Quote Originally Posted by acannell View Post
the W180 looks like it might be perfect..so are similar ones..looks like I can get one for about twice the price of the air cooled version. So water cooled, flex head, 8 series tiny..about $144.

Do you think that the air cooled version might actually be easier to use since it doesnt have the water lines and weight? Even though it would heat up
My personal opinion is that for any extended aluminum welding I would always go water cooled. The cables are a bit more cumbersome, but I think that is more than offset that you can wear super thin gloves, because the torch stays cool. Plus for equal amps, the water cooled one will usually be smaller.
Yes with a 24W you tighten the collet body down to hold the tungsten. Obviously you can only use a very short tungsten, and the range of adjustment is small. If you often dip your tungsten in the puddle, you won't like this torch much. But for welding up tunnel ram manifolds, it's hard to beat.

Those CK micro torches look very interesting, but I have never used one. Maybe someday...