This is my first post. I read up on the following for hours to figure out as much as I could myself but I just don't have enough experience to figure out all the subtle gotchas that might be involved in my problem and it would help having some input by more knowledgeable people.
I want to learn to weld and got a small stick+tig welder. It lacks a tig torch and I have been looking around for a used one and just came across an ESAB torch.
My problem and the question for this post: I'm trying to figure out if this used ESAB torch will work and be well-suited for my welder (see below for all details).
I'm going to start learning stick first but am keeping my eye out for a good deal on a used tig torch in the meantime, like maybe this ESAB one.
///////////
The Details:
1. My welder is a Stanley "Super 180 TIG LIFT" and it did not come with TIG torch. I got it used from a local guy.
It's this model:
https://www.agrieuro.co.uk/mma-stanley- ... 11573.html
2. The used ESAB torch I found in the local classifieds has no model number.
It's too far to go see in person and the only info I have is shown in the pictures below.
It appears to have a DINSE connector and when I asked the seller to measure it he replied it was 12.7mm, so DINSE 50 I guess.
It says "EN 60974-7" on the torch body but that seems to be an "IEC" specification about torches and I don't think it helps much to know that.
This used ESAB torch is around $35 and the official Stanley torch (see #3, below) is around $120, so I'm interested in buying used. I have been looking for quite some time and this ESAB is the best deal so far.
Pics of ESAB torch:
- tutti-esab-1a.jpg (49.97 KiB) Viewed 807 times
- tutti-esab-2a.jpg (34.58 KiB) Viewed 807 times
- tutti-esab-3a.jpg (43.89 KiB) Viewed 807 times
3. Stanley sells a TIG torch for the Super 180 TIG LIFT, code "96011", whatever that means, but it's expensive so I'd prefer a used deal if I can find one.
(it's mentioned here on page 9 of https://5.imimg.com/data5/JH/CQ/RL/SELL ... r-7000.pdf)
I do not find that torch anywhere online.
I did find someone selling a Super 180 TIG LIFT welder bundled with a Stanley TIG torch that presumably is compatible:
https://psauction.com/item/view/577317/ ... ig-lift-mm
(pictures 12-15 show the torch)
That torch's packaging says: 150A@60% duty cycle, DINSE 10/25, model #98017
Searching for 98017 turns up these Stanley packages:
https://images.obi.de/product/DE/1453x893/703356_1.jpg
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-st-980 ... B00SRWBWXM
That's just some info on the tig torch that I guess was made for this welder.
Small rant: Stanley's marketing for their TIG torch is absolutely terrible. The manual mentions compatibility with Staney torch #96011, which is nowhere to be found, and the Stanley TIG torch 98017 which is available does not mention which welder it's compatible with and there's no other info available online to help. Super annoying.
So, can anyone tell me if I can stick (no pun intended) this ESAB torch on my Stanley Super 180 TIG LIFT and it would work fine?
regards,
Randy
p.s. Some other questions I have about getting this used torch in case anyone is up for going the extra mile to help me out:
a. If I buy this used ESAB, will it be easy to get replacement nozzles? Are nozzles generic or tied to the brand of torch? Can I use the old nozzle that's on there or should I expect I have to order new ones before I can play with it?
b. In the picture of the used ESAB torch there's a DINSE connector with gas connector built onto the DINSE connector body. It looks like the other end is an open tube...is that what would get hooked up to the regulator coming off an Argon tank? What kind of fitting would I need there? What's commonly used on that end?
Is it expensive?
c. Are there other pieces missing from this used ESAB deal that I might have to buy? I know I might need nozzles, apparently some fitting for that open end of the tube and obviously the rods to weld with, but anything else? Something inside the torch handle maybe? collets or whatever?
d. If the ESAB DINSE connector is 12.7mm I guess it's DINSE 50 (https://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Wel ... Plugs.html).
Are there sub-types within DINSE 50, subtle version variations that might exist between say, a DINSE 50 from 10 years ago versus one from today? Like a different size tab that sticks out or a different length to the male part of the plug or whatever. Something evil like that.
e. If it's DINSE 50 I assume it's current rating is much higher than what the DINSE 25 on my Stanley welder will put out, so I don't need to care about amperage rating---it's going to have way enough capacity?
f. My welder has a DINSE 25 socket. Can I use a DINSE 50 to DINSE 25 adapter to plug this ESAB cable into my welder? Or is that bad for some reason?
https://advancedweldingsupplies.com/pro ... et-adaptor
https://www.staticarcwelding.co.uk/prod ... or-fitting
Normally I can find everything and then some in Germany (I'm in CH) but in this case I only find DINSE 25-50 adapters from the UK.
That's kind of weird and makes me think they are not common and maybe I'm doing something unusual.
Or can I just replace that end of the cable so there's a DINSE 25 on it?
g. Is there anything else I missed regarding buying this used ESAB torch? Could there be leaks in the gas tube or the little gas flow knob that make it useless or some other common "old/used torch" problems? Is the cable going to be more cumbersome than necessary? Should I be looking for some other kind of TIG torch? Do I have to bite the bullet and just buy the expensive Stanley torch made for my Super 180 TIG LIFT box?