WP 18 torch is a monster..replace it with a smaller one and well worth it.

[Steve]

I've been doing quite a bit of welding with my Powertig 250EX and it works really well....except the torch is way too big and the cables are way too stiff to allow for more precise control of the torch.

So I went out and bought a Weldec WT-20F-25 225 AMP water cooled tig torch. I read some of the other posts about changing out the torch and thank you for all the information on what is needed.

I highly recommend getting a smaller torch. The WP18 that is supplied by Everlast is a monster compared to the Weldtec torch. I understand that Everlast has smaller torches now available for switching out to a more comfortable torch. The Weldtec torch is a flex head and is really nice. My welds got better when I switched to this torch. The WP18 factory torch is just too stiff and heavy for comfortable welding for any length of time.

Check out some of the other posts on Powertig 250 torch replacement and you will get some really good information on what you need to do.

[Paul Moir]

I have a WP-20 style Everlast torch (same form factor) and use it 95% of the time compared to the WP-18 for the same reasons as you, particularly the lighter cabling. If I did more aluminium I might use the bigger torch more often (and/or cool the WP-20)
It makes sense to have the WP-18 with the welder since you can use all of the machine's capability with it. But a small, easy to use torch is more useful generally.

[Steve]

I have a WP-20 style Everlast torch (same form factor) and use it 95% of the time compared to the WP-18 for the same reasons as you, particularly the lighter cabling. If I did more aluminium I might use the bigger torch more often (and/or cool the WP-20)
It makes sense to have the WP-18 with the welder since you can use all of the machine's capability with it. But a small, easy to use torch is more useful generally.

I agree Paul.

Everlast did the right thing in using the WP-18 as the standard torch as it is a bulldozer and can be used for everything. But it is big and the cables make for a tough go of it sometimes.
So getting the smaller WP-20 torch was a no brainer for me. The Flex head is awesome and I can now get into smaller areas that I had trouble with before. And no sore wrists or arms now either.

I'll be getting the watercooler pretty soon as I am now running a hose and dump system. I like the idea of using the Everlast cooler as it ties directly to the welder powerwise. So I don't have to worry if it is on or not. Not only that, but the price sure is right! I like the idea of just turning on the machine and weld instead of setting up the hose every time I want to weld.

[revkev6]

I'm interested in the everlast wp20 for my 225lx. I don't have a cooler at the moment, although I do plan to get one in the future. what kind of amperage can you run the wp20 without a cooler?? I'm thinking of getting one before it gets cold as the wp18 is horrible to deal with in the cold. the cables are so big and inflexible in the cold weather....

can anyone make a direct comparison of the two torches?? maybe some pictures of them side by side??

[performance]

Do NOT use the 20 without water...or the 18 for that matter. IF you must keep it under 100 amps for 18 and 80 amps for 20.

[revkev6]

any chance I could get a side-by-side picture of them?? is the sheathing that covers the cables the same material that becomes rock hard in the cold as the one on my wp18??

[bigjoeinkg]

Mark,
May want to get the sales people on the same line. Here is an e-mail I received on this topic.

BEGIN QUOTE

Joe
You can test the unit just don't weld over 250a wig out the cooler for a long time



Sincerely,


Oleg Gladshteyn.

END QUOTE

[performance]

Well, they will melt off at that amperage in about 30 seconds...Sure you can use them until then.
They will not and cannot stand that type pressure. Ask anyone who has tried. There is absolutely NO cooling of the cable inside the hose.

Lets look at the facts:
1) The torch is designed for water.
2) The cable is bare inside a pvc line that carries water on the return path to the cooler.
3) This cable is the same size cable and style that the WP 9 is rated for and maxes out at 125 amps before it will blister your hands.
4) The WP 9 actually has cool argon flowing down the line while in use to maintain the torch and cable temperature. The 18 does NOT have anything flowing down around the cable, and the way the argon cools the torch head is somewhat different since it does not travel in the same orifice.
5) The WP 26 will blister your hand at 200 amps in a couple of minutes and is air cooled at 200 amps. It uses a SOLID sheathed copper cable that is about 3 times thicker than bare braided copper cable floating inside the 18 line. It uses a separate gas line that is insulated from direct contact with the bare copper.

So....what do you think will happen when 250 amps is applied to a cable meant to carry a max of 125 amps with cool argon flowing around it when nothing is flowing around it?
I do sell. I don't tell people this at all. Buy a water cooler or create a loss type system with about 10.00 worth of fittings and a water hose or two until you can get one if they are out of stock. You cannot use a water cooled torch very long when it is meant to carry water and it does not.

[Steve]

any chance I could get a side-by-side picture of them?? is the sheathing that covers the cables the same material that becomes rock hard in the cold as the one on my wp18??

OK...here you go. It's not the Everlast torch, but it is the same size as this as it is also a 20 series torch.

As you can see, the 18 is huge as compared to the 20 series. Yep. The vinyl cover for the cables will get stiff. There is available leather covers that stay flexible in cold weather.

If you want to run without water cooling then I recommend getting an air cooled torch. I run my watercooled torches with the old hose and dump method. It works really well and has been the standby for tig welders for years. It only takes a few bucks to get the connectors for water cooling the torches.....available at the plumbing section of Lowe's......see their brass fittings.

Running a watercooled torch on air can be done, but it is not recommended. Best to use each torch as recommended....after all, they aren't hammers.

[revkev6]

thanks steve! that really helps to see the difference. I've held a wp20 but never had them side by side to see. really thinking the smaller size could be a great thing! My biggest problem with the current torch set is the bulky lines....... how much more flexible are the lines on the everlast torches from 18 to 20??

[Steve]

I can't say as the 20 series torch I have is a Weldtec torch. I would assume that the Everlast torches are very similar and so they would be more flexible. I'm going to eventually get another smaller Everalst torch but it will be air cooled. Sometimes I have a small weld project that only needs a short weld time and an air cooled torch is the answer for me for that.

Let me say this.....the Weldtech torch is nice....but I probably would have been better off with the Everlast 20 series.....it already is set up for connecting to the welder. I had to get adapters and a new dinse to get the Weldtec to work. It costs me an extra $100 above the cost of the torch. If I would have gotten an Everlast torch, it would have been pretty much a plug and play.

[revkev6]

that was my reasoning for thinking of sticking with the everlast wp20 torch. we have a ck 20 series with leather cover here at work. it's like a wet noodle in your hand.

does everlast sell extended ground and pedal cables to go with the 25' torch leads??

[performance]

No.
That's easily sourced locally. Cable can be bought by the foot, and a new clamp is about 10-15.00.

[revkev6]

No.
That's easily sourced locally. Cable can be bought by the foot, and a new clamp is about 10-15.00.

for the ground yes, not for the foot pedal though

[performance]

Foot pedal wire can be extended easily too. Just good phone cord with at least 7 wires should do it. The braided would be the best.