Tig torch recommendations

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I'm in the market for a torch to run with my Bobcat 225 and HF-251d-1.. I'm keeping it aircooled for now, and will be doing aluminum, stainless, and steel with it in the field.  Is there any advantage to going with the WP-17 over the WP-26? Is it smaller/lighter? Basically, do I need the 200 amp torch, or is the 150 sufficient?? Just curious as to why I see the WP-17 as a standard air cooled torch with welders like the Dynasty 200..      Thanks!
Reply:the 17 is a good size as far as amp capacity and still being small enough to get into tight areas, parts are also available everywhere and most shops should have all the consumable in stock. My 17 takes short trips to 200 amps without any problems. As long as your not doing production work above 150 amps it is probably your best all around torch. I just got a wp-9 for when I need to get into really small areas as well
Reply:Well first off, you need to remember using a air cooled torch on AC aluminium for extended duty cycle times on any thickness over pop cans can COOK the torch fast. I am not saying it can't be done, I'm simply stating it can get real hot, real fast, and that will fry your collets fast, and your will become unsteady as your hand starts to feel like a roast turkey. I know liquid cooled is a pain with portable setups, but if you intend on doing extended AC welding, or high amp dc welding I would suggest to build a cooler and get a long lead liquid torch. Your hand will be grateful as well!I have to say I really, really, REALLY like CK Worldwide products, I almost use them exclusively now. The flex Loc type is VERY versatile, is very heavy duty, gas a simple, but reliable gas valve, they they stand behind there products 100%. The flex loc series torch is a variable angle torch that locks into any position within a 360 degree rotation. Interchangeable heads allow different size tungsten and head sizes to be quickly and efficiently changed which means less down time. Great for applications requiring a unique angle yet allowing the user a rigid torch. It has a user friendly, and hand friendly design to help eliminate fatigue. Its super for cup walking on pipe root welds, welds that require a mirror to access, and welds requiring different tungsten sizes/lengths progressively through the welding process. I really like how versatile it is, its like a flex head torch, but rigid and very solid. You can really push it hard and cup walk it smoother then Micheal Jackson would moon walk! The flex loc heads except all common GTAW consumables of the WP series, so part sourcing in not a problem. I use both liquid and air cooled CK torches, mainly the CK Flex loc series in both sizes, and the CK9P and CK24R for specialized and restricted welding.Also, as in the last picture, don't forget you can further the capabilities of the torch with a good purge trailing shield and or over cup gas lens. These can be real nice in certain situations, such as when welding in a atmospheric purge chamber is not possible/feasible on the refractory metals such as  titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, hafnium, ruthenium, osmium and iridium. Like I say, CK has been very good to me, been great to deal with, feel great in my hand, last a very long time and best of all, the look cool!! Kidding!I guess it ultimately will boil down to your exact needs and available procedures.Keep it Square and Level,Weldor Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by mrussoI'm in the market for a torch to run with my Bobcat 225 and HF-251d-1.. I'm keeping it aircooled for now, and will be doing aluminum, stainless, and steel with it in the field.  Is there any advantage to going with the WP-17 over the WP-26? Is it smaller/lighter? Basically, do I need the 200 amp torch, or is the 150 sufficient?? Just curious as to why I see the WP-17 as a standard air cooled torch with welders like the Dynasty 200..      Thanks!
Reply:Thanks for the input.. I will eventually be running a water cooler, however, I would also like to have the option of running an aircooled torch for certain field applications.. I will have to look into the CK products. Ultimately, I want a comfortable and light torch that will handle the majority of field repair and fabrication welding that the typical mobile welder will see.
Reply:Recently I got into the same problem as you , wanted an aircooled torch that could handle bit more power then my wp9FX. So I went to the store asked for a wp26, I got an instant no no feeling, the handle is about 2 times the size of the 9/17 weighs about 2x also , and was as expensive as an watercooled wp9.After a bit of economics  I decided to get the 17 head and install it in the wp9 handle, it took about 5 minutes to change.9 and 17 heads use the same size connectors, 26 uses a bigger one.This setup works for me right now but I will upgrade to watercooled wp17 (+ 9 and a micro heads) I know the leads from a wp9 will not hold all the amps a wp17 can, but it's a cheap& fast upgrade if u don't go too much over 140 A--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:Went down to the LWS and tried a few.. the WP 26 is HUGE..  It would never work for me.. They had a WP17 with 25 foot hose at their other location for $90.. I'm gonna go with that. Should work for what I need this particular set up for..
Reply:I have a WP-26 on my HF box and have cooked the head 3-4 times doing high amp thick aluminum. A 17 wont stand a chance doing high amp AC aluminum. I have a WP-17FV set up for piping but it will never see the HF box. A WP-26 is good for field aluminum work, but you really need a nice water cooled setup if your doing anything more than an install with minimum welding or small repairs.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by mrussoWent down to the LWS and tried a few.. the WP 26 is HUGE..  It would never work for me.. They had a WP17 with 25 foot hose at their other location for $90.. I'm gonna go with that. Should work for what I need this particular set up for..
Reply:ok.. so this morning was a little bit behind sq and decided to turn the amps up a bit&go faster... Wrong idea, I melted the new 17 head , went to the welding store asked the guy if he offers any warranty for the torch's head.. THEY DO , i was a happy man after that, even bought more stuff from them.I go watercooled right after i get payed for this job.--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous
Reply:[I  Ck welding torches makes a 300 amp air cooled torch called a 300 cs it is in that crafter series torch. it is a heavy torch but works great in field for heavy aluminium applications
Reply:I would really try the one shaped like a pencil, look easy to work with holding the torch this way, i actualy hold my normal angle torch this way, anyone tried one of those ?Calculator > Bevel Square
Reply:Originally Posted by LayoutManI would really try the one shaped like a pencil, look easy to work with holding the torch this way, i actualy hold my normal angle torch this way, anyone tried one of those ?
Reply:I have used the pencil torches before. I don't know if that one is a machine torch or not, but they do make them in regular torches. I've only used them in water cooled version. I used it to weld a plug/ end cap to the inside of 6" sch 160 316L pipe, but the head was 6" from the end of the pipe, so it was a PITA to get a full 100% x-ray weld on that seam. No messing up, would have had to cut it out and start over.  The pencil torch saved the day! I was able to get in and get a good root and it worked all the way up to the cap. It is weird feeling and I haven't used it for anything else, but I have one for when I need it now.Lincoln Idealarc Tig 300/300, Lincoln ranger 8, Lincoln LN-25, Miller Sidekick (keeps rockin!), Oxy/Acy torch, Miller XMT-304 with a Miller 60 series wire feeder and high freq. box, Profax positioner 8" chuck, Aaronson 3500# positioner 15" chuck
Reply:Might be tough for welding round material  when clearance is an issue.....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by Donoharm9 and 17 heads use the same size connectors, 26 uses a bigger one.
Reply:Originally Posted by Oscaranyone know the actual thread size for a 26 torch?  I been searching google and everywhere and can't seem to find out what size connector it uses.
Reply:Originally Posted by WookieWelding5/8 18 torch side 7/8 14 machine side