I broke my PTA-17 Torch

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Ugh.  Today the neck snapped on my Lincoln PTA-17 torch.  I noticed today that it had been getting looser and more wigly.  I have been bending the neck to help me fit into weird or cramped situations, and figured that was ok.  I don't think I was bending it to insane degrees either. maybe 15-20 degrees?   I have only used this torch for maybe forty hours of welding.Most of the time I am welding thin (1mm or less) cromoly steel at around 30-60amp.  But recently I've been fabricated a stand and welding more like 175DC.  Of course the torchs way hotter in those circumstances.So questions:1) are these torches not meant to be bent?  If so, then why is the fatigue life so short?2) what should i replace it with?  I don't think that I want a watercooled torch (I'm using a V205 AC/DC)  because most of the time I am am welding cromoly tubing miters.  I do prefer to be able to adjust the angle of the torch nozzle and it helps me control things a bit better.Regards
Reply:most tig torches are not meant to be bent. Even the ones with a soft head. I do believe they do make a flex head torch. go to your LWS and ask them to show you one.
Reply:Just buy a flex head torch. Google "WP17FV". We stopped buying rigid torches because they got broken in that very spot.We get Radnors (head only, no hose) for about 40 bucks. Markups vary according to location.If buying on Fleabay CONFIRM you are getting a flexhead by seeing the "accordion"-looking rubber body. Some sellers may not know the difference.http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CEMQ8wIwBA#Last edited by farmall; 02-21-2011 at 09:35 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallSome sellers may not know the difference.
Reply:Thats not goodCheck this out weldingsupply.com they have a 26F-25-R on sale $99 + shipping. And the 17F head only for $48.99 + shipping.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's