Worth spending extra on a Tig torch?

[phil81uk]

I blew my Lincoln Tig torch today (the connection inside came loose, caused an intermittent connection, and welded itself). It for a Lincoln Invertec V205-T. The torch was an original Lincoln. I'm totally new to Tig, so is it worth paying extra for a better torch or will a cheapo one do?

What about compatibility? Are brands interchangeable?

 

[langy]

Worth getting a flexy head torch, I find it invaluable

 

[gordon stephenson]

What size is the present torch? I had a wp26 and found it a bit cumbersome for general stuff, got a wp17 and find it much easier to handle, and flexy head too.

 

[phil81uk]

I don't know what size it is. I will check tomorrow. What's the difference with sizes? Is it the max tungsten size or what?

 

[gordon stephenson]

Size is usually stamped into the rubber on the torch, WP17 as far as I know still shares consumables with the size WP26, but the torch and leads are slightly smaller and lighter but I think they will go to 150 amps max.

 

[Shox Dr]

Don't go spending big money on a torch because it has a flex head fitted, you can buy replacements for 15quid. I would be looking for a setup with a nice feel, and flexible hoses.

 

[phil81uk]

Don't go spending big money on a torch because it has a flex head fitted, you can buy replacements for 15quid. I would be looking for a setup with a nice feel, and flexible hoses.

£15? How? I don't see that the damaged connected can come off the hose/lead, so the whole thing probably needs replacing, no?

 

[Shox Dr]

All heads are replacement items

Look in weldeqip shop here

 

[phil81uk]

I think I need to replace it along with the lead. The brass attachment on the end of the lead is damaged. See pic. It won't cost £15 with a lead?!

 

[phil81uk]

My bad. I edited the post plus here is the direct link: http://www.kenet.co.uk/dump/pa/Capture.JPG

 

[Shox Dr]

Need a closer picture to see, so long as the seat is ok, then just buy a new head. But if you are trying to convince yourself you need a new torch well...

 

[phil81uk]

There's a bigger photo here: http://www.kenet.co.uk/dump/pa/IMAG0147.jpg

The previous photo marked the two brass connectors that are damaged. One of them looks permanently connected to the hose, which is why I suspect the entire thing needs replacing.

 

[phil81uk]

I spoke with Lincoln and Rapid Welding. The Lincoln torches are in fact cheaper than CK ones, so I've gone for that.

Lincoln tech support looked at the photo and say that the torch cannot be easily fixed because the damaged brass fitting is crimped to the lead both inside and outside.

 

[shenion]

If the fitting is damaged, you can just replace the hose.

 

[yarpap]

I replaced my Lincoln torch just because I wanted a 5 meter lead, dont forget if you change yours you need to get a multipin plug and gas connection for the torch to inverter end, forget what make mine is but I got it and the plug from BOC and yes its wp17 as standard

 

[phil81uk]

Ah, Lincoln told me that it includes the plug! If it doesn't then can I use the plug from my old torch as it's undamaged?

 

[yarpap]

If you get a gen lincoln torch then it should have the plug..mine wasnt a lincoln .the original plugs are four wires soldered in place,my torch had just two wires from the triger but easy to work out, had my set from new and have handbook with nice leccy drawings which was usefull