Does anyone prefer euro-style handles?

[DennisCA]

I've been made aware of the difference between US style and euro style TIG torches (thicker, modled handles with switches integrated) and been investigating and so far, I haven't found a single person who seems to like the euro style torches over US style torches (simple round bodied torches like CK17s).

So I'm wondering, anyone who have tried both, actually prefer the euro style?

 

[HughF]

used both, dislike the euro style a lot

 

[langy]

Yeah euro torch to clumsy

 

[DennisCA]

Do you guys use the pedal or have the trigger on the torch?

 

[Richard.]

Slim torch bodies are better all round.
I have a clip on switch on mine.
Again this is better than a switch built into the handle so I can put it where I want it rather than be stuck with where it is.

 

[langy]

Do you guys use the pedal or have the trigger on the torch?

Pedal for me, use it for everything, so much easier

 

[HughF]

Pedal on my wp20 on the bench machine (mostly aluminium work)... torch switch on a wp26 flexhead on the engine drive which does a lot of my dc work.

 

[norlander]

WP 9 Euro torch with switch for all steels, round handled CK and pedal for ali.
Both with flexheads.
Prefer Euro style with switch to round with switch.
But both my wrists have been fractured in several places (but I don't go to those places anymore-thought I'd get that one in before the snooper does))

 

[Chris Stevens]

Euro torch pretty awful.............used to have 2 both gone now. If you dont have one getting a pedal would be a very good idea especially if you are a newcomer to TIG.

 

[Shox Dr]

I've used both, I dont like the crappy switches used on tube bodied torches. Trigger never stays put, so you waste time faffin with that.

I've used nothing but a Kemppi TTC 200W with WP20 fixed head for the last 9yrs.


I hated to start with, but soon got on with it. The two lugs on the bottom can move to suit the user.

 

[norlander]

I've used nothing but a Kemppi TTC 200W with WP20 fixed head for the last 9yrs.

Most blokes over here use Fixed head WP26 Binzels, never seen anyone using a pedal. Quite a few hold the torch chipping hammer style, not pen grip.
Some have remotes on the torch -thumbwheel,or some have a seperate remote, never seen that in use though.
Not sure if its universal but my Gys has 4T LOG for ali and possible use for stainless ?

I hated to start with, but soon got on with it. The two lugs on the bottom can move to suit the user.

I kept using my WP26 until I got ok results with it , but then took a chance on a Parweld WP9F. Well pleased.

Our foreman boss only allowed full insulated rod holders for MMA, no stingers, no head shields. Learn the hardway as he said.

Same thing when I joined the mob, train hard fight easy.

 

[Richard.]

Trigger never stays put, so you waste time faffin with that.

Never found it a problem myself.
Good ones stay put.
Much prefer them to built in type personally. I like to put it where I want it on the handle.

 

[HughF]

I like a movable switch, often have it on the side so I can use my thumb on it when in chipping hammer mode.

 

[Richard.]

I like a movable switch, often have it on the side so I can use my thumb on it when in chipping hammer mode.

That's exactly how I have mine to one side.

 

[Ali]

Are all these pencil type torches water cooled?

I've been experimenting with gripping my euro style WP9 at the neck, pencil grip style and finding it much better for control despite the bulk. Has a flex head which seems to rotate ok so just turn it round depending on where I want the switch.

 

[Ali]

I was messing around last night, setting up a little job where I'm basically welding a nut to the end of a bar I've cut a thread on because I need the practise and couldn't find a suitable bolt to fix the pram wheel which has fallen off. Anyway, I found this position super comfortable, lots more control than I usually have. It's a WP9 euro torch with flex neck (obviously). Thought it was worth posting here.

 

[Ali]

N.B. My wrist is resting on something.

 

[Miggy89]

thats similar to how i ended up holding my wp17 alot more comfortable but still a bit bulky & not easy to get into tight spots, iv just changed up to a ck17 soooo much better in every way

 

[Richard.]

I was messing around last night, setting up a little job where I'm basically welding a nut to the end of a bar I've cut a thread on because I need the practise and couldn't find a suitable bolt to fix the pram wheel which has fallen off. Anyway, I found this position super comfortable, lots more control than I usually have. It's a WP9 euro torch with flex neck (obviously). Thought it was worth posting here.
View attachment 90832

Little tip Ali. If you keep bending that torch neck that far mate you'll be replacing it very soon.
30° angle as infrequently as possible is really there limit on flex necks. Ck claim 40 degrees but I can tell you now I've bust enough of them and in reality they don't last when bent about like that.

 

[DennisCA]

Maybe that's why the guys I talked to said to replace the head with a kemppi swivel one... I think they are less likely to break as it's some kind of ball joint rather than a flexible neck. Still think I would rather have a CK17 too.