Welding Tips and Tricks

I'm a new TIG welder and just ordered a PowerTIG Everlast 250EX with the water cooler. Unfortunately, the water cooler is on back order and will be over a month before it arrives. Can anyone suggest a good air torch to use with this TIG welder. My main focus (for now) is to weld 16 to 22 gauge Stainless Steel for Maple Syrup equipment. I would like to get started learning with this welder right away so I feel my only option is to order an air torch. I'm guessing, through hours of searching and learning online, that the C/K style torch is one of the better ones on the market. I'm thinking I might order one of these in the water cool version as well (later on). Any thoughts on what I should do for the air torch and what I would need to get a good start? A TIG Finger is most definitely on the list!

You nailed it. CK.

Check this out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THu4aSj46bc

Wish I knew about that before I bought my CK-17 Flex. Works darn well. Been maxed out on my 250EX with the stock torch and a 300lph pump from a pet store and no issues.

be careful if you use that video Demented put up... you'll burn out your expensive torch if something were to happen. if its the Everalast torch go for it but i never recommend doing that with a CK torch just wait for cooler or get an air cooled torch they are cheap enough.

WeldingJunkie wrote:be careful if you use that video Demented put up... you'll burn out your expensive torch if something were to happen. if its the Everalast torch go for it but i never recommend doing that with a CK torch just wait for cooler or get an air cooled torch they are cheap enough.

Same goes for a proper water cooler. Always best to make sure everything is working and if a water-cooled torch starts to feel a bit toasty, stop and check what the problem is.

This is just a temp thing until a "proper" water cooler is obtained. Cheaper than an air-cooled torch.

Thanks everyone. Everlast supports there equipment well. I emailed them about my situation and they offered to send me a free #26 air cooled torch. I called them and asked if I could pay the difference to get the #17 flex head torch and they charged me $50 for the upgrade (the torch is sold for $129 on their website). I have the new torch coming. I will only be welding light gage materials for now and once the water cooler comes, I'll be ordering the #20 CK torch.

CJones wrote:Thanks everyone. Everlast supports there equipment well. I emailed them about my situation and they offered to send me a free #26 air cooled torch. I called them and asked if I could pay the difference to get the #17 flex head torch and they charged me $50 for the upgrade (the torch is sold for $129 on their website). I have the new torch coming. I will only be welding light gage materials for now and once the water cooler comes, I'll be ordering the #20 CK torch.

Realize that the torch fittings for a 26 versus a 17 on the gas/air hose differs. The 26 is rated for 250 amps, the 17 for 150. Larger hose, larger torch, larger brass fittings (at least on my CK hoses).