TIG Torch body replacement?

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Howdy all.My WP 17 torch broke and I need a replacement, torch body only, the rest is good. I was going  to replace the regular 70* body with a flex one. I've found a couple sites that sell them, but can't find any info that says the WP 17 and WP 17F (flex) torch bodies are interchangeable. I want to use the remaining torch parts, so I just want to make sure. Anyone know?These are the two sites I've found:http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...pot/WP17x.htmlhttp://weldingdirect.com/srflextorbod.htmlhttp://www.ebay.ca/itm/WP-17-SR-17-T...item2eb288c699Has anyone bought from these vendors and are the satisfied with them? Anyone used these particular replacement bodies and happy with them?Also, as I'm still learning, should I go with a flex body or would it be better for learning with a rigid body. Thanks for the help folks!BertLast edited by bert the welder; 07-26-2012 at 12:01 PM.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:IMHO....... Stay with the rigid body.After moderate use the flex body will not keep it's shape. The "fix" from that point is to bend a 1/8" TIG rod to the desired configuration and duct tape it to the handle of the TIG flex torch handle / head. My preferred method of TIG is to "walk the cup". Many times when, pipe welding, I'm in a bad position and will overload the "push" on my torch in order to keep my balance or keep my arc length correct. The rigid torch will hold it's shape and let me continue on.Good Luck,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:I guess it depends on what you do.  I can see exactly how a flex body would be an issue when walking the cup.  If you don't walk the cup, it can be nice though.Anyway, the parts are all interchangeable.  Just avoid the 17FV.  The valve gets annoying if you don't need it.
Reply:I've dealt with both of the vendors mentioned. Welding Depot ships very fast.MillerMatic 135Handler 210 w/ DP3035 SpoolgunLincoln AC-225Primeweld TIG225xEverlast Power Arc 200Weldcraft TIG rigSmith American Classic O/AEvolution Rage 2 SawTD Cutmaster 52Miller Thunderbolt with HF Box
Reply:I buy a lot of my items from these people. Here is the link to the 17 torch bodyshttp://www.weldingcity.com/tig-consu...rch-17-series/www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:there should be no reason why you can't walk the cup with a flex head..... if you can't, then you dont know what you are doing !
Reply:Originally Posted by gto_welder01there should be no reason why you can't walk the cup with a flex head..... if you can't, then you dont know what you are doing !
Reply:Originally Posted by gto_welder01there should be no reason why you can't walk the cup with a flex head..... if you can't, then you dont know what you are doing !
Reply:Originally Posted by mechanic416I buy a lot of my items from these people. Here is the link to the 17 torch bodyshttp://www.weldingcity.com/tig-consu...rch-17-series/
Reply:I just ordered a WP-20F from them last night. I think they are located in Georgia. It's supposed to be here Monday so I guess I'll see how it is. 99% sure they are chinese torches. We'll see when it gets here
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfI just ordered a WP-20F from them last night. I think they are located in Georgia. It's supposed to be here Monday so I guess I'll see how it is. 99% sure they are chinese torches. We'll see when it gets here
Reply:Sorry bert but nope. Born and raised in Indiana. We just happen to have a couple wolves...one of which is a British Columbian gray wolf. Attached Images
Reply:Bert, if Welding City doesn't ship to Canada, you can have the goodies sent to my shop, and I'll forward them from there.  www.usps.com flat rate international envelope $12.95.  I may buy some wire from them, $25 for a 11 lb spool, with free shipping!  I called them for a shipping quote to you, left a voicemail.-Aaron-Edit.  They just called me back, and I couldn't understand the guy very well.  I wanted a simple quote for shipping for the #17 torch, and they wanted me to e-mail them my request for a shipping quote.  I said that they should be able to do it over the phone, then he kept talkin in his non-understandable accent.  They do ship to Canada via usps.com.Last edited by rabidchimp; 07-27-2012 at 02:16 PM.Jet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:I have and use there #9,#17 and #26 standers and flex head torch's and use their gas lens parts, they have all worked OK for me so far. I also changed all my ground clamps with there 300 amp clamps.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfSorry bert but nope. Born and raised in Indiana. We just happen to have a couple wolves...one of which is a British Columbian gray wolf.
Reply:Originally Posted by rabidchimpBert, if Welding City doesn't ship to Canada, you can have the goodies sent to my shop, and I'll forward them from there.  www.usps.com flat rate international envelope $12.95.  I may buy some wire from them, $25 for a 11 lb spool, with free shipping!  I called them for a shipping quote to you, left a voicemail.-Aaron-Edit.  They just called me back, and I couldn't understand the guy very well.  I wanted a simple quote for shipping for the #17 torch, and they wanted me to e-mail them my request for a shipping quote.  I said that they should be able to do it over the phone, then he kept talkin in his non-understandable accent.  They do ship to Canada via usps.com.
Reply:Originally Posted by mechanic416I have and use there #9,#17 and #26 standers and flex head torch's and use their gas lens parts, they have all worked OK for me so far. I also changed all my ground clamps with there 300 amp clamps.
Reply:Ya they are our babies. They stay outside but spend a lot of time inside with us when we can watch them. Basically like having a 5 yr old around with big teeth. Incredibly intelligent animals.As for the torch, i received it today and couldn't be happier for the price. It's essentially the exact same as the non flex I'm replacing. for a $15 torch, I wouldn't hesitate to order another one. In your case, it may be beneficial to order a few other things too with their low prices so you save a bit on the shipping.I would like to order some superflex cables and hoses for this torch, but just don't think it's a good idea with the possibility of having contamination from the rubber. Either way, I don't think you can lose at all on a torch for the price.New torch is the bottom one. Attached Images
Reply:That's great BC. Thanks for the update! I've been super busy lately so it will be a bit til I can put an order in, but I'll let you know how it goes.Thanks again!!!!!BTW200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Originally Posted by BCTimberwolfSorry bert but nope. Born and raised in Indiana. We just happen to have a couple wolves...one of which is a British Columbian gray wolf.