TIG welding help, buying a torch

[turbotalon1g]

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.

[Goat Blower]

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

[JET]

Best welding resource on the web:

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

[turbotalon1g]

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

[Mark Leasure]

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

[turbotalon1g]

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

[typeRA]

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)

[turbotalon1g]

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

[JET]

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

[turbotalon1g]

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

[Speedfreak]

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.

[turbotalon1g]

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?

[Pushit2.0]

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.