Recommendations for a WP20 flex head torch

[Chris Stevens]

For anyone interested in the FL torches, this YT video is pretty informative:

I own 2 of them now, and other than the price cant see any downsides whatsoever.

 

[MattH]

Ironic in it.
Your just getting started with a tig welder something I can use with either hand through years of practice in the same way I'm starting out with a little lathe something you can use to a professional level. Living closer I feel would be a real benefit to us here.

Indeed mate, would seem there's a bit of crossover there. I think you've got the easy end though. There's no real muscle memory involved in turning, just paticience and precision. Far easier to learn imo.

As for the Flex Loc vs Flexhead I've always thought of the Flex Loc (when I've seen pics in the past) as a specialty torch that you'd use to do certain jobs rather than an everyday torch. I'm much more lending towards a standard Flexhead.

 

[MattH]

For anyone interested in the FL torches, this YT video is pretty informative:

I own 2 of them now, and other than the price cant see any downsides whatsoever.

I watched that the other day. Reason I say I'd want to try one first is that I'm still learning torch positioning and constancy. With a Flexhead I could just tweak the included angle between my wrist and the tungsten. With the CK there are multiple possibilities in that relationship, which I think at this stage in my learning would just introduce to many variables.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Flexhead and Flex Loc do pretty much the same thing, but flex head is less reliable long term. To be honest though either is probably overkill for a beginner, unless you need one for a specific job, which is a struggle with fixed torch.

 

[Paul.]

@Paul.
All those intricate parts and variation in jobs that you do on a daily basis, you must have one of these flex loc torches. If not I'd suggest you get one before you come across an "impossible" joint that will bring business to a holt.
Chris I'm not saying they ain't good because some people do like them. But anyone telling me they are essential are talking dribble because they ain't for everyone. Like I said in another post the world would be an awful place if we all liked the same thing.

Never really felt the need for anything other than a standard flex head torch really, In over 40 years I've never come across a joint that I couldn't make with a wp17 or its interlas equivalent.
To me torches are just consumables, I've always got a few in stock and when they break or I melt one its a 2 minute job to replace it, Around £7 from cromwell will get you a flex head that will earn you a living, why pay more for fancy torches.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Please provide a link to flex head torch for £7..................seems a very good deal!

 

[Richard.]

Never really felt the need for anything other than a standard flex head torch really, In over 40 years I've never come across a joint that I couldn't make with a wp17 or its interlas equivalent.
To me torches are just consumables, I've always got a few in stock and when they break or I melt one its a 2 minute job to replace it, Around £7 from cromwell will get you a flex head that will earn you a living, why pay more for fancy torches.

Given that your work is imo the best on the forum I'm very inclined to believe exactly that.
These flex loc torches I can see are appealing and to some people they will find them nice but I've got used to using a standard torch for nearly 20 years. The flex loc as I say to me feels all wrong because it's totally different in the way it approaches. If it could be used in the way of a standard torch too I'd be more up for having a look.

 

[Richard.]

Far easier to learn imo.

Ha. That's easy for you to say you are bloody good at it.
Tig welding is easier than good use of a lathe imo.
But it will be to me!

 

[Paul.]

Please provide a link to flex head torch for £7..................seems a very good deal!

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/wel...rch-spares/wp26-flexi-body-only/p/KEN8856550K

That price is the catalogue price, as an account holder I get a decent discount, especially if buying 6 or so at a time

 

[arthur]

I use a CK flex head, WP20 now with a switch as of late, got sick of dragging the pedal round the bench on a load of DC stuff, oddly I found I prefer the switch by far as its what I used to use some while back and keeps it simple, even on AC. I had become blinded or lazy with the pedal and convicted myself the pedal made life easy, but no. Richard mentioned about switches some weeks back and it got me thinking. I do like the flex head but rarely move it, but the option is there unlike a fixed head torch, funny thing is I have it set where a fixed head would be, maybe tipped slightly back, I do fancy a speedway but mainly as people keep talking about them, CK have done me well and last me forever.

 

[Richard.]

I rarely use my pedal either.
Pretty much on the switch all the time now. Doing lots more DC work and not often sitting down.
I don't have a flex head on my torch it's just a standard firm neck.
Can't say I've ever had to replace a neck on any of mine but I do water cool which makes so much difference to what they can cope with.

 

[Appyasme1]

Might have jumped in 1/2 way through a thread.Do you need an Amphenol plug to switch your machine

 

[MattH]

Might have jumped in 1/2 way through a thread.Do you need an Amphenol plug to switch your machine

Me?

I don't need a switch at all.

 

[Appyasme1]

Me?

I don't need a switch at all.

OK,just a thought.Any help let me know!

 

[Brad93]

I would advise against a flexible rubber neck as they only last for 200 changes, high temperatures reduces that too. Flex loc could be useful but there isnt much you cannot get too with a good gas lens, half inch of stickout or stubby consumables.

 

[Appyasme1]

I would advise against a flexible rubber neck as they only last for 200 changes, high temperatures reduces that too. Flex loc could be useful but there isnt much you cannot get too with a good gas lens, half inch of stickout or stubby consumables.

I can build a torch for you ,you end users know more than me about the needs of welding

 

[Chris Stevens]

I would advise against a flexible rubber neck as they only last for 200 changes, high temperatures reduces that too. Flex loc could be useful but there isnt much you cannot get too with a good gas lens, half inch of stickout or stubby consumables.

Cant see how you would be able to weld a plate inside a box section as on Jody video, using a conventional torch? Be interested to know how to do that sort of job without flexible neck torch?

 

[Chris Stevens]

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/wel...rch-spares/wp26-flexi-body-only/p/KEN8856550K

That price is the catalogue price, as an account holder I get a decent discount, especially if buying 6 or so at a time

I thought you meant complete torch................dohhhhhhhhhhhh. How much is a complete flex head torch and do they have vinyl hoses?

 

[Paul.]

I thought you meant complete torch................dohhhhhhhhhhhh. How much is a complete flex head torch and do they have vinyl hoses?

Take yer pick
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/welding-brazing-and-soldering/tig-torches/kennedy-tig-torches/f/8842

 

[Chris Stevens]

Take yer pick
https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/welding-brazing-and-soldering/tig-torches/kennedy-tig-torches/f/8842

Look very reasonable prices................4meter Flex Loc is listed at £300 on Rapid web site!