what torch?

[gaz_moose]

ive decided that i need a new torch.the one that i have at the moment sometimes gives me a shock which i think is the h/f start gubbins? it was a little broken when i got it and i stepped on it the other day.
the only problem is i know nothing about torches so wanted a bit of a run down on what my options are before i splash the cash.
this is the torch i have at the moment,

its made by starparts (or something like that) and has a plug like,

i mainly only use the tig for messing around with car bits like exhausts/intercooler pipes etc.. so i wondered if i could buy a smaller torch as in theory it would make it more easy to get into those hard to reach spots.
also can you get torches with somekind of built in gas valve as at the moment i have to dive accross the garage and turn the gas off on the flow meter which isnt ideal.the machine i have will go upto 180 amps but i havent got round to wiring in a dedicated socket so am limited by the 13amp plug

 

[hotrodder]

Weldcraft style torches are probably the most common, different sizes/amperage capacities here. Yours looks like it's a WP-17 type, a #9 is a lot better for small/tight access jobs (same size and consumables as the watercooled wp20 i use) but obviously limited amperage wise. You'd need different collets/collet bodies and ceramics though if yours is a #17 type

Torches with a manual gas valve... want something with a 'V' suffix ('F' suffix is for a flexneck torch). Never seen a machine that has HF but no gas solenoid though

 

[wyn]

Those wp-50 torches look pretty wild.

 

[hotrodder]

Bet grinding tungstens for 'em is fun!!

 

[gaz_moose]

im fairly sure my machine has no valve inside it. i will look into a wp9 i dont mind about buying new collets etc.. as i dont really have that many for this torch.wheres good to buy one from ive seen them on ebay but i assume there junk like the rest of the china stuff on there? could i just buy a decent torch then get ebay ceramics etc.. or are they bad aswell?
are the gas connectors on the machines all the same?.

sorry for all the questions

 

[rodofgod]

gas_moose,

get a weldcraft WP9! Ideal for your sort of work!

http://www.weldcraft.com/help-me-choose/#

Regards

 

[gaz_moose]

yeah i think im sold on a wp9 cheers guys
the seem like an american company is there a uk distributor or do most welding places have them in stock? i go up near proweld in doncaster quite often so mite pop in there see if they have them

 

[hotrodder]

Just about everywhere should stock weldcraft style torches and spares- everyone and their dog produces copies (or rebrands 'em). Been a while since i've used aircooled torches, don't know about the quality of the cheaper ones but little things like the flexability of the hose makes a difference- fighting a stiff torch line gets very boring when doing delicate stuff

Standardised fittings... don't be daft . Small or large DIN with 1/4 or 3/8" BSP are the most common but have a look here and/or post a pic of the gas/power connection.

If there's a gas connection to the machine then surely it must have a gas solenoid? Broken?