Euro torch 3m vs 4m

[themininut]

Is there any difference in performance of the 3m and 4m euro torches other than the obvious length advantage?

M.

 

[rtbcomp]

More friction in the longer torch, could be significant when welding aluminium.

Also if the welder & workpiece are close together you can keep the shorter torch straighter, reducing drag and so improving wire feed.

 

[malcolm]

On top of what rtbcomp suggested, do you need a 4m torch? I started out with a 4m torch and hated it. I like the welder close by so I can tweak it, and could never get the 4m torch to sit in a smooth run. I changed it for a 3m torch.

 

[mike os]

matter of preference I think

Personally I like a 4m torch so I spend less time moving work or welder to reach everywhere, after all once you are set up you should not need to change the settings that often (on a per job basis)

 

[themininut]

thanks guys, was thinking of getting the 4m with the portamig straight off but will stick with the 3m for now see how it goes.

M.

 

[shenion]

Longer torches are more sensitive to the liner size. I have 4m and 5m torches.

My 4m torch needs a 0.6 or 0.8mm liner for 0.6mm wire. Using a 0.9 or 1.1 liner, the wire becomes a long spring and does not feed as smoothly. You can actually push/pull almost an inch of wire in/out at the tip.

A smaller liner works much better. I now have 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2mm liners.

I never had any problems on the short torch on my Clarke

Aluminum was also difficult on my 4m.

 

[Hitch]

Depends on your machine, if its a hobby machine, i would stick with a shorter one, poor feeder mechanisms will struggle to push it through if you have bends in the torch.

 

[Luke]

I've a 4m on my Portamig, I love it, it works very well.

The advantage when welding on/around vehicles is significant, in my opinion.

At the bench, I just drop it in a loop behind me, that seems to work fine.

I found 3m too long for ali, I ended up chopping down a broken torch to about 1.75M.

 

[astro_al]

I would go with the longer one. I hate having to move the welder all the time. Just keep it untangled and it'll be fine.

Al.