Water cooled flex TIG torch

admin

I am going to start my water cooler project very soon, and I am starting to do a lot of research on the pieces I will need. I was going to use a Weldcraft WP20 torch, but then something caught my eye. CK has a flexible torch called the CK200 flex that can handle 230 amps AC or DC. I know a lot of people here love CK torches. My question is, is using a flex torch as your main torch a good idea? Would the torch eventually snap in half from flexing too much? I am just a hobby welder but would still like a very reliable setup.kidtigger24  They think I’m crazy, but I know better. It is not I who am crazy. It is I who am MAD!
Reply:I have a wp17 flex head torch, and i bend that thing in all sort of strange configurations and i've never had any issues with it breaking, and imo, CK torches are better quality than Weldcraft torches. I have a CK200 rigid, which is basically a wp20 water cooled setup. I personally find it better to have a flex head and a fixed head torch for some of the work i do but thats me.ESAB MigMaster 275Miller Econotwin HFMiller Syncrowave 250
Reply:I'm a rookie and neophyte.  I use the CK FL2L  (FL230).  I really like it.  Gets into places that are tight & awkward.  230 amps @ 100% they claim.  Here is a link:http://www.ckworldwide.com/fl230.htmJerry in Anchorage
Reply:I'm still on my first one of these a year and a half later. It's very good quality believe it or not. This torch has been so good Im not going to waste my money on a big name brand one. I'm definitely going to keep using these as my primary torch. it's $12, seriously... just get one.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/WP-20F-Flexi...item27bade9921Last edited by MikeGyver; 09-04-2012 at 03:26 AM.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:That's great info Mike.  I personally can't stand Riverweld.  I bought some consumables from them and they took a month to come.  Trying to communicate with them is hell.  I guess if you've been happy with the quality I should them a second thought.  They Have a fully assembled 230v tig cooler for $225 on eBay.  Looks just like the Everlast for $450.  I would NEVER buy an Everlast welder after all the horror stories.  I wonder about their tig cooler though.  Still trying to hobble mine together.  I welded with a 17 series CK torch at 125 amps or around 20 minutes yesterday and it was uncomfortable to hold.  The 20 I ad on my Dynasty never even got warm.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I use the bejeezus out of a CK flex head wp-9 at work. I flex that thing constantly. Granted, it's not usually drastic bends, just small variations to fine tune the torch angle with whatever I have to prop on. I really don't care if it breaks, though. I figure the usefulness and convenience has more than paid for itself by now..
Reply:Plus replacement torch head are relatively inexpensive...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:While we're talking water cooled torches... we also better talk about hoses. Rubber VS Vinyl. Rubber hoses are much more flexible and comfortable to use. My Weldcraft WP-20 kit that came with color coded rubber flexible hoses. This has been a great torch. In a pinch I replaced it with a Radnor WP-20 kit from Airgas. You can read my ordeal (and some great advise from others) here: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=133541 IMO, the vinyl hoses are terrible. If I was to purchase a new torch today it would be a CK Worldwide with super-flex hoses. You choose the head. BTW, I could have bought the CK torch setup for nearly the same money I spent on the junk Radnor. The Radnor is forsale if your interested. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZuwJKRi-PU[/ame]Last edited by forhire; 09-04-2012 at 12:17 PM.
Reply:remember though that you can have contamination problems with rubber on sensitive material like Ti and even aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfremember though that you can have contamination problems with rubber on sensitive material like Ti and even aluminum.
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfremember though that you can have contamination problems with rubber on sensitive material like Ti and even aluminum.
Reply:Forhire, that was my thought! How would it contaminate?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Guess I should elaborate. Rubber will absorb moisture out of it's surroundings (atmosphere). When the gas flows through the rubber hose, it will then move some of the moisture out with the gas stream and right into the work. So yes, the rubber hose isn't in contact with the work, but the shielding gas will move the moisture and contaminate the work.
Reply:Rubber continuously outgasses as it breaks down. Rubber doesn't last forever (think old tires) they eventually become more brittle over time and develop cracks. This outgassing can contaminate the argon. Don't let this effect your choice in hose material though, this really only applies if you're welding satellites for NASA or some other ultra-sentitive work. Rubber is better in essintially every way.BTW the braided cover on the rubber hoses is the only way they can hold pressure. Notice how all rubber hoses you'll find anywhere that are pressure rated have a braid (whether it's internal or external). The braid keeps the rubber from simply ballooning up and popping. This is how a rubber hose can work on hydraulic brakes where pressures could be 3000psi; because of the external stainless braided cover.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfGuess I should elaborate. Rubber will absorb moisture out of it's surroundings (atmosphere). When the gas flows through the rubber hose, it will then move some of the moisture out with the gas stream and right into the work. So yes, the rubber hose isn't in contact with the work, but the shielding gas will move the moisture and contaminate the work.
Reply:Hmm, silicone hoses sounds awesome. Even more flexy then normal rubber hose. Probably no outgassing issues mebets.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Even vulcanized rubber mixed with other elements will still absorb moisture. My only point was that they could be a place of contamination in sensitive work. Every book or technical paper I've ever read on welding Ti and other sensitive materials recc either vinyl or tygon hose. Personally for this reason I've kept all my hoses so as to not have an issue no matter what material I'm welding. The flex hoses are nice, but different strokes for different folks
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfEven vulcanized rubber mixed with other elements will still absorb moisture. My only point was that they could be a place of contamination in sensitive work. Every book or technical paper I've ever read on welding Ti and other sensitive materials recc either vinyl or tygon hose. Personally for this reason I've kept all my hoses so as to not have an issue no matter what material I'm welding. The flex hoses are nice, but different strokes for different folks
Reply:Forhire, absolutely. We're all here to learn. I have no idea on the silicone hoses, but if they are mixed with rubber, then to some degree they will absorb moisture and O2. Here is a link to a book that points directly to the fact that rubber absorbs moisture and shouldn't be used. Of course oxygen is part of that moisture and I'm sure is partially to blame to the degradation of rubber.Pg 72 middle column http://books.google.com/books?id=Hgz...tanium&f=falseI do know as well that anything mixed with rubber, the rubber will still absorb moisture. However I don't believe the silicone will. Tygon tubing for example is a name of a product. There are a few different types of products that fall under that name and can be made from different materials. One of which is silicone, so that would lead me to believe that silicone will not take part in absorption of atmosphere.
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfI do know as well that anything mixed with rubber, the rubber will still absorb moisture. However I don't believe the silicone will. Tygon tubing for example is a name of a product. There are a few different types of products that fall under that name and can be made from different materials. One of which is silicone, so that would lead me to believe that silicone will not take part in absorption of atmosphere.
Reply:Kind of odd they mention dew point for argon as I don't believe that becomes a factor until south to -60*F with 99% pure argon. Don't quote me on that, but I'm kind of surprised. Good to know information however!Edit: I see it is a factor in gas selection when welding very critical Ti parts. Kind of like a lab grade of helium for sensitive experiments.Last edited by BCTimberwolf; 09-05-2012 at 01:08 PM.
Reply:KidTigger, sorry for hijacking your post, but I have the river weld wp20 and it's an awesome torch for $12
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfKidTigger, sorry for hijacking your post, but I have the river weld wp20 and it's an awesome torch for $12
Reply:For thr 99.9% on welding apps its a non issue else they would not make them.   As said there is always some lab grade astroatomickryptoninc welding situation that has unique requirement.    One that you and I will never need to or have the skill to weld.    Heck the Flux Capacitor was built in a garageTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I've busted a super flex CK 20 series, but we bent it back and forth regularly and into very tight radius sometimes.I was told by a rep to try and bend the neck around a finger so the bends aren't so tight.have one on my HTP invertig for 3 years with no problems, the one i eventually busted lasted about 2 years of everyday use.I also wont use vinyl hoses anymore.  I have the CK superflex hoses on my HTP and they are the cats meow.Jody has a  good video up with ideas for using the CK Flex Loc torch. could be another option instead of a traditional flex headTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I have a nice CK flex head torch and cables. I do not know if they are the Cat's Meow, but they are certainly the Bees Knees!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11I have a nice CK flex head torch and cables. I do not know if they are the Cat's Meow, but they are certainly the Bees Knees!