[countryboy1127]

just wondering if anyone has used an after market torch with the powertig 185 ? i notice the one that came with the machine gets extremely hot when welding . its a wp 17 series torch . any suggestions on brand or other series that could help with this . is it that the torch is to small to handle the amps ?

[echosixmike]

It's an aircooloed torch, rated at 150amps. They are gonna get hot. You really need a water cooled torch for extended welding IMO. S/F....Ken M

[countryboy1127]

can I upgrade the torch to a higher amp rating and stay with air cooled. I cant see spending the money for a water cooler and torch for the pt 185 .

[noddybrian]

Hi - some better brands will handle more than 150amps in the 17 series torch style - I'd say any air cooled torch is going to build heat if used for long periods - the 17 should be adequate for your machine unless you run it at close to max for long runs - if so consider buying a WP26 series - all the consumables interchange but the 26 is physically bigger to dissipate more heat - as you say going water cooled is expensive & most likely not necessary.