Getting a new torch, wp-18v

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Hello,I am looking into getting a new torch.  I recently found that my water/power hose needs to be replaced and those cost a bit over half of what it would cost to get a new torch.  I currently have a wp-18 weldcraft torch and I found a similar torch that goes by wp-18v.  The difference between the two is a small valve on the torch that regulates the flow rate of the gas.  I imagine that the knob of the regulator that changes the flow rate would become fairly obsolete and simply need to be turned to it's max to enable full use of the valve on the torch.  I like this idea and it sounds useful as I struggle to really know or hit the sweet spot when it comes to gas flow.  I imagine that turning the knob back and forth while keeping it at a specific amperage would really teach me and aid me in determining the right level of flow.I wonder if anyone here has experiences with using one of these and how they like it.  I could just probably replace the main power/water hose but honestly I feel like I am having slight variations in 'problems' that create too many variables for me to appropriately troubleshoot whatever my problem may be.  In my mind, this would really simplify things.  I was considering removing the L shaped tubes from the solenoid in my tig, cleaning up the area and then putting that plumbers tape on the threads to ensure there is zero leakage as I feel that might be occurring.I generally set the flow rate at an area that feels right, depending on the amprage I go from 9-14 cfm.  I don't think I am setting it too high so as to create turbulence and draw in regular air into the weld nor do I feel I am setting it too low.  I tried welding without any argon and it was a great moment of learning in terms of observation, essentially it was impossible to weld that way as the arc would extinguish immediately, much faster than even trying to welding on aluminum without the high frequency set on continuous.The price difference between torches that have the value and those that don't seem to be very small, it seems like a small price to pay for such a large convenience assuming that it works the way it I think it does.  I was thinking of replacing both of those white caps that go on the front and rear of the torch, I believe they are seals of some sort, along with just the cables and it seems about as expensive as a whole new torch.  It's hard to tell if there is anything wrong with the torch itself as I am very far from an experienced welder.So far the best prices I can find anywhere is a website called weldingsupply.com.  They have fantastic pricing on aluminum filler, and I found a ground clamp there that I -really- like.  https://weldingsupply.securesites.co...rongHand+Tools I have been practicing on a large sheet of aluminum and keeping the clamp I have as close as I would like it is pretty difficult, this seems like a much better version and really seems like it would enable someone to be certain of an as close to perfect connection as you can get when you are working on metals that don't magnetize (non-ferrous).Miller 330 a/bp water cooledI believe in gun control, I hold my gun with two hands.  If you want to know why, click here.Buy American or bye America.
Reply:Valved torches are normally used on machines with no solenoid.I do have and use one, but i only got it with the valve 'cause it was cheap at the time.When i use it i have the valve wide open and set the reg as normal.I would not hurt to chase your internal fittings and make sure you have no leaks ( for piece of mind ).Generally, welding torches are fine unless they are cooked as well as the white adapters.Only ever replaced the adapters once (in 3 years) to fit a gas lense but i do carry spares.I do like that work clamp.