Torches / codes?

[astro_al]

Hi, I'm looking for a new torch for my Miller Dialarc 250.

The one I have is battered but I think it says 'SR20'. It is water cooled, nice and small/light, no switches of any kind on (all done by pedal).

All the ones I find on the net are called 'Wx ##' - where can I get an SR20?

Also, what do all the numbers and letters actually stand for?

Cheers, Al.

 

[shenion]

Most are rebranded WeldCraft torches or are outright clones.

I have a WP-17 (150A air cooled, chinese clone of a WeldCraft torch), I also picked up an ESAB Heliarc SR-26 (200A air cooled rebadged WC torch).

Check the weldcraft site. The first few pages of their catalog describe the part #s. Most other use the same #s but just change the first 2 letters.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Most of the torches available over here seem to have a switch though Shenion, the only ones I can find without are on your side of the pond Mind you with the exchange rate what it is at the moment it wouldn't be so bad buying one from the states and shipping it over. I've seen them for around $65 so just a tad under £33 + shipping!

 

[shenion]

Most of the torches available over here seem to have a switch though Shenion, the only ones I can find without are on your side of the pond Mind you with the exchange rate what it is at the moment it wouldn't be so bad buying one from the states and shipping it over. I've seen them for around $65 so just a tad under £33 + shipping!

My WP-17 was $48 (25' torch only.) The ad used the exact WeldCraft part #, but it is a Chinese clone.

Seems to work ok. I picked up a cheap accessory pack with collets, ferrules, back cap, shrouds and gas lenz for $30.

You are right, few have switches. I seem to recall switches as an add-on but don't see them in the catalog.. I use a footpedal anyway

Miller's site only lists WeldCraft torches, I don't see any with switches.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Not sure about using a switch and a foot pedal, I'd imagine you'd have to short the switch to enable using just the pedal?
I have just found one without a switch here, says it's compatible with Interlas which I gather is the european department of Miller.

 

[astro_al]

Thanks very much for all the inputs.

In case there is any confusion, I'm not looking for a torch with a switch. I'll just run it off the pedal. It needs to be water cooled though.

Its odd that so many torches are rated so low in terms of amps. There doesn't seem to be much above 200A, but with a following wind if I push my tig down a steep hill I can get 300 out of it...

I will keep looking! (I'm in England).

Cheers, Al.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Afaik torches are often rated to their 60% duty cycle which is why you'll get a 250A mig torch on a machine capable of much higher amps.
I also have a Dialarc 250HF, mine's sat gathering dust though as my electrics currently aren't even up to turning it on let alone striking an arc. It was an ebay buy, bought on a bit of a whim. My torch isnt in the best condition but it's ok. Might be worth ringing wilkinson star and seeing what they've got which will fit.

 

[shenion]

Not sure about using a switch and a foot pedal, I'd imagine you'd have to short the switch to enable using just the pedal?

Either can be used. It really depends on the TIG unit. Older DialArc's had a separate 2-pin connector for the switch or footpedal. You would plug in the one you were using. The footpedal had 2 cables, one for current, the other for the contactor.

Newer DialArcs have a 14-pin connector, you would either plug in the footpedal or the switch lead from the torch.

As it is just a contact closure, you could wire both together and use either.

 

[weldequip]

All the ones I find on the net are called 'Wx ##' - where can I get an SR20?

An 'SR20' is just the same as a 'WP20', 'WT20' etc.etc... just different manufacturer's part numbers.
You should be able to get one without a microswitch ("bare") from any decent supplier (including moi! ).
If you want just about the nicest torch on the market look at the Amercian made "Speedway". Not cheap... around 3X the price of everybody elses but 10X the quality and very, very nice to use
They are rated at 320amps, compared to the weldcraft generic 250amps, but accept the same WP20 spares.
weldequip

 

[astro_al]

Thanks guys.

Weldequip - I have sent you an email. Yes, I do want the nicest torch, but sadly I'm paying (and frankly my skill doesn't justify it...).

Shenion - I have the newer type multi-pin flavour. So its just contacts and a potentiometer controlled by pedal position? Interesting. Seems easy to replicate - I wonder why people always look for one with a pedal if its so simple to make?

Thanks guys. Al.

 

[shenion]

Shenion - I have the newer type multi-pin flavour. So its just contacts and a potentiometer controlled by pedal position? Interesting. Seems easy to replicate - I wonder why people always look for one with a pedal if its so simple to make?

Thanks guys. Al.

Yes, that is all it is. Miller has been good about keeping the 14-pin standard. However, the voltages vary depending on model.

Easy to make? That depends oh how easy you consider it is to make a footpedal with a 150 watt rheostat. The one in my airco is 6" in diameter; not some little potentiometer.

I just picked up a Miller RFCS-23A footpedal to use on my Airco. It has the 25 ohm, 150watt rheostat.

I think the Dialarc's used 25 watt rheostats. Still not something that you can easily find these days.