Welding Tips and Tricks

Confused on torch type cables, and new to welding as well. The torch #17 that came with the welder has one cable that carries the argon and power to the torch. Another ground separate cable to the work.

I bought a #17 flex head torch, with cable attached, but it has 3 cables bundled together. One the argon, one for the 2T switch in the torch handle, and a ground (guess it is a ground) as it has a large plug and is a heavy wire that goes into the torch. I don't get it. The welder ground goes to the work. I don't even have a place to plug this thing into.

Tempted to either return the flex head with cable or get vary creative with the wire clippers and soldering gun.

HitMissTom,
The short story is you may have purchased a water cooled torch and your machine is air cooled. Return the new torch and purchase one identical to the hook-up on your machine. If it is a water cooled torch, you will not be able to make it work effectively and after a short period of time, you will fry your torch.
-Jonathan

Sounds like you went from a one piece cable to a two piece cable + switch wire.

The two piece cable has separate power and argon.

Tom,

Can you get a handful of pics???

~John

Did you want a remote switch on the torch? If so then it sounds like you have what you wanted but the setup is different (still compatible though). One would be a plug that would replace your pedal, one for the gas and one for the power. Even a water-cooled torch with remote trigger should have 4 total. Gas/power, water in, water out, and torch control. With all that said, so far so good.

I bought a #17 flex head torch, with cable attached, but it has 3 cables bundled together. One the argon, one for the 2T switch in the torch handle, and a ground (guess it is a ground) as it has a large plug and is a heavy wire that goes into the torch. I don't get it. The welder ground goes to the work. I don't even have a place to plug this thing into.

Cables = Argon, power, switch. Now it all depends on what machine you have (tell us) and we'll all know what adapter plug you'll need to hook it up. Not time to send it back just yet.