Limitations of a TiG pencil torch?

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Hey all, this is only my second post on the forum here. My question is simple. I've got a limited range of mobility and flexibility in my torch hand (long time issue). This never affected me with other processes except for TIG. I can't get a consistent comfortable grip with my torch hand. Ive tried switching to lefty but that ain't easy yet. Wondering if anyone has feedback on using a pencil torch. I know there a pros and cons/limitations, but the overall design looks like it would be easier for me to get used to. Hoping for a few experienced guys to chime in.ThxLockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:The ironic thing is that the "pencil" shape is itself the downfall.  I have one just for the heck of it.  Unlike a pencil which you hold about 45° from the vertical/horizontal, to tig weld a lot of standard joints (like lap and butt joints) the tungsten (and in this case the whole torch) has to be held about 15° from the vertical.  This means the edge of your palm from which you prop will be very close to the red-hot weld bead as you travel along.  You will either have to prop with your hand completely off the material (quite challenging), or cook your gloves and/or hand.  The other way is to use a "tig finger" or other heat shield on your pinky finger over the glove in order to be able to prop with your hand and still be able to travel along the weld joint without cooking your glove/hand. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:You could look into a swivel or flex head torch, to increase range anf mobility
Reply:I use pencil torches all the time to weld inside tubes and such. they take a little learning curve but serve their purpose, and I am totally pleased using them. CK has some mini head torches (stubby) you can look into if you are uncomfortable with the shape of a pencil torch. I use weldtech's w9 pencils, depending on what I'm welding I will set them up filtered, or not.if its strictly a mobility dexterity or grip issues, maybe look into a flex hose that you can wrap around your body or arm to help remove some load from your hands when welding. use a small torch like a 9. maybe think about making your own grip for it that helps you hang on.Last edited by sausage450r; 05-28-2014 at 02:09 AM.'14 HTP invertig 221Thermal Arc 201ts'15 HTP 2400'13 Hypertherm Powermax 30Esab 875Esab 251Clark Metal Servicespecializing in stainless steel exhaust systems
Reply:I appreciate the feedback guys. I am currently looking at flex hoses and heads as well as pencils. As for wrapping... this is on okay practice I gather. In the past I have been told to avoid this but I tend to have more faith in the info on this forum. In response to sausage's post I have just one question. "Making my own grip" does this mean adding on to the existing grip or modifying the existing grip. If it is the modifying I am more than happy to do this as long as I don't compromise the functionality or safety of the torch. As it stands... the euro style torch is to thick around and the switch too far back for my screwed up hand.Thanks againLockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:that's part of the problem right there---the euro style torch (IMO).  It's not too bad when you have your whole hand wrapped around the torch such as when pipe welding, but for other stuff when you need to hold it like a pen/pencil, it sucks because of the very reasons you just mentioned.  Switch to a standard 17 with a round body, and use the switch wires to wire up a separate switch that you can zip-tie to the torch body.  This way, not only is the round handle easier to hold onto, you can position the separate switch exactly where your trigger finger needs to be.  I think I may even have a separate switch I can part ways with if you need one. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:+1 on flex head torches - my wrists don't move well so I love the flex head torches I put my tig finger on, put my hand in a comfortable position, reach over and flex the torch with my left hand to where I need it, and weld on.I've been told they won't last as long as a rigid head, but it's worth it to me Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thx Oscar. That is the main problem in a nutshell. I don't have the range of motion to reach back to the damn switch. It takes all my focus off of relaxing my grip and running consistently good beads.  So I would be pulling the switch wires from the torch to rewire the external switch? I see those on most of the 9s and 17s that I've been browsing.  Is that switch something common at a welding supply house? Thx for the offer on the switch Oscar. I'm probably going to just order a new rig this week. Maybe retrofit the euro style torch for my backupLockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:Originally Posted by lockeshillThx Oscar. That is the main problem in a nutshell. I don't have the range of motion to reach back to the damn switch. It takes all my focus off of relaxing my grip and running consistently good beads.  So I would be pulling the switch wires from the torch to rewire the external switch? I see those on most of the 9s and 17s that I've been browsing.  Is that switch something common at a welding supply house? Thx for the offer on the switch Oscar. I'm probably going to just order a new rig this week. Maybe retrofit the euro style torch for my backup
Reply:I just took that handle off to have a look. Is the momentary switch supposed to rock back or forward for the gas? It looks backwards to me but what the hell do I know about TIG torches, right?LockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:On some it sorta rocks both front and back. You can remove the plastic off the switch to see where the push-button lies. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:It looks like if I physically rotate the switch 180' then the switch open when rocked forward instead of backwards. Or I can just reverse and resolder the connections. This will give me at least an inch less to reach back for the switch. Any thoughts on the switch. I can't find any specs on it...amps etc.. I'd be happy just to pull it and replace it with an external switch that is larger. Does it function to just activate the gas valve? I've wondered this because without pressing the switch there isn't any hf either.LockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:The switch on most tig units makes the torch live. Some of the less expensive models leave the torch live, like a stick runner. TIG on 2T/4T usually leaves the torch dead till you 'flick the switch'
Reply:This switch makes it live and is a momentary normally open type switch. I don't know much about TIG but it must also throw a gas valve/solenoid because there is no valve on the handle. After I get this squared away I will have to post before and after pics of my noob TIG welds for critique.LockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957
Reply:Yes, the torch switch/foot pedal will activate the torch as well as switch the gas on.The torches you see with the valve knobs on them are typically on "scratch start" setups, which are usually a retrofit off of a standard stick setup.
Reply:Modifying anything to work again or work better is my vise. Until my new torch arrives in the mail...I have reversed and resoldered the connections to the switch. Didn't get to fire it up yet but will post back later on. Thanks to all for the input.LockeshillSPORTSTER...Proudly blowing away Big Twins since 1957