Anyone recognise this torch?

[Paul G]

Hi.

My WP20 (water cooled) TIG torch doesn't stay as cold as it used to.
I suspect that the copper braid inside the power lead is getting corroded and not letting as much water pass through as it used to.

I really like the torch, especially the rocker switch. For low amps I can hold the torch near the head and use the front of the switch
and when the heats turned up use the rear and hold the torch further down.
This has the added bonus of no clips or cable ties to catch and it just feels nice to use.

If I replace it I'd like the same again, trouble is I don't know what make it is, and it was 4 or 5 years ago when I tossed the box in the bin.

Anyone recognise it, or recognise the logo?

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[madkayaker]

Going by colour I would say parweld

 

[FranV8]

Paul, this won't help much, but my Starparts WP20 is a nice torch, it's got a moulded outer cover (rubber) so no clips to catch on either. Rtech do them. If you want to see it, either if you're up this way or you wanted me to come over I'd be happy to.

Just realised you like the switch, the Star parts is around button so not so good.

Alternatively a pump with a bit more oomph would probably get it going again, central heating pump?

 

[FranV8]

Option 4 - I bet that trigger and casing could be fitted around another torch assembly.

 

[Paul G]

Fran, your a genius.

After a slowwwwwww google I came up with a Starparts wp9 on ebay,
which isn't what I want.......

but just look at the pic on the box.

Compare with the pic of mine on the bench. Magic!

Now to find someone that sells them.

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[Piero]

Why dont you just replace whats needed????
Be it a power lead. Or a water hose.
Just take it apart
Worst you can do is wreck it but you are intending on buying a new one anyway.

I am saying take it apart first.
Chances are it will be cheaper to fix

 

[Shox Dr]

Any head should fit in there. Take it apart and have a look as looking at the outside shows nothing

 

[julieanncharters]

for a bit extra you could replace it with a flexi head summit i can't live without.

 

[FranV8]

Nice one Paul!

My Starparts one did come from Rtech, so looks like they deal with them. It's a WP20, but doesn't have as nice as handle as yours, and connects gas, power and water via 3 x 3/8" (I think) female fittings.

Only saying as they clearly do different versions of the WP20 and it'd be worth making sureyyou're not going to end up disappointed.

I did find this:
http://www.trade-equip.co.uk/blog/?p=979

They have a catalogue half way down for the Starparts range, might be able to get the exact part number there.

Good luck!

 

[matt1978]

WP 20 relates to the size and amperage rating of the head. So the handle does and can vary from make to make but the head will remain the same size where ever you get it from.

Ultimately they are all copies of the original Weldcraft design WP is a name used by them. Bit like MB was for Binzel mig guns.

So a star parts, SWP, WWS, Parweld etc will all offer a version.

Parweld do a nice one with a thumb wheel in the handle so you can adjust the current whilst welding from the handle. You have to connect it to the foot remote socket on the machine

Also check the flow rate the cooler is putting out as a fault with the pump or chiller unit could also be the cause of the problem you described

 

[Paul G]

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I'm almost sure that the water unit is ok.
I also have a huge 350a torch that I only use for thick ally jobs and even on 200a ac that stays ice cold.
If I disconnect the water return hose the flow is almost a jet. The flow from the Starparts return is barely a dribble, and hot.

I've spotted on eBay a WP20 power cable from Oxford Welding Supplies that at £25 would be a cheap way of solving my flow problem.
They say, "fits ALL" but as I have seen threads on here about threaded connections I have my doubts.
I have asked the seller what threads the ends are.

Thanks again,
Paul G

 

[Paul G]

Jon from OWS came back with the info so a power cable is now on order.

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[Paul G]

100% success.

New cable now fitted & tested, admittedly only at 120 amps AC, but tested all the same.
The torch stayed so cold it nigh on froze to my hand.

O, and the answer to the question, "how long is a piece of string" is.....


About a metre longer than a power cable.

Cheers,
Paul G