Weld Support Parts Blog

Tag: tig-torch

  • WP-17FV TIG Welding Torch: Air-Cooled Flex Head for Precision Welding

    Introduction

    The WP-17FV TIG torch delivers precision and control for air-cooled TIG welding. With a flexible head design and gas valve control, this torch handles steel, stainless, and aluminum in tight spaces. Built for 150-amp duty, it’s suited for hobby shops and professional fabricators who need reliable performance without water cooling.

    Key Takeaways

    • Flexible head design enables welding in tight, hard-to-reach areas
    • Gas valve control lets you manage shielding gas flow during the weld
    • 150-amp air-cooled rating supports MIG/TIG hybrid machines and dedicated TIG units
    • 12-foot cable reduces need for extension cords; standard M16×1.5 connector
    • Aluminum oxide nozzles and collets included; compatible with WP-17/18/26 consumables

    What Is the WP-17FV?

    The WP-17FV is a complete TIG torch assembly designed for air-cooled welding. Unlike water-cooled torches, air-cooled models rely on ambient air circulation and are lighter, more portable, and require no cooling loop setup. The “FV” designation indicates a flexible head with a gas valve—two features that make this torch practical for fabrication shops and field work.

    Specifications:

    • Amperage: 150 amps DC
    • Head style: Flexible (60° bend)
    • Gas control: Integral valve
    • Cable length: 12 feet (standard)
    • Connector: M16×1.5 (2-pin plug)
    • Material: Copper alloy body, ceramic nozzles
    • Duty cycle: 35% at 150 amps (air-cooled limit)

    Performance & Use

    No products found.

    What to Compare Before You Buy

    • Duty cycle tolerance: Air-cooled torches max out at 35% duty cycle. If you’re running back-to-back welds for 8+ hours, consider water cooling or rotating torches.
    • Cable length: 12 feet is standard but may require an extension for large fabrication tables. Verify your workspace layout.
    • Consumable compatibility: Confirm that your machine’s gas lens, collets, and nozzles match WP-17/18/26 specs. Mismatched parts cause gas leaks and poor arc starts.
    • Flex head angle: The 60° bend is fixed. If you need a straight head or different angle, you’ll need a separate torch.
    • Gas valve response: Integral valves add weight but give you independent gas control. Test the valve’s responsiveness before committing to high-production runs.

    Comparable Amazon Picks (Optional)

    When to Use the WP-17FV

    Best for:

    • Structural steel TIG welding (1/8″ to 3/16″ material)
    • Stainless steel fabrication and repair
    • Aluminum sheet and thin-wall tubing
    • Field repairs where portability matters
    • Hobby and small-shop production

    Not ideal for:

    • Heavy production runs (>4 hours continuous)
    • Thick material (>1/4″) requiring high amperage
    • Situations requiring precise gas metering (use a foot pedal instead)

    Setup & Maintenance

    1. Inspect the torch head for cracks or burns before use. Damaged ceramic nozzles reduce gas coverage.
    2. Attach the cable to your TIG welder’s torch receptacle. Verify polarity (usually DCEN for steel).
    3. Install the gas lens and collet per your machine’s manual. Misalignment causes porosity.
    4. Test the gas valve by triggering it without striking an arc. You should hear a clear click and feel gas flow.
    5. Clean the nozzle after each shift. Spatter buildup restricts gas flow and causes contamination.

    Troubleshooting

    IssueCauseFix
    No gas flowValve stuck or kinked hoseClean valve; check hose for kinks or blockages
    Weak arc startContaminated collet or nozzleReplace consumables; verify gas lens seating
    Torch overheatingExceeding duty cycleRotate torches or allow 15-minute cool-down
    Porosity in weldPoor gas coverageReplace nozzle; increase gas flow 5–10 CFH

    Copy table

    Comparable Alternatives

    If the WP-17FV doesn’t fit your needs, consider:

    • Water-cooled torches (WP-17W, WP-26W) — Better for high-duty-cycle work; require a cooling loop.
    • Lift-start torches (WP-17V) — Simpler arc initiation for beginners; no foot pedal required.
    • Torch kits with consumables — Pre-packaged with nozzles, collets, and gas lenses to reduce setup time.

    Final Thoughts

    The WP-17FV is a solid, no-frills TIG torch for welders who value control and portability over maximum duty cycle. The flexible head and gas valve make it practical for tight spaces and field work. If your shop runs under 35% duty cycle and you’re welding material under 1/4″, this torch will serve you well for years.

  • 17-Piece TIG Welding Torch Kit for WP-17/18/26: Complete Consumables Breakdown

    TIG welding requires precision, and that starts with the right torch consumables. This 17-piece kit covers the essential nozzles, collets, and tungsten electrodes you need to set up and maintain WP-17, WP-18, and WP-26 torches without constant trips to the supply house.

    What’s Included

    The kit bundles five gas lens cups (sizes #4 through #8), three collet bodies (1.0mm, 1.6mm, 2.4mm), three back cups (short, middle, long), and three tungsten electrodes (1.0mm, 1.6mm, 2.4mm). Each piece is sized for standard argon TIG work.

    No products found.

    What to Compare Before You Buy

    • Cup size range: Verify the kit covers your electrode diameter (1.0mm, 1.6mm, or 2.4mm).
    • Material compatibility: Alumina nozzles work for argon; check if your machine uses argon-only or mixed gas.
    • Collet fit: Confirm collet sizes match your torch model (WP-17/18/26 series).
    • Tungsten type: This kit includes pure tungsten (WP); for AC welding, pure tungsten is standard. For DC, ER/EWTh-2 is often preferred.
    • Backup stock: Consider ordering two kits to avoid downtime during replacements.

    Comparable Amazon Picks (Optional)

    Performance & Use

    Nozzle sizing: The five nozzle sizes (#4–#8) correspond to cup diameters from 6.5mm to 12.5mm. Larger cups protect the weld pool in high-amperage work; smaller cups suit precision joints. Alumina nozzles are durable and resist thermal shock.

    Collet bodies: The three sizes (1.0mm, 1.6mm, 2.4mm) fit standard tungsten electrodes. Collets must grip the electrode firmly to prevent arc instability. Replace if they show wear or if the electrode spins during striking.

    Tungsten electrodes: Pure tungsten (WP) is ideal for AC welding because it forms a stable ball at the tip. For DC electrode-negative (DCEN), consider upgrading to thoriated or lanthanated tungsten for better arc starting and longevity.

    Back cups: The three back cup sizes (short, middle, long) control gas coverage. Use the short cup for tight spaces, the middle cup for standard work, and the long cup for maximum shielding in high-wind conditions or when welding aluminum.

    Compatibility Check

    This kit fits WP-17, WP-18, and WP-26 torches, which are among the most common TIG torch models. Verify your torch model before ordering. If you use a different torch series (SR, DB, PTA), check the product listing for compatibility.

    Storage & Maintenance

    Store nozzles and collets in a dry container to prevent oxidation. Tungsten electrodes should be kept clean and dry; contamination reduces arc quality. Inspect collets before each use—replace if bent or worn.

    When to Replace

    • Nozzles: Replace when eroded, cracked, or discolored from heat.
    • Collets: Replace when they no longer grip the electrode or show visible wear.
    • Tungsten: Blunt or contaminated electrodes should be re-sharpened or replaced.

    FAQ

    Q: Can I use these nozzles with a gas lens?
    A: Yes, the nozzles in this kit are compatible with standard gas lens assemblies. Gas lenses improve shielding and allow tighter torch angles.

    Q: What gas should I use?
    A: Pure argon is standard for most TIG work. For stainless steel and aluminum, argon with 1–5% hydrogen or helium is common. Check your machine’s manual.

    Q: How long do tungsten electrodes last?
    A: Depends on use. A sharpened electrode can last 1–2 hours of active welding. Contaminated or blunt electrodes should be replaced.

Watch with Prime Video