Tig Torches

admin

What is the best overall torch to get for size?  Some days I will be welding sheet metal and other days I will be welding 1/4 to 1/2 alloy.  Any suggestions?  I heard to get the biggest cone possible as it helps with control.
Reply:I LOVE using a 9 torch, but it's only rated for 125amps. So thicker I use a 17 series. Never used anything larger.Maybe a 20 water cooled torch would be the way to go then.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:we don't even know if you have an air-cooled setup or water-cooled...... 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:I have air cooled and do everything with a WP17. However with thicker and longer runs I do wish I either had a bigger torch or water cooled torch. Not so much bigger as just water cooled as the torch does get hot after running about 45 minutes to an hour. Not sure if it is an even an option with the WP17 but I run pretty much all 3/32" tungsten and when I get to 1/4" and thicker aluminum the tungsten gets wiggly. I should use 1/8" tung with some of these projects but they don't come up often.
Reply:the ck flexloc torch is a 9 style rated at 130 amps 100% duty cycle, im currently saving for that torch, I hate my 17 torch, its HUGE and having a switch makes it worse to deal with you should look into the flexloc 130 or the 150, the 150 is comparable to a 17 but because the head rotates to any position, you can weld with ease....ive checked one out at a LWS but ebay is the place to get one, they are about 180 bucks, smoking deal considering I spent 111 on my thermal arc 17 torch, they are available with a valve as well, which twists to turn the gas on instead of like mine where theres a big knob on the handle yuk, the CKs valve is integrated into the handle...heres the 130 http://www.ebay.com/itm/CK-Air-Coole...item51aa1b8c3aheres the 150 http://www.ebay.com/itm/CK-Air-Coole...item5197d8c739note the difference in the gas cups the 130 uses 9 style components much smaller, im not even sure that my 17 torch can handle the amperage its rated for, after welding at 150 amps for a few minutes I have noticed that I now have to screw the back cap almost all the way down to lock in the tungsten, when it was new the o ring was just seated at the rubber, so make sure that you buy a high quality torch, just cut down the duty cycle when you jump up to the thicker metalsMiller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:I don't understand the gas control knob, I have a brand new torch in the the box under my tig welder with a gas control knob on it. It looks clumsy as all hell.My wp17 is a nice sized torch, like I said though I just wish it was water cooled.
Reply:the gas valve is for welders without a gas solenoid, like my machine which has no solenoid a valve on the torch is required to turn on the gas before and after you weld, also when I use my old Round Top I just clamp the electrode holder to the metal and the ground clamp to my tig torch and go at it. it doesn't sound like you need a valved torch though. it uses a lot more gas with my setup, well it wastes gasMiller Syncrowave 210 w/CK FlexLoc 150  3/6/14ESAB PCM 1125 Plasma CutterAtlas 12x36 LatheACER 9x42 3hp millHarig 612 Surface GrinderDRINK Machine              welding&fabrication
Reply:Can I get a 9 torch with a gas valve?Motorboating...in the Cleavage of the Tetons
Reply:Originally Posted by rideitCan I get a 9 torch with a gas valve?
Reply:Once you go Watercooled it's hard to go back.I have a CK230 flex head torch with superflex cables.  It's a 20 series, so it's the same perfect size as a 9 series but Watercooled.  Mine can handle 300 amps no problem.What machine are you using?  What metals will you be welding?  This makes a big difference in what would be recommended.  If you plan on welding 1/4" aluminum for any extended amount of time, you won't be happy with a 17 series torch.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI don't understand the gas control knob, I have a brand new torch in the the box under my tig welder with a gas control knob on it. It looks clumsy as all hell.My wp17 is a nice sized torch, like I said though I just wish it was water cooled.
Reply:That torch pictured (weldcraft) has taken a beating and a heating and is still working great. Some day i will need a new torch I am sure. Just the other day somehow the torch head got bent back almost to the point the tungsten cover was touching the torch handle, bent it back and luckily it is still fine. The overheating over the years has taken its tool on it though. I can tell it is starting to get slopped out and weak.