TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I need a new torch for my Lincoln Precision 185TIG.

I'm pretty much a noob at welding, looking to do piping mostly stainless steel, hope to do some AL stuff also.

Since I'm buying I'd like to just buy once and be done.

I was looking at a PTV-26-FV (200 amp), but the PTV-17-FV (150 amp) is almost half the price, will I need the bigger torch? These ratings are at 60% so it's not like it couldn't be done if it have to.

A quick google search produced this:
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/tig-torch.html

That brings up another point, I have small girl like hands so would a smaller torch be better for me?
I handled a 17 series torch at Toll, didn't weld with it but it felt light even though it was larger in size.

Thanks for the help.

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Your brother is the tig wizard, wouldn't he be your best resource for this?

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Best welding resource on the web:

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...nities/mboard/

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

We are not in contact.
I'll check that out jet

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I like my ck17 flex head torch. I use it on my 185 amp machine.

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I just learned about that CK brand thru searching online. You are pretty much the person I've been waiting to chime in, since I'll be using it for the same type of stuff.

Thanks

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I actually prefer using a 9v torch, if you can use it for yours. I run my maxstar like a field welder (stick stinger to gas block to tig line)

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Any other recommendations/advice?
Do you think I'll get use out of the swivel head torch?

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Personally I like a little smaller torch to get in to tighter areas and so you can see better. The bigger ones usually have better cooling though, which mainly comes in to play for aluminum. I use a smaller water cooled torch, best of both worlds :D

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Ah nice, i was thinking about that too. maybe a 9 sized

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I use whatever was bought when I paid for the tig (meaning I have no idea what they sold us).

I just use it :P.

Which means, it probably doesn't make that big a difference for someone not doing it as their job.

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

Thanks, I'm so clueless it hurts.
Can i buy multiple torch heads and change them out? Or is that a big job?

Ok so it's between these 2:

http://www.ckworldwide.com/ck9f.htm

and

http://www.ckworldwide.com/ck17f.htm

I'd like to be eventually able to build catch cans out of AL, but I wonder if I should get the smaller torch for my little hands?

Re: TIG welding help, buying a torch
 

I would get the smaller torch. Also the flex head is not needed for welding stuff on a bench, that would be better for out of position welding and tight places. Get the 25' length and practice makes perfect.