TIG Torch Trouble
How Do I TIG Weld In Tight Areas And In Small Holes?
Recently, the biggest complaint I hear from my customers is that they are unable to find a TIG torch small enough to fit into small holes without damaging the hole. Mostly these concerns are coming from markets with intricate applications, like automotive and aerospace. However, tool and die companies and fabricators consistently come across this issue as well. So, what’s the solution?
We’ve engineered some different products, we’ve tested some designs, but the challenge is to create a solution that provides high amperage, yet remains air-cooled. We also can’t forget the most critical factors – high arc quality and superior durability. A small TIG torch that fits in tight areas is ineffective if the arc is bad and it falls apart after its third use.
Another challenge lies with the length of the tungsten. While the torch system needs to be small, the tungsten also needs to be short in order to accommodate the application. However, this causes customers headaches as well. It’s not very convenient, nor productive, to frequently stop welding to change your tungsten.
I know there are companies that are “creating” their own TIG torches to accommodate their needs. I’d like to hear from them and learn what has worked in their shops. As a leading manufacturer of TIG torches, our goal is to develop products that not only work well for our customers, but ones that solve all their headaches. Vote on the poll question and post your comments.
Average (Not Rated)
November 27th, 2006 at 11:34 am
Applications: Non certified aviation low carbon steel structures, quality automotive racing equipment mods.
#9 air cooled torch, FLEX head, custom set screw style flush fitting back cap, #3 cup.
Though this is nothing exotic, it sustains short durations of approximately 140 amps DC. Could not live without it for tight conditions.
I used to have a WP24 pencil style torch but found there were almost no occasions where the pencil style had an advantage over the #9 flex torch.
Have not tried the mini style right angle torches with transparent cups. I hear that they do work well, but have very short duty cycle. I will pick one up some day.
Miller charges too much for torch heads. There is nothing involved from either a manufacturing or materials standpoint to quantify the pricing. As a result I shop elsewhere.
Jim Dyck
Jim
January 27th, 2007 at 2:19 am
Bonjour! What a super websight! Very refreshing to peruse from where we live in Paris (France). I eat frogs and drink wine. Woold like more informatons on this. Best regards! Mikael.
January 28th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
In the past you made an # 7 cup also #7 HP the size was the best for the type of TIG welding that we are doing at this time. Now that the # 7 die was changed that makes the blanks for this cup. We are less able to get in to the small areas to weld in the parts that we make. The price was never some thing we thought of that would keep us from useing them. The other thing was if they hit the floor more then two time they were trash. The new cup can hit the floor more times, but I can’t use them as much as the old #7 - like the old Lindy line. The Dia. is to fat for us! I sent some one back to your booth at the welding show last year, and they were less then help full. Don’t tell me I need a new torch what I need is some one to make what I need. Do you want to sell a product that make us happy or what? I was also told China would love to make them but the order would need to be large!
January 31st, 2007 at 12:52 am
Superb! (I wrote something else and then I read below that I aint supposed ter. So I deleted it.)
February 15th, 2007 at 10:02 am
When I was welding injection-mold dies, I used a gas lens and 0.040″ tungsten which was dipped into a ceramic paste which would harden. Then, I would sharpen the tungten, extend well beyond the cup as necessary to reach the repair. The ceramic shielded the exposed tungsten. The gas lens foccused the argon at the arc. I am not sure how well this would work at higher amperages as I was using a micro TIG.