Tig torch question?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: san diego, ca
Tig torch question? I have a weldcraft wp-17 aircooled torch i was wondering what other torch is good i want to up grade i am going to start welding my roll cage and i want to get a flexible one and a little bit smaller too?
I have a water cooled 20 series and I think they are similar in size to th wp-9. And smaller then a 17. Remember to get a short back cap to get more room.
What kind of machine are you running? Lots of people dont use them, but I have always liked gas lens's over regular collet bodies, for me it allows you to use less cfm and get the same or even better coverage of the puddle.
Good luck.
you definitely want a watercooled torch. They are always smaller in size for the same amp. Also it is a good idea to build a relationship with a local welding supply house. You might pay a few more dollar than online but the knowledge is worth it's weight in gold. Trust me
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jul 2007
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I have used the wp9-FL. It is an extendible reach flex head. The extended reach will help you reach some of the tough joints involved in building a roll cage. The flex head is the greatest invention for tig welding since the machines came out. I wouldn't go any smaller than this, because of the amperage you will need to run. I am not sure what wall thickness you are going to use, but these supposedly are only supposed to weld up to 1/4" material. Anything over that and you should be mulitpassing anyways.
Get yourself a 20 series torch with a flex head and short back cap . A water cooled torch is a lot more comfortable especially when your doing out of position welds in cramped areas . Even if you don't have a cooler you can rig something up , some people just run tap water and let it go down the drain . I've also seen some homebuilt coolers that were effective and affordable .
Get yourself a 20 series torch with a flex head and short back cap . A water cooled torch is a lot more comfortable especially when your doing out of position welds in cramped areas . Even if you don't have a cooler you can rig something up , some people just run tap water and let it go down the drain . I've also seen some homebuilt coolers that were effective and affordable .
If he is building 1 cage, no offense he doesnt need a water cooler. If he is going to do this for a living, or even as a hobbyist who does lots of tig welding, by all means go for the cooler. But if he has something like a 160-180 amp machine, he shouldnt waste his money. I tig welded for years with an aircooled torch. Now as a professional weldor I can afford to have almost any tool I need, because I use it every day. Someone building a 6 pt roll bar (which he probably shouldn't do if he isnt very familiar with tig) doesnt need a cooler.
I asked at first what machine he has, to get some background on what his applications will be, but he hasnt replied.
I Hope I dont sound dick-ish, but to the original poster, since you arent familiar with torch sizing, I hope you can weld very well, hate to hear that someone got hurt due to a cage failing.
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I agree with not needing a cooler for those amp levels. For welding .080-.100 wall material you dont need over 130 amps. Even at that, you are not welding long contiguous beads, so the torch and lead have time to cool. I run 75/25 coolant/water in our coolers btw. No problems there.
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Verdad Gallardo I have the same machine.
Good luck, and do lots of practice first....
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: san diego, ca
thanks badd ss for all the input buddy. yeah i never realy weld anything thick it only mostly exhaust work. i mostly weld marine diesel exhaust or little brackets here and there.
I know using tapwater can leave deposits but here where I live the tapwater is pretty good . I recommended the cooler because of the comfort and compactness of the torch . We have 3 Syncowaves and 2 Dynastys ( f'ing awesome btw ) and they all have coolers . I feel that even for a beginner , using quality tools helps lessen the learning curve . You bought a good machine compliment it with a cooler , if you sell it , the setup will be worth more . I've always been a big advocate of using quality tools especially when learning so you can focus on what you're doing . Definitely practice as a bad exhaust weld isn't anywhere as bad as a bad cage weld , but atleast you've had to work in cramped areas . 4130 is a little different than steel or ss , just don't overheat it .
You say that. But everytime I put an ad. online that I am looking to hire a weldor, no one responds. When I redo it and spell welder, they reply. Most weldors I know dont even spell it right.
My bobcat has been messing up lately, so I think it's time to get a whole nice new setup.
Bobcat? Thats a throw away machine.......j/k I have 3 of those for the structural work, and a pipepro on my personal truck. Interested in a trailerblazer pro 350D? Paid $9500, 500 hours will sell for $7,000.
I might be interested, but thats a long way to drive
, maybe if I had a couple cars to transport on the way. Bad SS , the Dynasty 350 is simply awesome ! We bought one and it worked so well another one was purchased a few months later . The presets allow you to set your machine for a variety of materials and thicknesses and access it quickly , it's almost too adjustable , easy to move around the shop , very capable cooler , everything a $7,000 should be . If you can , try one out for an extended "test drive" and I'm confident you'll say "WOW" . I've never favored Miller's but this thing rocks ? I've always had problems with Bobcats , they work for a couple of years and then they're done . The Trailblazer diesel is real nice . We have an older abused unit that works sweet , I just hate the smell .
