What size tig torch for CST 280

[clint738]

I can't decide between these 2 tig torches and from which supplier.
What would be the limitations on mild steel with the 150A weldcraft torch?

I've always arc welded stuff so haven't messed with much thin stuff. I have a miller 140C mig to start playing with the really thin stuff.
For now uses would be mild steel 1/8", 11ga, 14ga thick and maybe 16ga thick everyone in a while.

Any thicker than 3/16" and i'll probably stick weld it unless I find the tig does a good job on it and I want it to look pretty without grinding.

Anyone have a picture or someone way to indicate the difference in size between the WP17 and the WP26?

Weldcraft WP17V - with Valve
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=301
$139.87 --- No extras

__________________________________________________ ______________
Weldcraft WP17FV - flexible head with Valve
http://store.cyberweld.com/wewpflnetigt.html
$151.19 --- No extras

or from
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=295
$175.56 --- No extras

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Weldcraft WP26V - with Valve
http://store.cyberweld.com/db200aairtig.html
$173.44 -- Comes complete with: one collet, one collet body, one nozzle, one back cap and one 2% tungsten electrode.

or from
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=200
$154.83 --- No extras

__________________________________________________ ________
Weldcraft WP26FV - flexible head with valve
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=196
$231.56 --- No extras

__________________________________________________ ______

Thinking about using the tig torch I do get with an adapter like these 2 to connect it direct to the CST 280. Which one I get will depend on the torch WP17 or WP26 I get.
http://store.cyberweld.com/dintorad.html
http://store.cyberweld.com/tigtopoadsod.html
$71.63

Looks like these connectors are cheaper here
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=770
$49.34 -- although the hose connector in the picture looks different

I've never really tig welded before so I just want to know when I do get better at it, what I might wish I did have.

Does anyone have both the air cooled 17 and the 26 and prefer one over the other?

Thanks!

[clint738]

anyone?

[c wagner]

The CST doesn't have an internal gas valve so you need the torch with a manual valve (you've got that part figured out) but since it doesn't have a valve in the machine you don't want a one piece cable. Get a two piece cable then the gas hose hooks directly to the reg (or an extension hose if the bottle is a long ways away) and the power cable will use a regular Dinse or Tweco connector (depends which connector your machine has). Done deal!!!

As for the 26 vs 17? That just depends on amps and how tight of a space you need to get into. You can get the larger torch, put a gas lens on it and extend the tungsten out a fair bit.
It's your call.

[clint738]

The CST doesn't have an internal gas valve so you need the torch with a manual valve (you've got that part figured out) but since it doesn't have a valve in the machine you don't want a one piece cable. Get a two piece cable then the gas hose hooks directly to the reg (or an extension hose if the bottle is a long ways away) and the power cable will use a regular Dinse or Tweco connector (depends which connector your machine has). Done deal!!!

As for the 26 vs 17? That just depends on amps and how tight of a space you need to get into. You can get the larger torch, put a gas lens on it and extend the tungsten out a fair bit.
It's your call.

Why would you not recommend a 1 piece cable for the CST-280?

The 2 piece cables have a ring terminal that I guess I would just have to cut off to put the Dinse on. Versus the 1 cable type I would guess the cable threads into this connector that then plugs into the machine?
http://store.cyberweld.com/tigtopoadsod.html
I would then run a hose from that connector to the regulator.

Would the 2 cable style be heavier/stiffer to work with?
Also, with 2 cables would I then need to get a cable sleeve to keep them together and protect them. Or is a cable sleeve recommended for both 1 and 2 cable assemblies?
http://store.cyberweld.com/wetigtocaco.html

Anyone have any bad experiences using the 1-cable air cooled tig 17 or 26 ?

I just think the single cable would be less cable clutter but wonder if there are any reliability or gas leak issues using the connector like this:
http://store.cyberweld.com/tigtopoadsod.html

Thanks!

[clint738]

The CST doesn't have an internal gas valve so you need the torch with a manual valve (you've got that part figured out) but since it doesn't have a valve in the machine you don't want a one piece cable. Get a two piece cable then the gas hose hooks directly to the reg (or an extension hose if the bottle is a long ways away) and the power cable will use a regular Dinse or Tweco connector (depends which connector your machine has). Done deal!!!

Can you elaborate more on why no internal gas valve = 2 piece cable?

Thanks

[clint738]

????

[mikesystem]

Power and gas 2 piece cable u need a torch with the valve to turn on argon on and off no internal valve inside machine so u need to manual start your pre and post flow that's why 2 piece cable

[mikesystem]

I got a new used once 17 I will sell has valve on torch as well 12.5 ft long

[c wagner]

Can you elaborate more on why no internal gas valve = 2 piece cable?

Thanks

It's more that you don't NEED a one piece cable, I'm not sure why you want to spend money on an extra adapter??? That's $70 of consumables, material, argon you could be buying...
Some machines have the gas line incorporated into the dinse connector and you HAVE to buy a one piece cable, the CST 280 doesn't have that.

Are you planning on upgrading to a machine that does have an internal gas valve (in the dinse connector or otherwise)? If so then go with a one piece cable and look at it as an investment for the future.

They both weigh about the same, one is a gas hose with electrical cable around it, the other is a separate gas hose and separate cable... they both have to do the same job so the cables and hoses are the same size and weight just combined in one version.

You can buy a cable sleeve for either version and it's not a bad investment, it all depends if you're using this torch in a field application (mud, rocks, heavy foot traffic, etc.) or in your garage where you are the only one around and only one going to use it. If it's the latter than a wrap of electrical tape every foot will work fine.

[clint738]

I got a new used once 17 I will sell has valve on torch as well 12.5 ft long

I am really looking for the 25ft version so I don't have to move the machine for reaching stuff just inside the shop door.

Thanks for the offer, how much were you going to sell if for? And any consumables with it?

Thanks