TIG torch size

[zedhead]

So, I'm taking my first tentative steps into TIG welding, having bought myself a 2nd hand Cobel 200amp ac/dc set.
I've had some fun laying down some beads, butt welds in 2.5mm thick aluminium seem to be easy enough, although I'm really struggling tacking bits together. Seems that there's not enough heat to form a puddle for the tack, and then, kablooey, there's a big hole ine one piece or the other.
Now, the torch is a 27. Given that I am only doing up to 3mm alloy (and don't envisage ever doing anything bigger), is the 27 torch ideal, or would I be better off looking for a smaller torch? Maybe a 9, or a 17?
Or is it going to make no difference at all?
Will gas usage be lower with a smaller torch? That'd be a bonus...

 

[Marc.]

I dont know what others will say but i got a 8m 17 Itorch with my tig and i think that its size is great for the stuff i am doing. Similar thicknesses to yourself.

 

[langy]

I use a WP17 for 3mm then WP26 for bigger

 

[zedhead]

Will using a smaller torch reduce my gas usage?

 

[langy]

Will using a smaller torch reduce my gas usage?

Not really.

 

[justmental]

we all wish it did.

 

[zedhead]

Well, I've got a wp17 on the way, hoping that it'll prove suitable for the stuff I'm doing. At the very kleast, it'll hopefully not have a sticky switch like my 27... that always makes the end of a bead interesting...

 

[chevy2]

The wp17 will do up to around 150amps but not for long,
after that you'll need crocodile skin to be able to hold on it'll get that hot,

i use a wp26 on my 200amp machine for everything as i do such a variety of work,
after a while the larger torch feels normal.

 

[langy]

Well, I've got a wp17 on the way, hoping that it'll prove suitable for the stuff I'm doing. At the very kleast, it'll hopefully not have a sticky switch like my 27... that always makes the end of a bead interesting...

Not sure if you know the WP17 is an air cooled torch, the WP27 is water cooled

 

[matt1978]

It's also for Automated use not a manual torch. But I think he meant WP 26

 

[wheresmejumper]

the ck150 flex loc i have is a smaller size torch,like a 9 or 17
takes 150 amps even on AC at 100% duty
ive ran it all the way up to 210 amps for shorter bursts.
Its a bit expensive but so nice to use

 

[zedhead]

Yeah, sorry, I meant wp26 ;-)
I think I'll get on bit better with a smaller torch...
I'm not worried about a torch getting hot, as I only do little bits at a time, and I can't see there being a time when I'll be doing bigger stuff. Besides, I have the 26 for that! :-)

 

[langy]

Yeah, sorry, I meant wp26 ;-)
I think I'll get on bit better with a smaller torch...
I'm not worried about a torch getting hot, as I only do little bits at a time, and I can't see there being a time when I'll be doing bigger stuff. Besides, I have the 26 for that! :-)

Should do you fine then, don't forget to get a flexi head one, bloody brilliant things