damage gas pipe TIG welder

[Paul-n]

Hi all

In fumbling when putting the TIG torch in it's stand I grazed the Argon pipe that leaves the welder before it enters the sleeving with the tungsten.

The welder is a RTech 160 and the damage is to far from the welder to just shorten it , it is also now out of warranty.

At the moment it is not a hole and I have wrapped it with electricians tape , however that is not a long term solution.

So :-
Is it easy to buy & replace the pipe ?
Or could I cut the pipe and add a quick release ?

or are there options ?

regards Paul

 

[chevy2]

Simply buy a new hose,
Depending on the length they're about 20-30 quid on ebay

 

[pedrobedro]

Warranty doesn't cover clumsiness anyway If it doesn't leak and nothing is exposed just carry on using it. Insulting tape is classed as a permanent repair in any circumstances, amalgamating tape is even better if you have any

 

[Paul-n]

Hi there

What I meant was I can take it apart without voiding the warranty as there is non left to void.

Ah amalgamating tape , that brings back memories of being an apprentice for some large nameless telephone company........

regards Paul

 

[Paul-n]

Simply buy a new hose,
Depending on the length they're about 20-30 quid on ebay

First place I looked but did not see any , mine says on it

Poly Vinyl Chloride Tube 5x8mm

Also could not see it listed on RTech site or Welding Torchparts site ?

regards Paul

 

[chevy2]

Your hose should simply have the large brass 3/8" bsp nut that connects at the welder end and the other end is typically secured inside the torch body with two brass nuts approx 1/2".
One like this may work?
http://*******/17wWvpb
or might be the time to upgrade to a better torch

 

[Paul-n]

or might be the time to upgrade to a better torch

Hi all

Thanks for your comments.

I am now retired & a hobbyist welder I use my TIG for building bicycles no real ambition to tackle anything else and apart from a 10 week night class I have had no training.

What would I gain by buying a better torch ?

What is considered a better torch ?

Sorry for the questions , however without this forum I would have no contact at all with other welders especially as my machine is TIG.

A little story I asked an old friend who works for an engineering firm about welding metal as thin as 1.5mm , he said the welders where he works won't weld below 3mm and expect to weld in 3mm and grind it down to 1.5mm !

He said if I could weld 1.5mm he could get me a job their !

all for now Paul

 

[chevy2]

Depending on what work you do if mostly lightweight i'd certainly consider going down in size to a wp9 style torch and maybe do a patch repair on the large wp26 that came with the welder and keep it for h/duty larger jobs as it'll handle the higher amperage for longer without overheating the torch AND your hands,

The wp9 style torch uses different collet parts and ceramics but believe me you will appreciate the difference with the smaller torch of how much more versatile they are,

If you're flushed for cash the CK superflex hosed torch is so lightweight and flexible it feels like its barely connected to the welder compared to other torches.

 

[Paul-n]

Hi

No the torch is the WP17.

nothing heavier than 3mm , well so far.

Paul