C
Chris Stevens
Guest
Best and most adaptable tig torch available is CK Flex Loc:
This will easily do jobs which are difficult/impossible with a conventional torch, and no problem with necks breaking as flexy neck ones.
- Thread starter DennisCA
- Start date
Best and most adaptable tig torch available is CK Flex Loc:
This will easily do jobs which are difficult/impossible with a conventional torch, and no problem with necks breaking as flexy neck ones.
Richard.
Member
- Messages
- 18,344
- Location
- Cambridgeshire
I would prefer the CK too. Just worth noting that flex necks don't like been over flexed.
C
Chris Stevens
Guest
I get the feeling the flex neck torches were never intended to be moved on a regular basis, maybe more likely to be bent into a particular shape for one particular job which is done everyday?
DennisCA
Member
- Messages
- 2,014
- Location
- Finland
Seems alot like the kemppi system, except with the slim CK handle.
C
Chris Stevens
Guest
It works very well, and is worthwhile getting if you need a new torch...............watercooling needs to come first though.
C
Chris Stevens
Guest
You would find that much smaller water-cooled torch is far nicer and easier to use. My Tig was air cooled for many years, and making a cooler and getting a water-cooled was a really big improvement.
Richard.
Member
- Messages
- 18,344
- Location
- Cambridgeshire
I agree with Chris. You don't need to be reaching big current levels to see the benefits.
Smaller torch sizes, torch parts last waaaaaaaaaay Longer and the torch it self stays cooler and more comfortable to handle for longer.
Gas flow is also more effective through a cooler cup than one that's smoking hot.
Each to there own but I'd never go back to gas cooling now. Even at low currents it's just better in every way.
Smaller torch sizes, torch parts last waaaaaaaaaay Longer and the torch it self stays cooler and more comfortable to handle for longer.
Gas flow is also more effective through a cooler cup than one that's smoking hot.
Each to there own but I'd never go back to gas cooling now. Even at low currents it's just better in every way.
Shox Dr
Chief Engineer to Carlos Fandango
- Messages
- 18,008
- Location
- East Yorkshire
Totally agree. Wouldn't go back to air cooled or a bigger head. WP20 everyday.
Only downside is a fixed head, I know Kemppi make a water cooled flex head but I've been told its more or less a bent it to what you want and leave it there. Maybe they are intended for fixed rotary positioner work?
I used to use a WP26 flexhead when I first learnt to TIG, they do bend and will do so for a fair length of time, I've used one 40hrs+ a week, they would last around 3-4months with constant mild adjustment, however if you didn't use the torch first to heat the head up, it wouldn't last long, or over bend it.
They are just a tight coil of copper wire, so getting the head hot, slows the effects of work hardening, which ultimately will be its demise.
Can the flexloc be purchased just as a head unit?
Only downside is a fixed head, I know Kemppi make a water cooled flex head but I've been told its more or less a bent it to what you want and leave it there. Maybe they are intended for fixed rotary positioner work?
I used to use a WP26 flexhead when I first learnt to TIG, they do bend and will do so for a fair length of time, I've used one 40hrs+ a week, they would last around 3-4months with constant mild adjustment, however if you didn't use the torch first to heat the head up, it wouldn't last long, or over bend it.
They are just a tight coil of copper wire, so getting the head hot, slows the effects of work hardening, which ultimately will be its demise.
Can the flexloc be purchased just as a head unit?
Richard.
Member
- Messages
- 18,344
- Location
- Cambridgeshire
I have used a number of water cooled flex head torches and they seem to bend ok and come back fine. I've also broke a lot of them when they have reached there bending limits either by the amount of bends or the amount it's bended at. I don't like them now and found a ridged neck gets everywhere I need with minimum of fuss. There are cases where it's slightly more comfortable to have a bend in the neck but it's just a case of learning to adapt and prop slightly differently. Flex necks become floppy over time which is a usual sign it doesn't have long to go. If it's a must to use a flex neck then the flex loc is probably a better option as they don't have limits or get floppy but my personal experience with flex loc is I don't like the abnormal shapes/angles/off sided head and rather stick to conventional tig torch with rigid neck.
C
Chris Stevens
Guest
Have a look at Jody video on Flex Loc..............I would never go back to fixed head torch now!
DennisCA
Member
- Messages
- 2,014
- Location
- Finland
I don't doubt this, but it just feels wrong to go out and spend money (I don't have) on something I've just started with. Like you said you welded for years before going to a water cooled, probability says I will likely go the same way. I mean I am good at fidnign deals and looking for used stuff cheap, but it's not something I can count on.
I'm keeping my eyes out for something used and cheap though.
Cheapest upgrade for me is probably just a swivel head for my current kemppi torch which would allow me to go up in amps and also get something like a flex loc. But I need to learn to not dip the electrode every other second now.
Jim Davey
R H Davey Welding Supplies Ltd
- Messages
- 5,736
- Location
- Southampton
Most people won't splurge on good gear until they have struggled a few years with something not so suitable and learned the hard way.
A cheap 20 style torch can be picked up for peanuts used. And coolers aren't mega money either second hand.
A cheap 20 style torch can be picked up for peanuts used. And coolers aren't mega money either second hand.
C
Chris Stevens
Guest
Cooler and WP20 are perhaps the 2 most useful things for any beginner to get hold of. Was watching a beginner struggle with a 26 last night, and he would have found things a great deal easier with cooler and 20.
Sparkey
Bouncing along!
- Messages
- 5,156
- Location
- France
wow now that is what they call welding porn.....
i wish i could TIG weld like that...I guess that flex loc torch is quite expensive?
Jim Davey
R H Davey Welding Supplies Ltd
- Messages
- 5,736
- Location
- Southampton
It's what I would call good value for money.
Yes it costs more than a generic torch but the usefulness and the quality of materials means you get a longer lasting more productive tool enabling you to work faster, more comfortably and therefore longer between stops (unless you want to that is)
Reducing operator fatigue is a big step towards increasing productivity. And if you are comfortable and not straining your wrist arm or back to get the torch into a workable angle to the joint you'll be doing neater seams too.
Win win.
But yes, they are more expensive than a bog standard TIG torch.
Yes it costs more than a generic torch but the usefulness and the quality of materials means you get a longer lasting more productive tool enabling you to work faster, more comfortably and therefore longer between stops (unless you want to that is)
Reducing operator fatigue is a big step towards increasing productivity. And if you are comfortable and not straining your wrist arm or back to get the torch into a workable angle to the joint you'll be doing neater seams too.
Win win.
But yes, they are more expensive than a bog standard TIG torch.
Sparkey
Bouncing along!
- Messages
- 5,156
- Location
- France
Yes i'm a production welder myself and i think i know a lot about operator fatigue and straining your wrist allready...
what's the pricetag on that torch then?
Jim Davey
R H Davey Welding Supplies Ltd
- Messages
- 5,736
- Location
- Southampton
About £140 ish, but that's bare torch, pvc leads, 3/8 fittings, no switch. If you want silicone braided superflex cables, sheath, switch, special fittings to suit individual sets, dinze/water adaptors, control plug etc. then price varies dependant on spec.
Richard.
Member
- Messages
- 18,344
- Location
- Cambridgeshire
If your going to splash out on flex loc I'd probably be looking at the ihead from weldtec. Weldtec torches are a cut above CK imho
From owning all 3 of those top torches I'd put weldtec at the top weldcraft probably 2nd in line CK would be last. Don't get me wrong all 3 are very good but the quality and general feel of weldtec seems to me to be less "plasticy" and more likely to out last the others.
From owning all 3 of those top torches I'd put weldtec at the top weldcraft probably 2nd in line CK would be last. Don't get me wrong all 3 are very good but the quality and general feel of weldtec seems to me to be less "plasticy" and more likely to out last the others.
