Anyone use a front loading Pencil Style TIG torch?

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Anyone use a front loading Pencil Style TIG torch?  Are they available in Air Cooled configuration for hand held use?If so, do you like it?  Are there any disadvantages?I'm thinking of trying one, but I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble, seems it would be good for tight/awkward welds.Regards to all.Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:I used a water cooled pencil torch a few years back when I had some otherwise impossible parts come across my table. Not sure if it was a "front loader"   It was great for what it was as it got the job done when it would have been completely impossible without such a tool but it definitely has drawbacks.  First it was far from what I would call rugged in design. In a production environment I can see this being an issue. Secondly there was only a very small usable range on the length of your tungstens.  All that being said with that little torch and the pyrex cup I welded in ridiculous places. I know that the guy that drives the truck that needed these was glad.      The pencil torch was the only thing that made these bypass shocks possible.http://www.foutzmotorsports.com/defa...9-6595abf1d0e5
Reply:I have used them long ago for welding valve seats in steam turbines on Navy ships. The long reach was helpful however stick welding them was easier.Here is a CK model http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...8_907_910_1431A low amperage flexhead with a short collet body and cup can fit many places and may be an alternative.A straight torch has some uses where distance/access is an issue. In cases where vision is limited. a flexhead may be more useful. We performed a pretty good bit of restricted access welding when I was in the Navy and seldom used the straight torch other than valve seats.The CK90 was the weapon of choice for what we did. Flexed real nice and handled the heat well when you had to go a little hotter. That is in comparison to the Linde/Weldcraft stuff we had which is all probably changed by now.
Reply:A couple of years ago I bought a Weldcraft WP-9P gas cooled torch head for a project that I was having clearance/access problems with. After finishing that project the pencil body stayed on the hose. I found it to be very natural to use, sorta like writing with a pencil.Try one, I think you'll like using it.Rex
Reply:Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback.Regards to all.Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:I own a WP9 pencil torch but don't use it very often. My hand is always above the weld when  working.Last edited by mrandrei; 01-06-2010 at 08:38 PM.Midwest Metal ProductsMetal Wire Forming Fan Guards Delta-Larm