2/4 torch latching???

[Inkedkitch]

Hi there I'm a newbie on here, I finally got rid of my hobby welder and am buying a bigger single phase unit, I've been looking at a few with little extras on them like spot timer, burn back etc and I've come across 2/4 torch latching option!

Can anyone tell me what this is? I've not heard of it before!

Many thanks
Simon

 

[knoba]

Hello Inkedkitch, welcome to the forum!

I've only heard of 2/4 latching as a term used for TIG welding machines (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm behind the times).

Where the TIG machine has 2 latching options on its torch trigger;

"2 latching" :-

• First press on the torch button initiates pre gas shield & then (after a pre-set delay) initiates the arc.
• Second press on the torch button stops the arc & cancels the post gas shield (after a pre-set delay).

"4 latching" :-

• First press on the torch button initiates pre gas shield.
• Second press on the torch button initiates the arc.
• Third press on the torch button stops the arc.
• Forth press on the torch button cancels the post gas shield.

What MIG welder were you thinking of buying?

 

[Inkedkitch]

I have been looking at a few but this one has the torch latching thing, here is the spec


Cemont BLUMIG 241C 240amp MIG Welder
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Heavy duty single phase compact MIG/MAG machine, with 4 roll industrial feed system. Features include Electronic Auto Adjust for ease of set up, 2/4 torch latching, large robust casing, burn back and slope up control. Ideal for production heavy maintenance and fabrication. 230 volt Input, 20 amp, Welding Current Range 40 - 240amps, 8 Welding Steps, Wire Sizes 0.6 -1.0mm
240 volt single phase

http://www.gwe-ltd.com/www.gwe-ltd.coms/info.php?p=2&cat=124973

I have heard of it on tig welders too but never looked into it!

Regards
Simon


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[pedrobedro]

Torch latching is available on higher spec migs. On the ones I've used you press and hold the trigger for 2T mode as normal and 4T you press and release to start then press and release to stop, gas taken care of by the machine settings and that was a Murex. I could only really see any benefit for it if you were building something needing yards of weld at a time.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I have it on my Portamig. It's handy for doing long runs and also if you need to manipulate the torch during an awkward run as you haven't got to hold the trigger so less stop/starts.
Easy to forget you've got it on and end up with a foot of wire sticking out of the torch though.

 

[Inkedkitch]

Thanks for the quick replys guys. Much apreciated !

Regards
Simon