Tig newbie questions

[zoama]

Use the darkest shade that allows you to see your puddle clearly.

[calltrex]

Thanks for the tips. All set now. To practice that is....

New helmet work perfect.

Very first and second tig weld

[calltrex]

was looking at more flexible smaller torches. was looking at this one. http://weldfabulous.com/ck-ck17-12-r...-fx-superflex/

will it use all the consumables i have now that came with my new tig 200DX? I believe its a 26 torch

or do i have to get all new consumables for this 17flex?

do i have to get a cable connector? not sure which one

[zoama]

Everlast sells everything CK, just call sales. 26 and 17 use the same consumables.

[calltrex]

Talked to everlast canada. Dont deal with ck at all

Cant seem to find anyone in canada for ck torches

[zoama]

You should be able to get one from the US with no problems. I'd stay clear of ark zon.

[redbeard]

I'd stay clear of ark zon.

Any particular reason?

[everlastsupport]

I have been happy with weldingcity. Sounds like Zoama might have got a bad deal from AZ.

[zoama]

I learned a lot about them when I bought my second CK torch. The owner told me a ridiculous number of lies including "your order has been delayed for one week because the employee handling your order is taking a week vacation". Speaking with the CEO of CK cleared up a lot of things and made it much easier for people to buy CK products on the internet without any BS. IMO the zone guy is mentally ill... blew up my email with lies, apologizes, threats and begging (like a child having a tantrum). He even went so far as to put a line in his many emails stating that the emails were for my eyes only and sharing or forwarding them would bring legal action. Maybe he's changed his ways... I certainly hope so. Honesty is the best policy.

[calltrex]

i narrowed it down to one or both of these


1. CK 17 superflex

CK17-12-RSF FX (150A, 12.5ft Superflex cable, flex head)

#SL2-35QD (1/2” Dinse w 12” gas hose quick disconnect for CK9, CK17)



2. Trimline 26 Torch

TL26-12-RSF FX (200A, 12.5ft Superflex cable, flex head)

#SL8-35QD (1/2” Dinse w 12” gas hose quick disconnect for CK26, TL26)

[zoama]

I recommend a #9 size for the majority of welding under 150 amps (ck9 or ck130) and a ck 26 or 210 for the heavy stuff.
The cable on those 200 amp gas cooled torches is heavy compared to the one used up to 150 amp. The smaller cable feels like a shoe string in comparison.
Here's an old post where I compared my torches http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...1164#post31164

[zoama]

Even though the ck130 is rated for 130 amps, that rating is at 100% duty cycle both AC/DC. It can run at 150 amps or a little more for shorter runs like 5 minutes or so. Lower quality #9 torches are rated at 125 amp 60% duty cycle only in DC and rated for just 80 amps AC. Duty cycle is percentage of ten minutes the torch can handle rated amps. CK says 100% means non-stop. Torches get much hotter in AC than DC.

[Rambozo]

The perfect torch really depends more on the kind of work you are doing. Hard to beat a superflex #9 for light work and thinner material, shorter duration welds.
For any extended aluminum work, water cooled is the only way to go. In between those two is where the 17 and 26 live. Also depending on if you are welding at a bench or are more mobile, can change things, like air or water cooled and lead length. While 12' is usually fine at a bench, 25' will let you move around a garage or a larger project, without having to drag the machine around.

[calltrex]

How thick can u weld with the ck 9 torch?

[Rambozo]

How thick can u weld with the ck 9 torch?

It depends on for how long. 1/4" steel for small things, 1/8" almost continuously, but the torch will get a bit hot to handle, so you will probably take a break from time to time to give it a chance to cool off. It's great for repairs or for tacking up large projects, but for continuous duty I find it a bit lacking.
What kind of things are you welding?

[calltrex]

It depends on for how long. 1/4" steel for small things, 1/8" almost continuously, but the torch will get a bit hot to handle, so you will probably take a break from time to time to give it a chance to cool off. It's great for repairs or for tacking up large projects, but for continuous duty I find it a bit lacking.
What kind of things are you welding?

mostly just little brackets or whatever in my garage. prob mostly aluminum now. thats why i got a tig to do aluminum. 3/16, 1/8

looks like the CK17 is a better all round option. and if i have to do thicker stuff i can use the 200amp torch that came with machine.

also ck17 and 26 can use the same parts

[calltrex]

done deal now. ordered the CK 17 superflex and flex head

still need to get the stubby lens kit from everlast. way cheaper then from CK

[calltrex]

CK 17

[calltrex]

Torch came today. so much nicer and light and smaller

good for most of my projects.

for big stuff ill have to use the original 200 amp torch

im sure ill replace that one with the trim line superflex torch kit later

[calltrex]

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