much smaller torch for powerpro 256?

[acannell]

I have a PowerPro 256 and I need a much smaller tig torch because I'm welding up something with lots of nooks and crannies.

I need to use up to 125amps AC on aluminum.

It can be air cooled.

I think the torch I'm using now is the EV18 which came with the welder.

I think they should change the way they list the torches to a spreadsheet comparing all of them..the long list with no pics is hard to read and makes it difficult to shop.

BTW the welder is coming up on 5 years and has been worth every penny. What a deal!!!

So my questions would be:

Is the EV17 much smaller than the EV18? There dont seem to be pics on the everlast site.

Could I get away with an even smaller series like the EV9 at 125amps (way over its rating), if I watch how much it heats up carefully?

Is there some kind of used option on ebay that would save me money so I could try it out and resell it if I dont like it?

Or some other brand of common used torch I could adapt?

Thanks for any help!

Heres what I'm welding, its an intake for the old chryslers:

The one in the pic was using the PowerPro256..not too great but its functional!! Thats why I want a smaller torch, the EV18 is just huge to get between the runners.

[Blaster]

Wow! You've lived with the torch that came with it for 5 Years now? Boy are you gonna love a new one

I switched to a Water Cooled 250 CK SuperFlex right away (I needed the amperage) and a little later to a CK Air Cooled 130 (MUCH smaller) and maybe just right for what you're doing.

There's a couple of way to go, the "SuperFlex" referrers to the flexibility of the wire (nice to be rope-like) and you can also get a "bendable" head and a "FlexLoc" head that is really nice (but not cheap, here's where I got mine -> http://store.mwsco.com/storefront/CK...rFlex-P-614512)

Compared to what you're using, it's a whole new world!

[acannell]

Wow! You've lived with the torch that came with it for 5 Years now? Boy are you gonna love a new one

I switched to a Water Cooled 250 CK SuperFlex right away (I needed the amperage) and a little later to a CK Air Cooled 130 (MUCH smaller) and maybe just right for what you're doing.

There's a couple of way to go, the "SuperFlex" referrers to the flexibility of the wire (nice to be rope-like) and you can also get a "bendable" head and a "FlexLoc" head that is really nice (but not cheap, here's where I got mine -> http://store.mwsco.com/storefront/CK...rFlex-P-614512)

Compared to what you're using, it's a whole new world!

Thanks for your help!

Yep it looks like the CK130 may be the way.

I'm still going to try and learn whats what and where to get what.

I'd like to have a fast, cheap way of ordering consumables for the CK so I can experiment with different gas accessories until I get it right. I.e. someone in the USA that ships first class mail.

Are the CK series compatible with generic consumables? For instance, my chinese "New Century" WP18 torch worked great with cups I bought from mcmaster.

So heres what I've found so far:

Below is a pic on here showing what I believe is a CK130 sitting next to the same torch I have, the WP18 that came with my power pro 256. I could be wrong about that though, but it looks identical.

Also, CK's site seems to be great, although a huge spreadsheet comparing every torch they have would be useful. But as a consolation prize they have a document showing torch dimensions!! Finally, now I can get excited about how much smaller it will be (thats what she said).

http://www.ckworldwide.com/torch_dim.pdf

[Rambozo]

9, 20, and CK series 2 all share consumables.

17,18,26, and CK series 3 all share consumables.

For intake manifolds you might want to look at a WP-24W (now renumbered to W-180). It's a specialty torch, but just great for getting into tight places.

[zoama]

Here's a video to help you.
I use generic gas lenses and 2% lanthanated tungsten from weldingcity.com
All these things can be purchases through Everlast.

[acannell]

Here's a video to help you.
I use generic gas lenses and 2% lanthanated tungsten from weldingcity.com
All these things can be purchases through Everlast.

Thanks Zoama! I've read several of your posts about the CK130 and thats whats led me to want to get it. I've decided on the CK130 flex with the 12 feet of super flex cable.

Might you know if CK changed the part number so that now the 35 dinse connector has a "QD" suffix? I cant seem to find the "LG" suffix anymore. Does the "QD" mean that it now has the right connector for everlast argon and we no longer need to pull out the one from our existing torches?

And where on Everlasts site can you buy CK stuff? I dont see it, just the EV series torches :/

[acannell]

rats..I thought I had this all figured out...

now I'm wondering if maybe a CK90 FX would be better...1/2" shorter cup size versus the CK130 and its cheaper too..how hot would it get running 115A at say 60% duty cycle?

how do you de-rate TIG torches for various duty cycles?

too bad they done make a CK24W FLEX..now that would be insane

[zoama]

too bad they done make a CK24W FLEX..now that would be insane

http://www.ckworldwide.com/ck24f.htm

[acannell]

http://www.ckworldwide.com/ck24f.htm

water cooled I forgot to say lol!

Weldcraft makes one but its near $200 :/

[acannell]

hmm theres this one

http://weldingdirect.com/wptigtowcpa1.html

so if im reading that right, 8 series head, water cooled, flexible head, and $144?? But doesnt seem to be much info on it....

[zoama]

water cooled I forgot to say lol!

Weldcraft makes one but its near $200 :/

Other brands don't have the 100% duty cycle in AC.

If small is what you're after it's hard to beat this> http://www.ckworldwide.com/micro_torch.htm

[acannell]

Other brands don't have the 100% duty cycle in AC.

If small is what you're after it's hard to beat this> http://www.ckworldwide.com/micro_torch.htm

That micro torch IS AWESOME. How the heck do they get 140amps through that???

And where on Everlasts site can you buy the CK stuff??

Could you tell me how the electrode gets installed in these 8 series torches with no back-cap? Does the cup tighten it down or something?

I'm looking at the CK24 air cooled now....

[acannell]

9, 20, and CK series 2 all share consumables.

17,18,26, and CK series 3 all share consumables.

For intake manifolds you might want to look at a WP-24W (now renumbered to W-180). It's a specialty torch, but just great for getting into tight places.

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

[zoama]

That micro torch IS AWESOME. How the heck do they get 140amps through that???

And where on Everlasts site can you buy the CK stuff??

Could you tell me how the electrode gets installed in these 8 series torches with no back-cap? Does the cup tighten it down or something?

I'm looking at the CK24 air cooled now....

Call Everlast sales to order ANY CK product.

I'd say the you just tighten the collet body/gas lens to secure the tungsten.

[zoama]

You can also call CK at the # in the video to get specific answers and part number, then call Everlast to purchase.

[Rambozo]

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...

[everlastsupport]

I agree with Rambozo.

Have you looked at stubby kits and using the flat back cap? Duncan was selling a kit at one time. I like the CK quality and the flex hoses are great, but there are other less costly things to try. And grant it, that torch looks great, I think Ram made a good point on changing the tungsten, from just looking at it. But it might not be an issue.

Zoama, how does the torch work for you? Any negative things?

[zoama]

I agree with Rambozo.

Have you looked at stubby kits and using the flat back cap? Duncan was selling a kit at one time. I like the CK quality and the flex hoses are great, but there are other less costly things to try. And grant it, that torch looks great, I think Ram made a good point on changing the tungsten, from just looking at it. But it might not be an issue.

Zoama, how does the torch work for you? Any negative things?

I don't own a 24 or micro, I was just helping him find what he wants. The CK130 and 210 have covered everything I need so far.

[everlastsupport]

Mark or Oleg, anyone know what the Everlast price is on the MR1425SF? If we stock them and the price is right, worth a look.

Looks like you get a wrench and stick-out gauge, pull pyrex lens, set, lock and put back on. That's at a glance, I did not read the PDF.

[performance]

Almost all torches from CK are drop shipped direct. The list price on that torch package is 456.60. We can ship it for 245.00 anwhere in the lower US. (Plus tax if you live in California.) DINSE connector Safeloc with Quick Disconnect is 59.00. Additional Quick disconnect package 25.00 for left and right hand adapters.