Tig torch ?

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I just bought a 350 amp 18f something tig torch.  25' long, rubber hose.   The torch is awesome, the cool arc 40 lincoln does not even get over room temperature.  I like the torch, but the lead is too heavy, so I tried to put a power lead for a Wp20 torch and the fittings were not the same.What do I have to do?    I like the torch, it fits my fat fingers pretty good.  I learned with a #17 air cooled.   I can use bigger gas lens for stainless.  I do have a lot of work for it.I have the wp20 torch and leads on my arcmaster 185, That water cooler is about maxed out.The 18f is for the V350.I looked for an adapter and did not find one.DavidLast edited by David R; 01-06-2012 at 06:03 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David, This is a #18 350amp water cooled torch you got right? send me a picture of the ends you need to hook togather and sizes if you can I might have what you need.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:You'll find the biggest difference from brand to brand is in fact the hoses.BTW, I understand why you got a 350Amp torch to go with your 350(ish) Amp power supply, but I would suggest you actually look at something like WP20.  They are typically 'only' 250 Amp rated but realistically, when are you going to run over 250Amps for extended periods of time (that's what you have stick or MIG welder for).  250A at 100% duty cycleAt one time I was advised that weldcraft made the most flexible lines and when I bought my first TIG, I upgraded to a weldcraft WP20.  At the time they were all black and had nylon or vinyl lines.  I thought OK on flexibility but you really needed to get a cover for them or risk damage if you ever let sparks hit the floor.I now have weldcraft crafter series CS310 and IMHO, its a little too big and bulky.  Not sure if its just that I'm used to the WP-20, or ?  When I have more money to burn, I might just go back and get a WP-20 again.As for cables.  My air cooled WP17 and water cooled CS310 both feel like the hoses are rubber, covered with cloth.  Heavy, in my opinion, but flexible.  I run the hose around my back and up over my elbow and it seems to work OK.  I don't remember doing that, or even worrying about that with the old WP-20.From the parts manual, it seems there are two types of hoses available.High flex (which is what I think I have) and Vinyl (which is what I think I _had_)Check the owner's manual and see what is available.  If it was indeed a weldcraft you can also check the manual for a WP20 and see what the parts interchange looks like.  I assume the power lead on the 18F would be thicker.So far, my only TIG experience has been with Weldcraft brand torches.  I'm sure there is someone that has more  experience and can tell you how different brands compare.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:The 18 does have rather heavy leads, because... it's a 350A torch!IIRC, CK Worldwide and Weld-tec both make 20-size torches rated at 300A. One of them may be a good compromise.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:The copper conduit on a 350A rated torch (18 series) is going to be larger than on the 20 series torches.  Therefore the hose/power lead will not interchange.As mentioned Weld-Tec has a 20 Series HD torch that is rated at 310A.  They also make the Speedway 320 series (also a 20 series torch) that is rated at 320A.  Both use rubber hoses vs the cheaper vinyl hose.I've found the 18 series torch head too large for most of the work I do.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Sort of what I was expecting, most of you say just use the #20 torch.  Not what I am after.  I do not need the 350 amps, I hope.....I have a #20 torch with cooler on my arcmaster 185.   I want the #18 on the V350.I like the size and feel of the # 17/18 torch.  The # 20 torch brings the cooling water TO the torch headThe #18 runs the cooling water THROUGH the torch head.  My son taught me that.I have bigger gas lens for the #18 torch for some stainless work I do.  I would like to use it.I do not need 350 amps to weld small stainless.All I want is a smaller lighter power cable on the #18 torch. I usually have the V350 set at 200 amps.The gas line and water in line are the same size as the #20, its just the power cable that is bigger. I bought the bigger cooler because there are times when my other one gets to hot when I am using it for long time at 190 amps.The power cable on my #18 looks just like the one piece power cable on an air cooled #17 on the torch end.   The power cable on the #20 is a smaller connector to the torch.Not giving up yetFat fingered David RReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:The 18's have at least 2 conductors inside the cable. The big difference to me is the huge handle that lets me get farther back from preheated parts and the few times when I really have things cranked up.If you get the cable coiled around your shoulder or looped near your elbow it goes much better. After a while you get to where the torch is balanced very well and the grip is very light.Matt
Reply:YEP Matt M,  getting away from the heat is one reason I like the #18.Today I welded this flange to the case.   Flange is 5/8" x 1 3/4", case is 1/8".  Fillet weld.  I used the arcmaster 185 turned all the way up.    The #20 torch got hot and so did the hoses laying on my lap.  I had to stop for a while and let things cool off.  It was pretty much maxed out for over an hour.   No hot light or duty cycle issue.  I could hear the fan speed up and stay there.  I put my hand at the fan exhaust on the machine and water cooler.   Warm , but not hot.  Apologies for the crap pic, I forgot my camera so Its a cell phone pic.  No close up of the welds until monday.I may try pulsed spry for this part of the job, I have 10 more to do.  On the next I will be using the bigger torch and power supply.  DavidLast edited by David R; 01-07-2012 at 05:37 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.