new torch recommed plz

[Piero]

Hi guys
I own a BOC Transmig 140
I fancy treating my self to a new torch
Its a euro fit. And does not need to be heavy duty as the welder is only 140 amps

I do however want a quality torch.

What should I be looking out for.

What would the difference be between a quality torch and a run off the mill torch.

By all means name a few for me please

 

[langy]

I got the Parweld deluxe jobbie from weld quip on here and it's excellent

 

[Jim Davey]

Anything from Parweld, Binzel, Trafimet, Starparts etc will be fine. Mig torches are mig torches for the most part, especially in the 150 amp range. I find there is more variance in quality when it comes to tig torches.

 

[weldequip]

The first 3 that you mention are the only one's that actually design & develop welding torches, all the rest are just generic copies sourced from the cheapest factories they can find! They do vary widely too in my experience; tip adaptors shearing off when you try & unscrew from the threads, cable assemblies not crimped properly, stiff cable assemblies, dodgy micro-switches etc.

 

[Jim Davey]

Oh I agree, but the basic 150 amp mig gun hasn't changed much in the last 20 years.
I prefer blade switches to micros as they are cheaper and can be cleaned up in a pinch. I have had trouble however with the Parweld blade switches snapping off the post that holds the spring and brass washer, maybe it's because the trigger button itself is quite deep allowing too much side load if the torch is put down wrong. But nice soft flexible cables, especially compared to Binzel which seem hard as nails for the first few weeks.

 

[weldequip]

the basic 150 amp mig gun hasn't changed much in the last 20 years.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one then! 20 years ago they were orrible, hard plastic Bakelite style handles with stiff, numb power cables. Now they're fancy pants lightweight plastics, with 'ergonomics' built in and nice, flexible cables. The decent one's anyway. Twice todays prices then aswell!

 

[Welderpaul]

Genuine Binzel torches are good, we have very little/no trouble with them and they stand up to daily life in a fab shop.

 

[stef1]

Its a genuine Binzel torch for me, I like how it feels and the cable isn't really stiff either like some. Will be buying a longer Binzel shortly

 

[Piero]

Some of the cheaper binzel torches are not made in Germany.

How can you tell with out asking the seller

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Another vote for the dearer parweld ones weldequip sell as that's what I bought when my old parweld broke.

Dan

 

[Robotstar5]

Used Binzel on the production welders at work, they lasted really well considering the abuse they got from the "tackers", a few pics in my gallery.
Spares prices were better than the Murex ones used previously too.

 

[Jim Davey]

I always liked the Bernard stuff, lasted forever, and the power cables were serviceable on some of the torches, so you could shorten them if they got the end cut off by a stray RSJ dropping on it etc.