CK 130 Flex Loc Torch

[NRM]

The latest Welding Tips and Tricks video I saw was on the CK Flex Loc torch, and it seems like a great torch. Here is the link: http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...ooled-tig.html

Has anyone used this torch or seen it? What are your impressions? I was looking at the CK 130 flex but now I was thinking the 130 Flex Loc might be better. I would compare the two myself but they are not on island.

[undercut]

That's crazy nice. Caught myself drooling while watching the video.

[zoama]

Looks good to me. I'd rather have that over the flex since you can only bend a flex neck so many times.

[NRM]

Zoama what do you mean, did your 130 break internally?

[zoama]

Zoama what do you mean, did your 130 break internally?

No it's still perfect but flex torches come with instructions that say don't bend them often. The flex loc torch can give more angles without worry of damage.
Small bends on a flex neck torch would probably never affect it but regular 90 degree bends would likely work harden the copper tube in the neck and cause a crack or kink. I doubt a hobby welder would ever have to worry about these things.

[jakeru]

I've given one (a CK flex-loc) a "dry run" (not actually used for any welding or struck any arc with it) at a brick-and-mortar welding supply near an on-site welding job I was doing once, that I had to get a replacement TIG torch leads at. They just happened to have a flex loc on their shelves, so I checked it out.

The thing that really put me off about that one that I tried, was that the knob that is used to tighten the torch head angle adjustment was *really* tiny and hard to operate. I couldn't see operating that tiny knob with gloves on, at all. The store guy said he was aware of some people who use them having problems with not being able to get them tight enough and having them move, IIRC.

The one in the video that Jody just showed looks like they may have fixed this problem, though. Its knob looks much wider, maybe with a larger OD than the body it's attached to, making it look much easier to operate with gloves on. Jody also didn't seem to have any problems operating it (even with gloves on, IIRC.)

I think it'd be a sweet setup to have with that better knob on there. Not cheap though.

I would possibly consider the CK "micro torch" instead of the flex-loc, for when you need to get into *really* tight places. The flex loc is probably more versatile to use for a primary torch, though.

[sportbike]

This was posted on Facebook....as much as I don't care for facebook...



A relatively new development, Everlast is proud to announce that we have become an OEM supplier of C-K torches so our customers will have a better selection of quality torches and accessories at their disposal directly through us. C-K has a rich tradition of providing top notch quality and service. We believe that this will help extend our product line and improve the versatility of our units and will continue to build our reputation as a major force in the welding industry. We’ll be able to provide a better selection for the customer to choose from, while offering excellent prices on the C-K product. We’ll have one of the best torch selections of any manufacturer. While we are getting up to speed with the new product line, we encourage you to give us a call about any product you are interested in. While in the process, our cooperation with C-K we’ll be developing special, ready to go packages for customers so the torches are 100% compatible for the units right away. This venture combined with our existing offering of US made foot pedals from SSC industries for our units as an optional feature will allow our customers to enjoy a more complete and enriching experience with Everlast. If you have any questions, or requests about the new developments, feel free to call us at ext 201 or 204 for further information. We’ll be glad to hear from you and look forward to seeing how else we can add to our line to service our customers.

[zoama]

That's great news, thanks.

[Rodsmachineshop]

that is so cool what a neat torch

[NRM]

Zoama/Jake thanks for the information. Anyone else?

[NRM]

Got some additional information from Jeff at CK. The air cooled 130 FL torch (p/n CK-FL1325NSF) comes with the 2 series head which makes it 130A, but you can change the head to the 3 series (p/n CK-FL3L) and you have a 150A torch. All CK torches are 100% duty cycle. I think this is pretty cool option and makes me like this torch even more.

[zoama]

Got some additional information from Jeff at CK. The air cooled 130 FL torch (p/n CK-FL1325NSF) comes with the 2 series head which makes it 130A, but you can change the head to the 3 series (p/n CK-FL3L) and you have a 150A torch. All CK torches are 100% duty cycle. I think this is pretty cool option and makes me like this torch even more.

You can use the 2 series head up to 150 amp AC/DC @60% duty cycle. I've done this many times with no problems at all.

[sportbike]

I believe Everlast is now a CK dealer or distributor or similar. Probably can buy a kit that will work from Oleg.

[zoama]

I believe Everlast is now a CK dealer or distributor or similar. Probably can buy a kit that will work from Oleg.

I didn't know that... when did this start ?