How I set my 250EX up with a new torch.

[cmd]

Due to me despising the factory torch on the EX I finally went and go a new one. Before I hear how great and ergonomic the original torch was I understand but it was had some hold backs for me.
torch too big.
cables too heavy
cables too short
cables too stiff
torch leaked water from the fittings inside, maybe my miller watermate had to much pressure, I took it apart, nothing you could do just too much pressure. So I went to my LWS which is stocked with good people and they set me up with this rig. this torch is a WP20 size ESAB, it is rated 250 amp DC and 240 amp AC according to its spec sheet.
I don't know what some of these adaptors are called but there is a really nice adapter they found to attach the screw on power cable to the dinse as you can see. Also their water cooler quick connects fit the argon quick connect on the EX without leaking, but it has LH thread so they made me a short hose to go from RH thread argon to the LH water thread in the make quick connect. I then got the leather sheath which was a must. I am very satisfied with this unit now and am much more efficient with this new torch. I called Alex and they are sending me a new paddle type switch for the torch then I'll be done. Photos follow.
chris

[Rugar]

How much do have tied up in the new torch and the adapters to convert it to fit?

[cmd]

grand total with collets, ceramics, and all the misc. stuff I was about $300 after tax, I think their was some adapters I may not have paid for as they just had them laying around. I like how high this torch is rated on the amperage compared to some other 20's. the leather sheath is around $2 a foot and I have like 23 feet for a 25 foot torch lead. I just went local so I could just be done with it instead of trying to buy parts online and match things up for a month.

[Rugar]

Was wondering if you got your torch switch from Alex yet? Was wanting to know how long the lead is on it. Since you now have a 25' torch lead (at least it appears that way), I'm thinking the lead on the Everlast switch will be to short. I guess it would be simple enough to lengthen, as it only uses two wires on the 7 pin socket.

[cmd]

I got it last week. Its probably 12 feet. I have a 25' torch. I think it was $35 total for the switch. I hadn't gotten to use it much, (with new switch) last night I used it a bit and it works very nice. The paddle comes with 2 or 3 connectors but none of them fit my EX so I just chopped the one off the old torch. I would like to buy some extras some where if someone knows the common name of that connector.

[performance]

7 pin panasonic

Someone posted a link to them real cheap last night on ebay.

[Rugar]

I got it last week. Its probably 12 feet. I have a 25' torch. I think it was $35 total for the switch. I hadn't gotten to use it much, (with new switch) last night I used it a bit and it works very nice. The paddle comes with 2 or 3 connectors but none of them fit my EX so I just chopped the one off the old torch. I would like to buy some extras some where if someone knows the common name of that connector.

Is this the switch they sent you?
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/products1/409_1.jpg
That one shows 15.99 on this sight.

Here is the 7 pin connectors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/7-pin-connector-...#ht_2070wt_905
Looks like they should work. I ordered them last night.

[cmd]

that is the one, Maybe i paid more for the wire I dunno. they are on ebay really cheap with no wire. search tig switch or torch switch. I just went ahead with the one from everlast, it was $35, not $15.99, I can't think shipping was 20 dollars.

[jakeru]

Please let us know how it goes adding the everlast switch onto your aftermarket torch. I am considering doing the similar on an aftermarket torch I just bought. I am considering just swapping the switch from the old torch, versus buying and installing a new switch. Thanks

[cmd]

2 zip ties holds it on, very simple, there are integral torch switches available from the different manufacturers but I like the large paddle type.http://cgi.ebay.com/TORCH-SWITCH-TIG...item5d282d9e51

that is pretty much what i got. I don't think you would be happy pulling the switch from the factory blue handled torch. i've had that torch apart and its just a wee little switch, you need something you can handle with gloves on.

[jakeru]

Thanks. I have that same switch, which I also like by the way, on my factory Everlast "WP-17" torch. (My Everlast setup is about 3 years old... so probably qualifies as "oldschool" at this point.)

[cmd]

this is the final product.

[cmd]

Thanks. I have that same switch, which I also like by the way, on my factory Everlast "WP-17" torch. (My Everlast setup is about 3 years old... so probably qualifies as "oldschool" at this point.)

well i guess you could use your old switch, i had the "ergonomic" torch with built in button. I looked at a few different switches from the torch manufacturers but many were a small button, I thought that may be to hard to get pressed sometimes, hence the paddle switch.
chris

[jakeru]

That looks cool - thanks for the pic! Your setup looks really capable and functional, the way you've got it set up. I'll bet you are really happy with it.

[cmd]

That looks cool - thanks for the pic! Your setup looks really capable and functional, the way you've got it set up. I'll bet you are really happy with it.

its something i'm much more used to. i really like it. it helps on weld quality to as you do not have the fatigue and whatnot associated with the old heavy torch.