The Knob on My New TIG Torch - What's It For?

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I managed to teach myself the basics of TIG on mild steel using a Chinese 3-in-1 machine using a -17 torch that used a lever type switch fastened to the top of the torch using plastic cable ties.  I even bought a useable pedal for it.Made a trade the other day with a nearby fellow WW member, my nearly new HH187 and some cash for his new Thermal Arc 181.  I bought and just received an air cooled TIG torch and pedal for it.  VERY nice hardware compared to the import stuff BTW.  At any rate the torch has a quarter sized knob ahead of the switch.  I assume this is for amp setting and has the same function as the amp setting on the machine itself.  Seems like something of an awkward setup but since I will be using the pedal it is probably a non-issue. I am having a little bit of trouble getting used to this machine for MIG.  The HH187 was pretty much plug and play; set the amps and feed speed and go weld.  On this one there are two additional settings, arc force which I like and "burn-out" which controls the length of wire stickout whenthe gun switch is released.  I either get an inch of stickout or as was the case a couple of times, I have no stickout and a wire that is welded to the tip.  The burnout setting seems to vary with the power setting, wire thickness, and material being welded.  Stickout was never a problem with my past three MIGs so I really question the usefulness of this feature.  I guess Ineed to lay down some bead and experiment to understand how to dial in the setting.Otherwise the machine is well documented, seems quite well made, has excellent accessories, good warranty, and support.  The previous owner swapped with mebecause he didn't like the complexity of the 181, whereas, I tend to like combomachines.  I also have a Shopsmithfor woodworking and an Enco 3-in-1 mill/drill/lathe machine.Steve in Central TX
Reply:If I'm reading you correctly, the knob on the tig torch is so you can pass gas...  No not that kind. If IIRC that machine does not have a gas solenoid for the tig, so it uses a valve on the torch handle to turn the gas on and off when you do tig.Picts would help..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:remember to turn it on and off or you will ruin a lot of starts and buy a lot of argon
Reply:Originally Posted by stevewmI managed to teach myself the basics of TIG on mild steel using a Chinese 3-in-1 machine using a -17 torch that used a lever type switch fastened to the top of the torch using plastic cable ties.  I even bought a useable pedal for it.Made a trade the other day with a nearby fellow WW member, my nearly new HH187 and some cash for his new Thermal Arc 181.  I bought and just received an air cooled TIG torch and pedal for it.  VERY nice hardware compared to the import stuff BTW.  At any rate the torch has a quarter sized knob ahead of the switch.  I assume this is for amp setting and has the same function as the amp setting on the machine itself.  Seems like something of an awkward setup but since I will be using the pedal it is probably a non-issue. I am having a little bit of trouble getting used to this machine for MIG.  The HH187 was pretty much plug and play; set the amps and feed speed and go weld.  On this one there are two additional settings, arc force which I like and "burn-out" which controls the length of wire stickout whenthe gun switch is released.  I either get an inch of stickout or as was the case a couple of times, I have no stickout and a wire that is welded to the tip.  The burnout setting seems to vary with the power setting, wire thickness, and material being welded.  Stickout was never a problem with my past three MIGs so I really question the usefulness of this feature.  I guess Ineed to lay down some bead and experiment to understand how to dial in the setting.Otherwise the machine is well documented, seems quite well made, has excellent accessories, good warranty, and support.  The previous owner swapped with mebecause he didn't like the complexity of the 181, whereas, I tend to like combomachines.  I also have a Shopsmithfor woodworking and an Enco 3-in-1 mill/drill/lathe machine.Steve in Central TX
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWIf I'm reading you correctly, the knob on the tig torch is so you can pass gas...  No not that kind. If IIRC that machine does not have a gas solenoid for the tig, so it uses a valve on the torch handle to turn the gas on and off when you do tig.Picts would help.
Reply:Originally Posted by copeHotfoot is really happy with the HH187.  I think you both came out on the deal.
Reply:As usual I'm kinda confused about your question?   Are you asking about a tig torch or MIG GUN?  Because the term stick out is a MIG term and your asking about a gas valve knob on a air cooled TIG Torch......So what am I missing here?  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CAs usual I'm kinda confused about your question?   Are you asking about a tig torch or MIG GUN?  Because the term stick out is a MIG term and your asking about a gas valve knob on a air cooled TIG Torch......So what am I missing here?
Reply:The round knob on the torch is the gas valve. On this machine, I think the gas solenoid only works when using the MIG settings.
Reply:wkdiver is correctDid Hotfoot keep the manual?"Fit the gas regulator/flow gauge to the shielding gas cylinder (refer to Section 3.14) then connect the shieldinggas hose from the TIG torch to the regulator/flow gauge outlet. Note that the TIG torch shielding gas hose isconnected directly to the regulator/flow gauge. The Power Source is not fitted with a shielding gas solenoid tocontrol the gas flow in LIFT TIG mode therefore the TIG torch will require a gas valve."http://thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/Doc..._April2012.pdfEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by stevewmI am pleased, but even more so, I was tickled pink to meet "Hotfoot" and to have gained a new friend.  He is one creative dude!
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1wkdiver is correctDid Hotfoot keep the manual?"Fit the gas regulator/flow gauge to the shielding gas cylinder (refer to Section 3.14) then connect the shieldinggas hose from the TIG torch to the regulator/flow gauge outlet. Note that the TIG torch shielding gas hose isconnected directly to the regulator/flow gauge. The Power Source is not fitted with a shielding gas solenoid tocontrol the gas flow in LIFT TIG mode therefore the TIG torch will require a gas valve."http://thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/Doc..._April2012.pdf
Reply:Originally Posted by stevewmI amsure it willcost me a bottle of gas at some point.
Reply:Originally Posted by B_CAs usual I'm kinda confused about your question?   Are you asking about a tig torch or MIG GUN?  Because the term stick out is a MIG term and your asking about a gas valve knob on a air cooled TIG Torch......So what am I missing here?
Reply:Originally Posted by RodJKeep a ball of string and pair of scissors with your tig torch.  Before you put your gloves on to tig, tie a string around your finger.  If you ever forget to turn the Ar off, and you see that string and wonder what it's for, log on to weldingweb and post the question.  One of us will chime in and tell you that you forgot to turn the bottle off.
Reply:I'm surprised the fabricator 181 doesn't have a selonoid for argon. My fabricator 252 does. And it has the thumb control on it, but it's for amp control. Never would have guessed the 181 was diffrent. Does the 181 have one or two inlets on the back for gas? My 252 has 2. One for mig, the other for TIG/spool gun. Interesting. I keep finding out I'm much happier with my 252 vs the 181Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadstickout is a mig term? what about tungsten protrusion past the end of the cup...?what is that?