Tig Torch Recommendations

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Ok, so I ended up purchasing a dynasty 200dx machine only. Im on a quest to build my first turbo manifold AND I've never welded before  BUT ive got nothing but time and am open to learn how to weld my project correctly. Right now i need a TIG torch and i want to make sure i get the correct one for what I'm trying to do. I will be building the manifold out of 304 stainless in 16 gauge. I am interested in a good air cooled torch and i was looking at the #9 ck torch that i wanted to outfit with a gas lens but I'm unsure if that torch will cut it or if i should go with something else. What are some of the better quality torches on the market and what model should i buy for this project?Learning the ropes....
Reply:A #9 torch will limit the amperage you can use with the 200DX. If you only plan on welding thinner steel a #9 will be fine. When you start welding aluminum you will want a larger torch, or get a watercooled #20.For 16G stainless, depending on the joint, you will usually use 45-60 amps. A #9 with flexhead would be my choice for an aircooled torch.You really need to learn to weld before taking on a project like a stainless turbo manifold, you may end up wasting lots of money if you mess up any parts.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugA #9 torch will limit the amperage you can use with the 200DX. If you only plan on welding thinner steel a #9 will be fine. When you start welding aluminum you will want a larger torch, or get a watercooled #20.For 16G stainless, depending on the joint, you will usually use 45-60 amps. A #9 with flexhead would be my choice for an aircooled torch.You really need to learn to weld before taking on a project like a stainless turbo manifold, you may end up wasting lots of money if you mess up any parts.
Reply:what are some of the better Tig torch brands out there or are they all about the same?Learning the ropes....
Reply:Post some pictures of practice when you get started, having someone "Read" the beads and tell you things to try to solve problems really helps speed up learning.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by superchargedv8what are some of the better Tig torch brands out there or are they all about the same?
Reply:The 9 flex will be perfect for doing a manifold.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:i will for sure be posting up pictures of my progress and will probably start a thread that will show the manifolds from start to finish.Learning the ropes....
Reply:Stick with CK Worldwide, WeldTec (Tec Torch), or Weldcraft  If staying air-cooled, I would go ahead and get a 26 "Trimeline" from CK.  They are smaller than the average 26 series, but not quite as small as a 17, and will handle a full 200A.  This with a stubby gas lens kit from HTP America will get you started and serve you well for a lot of practicing.  SS is tricky to correctly manipulate the heat control---you'll go through many tankfuls of argon and a lot of scrap pieces before you will start to get acceptable results.  If you can manage it, a CK large diameter Pyrex kit with tungsten adapters for 1/16" and 3/32" electrodes will also serve you well because of the greater argon coverage of the 1-1/8" diameter of the Pyrex Cup.  It does not compensate for lack of welding skill, but it doesn't hurt either.What are you planning on doing for protecting the backside of the weld?  I'm assuming you've already looked into getting a separate argon tank with it's own flowmeter, or a dual flow meter like those from HTP?  Better yet, just pony up the $500 or so for a water cooler/torch setup from [email protected].  You won't regret it.  Top notch stuff, and you can customize the torch by opt'ing to go with a flex head 20 series, or even a rotating head FlexLoc torch.  A bad-a*( machine like the 200DX deserves a great torch setup.  Lastly, I wanted to ask if you've been looking a lot of ToxicFab stuff?   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:Originally Posted by superchargedv8The #9 flex head was the one i liked.. Ive been doing a lot of research on Tig welding and i will for sure practice on scratch pieces to simulate what i will be working with to be positive i am fluent before actually working on the actual manifold. Right now i will only be focused on that one torch needed for this build since i will not be working on anything other than this project; later down the road I'm sure i will acquire several torches for different applications.
Reply:I just went through this same process.I like building turbo cars, although I'm partial to schedule 40 steel. I'm cheap ha ha!!I have welded some thin stainless though. If you have welded other processes (stick etc) stainless tig is a piece of cake. It's like welding with a pencil...great control. The one thing that is different is that stainless likes back purging so you don't 'sugar' the inside of the pipe. This 'sugar' is a buildup of crap on the inside and pretty much ruins any flow characteristic you were going for. Alternatively, there is a flux paste you can get to do much the same thing. Haven't tried it but will soon.Ok, torch wise. I like CK and Weldcraft (Now Miller) for the reasons mentioned above. I have a Weldcraft 150A (DC) air cooled torch (WP17) which is great for thin stainless. Everyone carries the consumables. Keep in mind the AC rating on this torch is way less, I think just over 100A.But when you get your tig going, you're going to want to weld AL. 'Cause it awesome stuff. Now you need more amps. You can get a big air cooled torch, but water cooled torches are smaller, lighter etc etc. The downside is they are not portable, should that be a requirement. You need to buy or make up a recirculating cooler, although you can use muni water and then dump it, most don't. I'm in the middle of building one right now, it's not hard.I think in the long run, at high amperages, the water cooled toch will have far increased longevity, better consumable rate, more confortable, etc etc.So, really it your choice as to what you want to do with it. I can tell you that my 300A CK water cooled looks smaller than my WP17 150DC air cooled...I probably won't use the air cooled that much anymore.Chay
Reply:I got the flexible ck #9 torch with the 25ft super flex hose...it was my birthday present so i can't complain at all  Ill buy a better well rounded torch at a later date but for now this will do. I'm aware of back purging IF i decide to get a separate tank to back purge what size tank would be acceptable? would i be good to go with a smaller tank or should i really opt for the full size tank like what my machine will be hooked up to? OR should i just get a dual regulator and use one large tank?Last edited by superchargedv8; 05-06-2014 at 01:07 PM.Learning the ropes....
Reply:BTW i have a single GENTEC regulator in my hands..is there a way to make this one into a double regulator?Learning the ropes....
Reply:Not sure about how you would go about doing that, but when you back-purge you are constantly using argon, albeit at a slow rate usually around 10 ft3/hr.  If I were you, I would be using a large tank with a dual flowmeter.  That way you don't have to be switching out tanks if, say, the back-purging tank runs out before your main shielding tank runs out, then vice versa.  That could add up to a lot of trips to the LWS, not to mention that smaller tanks are more expensive if you calculate the cost/ft3 ratio.  If you are serious about doing this kind of stuff, you will likely need to sign a lease agreement in order for you to rent out a big 330 ft3 tank----an hour or two a week will not get you proficient enough to churn out high-quality turbo manifolds in a reasonable amount of time.  Think welding-two-to-three-hours-a-day if you want to get proficient in a reasonable amount of time.  20 ft3/hr for main shielding gas + 10 ft3/hr for back-purging, and you're looking at 30 total ft3/hr + an additional ~25% for post-flow.  So @ 37.5 ft3/hr, you'd use up a single huge 330 ft3 tank in 8.8 hours.  So hitting the tig torch on a daily basis would leave you with a new tank about every week or so depending on how serious you are about getting good.  That's just how I see it, of course.   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 solved the back purging with a dual outlet flow meter.  The Smith one can be had for under $150.  I do have two bottles, but with a dual outlet flow meter, I'm welding until both bottles run dry.  With two single regulators, if either bottle goes dry, I'm done.  Just a thought.BTW, I re-purposed the flow meter that came with the welder as a final control for a MIG gas mixer.  I suppose I could have ebay'd it as well but there is always a need...Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by superchargedv8I got the flexible ck #9 torch with the 25ft super flex hose...it was my birthday present so i can't complain at all  Ill buy a better well rounded torch at a later date but for now this will do.
Reply:Originally Posted by con_fuse9I solved the back purging with a dual outlet flow meter.  The Smith one can be had for under $150.  I do have two bottles, but with a dual outlet flow meter, I'm welding until both bottles run dry.  With two single regulators, if either bottle goes dry, I'm done.  Just a thought.BTW, I re-purposed the flow meter that came with the welder as a final control for a MIG gas mixer.  I suppose I could have ebay'd it as well but there is always a need...
Reply:HTP (USAWeld on eBay) has a great deal on CK torches.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeHTP (USAWeld on eBay) has a great deal on CK torches.
Reply:so can the single regulator i have be converted to dual or should i just sell it and buy a dual outright?Learning the ropes....
Reply:TecTorch WT-20H is an awesome torch.
Reply:Originally Posted by superchargedv8so can the single regulator i have be converted to dual or should i just sell it and buy a dual outright?
Reply:Originally Posted by superchargedv8the gf got me the #9 with 25ft of flex hose for 87 bux i think...so wasn't to bad.
Reply:Originally Posted by superchargedv8the gf got me the #9 with 25ft of flex hose for 87 bux i think...so wasn't to bad.