I got my CK 200 rigid from Arc-Zone today along with the gas saver kit. I ordered the torch with rubber hoses and it was a good choice. It's like having a 25' whip. It's definitely a much more relaxed feel in my hand. Theres no resistance at all when adjusting torch angle or moving along the weld. That stupid Radnor I had was like one of those self coiling air hoses that HF sells. My Weldtec had softer hoses but not nearly as nice as the CK. I highly recommend the option.
I set it up on mixed gas 80ar/20he and put the gas saver lens kit in it. I was a little sceptical when I was putting it together as it felt a little on the delicate side. It is but once it's all together it's a pretty rugged setup. The kit comes with clear cups also but I haven't tried them yet.
My first weld was on some 1/8" flat bar and the first thing I noticed was how easy it lit off. I was running 125 amps and I was trying for full penetration and got it without any problem.
I backed down to 100 amps and welded at couple of nice beads with practically no frost line at all. That's something I didn't expect but was very happy to see. The beads were nice, shinny and clean. My tungsten remained clean and sharp which was another happy supprise.
The torch ran very cool compared to my WeldTec and crappy Radnor and the water flow rate was perfect.
The gas valve is a welcome additon when using mixed gas. The helium being lighter than air tends to pull the gas out of the hose when it's sitting idle. With the gas valve closed until it's time to weld and about a 1/2 second of preflow all of the air was out and the welds started nice and clean. I expect at some point I'll forget to turn on the valve and cook a tungsten.. When it happens I'll just slap myself in the forehead and move on.
I ordered 2500.00 worth of Al which should arrive on Thursday and my welding systems are all dialed in so I'm ready to start building my boat.
