Torch sizes, WP numbers ?

[Wyn F]

Genuine question from a total novice ...
I keep seeing threads referring to torch WP this or WP that numbers ?
Can someone tell us what these numbers refer to?
How do I tell what torch I have, assuming its the torch that carries the WP or is it a part of it ?
Also I assume a daft question but do all tig machines use the same push and twist torch cable fitting?
Does it matter what type torch I buy as they all physically fit the same ?

 

[gordon stephenson]

Don't know where the numbering comes from or relates to,WP 26 is the larger size with WP 17 being medium and WP 9 is small. the number is usually on the head of the torch, These are all air cooled, Different numbers refer to water cooled ones, But for each size there will be a recommended maximum amperage,

 

[BrokenBiker]

pretty much as ^ really afaik. Bigger number = bigger torch and more current carrying range. Similar to euro torches for mig. Not sure about water cooler though, never had one. I have a wp17 for my inverter with a gas valve

 

[FranV8]

Water cooled I believe are WP18, WP20 and WP24. Apparently there isn't a lot of reason for the numbering, it is what it is! The equivalent air cooled and water cooled do interchange consumables.

I can't remember which water cooled one I have, it's an 18 or 20, but it's lovely to use compared to the WP26 I have, much lighter and more flexible. I'd recommend water cooled if you can get/make a cooler.

 

[FranV8]

Oh, and no, they aren't quite the same fittings. Some have a threaded fitting with the gas or water running up the middle, some have a dinse (small on mine, a 160A R Tech, if I remember correctly) . You can adapt fairly straightforwardly though. Even more variation with gas fittings, from pushing the hose over a barbed fitting (bit cheap, R Tech has this), threaded, up to posh quick release. Not wonderfully standardised really. Again, easy to sort, but figure in a few quid for fittings/adapters if buying a generic torch. Don't forget the control plug either.

 

[ben8vgte]

A quick look at the Parweld tig torch catalogue should clear things up, p136 onwards..

http://www.parweld.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/html_doc/catalogue/Parweld Catalogue 2012_13.html#p=6

Small standard torchs are WP9 ( aircooled) WP20 (watercooled) They both use same smaller consumables.
Medium standard torches are WP17 (aircooled) WP18 ( watercooled) Bigger standard ones are WP26 (aircooled) These all use the same consumables, but all are available with fixed neck, flex necks, with or without a gas valve ect ect..

Then it's a case of the correct adapter for you machine, both control wise and power wise. Some have a Dinse plug and separate gas outlet some all combined into one.

I use the same handle and power lead then swap between a WP17 torch head and WP9 flex head, depending on what I'm doing.. Much cheaper than 2 full torches, but a smaller water cooled wp20 one would do it all so that's next on the list along with a cooler.

There are bigger and smaller torches around, but it seems harder to get consumables for them off the shelf at most places..

 

[Wyn F]

Many thanks all for the info and that link
If i'm reading it right mine has a no' 26, so large rated up to 200a dc or 150ac

 

[ukracer]

I use the same handle and power lead then swap between a WP17 torch head and WP9 flex head, depending on what I'm doing..
.

so it doe not matter what large torch head you have you can replace it with a smaller one. I steered away from a 9 (as the ceramics are a different size) when I purchased my extra torch but have the very occasional use for a small torch and thought this might be the way round it.

Regards Andy T

 

[ben8vgte]

so it doe not matter what large torch head you have you can replace it with a smaller one. I steered away from a 9 (as the ceramics are a different size) when I purchased my extra torch but have the very occasional use for a small torch and thought this might be the way round it.

Regards Andy T

Yeah works fine for me and only takes minute, the head's just seem to be a sliding fit. Though I dare say it would not work with a watercooled one so easy, not so sure the wp26 would be the same does not hurt to have a look though.