Weldcraft vs clones

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Looking at picking up a watercooled torch for my syncrowave 200. Should I be looking at a Weldcraft or a cheaper clone torch that has more extras added in. Any difference? The clone is half the price but has rubber hoses and a hose sheath. Opinions? Thanks
Reply:Hello Reinhold, here's my $.02. You may find that some of the clones don't have the same porting in the head and thus don't cool as well. Another issue might be the alloy that is used to construct the internals, some of the "cheaper" models won't live as long with regard to the threads that retain the backcap and the diffuser. I also believe that the coverings on the Weldcrafts are a mixture of silicon rubber and are likely to stand up to abuse better as well. I have used Weldcrafts for a lot of years so I am partial to them, on the few occassions that I have used lesser brands I believe I could tell the difference in their quality. I am not including CK, Weldtec, or other name brands in my assessments. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:I'd get the weldcraft if it were meGot a cheap air cooled of epray that is ok. But you have to fiddle with the collet and back cap to hold the tung. If I screw the collet all the way in I can see the o ring on the back capI went CK after that and don't mind the extra. Not like you need a new torch every few months is itG
Reply:Thanks for the replies. Same opinion go for the cheaper collets, bodies and nozzles that you can get for the fifth of the price from welder discount places on the web?
Reply:not sure about the torch parts.I usually get the collets n gas lenses from the same supplier. they work fine.iv got cups from ebay and they were fine alsoG
Reply:I am partial to CK and Weldcraft for torchesMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Weldcraft is made in the USAClones made in chinaQuality torches last many times longer than china crap so they are more economical in the long term.
Reply:Originally Posted by A/C GuyWeldcraft is made in the USAClones made in chinaQuality torches last many times longer than china crap so they are more economical in the long term.
Reply:Glad 4sfed mentioned Weld Tec.The guy who started Weld Tec was formerly with Weldcraft and is credited with much of their design.Weld Tec builds an excellent torch, every bit as good as the Weldcraft.I have a couple of their 20 Series HD torches which are rated for 300A.  Extremely rugged torches.Their (Weld Tec) Speedway Series are some of the best torches on the market.  The 20 Size Speedway (320 Series I think) are rated for up to 320A.  The advantage here is you get a smaller torch with nearly the amp capacity of the 18 series (larger torch).I've got several of the Speedway torches and highly recommend them.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.