New tig torch options

[chris-law]

Hi all

I'm looking to buy a better tig torch for my tech arc 206i ac/doc tig , I was looking at something with amp control on the torch but maybe this is not such a great idea , anyhow the original wp26 was very clumsy but got me by , I'd like something that I can tackle thin alloy with and have been thinking of a wp9 or 17 or the water cooled equivalent .
The CK torches seem to be well regarded , but what about the parweld pro-grip , what would you guys recommend .

 

[hotrodder]

Much of it is personal preference IMO. Personally i hate 'ergonomic grip' torches, i want a good old fashioned type with a plain round handle so the switch can be clipped on wherever i need it instead of being semi forced to hold the thing certain ways. Next thing on the list is nice flexible cables, CK aren't the only ones that have them but are one of the best known as they're the only ones that shout about it

If you're prepared to buy/make a water cooler then a wp20 (watercooled wp9) type is a no brainer, nice small torch that'll also do 200A AC.
A wp18 is the watercooled version of a 17 and overkill for a 200A machine

It's been ages since i've done any ally with an aircooled set up but my memory of it is that any small aircooled torch quickly gets toasty. A wp17 isn't that much smaller than a 26 as they share the same collets/ceramics etc. This is where a bunch of the smallness comes from with a wp9/20, the collets, collet body and ceramics are a chunk smaller/shorter.
If you want to stay aircooled then there are a couple of modular torches about which let you swap the head to a different size one and pivot it about to various different angles. CK call theirs 'flexlock', 'I-head' is another brand

 

[chris-law]

Thanks for the reply hotrodder, I jumped the gun a bit and ordered a parweld wp 20 progrip just in case I ever need the extra amps ,I also have an offer in on a water cooler too , or I'll make my own up .

 

[chris-law]

Well I got the water cooler for £130 , so happy days

 

[cr500dom]

Bargain !!

 

[zzr1200]

Well I got the water cooler for £130 , so happy days

I'm Jealous, also looking for a cheap water cooler here........

 

[Robotstar5]

I'm Jealous, also looking for a cheap water cooler here........

I've got a Parweld cooler in the shed somewhere, will have to dig it and see if it still works.

 

[chris-law]

I would have built one but it's hardly worth the time for that money , I did however end up spending a small fortune on a wp20 flexihead and the fittings for the cooler .

 

[Shox Dr]

Make sure the cover is flexible, makes a big difference, I've a 5mtr rubber sleeved lead on my Kemppi, and it weighs a ton, so I cut the first 2mtrs off it and fitted a Zipped Woven cover, allows the hoses to move more freely as well

 

[zzr1200]

I've got a Parweld cooler in the shed somewhere, will have to dig it and see if it still works.

I would be interested if your thinking of selling it, even if it doesn't work out of the shed, so to speak...

 

[Robotstar5]

I would be interested if your thinking of selling it, even if it doesn't work out of the shed, so to speak...

I'll let you know when I find it.

 

[cr500dom]

Oh Bu99er too late on that...... Robotstar5, I`d be interested if for some reason zzr1200 doesn't take it ?