Scratch start TIG torches

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Hi,I'm totally new to welding, especially to TIG awesomeness. Was wondering is there is a TIG torch for scratch start which would have a button-like valve? So instead of turning the valve every time, one would just press a button on the torch to open the gas flow and release it/press again to close it.Perhaps the question comes from my lack of understanding the subject, but would that not be more convenient than usual V-torch?Thanks!Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
Reply:I bet with all the manipulation of the torch that you do a button would be a real pain to use. A button would almost force you to hold the torch the same way everytime, which would not work well  for 'out of place' weldingSent from my SM-T715Y using Tapatalk
Reply:a button sounds electrical switch used to control a solenoid gas relay valve at machine to open and close shielding gas.many tig torches just use a sliding or rotating gas valve. mechanical action opening gas valve directly..most welders can use any type of tig torch. any control at torch saves having to move far away to turn gas on and off. if gas valve at tig torch is $5 and tig torch can be used with any welding power supply most prefer that over spending $10 for electric activated gas valve at welding machine that requires tig always connected to that particular welding machine
Reply:You don't really want it to work like that anyway. You need some preflow for gas purity, and some post flow to cool the tungsten, so the rotary valve work pretty darn well. It's what I have on a ck 230, and it works great. Chay
Reply:Originally Posted by IgnoHi,I'm totally new to welding, especially to TIG awesomeness. Was wondering is there is a TIG torch for scratch start which would have a button-like valve? So instead of turning the valve every time, one would just press a button on the torch to open the gas flow and release it/press again to close it.Perhaps the question comes from my lack of understanding the subject, but would that not be more convenient than usual V-torch?Thanks!Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by SmartdaveI bet with all the manipulation of the torch that you do a button would be a real pain to use. A button would almost force you to hold the torch the same way everytime, which would not work well  for 'out of place' welding
Reply:Originally Posted by SmartdaveI bet with all the manipulation of the torch that you do a button would be a real pain to use. A button would almost force you to hold the torch the same way everytime, which would not work well  for 'out of place' weldingSent from my SM-T715Y using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by njs552Who says you would have to hold the button all the time? I set mine up so you press it once to start gas flow and press it again the turn it off.Sent from my S4 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by IgnoBut do you have a scratch start setup or something more complex? Mine is MMA + valve torch. As for the pre/post flow, I really don't see how turning a valve is better than pressing the button. Press the button - pre flow starts - wait as long as needed - scratch start arc - weld - shut arc - wait for post flow - press the button - gas closes. Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by njs552I actually have both - a scratch start setup for when I run of the engine drive stick welder, and an actual TIG machine in the shop.What I was talking about was my scratch start setup. I have the torch switch connected to a latching relay, and that turns on and off a 12vDC gas/water solenoid.It works just like you described: -push button once to start gas flow-start welding-stop welding-push button once more to stop gas flowSent from my S4 using Tapatalk
Reply:Just buy a 17FV Torch. Less moving parts and nothing beats a flex head for getting the Torch angle you want while being comfortable. It's just me but something as precise as TIG welding I would not want the small effort or strain holding down a button.
Reply:Well, 17FV will still have a valve. The idea is to replace it with the button, which one wouldn't have to hold, but press once to start the gas flow and press it again when no gas flow is needed any more (and yes, you can have pre/post flow with this approach). One of the reasons I dislike V torches is that usually when you start you hold your torch in one hand and filler rod in the other, thus it is tricky to open the valve. (No more hands left, you know...) Maybe it is just me, but my 11L bottle refill is 89EUR, which is considerable amount for hobby use. So, I'm really not into wasting any gas. Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
Reply:If you're that paranoid about wasting gas, then I guess pushing a button would work? Just seems like a lot more parts to break, though, and a TIG torch already has a lot. Instead of just replacing a broken valve, you now have to diagnose whether it's the button, wiring, solenoid, grounds, or any number of other things that could've broken. Much longer diagnosis time, and more likelihood that it'll be cheaper to chuck the torch and buy a new one.Currently working as a Paralegal, but still interested in hobby welding.Miller Bobcat 225ntOne- Character Fractions: ¼ ½ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
Reply:I personally think a "button on the torch" controlled relay would be a pain(unintentional trips). But you could build a foot control either electronic control of a relay or just a mechanical air foot valve to keep your hands free for other things. Just don't forget you will have to wait for your hose to purge before you start to have solid pre-flow every use so I'm not sure you will save any gas.P.S.- Does your local welding supplier wear a mask when he holds you up for 89EUR for 11 liters of argon?---Meltedmetal
Reply:Originally Posted by teh603If you're that paranoid about wasting gas, then I guess pushing a button would work? Just seems like a lot more parts to break, though, and a TIG torch already has a lot. Instead of just replacing a broken valve, you now have to diagnose whether it's the button, wiring, solenoid, grounds, or any number of other things that could've broken. Much longer diagnosis time, and more likelihood that it'll be cheaper to chuck the torch and buy a new one.
Reply:Originally Posted by MeltedmetalI personally think a "button on the torch" controlled relay would be a pain(unintentional trips). But you could build a foot control either electronic control of a relay or just a mechanical air foot valve to keep your hands free for other things. Just don't forget you will have to wait for your hose to purge before you start to have solid pre-flow every use so I'm not sure you will save any gas.
Reply:Originally Posted by IgnoWell, 17FV will still have a valve. The idea is to replace it with the button, which one wouldn't have to hold, but press once to start the gas flow and press it again when no gas flow is needed any more (and yes, you can have pre/post flow with this approach). One of the reasons I dislike V torches is that usually when you start you hold your torch in one hand and filler rod in the other, thus it is tricky to open the valve. (No more hands left, you know...) Maybe it is just me, but my 11L bottle refill is 89EUR, which is considerable amount for hobby use. So, I'm really not into wasting any gas. Отправлено с моего iPhone используя Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by 'StangWhat I do when I am doing scratch start with a valved torch, tilt the torch back with the cup resting on the work piece. Open the valve and then, tilt the torch forward and touch off with your tungsten. Works great for me. With a little practice you will waste very little gas. Can do it with two hands. Hope this helps.