.some Chinese tool companies make 10 times or more machines and tools than tool companies in other countries. for example China currently makes well over 500% more steel per year than Japan and the USA. they massively produce vastly larger quantities. cost goes down per each item when quantities made goes up
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI also feel IMO the Ck torches don't get as hot as quick as the cheap ones.
Reply:I bought one of these too the other day. $11 regular wp-9 from eBay. I may need it for some low amp (60-70A DC) welding I'm going to be doing. If I burn it up Ill just have to use a 17. We will see how long it lasts, but I am not expecting much for the price.I have been using an eBay wp-20 for a few months now, and it has held up just fine to 150A+ AC. For the price it seems to work pretty good. Not the fit and finish of a Weldcraft or CK, but for the price I would't expect that.Last edited by njs552; 01-27-2016 at 04:03 PM.1988 Big 50 Diesel CC/CV1982 Weldanpower 225/2101968 SAE 300 motor generatorMaxstar 200SD2015 AHP 200x"The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan
Reply:Well at the rate this thing heats up, i believe that I can safely say, there is no way this thing can run 125 amps more than a couple of minutes without smoking. Thanks for the information and advice guys.
Reply:Just ordered a ck17 flex torch. Thanks guys lolCan't wait to toss cheap one Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleJust ordered a ck17 flex torch. Thanks guys lolCan't wait to toss cheap one
Reply:That's all I use. I have a lot of themTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:For those interested - below are a few pictures and some comparison of an eBay special wp9($11) vs a CK100("pro" 9 series)($20 for the torch head only).eBay special from weldingcity - $11 (includes handle, insulator, and free shipping)     -Probably claims to be rated at 125A 60% duty cycle like similar 9 series torchesCK100 torch head only from Arc-zone - $20 (includes insulator, +$8 for the CK handle, +$7 for shipping) = $35    -Rated at 125A AC/DC 100% duty cycleThe 2 major differences I noticed are the quality of the internal threading for the collet body and backcap, and the feel and quality of the rubber molding around everything. The CK rubber feels solid and high quality, while the eBay special is spongy, slides around on the power/gas tube, and there is some flashing around the mold separation lines. The general fit and finish of the eBay special is not great - but for the price it's what I would expect. I've only used the eBay special so far (just got the CK100 today) but it seems to work ok for what it is. If I can find an IR temp gun I might do a actual temp test at the rated amperage and duty cycle, but that would probably only confirm "you get what you pay for." Even though the CK setup will cost 4x more than the eBay special, I'm sure it will last longer and run better than the eBay special, so it's money well spent to me.  1988 Big 50 Diesel CC/CV1982 Weldanpower 225/2101968 SAE 300 motor generatorMaxstar 200SD2015 AHP 200x"The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan