Question about TIG torches

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Hello!I apologize if this is a dumb question.  I tried searching for the answer, but nothing I found really cleared it up for me!  I have a Miller Maxstar 150STH that I bought about 5 years ago.  The TIG torch that came with it is shaped weird...and I find it difficult to keep the torch at the correct angle.  I'd like to replace it with a torch that's more traditionally shaped (the current Maxstar 150 appears to come with such a torch...not like the one I have).  Or perhaps a flex head!  So, I started looking online for a new torch.  Many torches seem to come with the hose already attached, and initially that's what I was looking at!  Also, I anticipate buying a new welder in the not-to-distant future...something that can do aluminum as well as steel.  So, I'd like to be able to use what I buy with whatever new welder I decide upon...but if that's not possible or practical, it's not a deal breaker.     But then I noticed that lots of machines have a separate connection on the front panel for Gas Output.  Not my Miller, though!  It sends the gas up the center of the negative lead!  I cannot seem to find a definitive answer to the question of how (or if) this affects my choices for a new torch!  I think, but I'm not sure, that this means I may have to buy a torch only, and use it with my existing lead! (?)  I'm assuming that if a welder has a separate output for gas, one probably cannot use a lead like the one I have with my Miller, right? So my first question is: are torches specific to the type of welder they're connected to, or is it the lead/plumbing connected to it that adapts it to the different type of machine?  I'm aware that larger welders have water-cooled torches...that's not what I have, or what I'm looking for!  But online, I see many torches advertised as 'gas cooled'!  Is "gas cooled" what I have now?  I think so, but obviously I'm not sure...  And finally, there is also the matter of size...My existing torch is a WeldCraft 17 something-or-other.  I see that there are 9s and 20s... The difference is physical size, right?  The 9 being smaller, and the 20 larger?  My initial goals include learning how to weld 16ga (and thinner) sheet and tubing, including stainless.  Would this be easier with a smaller torch, or should I stick with a 17 series (or equivalent).  Thanks in advance, and once again, I apologize for the noob questions!Art
Reply:You want a single torch hose/lead. There should be a connector on your lead that screws onto the end and lets you use the quick connect to attach to your machine. Should be able to reuse it, if you can't you will need to buy one. For the Maxstar 150 a #17 torch is a good size, some of them are rated for 150amps 100% duty cycle. A #9 will be smaller but may not hold up to the full amperage from the machine.  #20 and #9 are the same size, the 20 is watercooled. If you are upgrading the torch take a look at the CK Superflex tig torches, everyone seems to like them. When you buy a new machine for welding aluminum you will prob want a watercooled torch, the large aircooled are a bit hard to use.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by aclundwallHello!I apologize if this is a dumb question.  I tried searching for the answer, but nothing I found really cleared it up for me!  I have a Miller Maxstar 150STH that I bought about 5 years ago.  The TIG torch that came with it is shaped weird...and I find it difficult to keep the torch at the correct angle.  I'd like to replace it with a torch that's more traditionally shaped (the current Maxstar 150 appears to come with such a torch...not like the one I have).  Or perhaps a flex head!  So, I started looking online for a new torch.  Many torches seem to come with the hose already attached, and initially that's what I was looking at!  Also, I anticipate buying a new welder in the not-to-distant future...something that can do aluminum as well as steel.  So, I'd like to be able to use what I buy with whatever new welder I decide upon...but if that's not possible or practical, it's not a deal breaker.     But then I noticed that lots of machines have a separate connection on the front panel for Gas Output.  Not my Miller, though!  It sends the gas up the center of the negative lead!  I cannot seem to find a definitive answer to the question of how (or if) this affects my choices for a new torch!  I think, but I'm not sure, that this means I may have to buy a torch only, and use it with my existing lead! (?)  I'm assuming that if a welder has a separate output for gas, one probably cannot use a lead like the one I have with my Miller, right? So my first question is: are torches specific to the type of welder they're connected to, or is it the lead/plumbing connected to it that adapts it to the different type of machine?  No. Any torch / hoses combo will fit any welder with the correct adapter. With that said, if you slide back the rubber boot at the welder end, you will find the hose threaded into the adapter specific for your machine. You can change any hose or any head, but keep that adapter with that machine.I'm aware that larger welders have water-cooled torches...that's not what I have, or what I'm looking for!  But online, I see many torches advertised as 'gas cooled'!  Is "gas cooled" what I have now?  I think so, but obviously I'm not sure...  You are correct. Gas cooled, air cooled, same thing.And finally, there is also the matter of size...My existing torch is a WeldCraft 17 something-or-other.  I see that there are 9s and 20s... The difference is physical size, right?  The 9 being smaller, and the 20 larger?  My initial goals include learning how to weld 16ga (and thinner) sheet and tubing, including stainless.  Would this be easier with a smaller torch, or should I stick with a 17 series (or equivalent).  Half right. 9 series is smaller than 17 series. 20 series is the same physical size (and interchangeable consumables) as the 9 series, but water cooled. I'm a fan of the 9 series torch myself, of course most are typically limited to 125 amps. If I were you I would look on ebay for a chinese made 9 series flex torch (no valve, because the maxstar has the solenoid inside). I found mine for $10 or so.Thanks in advance, and once again, I apologize for the noob questions!Art
Reply:Thanks very much to both of you.  Just to clarify...as mentioned above, at the welder end, the hose threads into an adapter specific to the welder.  So, if I were to acquire a new welder that had a separate connection for the gas output, that welder would have (or require) an adapter that would accept a external connection from the gas output.  But once connected to that adapter, the gas would travel up the center of the lead just like it does on my machine now???I'll definitely check Ebay for a cheap torch...if they're that inexpensive, it doesn't really matter if it will work with a new welder or not (though it sounds like that's not a problem anyway).  I'm still so bad at this that I won't be able to tell a cheap torch from an expensive one!
Reply:The CK torches are nice ones. They have a 100% duty cycle vs the Weldcrafts 60% (or less in AC). The CK 130's are 9 series torches and the CK150's are 17 series torches. Both are available in flexhead or standard and the CK150's come in the flex-loc torches as well. I believe your Maxstar 150 has the solenoid in the machine, so you wouldn't need a torch with a gas valve.http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...ath=13_728_907The listings show the torch and hose packages, but they also sell the torch heads separate as well. They can help you get what you need when you call..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:From what I have read the Superflex hoses are a big upgrade for the tig torch. Since you are still learning the easier to control torch may help you learn faster so that you aren't fighting to keep the torch where you want it. Yes, there are adapters that let you use single hose torches with machines that don't have a gas through connector. http://store.cyberweld.com/dintorad.html If you get a higher amperage AC/DC machine for tig welding you will probably need a different size adapter, the Maxstar uses a smaller adapter than most. Keep in mind that if you have a #17 torch now you will need different torch consumables if you buy the smaller #9 torch.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:You have what is referred to as a gas-thru Dinse connector. My Lincoln has the same style, though your machine has the smaller version. The other machines that you have seen with a gas connection on the front panel use a solid Dinse plug (no hole for the gas) and the connector re-routes the gas to the front panel with a separate hose. So you can adapt your torch to any machine with the correct connector.I'd suggest looking at the HTP website (www.usaweld.com) and giving them a call. They sell genuine CK torches with Superflex hoses at great prices and can walk you through what you need. They are super helpful.