tig torch options

[nodeward]

ive just aquired a cea 165hf inverter, its got all the arc gear and seems to work pretty well, but what i need to know is what tig torch do i need and whats the difference? are they all the same connections but rated for different ampage?
ive only ever had any experience with water cooled industrial type stuff(at work where everthing magically turns up!) so dont really know what im looking for if im honest, would like to get some tig up and running at home as it saves dragging all my projects in to work !

cheers

 

[NotANormalCoder]

Weldcraft air cooled torches are the way to go in my view. Various options are available: WP17 (150A rated) is a good match but if you need a smaller torch with good access to small components, the WP9 (125A) is a good choice. For heavier work or long runs, the WP26 (200A) is good but a bit bulky. All are available as either one piece cables (gas goes up the same pipe as the welding current) or two piece (separate gas and power cables). Two piece are heavier but will plug straight into the gas and power sockets on your machine whereas one piece torches need an adaptor between the power outlet and torch connector. Remember to note outlet socket size and gas fitting size when ordering torch or adaptor. From memory, outlet is 25/50 size and gas 1/4" bsp but I could be wrong. Also, you will need to specify a trigger switch and leads fitted to the torch and get hold of the right trigger plug for the machine unless you use a remote foot control.
Have fun
Dave

 

[nodeward]

cheers mate exactly what im after, so the model just depends on the ampage and actual size of the torch, im still investigating wether i can connect a foot pedal to the machine or not but i will definately look into the company you suggested

cheers ed

 

[Slim Shady]

found a picture of your machine on google, from what I can see it can take a foot pedal

 

[nodeward]

yep thats the one, used it for a bit of arc already and was quite impressed.

anyway have got myself a torch, its the type that runs the power and gas through the same lead, i knew i would need an adapter but i just had a look and the gas connection is alot bigger than the fittings on my machine, are there 2 sizes?
also my torch came with a switch but obviuosly no plug, any ideas where to get one?

cheers

 

[Delgado]

Gas fittings on most machines will be either 1/4 bsp or 3/8bsp (right hand thread), just cut the fitting that came with the adaptor off the hose and replace it with a 1/4 one instead (sorry if that sounds obvious!).Cant see from the link (even enlarging it) if it is a standard bsp fitting, or if it has something like a spigot sticking out of it? If it's a funny one then it shouldn't be too much trouble to change the fitting on the machine to a standard BSP gas fitting aswell.

Should be able to get the plug for the trigger if not from the supplier then from Maplin or RS (I think they're called amphenol connectors?)

 

[nodeward]

yep they are standard bsp connections just wasn't sure what the sizes were, didnt want to start hacking apart my new torch before i checked!

my problem with the supplier is that they are in spain and dont seem to respond to emails, im still trying to find somewhere in the uk that deals with these machines. ill just have to have a look around i guess to find the right switch plug

cheers

 

[NotANormalCoder]

*Do Not* cut off the 3/8" BSP nut from the end of the torch cable - If you do, you'll have no end of trouble reconnecting the power cable and leaving enough room to allow the gas to flow up the hose. I know, because I've been there years ago and it doesn't work. See this www.woodfieldwelding.com/TigConnectors.aspx and you'll see the adaptor you need. PM me and I'll sort you one with a 1/4" BSP gas connector (they're not shown in the list). Make sure you know what internal bore the machine connector has too. Not sure if the link shown above is actually your machine? Top 165HF inverter should have 3 pin amphenol trigger plug. I have contact with importers of CEA, if you check model and serial number, I can locate a plug too.
Dave

 

[Delgado]

Good point raised by Notanormalcoder. Just to be clear, I was refering to cutting off and changing the fitting on the blue hose in the picture, not the black one.

 

[nodeward]

cheers lads, yeh thats what i was planning to do cut the adapter and put the new fitting on, probably didnt word that very well!

yes thats definately my machine in the picture, and yes it does need a 3 pin plug so i may well talke you up on the offer. i dont suppose you can get hold of any literature on these machines as well? i am still trying to find a manual or something and the website does not work very well in english