Anyone try this TIG torch?

[meincer]

I ran across this torch on weldingdepot web site:

http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/ER9FX-12A.html

I am interested in it because of the option to add a thumb wheel control:

http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/ER1MS-xx.html

and a customed connector for your model welder:

http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/scan/fi=products/st=db/sp=results/co=1/sf=category/se=Ergo%20Tig%20Torches/op=eq/nu=0/bs=1/ml=28/tf=description/to=x/se=1/sf=inactive/op=ne/sf=tax_category/se=1/va=banner_text=/va=banner_image=.html?id=L8MWUL7V

This provides thumbwheel control for my ThermalArc 185 for a lot less than the $300+ that the ThermalArc unit costs.

Has anyone used this?

[Rocky D]

Haven't used that particular one, but my for welding, I take the 9 class and 20 class torches and cut the handle down till it just barely covers the brass connections, for flexibility. This one looks rather bulky...guess it'd be OK if you're doing heavy stuff, but I was welding .016" to .064" stainless, mainly, and I needed the flexibility. I was also doing production, so handling the torch for 8 to 12 hours straight, ya had to make it light as possible. If you're looking for a thumb switch, ya must be crawling around stuff, so the heavy handle might be good for ya.

[boykjo]

FYI,

If your welding for yourself and pay for your own gas I would get one with a torch body valve. They also make them flexible. This is a manual valve that shuts off the gas when you are completed with the weld. The soleniod will shut off the gas after a short period of time but when u pay for your own gas you try to save as much as possible.............

[meincer]

Boykjo, I was not aware of this option. I do go through too much gas and I am paying for it! Where would I find this?

Also, Rocky, I really do want a small torch and it does look big doesn't it?

Do they make a both small torch with the in-body valve? Maybe I just need to forget the thumb switch. Is just that I often find it inconvenient to situate myself properly to use the footpedal.

Thanks for the replies!

[tailshaft56]

Most tig have an adjustment for post flow. You should be able to shorten the post flow time if it's too long.

[old fart]

Thumbwheel controllers that can be added to any torch are an --add on that most welder manufacturers offer as an option. Check your LWS to see what is available.

[boykjo]

Thumbwheel controllers that can be added to any torch are an --add on that most welder manufacturers offer as an option. Check your LWS to see what is available.

I agree....................

[dbl_0]

Boykjo, I was not aware of this option. I do go through too much gas and I am paying for it! Where would I find this?

Also, Rocky, I really do want a small torch and it does look big doesn't it?

Do they make a both small torch with the in-body valve? Maybe I just need to forget the thumb switch. Is just that I often find it inconvenient to situate myself properly to use the footpedal.

Thanks for the replies!

You might look here:http://www.welding-direct.com/

[Jonesy70]

Weldcraft makes a nice set up that has the gas flow valve and the thumb trigger...you can buy them in a package too. The trigger fits in the footpeddle remote slot so you have to keep in mind how far away from the machine you will be working.