torch type questions

[Ram48]

Ok
I am new to tig and would like to learn about the different torches available. I know air from water cooled but what is the differences between Wp,17, wp18, wp 20 and wp26 Will they all use the same Colette and other consumables?
Will a Ck or weld craft fit the Everlast 250ex right out of the box?
I am thinking about a smaller air cooled torch for my machine

[DiabolicZ]

Ok
I am new to tig and would like to learn about the different torches available. I know air from water cooled but what is the differences between Wp,17, wp18, wp 20 and wp26 Will they all use the same Colette and other consumables?
Will a Ck or weld craft fit the Everlast 250ex right out of the box?
I am thinking about a smaller air cooled torch for my machine

Those numbers represent different torches. I do not believe you can interchange components from one to the next. Or if you can I don't believe it is any number to any number, meaning it is limited.

The Everlast torch has a gas line coming out of the welder that you have to hook up separate from the power lead. On my Lincoln welder it is all in one connection. Basically, another torch would have to be modified to work.

[jakeru]

I would generally recommend matching the torch's power and duty cycle rating to your machine's output capability while getting the torch with the smallest consumables, smallest handle, smallest cable diameter. If you put an aftermarket torch on your everlast machine, do plan on getting any adapters required to make it work.

TIG torch family comparison (based on weldcraft specs)
---------------------------

Cooling method
---------------
WP-9, WP-17, WP-24, WP-26 = aircooled
WP-18, WP-20 = watercooled

Consumable size
---------------
WP-9, WP-20 = "small" consumables
WP-17, WP-18, WP-26 = "large" consumables

Cable thickness
---------------
WP-18, WP-26 = thick cable
WP-9, WP-17, WP-20 = thin cable

Handle size
-----------
WP-9, WP-17 = small handle
WP-18, WP-26 = large handle

Power & duty cycle ratings
--------------------------
WP-9 125 amps DC @ 60% (100 amps AC)
WP-17 150 amps DC @ 60% (125 amps AC)
WP-26 200 amps DC @ 60% (150 amps AC)
WP-20 250 amps DC @ 100% (180 amps AC)
WP-18 350 amps DC @ 100% (250 amps AC)


Other nice features to look for:
* higher temperature resisting materials (such as silicone, or higher temp plastics, instead of lower temp materials, and braized joints instead of soldered) - provide higher power and duty cycle rating
* more thermally conducting metal up in the torch head (such as found in CK Worldwide torches) - provide higher power and duty cycle rating without much added weight or bulk (do take a little larger diameter / bulkier heat shield to the gas cup though)
* silicone hose - more flexible, smaller diameter, higher temperature resisting
* "stubby" consumables - can reduce the overall bulk of your TIG torch
* torch switch - the factory everlast torch has a switch integrated into the handle. This feature is not usually standard. Its useful IME when you are welding something away from the bench.

Note that the factory everlast torch is a WP-18 rated 250-350 amps @ 100% duty cycle when watercooled, which may be overkill for a 250EX which is rated 250 amps @ 60% duty cycle or 200 amps @ 100% duty cycle. You might consider downsizing to a smaller watercooled or aircooled torch that will still handle the power your machine can put out.

[Jason]

On some of the torches you can interchange parts. The WP17 and WP26 for instance will share many parts. The main difference between the two is the body. I forget exactly were I read about all that but it was from the weld craft website some place. I ordered a WP17 with my unit from Alex so I would assume it will come ready to plug in and use. Maybe that is an option for you if you are looking for something similar.