How standardized are TIG torch parts?

[DennisCA]

I am refering to things such as cups and gas lenses and whatnot. I have no idea what is compatible is what. Is it like a very proprietary situation where most manufactures are only compatible with stuff that is made specifically for them?

Or are parts greatly standardized so you can fit parts between torches of different brands?

I read some mentions on TIG torches and something called the big and small linde system on a swedish forum once, made it sounds like there where two standards out there basically, like one for bigger torches and one for smaller torches.

 

[Chris Stevens]

If you have something like a Kemppi or Fronious with OE torch, then you wont get generic parts. All the WP type torches use standardised parts, and makes a good deal of sense to get one of these if you have OE type, and do much TIG welding. I have a Kemppi MLS2300 for instance, and got hold of adapters so I could fit generic WP20 torch.

 

[DennisCA]

Thanks, I found rapid welding lists that some kits are kemppi compatible, that'll help me a lot.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Thanks, I found rapid welding lists that some kits are kemppi compatible, that'll help me a lot.

If you have a Kemppi you simply need the adapters to fit something like a CK, which its easy to get parts for cheaply. I use cheap Chinese front end parts on my CK torches and they seem to work fine.............

 

[DennisCA]

I suppose I'll eventually move to something like a CK17, but this is my first TIG machine so I'll run with what comes with it for now, I might as well get used to using a torch trigger and no pedal from the get go.

 

[Chris Stevens]

If its DC machine then torch trigger no real problem, but not great to weld aluminium without pedal.

 

[Richard.]

My old TTC 250 kemppi watercooled torch was standard front end parts and back caps. No adaprors. Fronius are there own.

 

[DennisCA]

It's a DC machine I've bought, 300 amps capacity, it's one of the ones in this picture:

I am not sure which one they will give me, told them to pick out a good one and they will test it before shipping it to me. But I assume it's representative. Looks like a kemppi TIG torch and a remote control.

The torch head looks like it's on a ball joint so it might be adjustable.

 

[Richard.]

That kemppi torch takes wp17/wp26 parts and I can see from the back end its a water cooled torch so it's probably identical to my old TTC250.
I would look at the Ck stubby range personally. Pricey yes but cheaper than buying nasty ones that don't last.
If your feeling flush it would be worth selling that torch and getting a speedway sw320. These are smaller lighter and 320 amps at 100% on DC. I got one for mine. @Jim Davey built it for me to plug straight in as they require an adaptor to work with the machine.

 

[DennisCA]

I don't think this machine comes with a water cooling unit so if they deliver it with a water cooled torch that'll be interesting...

 

[Richard.]

Well I hope it dose. If you intend to use anywhere near 300 amps you are gonna need one. Other wise you may as well just buy a single phase 200 amp job.
That torch is definitely W/C. I can see blue and red lines.

 

[DennisCA]

I don't have any plans to max out this machine. I will probably be using it at 150A and below 99% of the time I think.

3-phase is not a problem, everyone in Finland has 3-phase in their home. I wouldn't want 1-phase unless it was all I could get my hands on.

This machine is pretty overkill for 99% of my welding but I like overkill and at this price I haven't found anything better or more suitable for my purposes.

 

[DennisCA]

Asked them about the torch and they said the machine I was getting had an air cooled torch (new), remote control and regulator. I'll probably not need the regulator since air liquide bottles come with one built in. But I can perhaps sell it on.

 

[Richard.]

Asked them about the torch and they said the machine I was getting had an air cooled torch (new), remote control and regulator. I'll probably not need the regulator since air liquide bottles come with one built in. But I can perhaps sell it on.

Sounds just the ticket

 

[Shox Dr]

3-phase is not a problem, everyone in Finland has 3-phase in their home.

Lucky. why is that.

 

[DennisCA]

Lucky. why is that.

Just the standard here for running anything that requires a lot of power. Stovetops in kitchens, electric elements, most construction space heaters you can buy here are 3ph. The heatpump in my house is 3ph driven, almost all my stationary tools in my workshop too.

 

[Farside]

Just the standard here for running anything that requires a lot of power. Stovetops in kitchens, electric elements, most construction space heaters you can buy here are 3ph. The heatpump in my house is 3ph driven, almost all my stationary tools in my workshop too.

Jeez, I wish it was like that here. So much great 3ph kit for cheap. Of course, if every home had 3ph, the kit wouldn't be as cheap any more...

 

[DennisCA]

Got the welder now and had a look at it. I had it delivered to my parents since I am not at home during the day and it came by truck. The torch that comes with is an air cooled 130 amp torch. The red hose is the gas connection to the regulator. A pretty small torch, but it has a flex head, still feels like a fat torch with the grip design however. Does feel a bit clumsy but I didn't really try it out that much. I asked CK worldwide about torch compatibility and they said the AK-1 parts kit for CK9 torches will fit a kemppi 130, I assume that also means other stuff for a #9 or #20 torch fits the TTC/TTK 130.

 

[Richard.]

The kemppi TTC 130 will be compatible with all wp9/wp20 consumables.
A 130 amp torch is a waste of time on a unit like that. You would open so many more doors getting a cheap water cooler and using that power when needed.

 

[DennisCA]

Eventually that might be the way I go yeah, but I'm just starting out. Good enough for now