Welding Tips and Tricks

So, I have read just about every post on the forum, including a couple regarding torch sizes.
I have to say, I thought you guys were full of it, talking about how much better it was using a smaller torch, and the benefits of using a smaller torch if the job and current required fall within torch specifications.
Pfffft, I thought, this 26 size torch that was supplied with my machine and that I am currently using is just fine.
Untill I bit the bullet and bought myself a CK17 FX with SuperFlex cable.
Noooow I see what you were talking about Much more better!

just wait until you try a water-cooled 20 series torch. You'll probably faint.

go one steep farther and try a 20 flex-lock.... no going back
craig

we have 17 air cooled torches at my high school and have mostly water cooled 20 torches. I didn't know what was going on. It just felt so weird having the torch be so big going back to the 17.

Having an air cooled setup at my house, it was a pleasure going from a 17 to a 9 setup. To keep it simple for $110 I just bought a full #9 setup from HTP so I can easily just twist and switch. Most I do automotive piping and turbo stuff. So the majority of the time I'm under 130amps.

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how do you guys get on with amperage on those torches ?
17's are 150 amp torch afaik. how do you get on welding above 150 amps ?

i have two 26 torches. one is unknown brand and its like a sledgehammer to drag around and you almost have to hold it like a hammer. the other is a ck and has a much nicer handle thats easier to use and can hold it like a pencil.

tweake wrote:how do you guys get on with amperage on those torches ?
17's are 150 amp torch afaik. how do you get on welding above 150 amps ?

i have two 26 torches. one is unknown brand and its like a sledgehammer to drag around and you almost have to hold it like a hammer. the other is a ck and has a much nicer handle thats easier to use and can hold it like a pencil.

A water cooled torch is your answer. They are small and NEVER get hot.

tungstendipper wrote:

tweake wrote:how do you guys get on with amperage on those torches ?
17's are 150 amp torch afaik. how do you get on welding above 150 amps ?

i have two 26 torches. one is unknown brand and its like a sledgehammer to drag around and you almost have to hold it like a hammer. the other is a ck and has a much nicer handle thats easier to use and can hold it like a pencil.

A water cooled torch is your answer. They are small and NEVER get hot.

the trouble with that is that just the cooling unit alone costs more than what my welder costs, in fact its close on the price for both welders combined.
edit: quick quick i can find one about the same price as the welder. for basically a pump and radiator thats really expensive.

You can weld above 150 amps with a 17. You just need to gauge the heat. If it’s too hot to hold with a thin tig glove then it’s time to let it cool. I’ve melted down several 17’s welding less than 150 amps but doing long runs.

Joe,
I have a couple of tig machines, a Lincoln Squarewave Tig 200 and an Everlast PowerTig 250EX. I have changed torches on both machines as I like to kind of modify stuff to my liking. I had an oem original size 17 torch on the 200 but changed to a WeldTec WTS-17 "Stubby" tig torch which has been really good for me. I am running a Furick #8 glass cup on that as well, does good all around welds (small, flexible hose, short head). First saw Jody Collier using one in a video he did.
On the Everlast I lost the big blue European style torch for a Weldcraft WP20 which is nice and small as well. I know that CK makes a cornecopia of torches but have just never tried or owned one. I am a fan of small torches but of course do not weld in the world of high amperage above 250 so my torches can be small. I believe the world of high amp tig welding requires the use of a torch the size of a small club, not comfortable I would assume?

Brad

Bradk wrote:I believe the world of high amp tig welding requires the use of a torch the size of a small club, not comfortable I would assume?

Brad

Or more creative solutions to draw the heat out of the torch lines.

Oscar wrote:

Bradk wrote:I believe the world of high amp tig welding requires the use of a torch the size of a small club, not comfortable I would assume?

Brad

Or more creative solutions to draw the heat out of the torch lines.

Every shop I worked in with 350 / 351 Syncrowaves, Squarewave TIG 355's, et al, always used WP 20 style torches and never melted any. We were not doing long runs of high amp, thick plate fabrication, continuous high amp casting repairs / build-ups, but there were occasions when the machines were maxed out with straight argon, and in all of those instances , we went to 100% helium to achieve the required result.

And this was in the pre-Superflex hose era. These days, there is the 320 A torch option ( CK, Speedway ) that uses 20 series consumables and is only a little larger that a 20. The bottom line is that for the hobbyist or motor sport usage, a 20 will deliver the goods without the club PITA.