Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi guys! I got the power tig 250ex and it come with a water cooled torch. Will a better torch make that big of difference ? And what size or brand should I go with if like a flex one with a lock I think lol

Titus,
I'm a big fan of CK worldwide because they're rated for higher amperage for the same size torch than most other brands. They're made in the US if that matters to you. They have a wider cooling cavity around the head than others.

The Flex-loc is my favorite torch but since the handle is the only thing being cooled by the water it has a lower amperage rating than ridgid torches of the same size. It's manuverability outweighs that for most things I weld and it's hooked up most of the time, I switch between the 2 and 3 series heads when needed.

For a ridgid torch I'd go with CK200's (250 Amp I believe) for almost everything you can weld with your 250EX. Unless you plan on welding Aluminum a lot, then I like the Weldcraft 18SC (SuperCool) which has a 300Amp rating.

None of the torches I mentioned are cheap but all of them are dependable and durable. If you want cheap then you can always go with an 18 series Chinese torch off of Ebay.

There's my opinion, and I'm sure others have their favorites.

Is the question, will the torch make a difference in your welds? I would probably say just clean the metal up next time and that would help a lot,
or is the question what torch to switch to? I have always heard CK is the way to go but that is just what I have heard. I am running the 26 series torch that came with my Everlast machine and it does fine for me. I hope I answered the right question. I am sure others will come a long and give some better input.

I like to weld like I have a small pen/pencil in my hand.
Did the torch make me better welder? No,but I did not feel so clumsey while making mistakes.

Ck FL 150 with series 2 and 3 head

You are using a water cooler correct?

Thanks for the input yes I am using a cooler. The torch that come with the everlast power tig 250ex said it was the delux lol it has a switch on the body so you don't have to use a pedal. It feels huge when I have my glove on. I just ordered a pair if tig gloves that suppose to be softer. Should I be doing more with the pedal and get a different torch with out a sw and keep my other for times I can't use a pedal ? The sizes and abbreviation confuse me !

Titus,
Go to CK Worldwide's web site and look through their manuals and parts lists and get a feel for the different torches available. The numbering system for Tig torches and consumables leaves a little bit to be desired to say the least, in that bigger numbers doesn't mean bigger torch and vise versa. In water cooled #20 (200) is small, #18 medium, and #12 large.

The abbreviations in these posts are: FL is for Flex-loc which is a CK Worldwide torch with a rotating head and it comes in a air and water cooled version with it's numbers representing it's amperage rating. FL130 (Series 2), FL150 (Series 3)for air cooled, FL230 & FL250 for water cooled.

The series numbers are usually related to the consumables that they take, as in your collets, gas lens, cups, and pilots with 2 being for the small torches and 3 being for the medium torches and most of the high amperage torches are bigger than most people would use so I'll leave those out.

Ok, so now that's as clear as mud, you'll need to get a torch with the right (Dinse, water, gas)connections for your machine. Finding all that should keep you lost long enough for someone to come out with new connections that don't work with your machine and you can start over again.

Len

titus1124
check your PM's,(private messages)