What is in your torch collection and how are you using them?

MFleet · Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:52 pm

Just a general question as I'm always amazed with how people use their tools.

For my personal situation and to be specific, I'm looking into expanding my capabilities. I want to purchase what it takes to tig underneath and in vehicles with a syncrowave 250 dx. From reading the manual, it appears that there is programming for a finger switch? I currently have a CK 20 series rigid water cooled torch and it does everything perfect so far. This is just bench practice and repairs that are easy to get to.

Poland308 · Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:11 pm

My two most used torches for position work are a 17 flex and a 9.

MosquitoMoto · Thu Aug 24, 2017 5:20 am

I have a size 9 flex head torch on a flex cable that is mostly set up with a Furick 14 cup on a gas lens, running a 2.4mm electrode.The torch has a paddle switch. I use this rig mostly for thin mild steel - the Furick cup gives me the ability to use more stick out but is also just great for visibility.

The torch I most commonly use is a size 17 flex head with a stubby gas lens (2.4mm) on a flex cable. I guess my most common size cup on this one would be a 6. The torch is also fairly nimble and I use it on aluminium as well as some steel work.

Neither torch is a name brand item - both are Chinesium. Cost is about $10 for the bare torches from memory.

My only other torch is a big size 26 on heavy cables and I never use it anymore. Too big, too heavy and cumbersome. I am waiting for a day when I am particularly angry and then I will probably just throw it at someone.

Moz

weldit321@gmail.com · Sat Aug 26, 2017 1:29 am

At work I use a watercooled CK Flexloc and it is incredible. I wore out a couple standard flex torches trying to get down in intakes etc. But the flexloc is great. 230 amp watercooled max (ive pushed beyond for a minute or so no problems) and you can also get an aircooled version that maxes out around 150 i believe.

MFleet · Sat Aug 26, 2017 2:58 pm

MosquitoMoto wrote:I have a size 9 flex head torch on a flex cable that is mostly set up with a Furick 14 cup on a gas lens, running a 2.4mm electrode.The torch has a paddle switch. I use this rig mostly for thin mild steel - the Furick cup gives me the ability to use more stick out but is also just great for visibility.

I forgot about the clear lenses. Being that some of the work will involve stainless and mild, I should probably add a couple of sizes to the budget.

weldit321@gmail.com wrote:At work I use a watercooled CK Flexloc and it is incredible. I wore out a couple standard flex torches trying to get down in intakes etc. But the flexloc is great. 230 amp watercooled max (ive pushed beyond for a minute or so no problems) and you can also get an aircooled version that maxes out around 150 i believe.

I noticed these when I was looking for my first torch. Sounds like you have a good job if they purchased that for you. The WC version seems to be the ultimate answer as I would like to have one set of consumables and lenses.

I'm predicting that I will max out at 135A which seems to be just past what an affordable "9" flex torch can do? I was advised to stay away from the flex heads as my only torch for the reasons mentioned.

What is everyone finding good for hand/finger controls? It seems that nobody likes any of them from what I'm reading.

pgk · Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:10 am

CK Trim line 300, CK 230 Flex, and weldtec 20 series.. I use the 230 the most..