Welding Tips and Tricks

I currently have a 130A #9 air cooled torch (kemppi torch with switch) and I want to upgrade to a water cooled torch once I am done building a cooler. I want to get away from torches with integrated triggers because while it's useful to have once in a while, the flexibility of a standard US style torch with a pedal seems way way better for everyday bench welding. I have a buncha 9# consumables already and I really want to avoid having to keep track of more consumables for a 17 torch, I want everything interchangeable... So moving to a water cooled #9 seems the best option, I am not able to take advantage of my welders capacity (300A) either with this torch.

I have acquired a water cooling adapter for my machine to get from the non standard Kemppi connections (1/4" bsp) to the european standard of 3/8" BSP thread. I have been looking for kits and so far only rapid welding in the UK seems to have what I need, CK torches already converted to 3/8 BSP:
http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/Cat ... zl=4&sq=14

Looking at the 4m rigid or flex head torch kits, I don't think I need more than 4m, when tig welding I almost always sit next to my machine because I have a small shop. Not sure which is better with regards to the heads. The flex head is more versatile but the rigid lasts longer I understand.

I am curious if anyone knows any other EU located welding stores selling CK or similar level quality torches? Already fitted for a euro connection is a great advantage.

Not sure if it's the trigger itself you don't like or if it's the round handle shape you're after.

Looked at Esab/Parweld/Parker Tig torches?
That's what I use, either with pedal or the trigger when that's more convenient. The trigger itself can be removed easily (within seconds) and replaced with a cover plate.

The ones mentioned above is far better than the cheap generic so called "euro torch" that comes with some machines.

I even like the dreaded 26 euro torch
I have 9, 20 and 26 torches from Parweld

It's everything I would say, the shape, the lack of a trigger, the cable. The CK torches are known for their super-flex cables. Struggling with the stiff sheated cable on this torch has made it a high priority. Parweld looks like they got the right style torches, haven't yet looked at prices, and I don't know if their cables are as flexible. But it's safe to say the CK kit is the one from which all others are measured against.

I have stopped looking at euro brands. The one I got is a kemppi torch which is supposed to be a top tier torch, and I still don't like it, so it's US style only for me from now on. I'll keep my current torch in storage in case I need a trigger torch in the future.

A -20 torch will take all your -9 consumables. It's the same general size, and surprisingly light. Being water-cooled, the -20 has far less cable weight, as the power cable is water-cooled in the return path. I find it more flexible than my -9, too.

Get a good one. Get a CK. They're no more expensive than the cheap torches if you dig a little. Depending on what you're doing, I highly recommend the 230FL flex-loc torch, which can be set up with either the -9/-20 consumables, or the -17/-26 consumables. (The "2" series head takes your -9 stuff, and I've beat the hell out of one in ways the Spanish Inquisition couldn't dream up.)

Another plus to the CK... It's completely modular. You can replace any single component, even a single gas line, to keep maintenance cost down.

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote: I highly recommend the 230FL flex-loc torch, which can be set up with either the -9/-20 consumables, or the -17/-26 consumables. (The "2" series head takes your -9 stuff, and I've beat the hell out of one in ways the Spanish Inquisition couldn't dream up.)

Steve S

Thick long duration alum weld, series 3 head

I do like the CKs and they are still at the top. But a flex loc is probably out of my budget. Flex or rigid is a more pertinent question for me. Namely is the flex worth it, and how much less durable is it.

I am also curious how difficult is it to swap the fittings yourself? Just cut the hoses and fit a new one? Power cable might be different?

You can change heads fairly easy. Power cord has a threaded connection.

Here's a link to the only swedish CK dealer I have found that offer torches. No webshop so no pricing without contacting them.

http://www.svetscenter.com/category/32- ... dwide.aspx

Those flex heads are pretty durable. Even if all you do is bench work it's so nice to be able to tweek the head angle to match where your able to rest your hands. Takes a lot of stress off your hands and wrist. I do position stuff a lot and I'm constantly bending mine around no troubles.

Well I completely disregarded what I said about keeping down the amount of consumables....

Basically this water cooler project looks like it can take a long time to come to fruition, might not even have time to start it until next winter / autumn. Spring is here in a month (in Finland) and with that I expect to be busy with other projects around the house and garden for basically the whole season. So I went with a CK17 flex head torch. I am pretty sure it will do me fine for a good long while. I can put off a purchase of a 20 into the future sometime...

DennisCA wrote:Well I completely disregarded what I said about keeping down the amount of consumables....

Basically this water cooler project looks like it can take a long time to come to fruition, might not even have time to start it until next winter / autumn. Spring is here in a month (in Finland) and with that I expect to be busy with other projects around the house and garden for basically the whole season. So I went with a CK17 flex head torch. I am pretty sure it will do me fine for a good long while. I can put off a purchase of a 20 into the future sometime...

Not if you get a chance to try a 230FL!! and superflex hoses.

I have a 17 flex I use as a disposable average in my work truck. I use it till it burns up and and have another one ready to take its place. It appears to be a good middle point between eficiantcy and cost effective use.