Probably one of the world's dumbest questions, but tig torch 'gas valve'

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I see torches with a "gas valve" like this: http://www.amazon.com/Cooled-Package...?ie=UTF8&psc=1and I don't know what the port is for or why it might be needed. Could someone explain it?I have a new Thermal Arc 186 and don't think much of the supplied torch so I'm shopping alternatives - is why I ask.
Reply:The valved torches are for machines that don't have a build in gas solenoid.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverThe valved torches are for machines that don't have a build in gas solenoid.
Reply:Originally Posted by hillARE there welding machines still sold that don't have an internal gas solenoid?
Reply:Originally Posted by hillOK, so it's nothing I need to be concerned about.What happens - does the operator have to develop the habit of switching in gas for each weld? Must take some special skills to give pre and post flow while coordinating an arc, filler, and moving along, eh?ARE there welding machines still sold that don't have an internal gas solenoid?
Reply:Originally Posted by hillARE there welding machines still sold that don't have an internal gas solenoid?
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPug Its really not hard to remember,
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWAt least not after the first time...   I'll admit when I help someone using an XMT, I'll occasionally forget to turn on the gas and fry the tungsten the 1st time out. Since I'm more used to running the Syncrowave 250's at the tech school and my Syncro 200 or Maxstar 200 at home all with solenoids, I occasionally forget when suddenly I have to run the XMT's with the manual gas valve.Not always. That's true with scratch start machines, but not with ones like an XMT where you have the option to use a remote.
Reply:Sorry DSW, I should have said "Most of the time if you are using a valve on a torch you have full amperage at all times because you are using scratch start". Please don't beat me M J D, lots of lift arc machines don't have solenoids. Some do. Some have lift arc and a remote. Some have lift arc and remote + solenoid. My Maxstar has remote+solenoid with lift start Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Look at this thread.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Welder-People"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugSorry DSW, I should have said "Most of the time if you are using a valve on a torch you have full amperage at all times because you are using scratch start". Please don't beat me M J D, lots of lift arc machines don't have solenoids. Some do. Some have lift arc and a remote. Some have lift arc and remote + solenoid. My Maxstar has remote+solenoid with lift start
Reply:I prefer to use the manual valve. able to make long reach just off of whats on the truck for stick welding., other than what I call "tig lead", which is my 20 or so feet of current carrying gas hose, generic gas hose is fairly cheap, and the only other required item is a flow-meter and argon. that way I can separate myself from the machine by as much stick lead is on the truck, and from the bottle by as much hose is on the truck.relying on the solenoid means you can only separate from the machine by as much "tig lead" as you wanna fork money forbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:I'm a babe in the woods. I've heard for years that I could tig using my Lincoln stick welder for power but it never occurred to me how gas is entered into the deal to make it a tig welder. Nice little educational - especially the old thread posted by Stick-Man above. Not such a bad question to ask after all.