Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey guys,

I'm looking to pick up a coolmate 1.3 in short order and I'm trying to decide which torch to get. I currently have the modular aircooled kit from Weldcraft letting me make pretty much any torch I like from a button head 9 to a fullsize flex neck 17. I also have Jody's gas lens kits for them.

First off, can I use the weldmonger stubby gas lens kit or are they for air cooled only? If so, which size would I need for these torches?

I'm considering either this CK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMG5044/re ... C5Q8AWF4TA

Or if I can get a good deal the same idea with the modular kit from Weldcraft:
http://store.cyberweld.com/wetigtowpmof.html
http://store.cyberweld.com/wetigtokitak1.html

I'm a (senior citizen) noob, so take what I say with the appropriate amount of scepticism.

BigD wrote: I'm considering either this CK:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMG5044/re ... C5Q8AWF4TA

I just bought the 12' version and really like it. I don't even notice the (superflex) cables. I had to fight with my old cables to get the torch head at a good angle and be comfortable.

The ck20 torch head is more comfortable in my hand than the 17 torch that came with my welder. I ran the torch for about 15 minutes straight and then took off a glove to feel how hot the torch head was. It was cold. It was about 50 degrees in my garage and the water in the cooler was probably even colder (and why the torch head was cold).

You probably won't be disappointed with either choice. I picked the CK20-12SF FX and I'm happy with that decision.

Of course, YMMV.

Good luck,
Dave

Unless you are 100% certain that the 12' leads will be OK for all your needs, go for the 25'.

With 25' you can build an articulated overhead arm for the cables, makes life a dream.

Thanks guys. Yeah I'd definitely get the 25, my air cooled is a 12 and I want more reach. I do have a CK microtorch with the superflex cable and it's a dream.

How do the watercooled bits work? Can the stubby gas lens kit be used with it? Or does that part need to be special for water cooled torches as well?

#9 air-cooled and #20 water-cooled are interchangeable parts. Same with the #17/26 size. The consumables don't care how they're cooled, so long as the threads match.

Remember, though, the stubby kits de-rate your torch some, whether water- or air-cooled.

Steve S

BigD wrote:How do the watercooled bits work? Can the stubby gas lens kit be used with it? Or does that part need to be special for water cooled torches as well?

Big D if you go to the literature page on CK's site you can see what parts fit your torch, either download the product catalog or the Parts Poster (recommended).

Better yet call them and request at least these two items and they'll send them free, the poster is really nice.