Introduction
Welding is an art that requires years of practice to master. As the central tool in the TIG welding process, your welding torch plays a crucial role in determining the quality of your work. In this article, we will explore the importance of choosing the right TIG welding torch and present our top recommendations to help you become a better TIG welder.
The Significance of the Right Torch
TIG welding is known for its meticulous and deliberate technique. The slow pace generates a significant amount of heat on the torch. Using an inappropriate torch can lead to uncomfortable heat levels, lack of durability, and increased maintenance time. To prevent these issues, we have extensively researched and identified five welding torches that will enhance your TIG welding experience.
In a Hurry?
If you’re short on time, here are three products that may suit your budget and needs:
- Weldcraft WP-20-25: A professional choice, this water-cooled TIG welding torch comes with a 1-year warranty and is designed for 250 amps.
- Miller Weldcraft A-200: A professional value option, this air-cooled torch is rated at 200 amps and offers customizable parts.
- WP17 TIG Welding Torch: The best budget option, this affordable air-cooled torch is compatible with Weldcraft and rated at 150 amps.
Best TIG Torch Reviews
Now, let’s delve into the details of some of the finest TIG welding torches available on the market:
1. Weldcraft WP-20-25 Water Cooled TIG Welding Torch
- Water-cooled TIG welding torch
- 1-year warranty
- 25ft vinyl hose
- 250 amp rating
- Electrode size: 0.020 to 0.125 inch
- Fittings designed to prevent leaks
Advantage: This torch offers mechanical fittings for easy hose replacement and water cooling around the welding head. Despite being a water-cooled torch, it maintains the same size as an air-cooled one, ensuring easy connection and a lightweight body.
Shortcoming: Compared to competing brands, it might be slightly more expensive.
Overview: The WP-20-25 stands out among water-cooled TIG torches due to its lightweight and slim profile. Its compact design helps access tight areas with ease. With Miller Electric taking over the Weldcraft line, customer service, parts availability, and consumable costs are expected to be top-notch. Interchangeable with WP-9 series torches, this flashlight comes with a one-year warranty and 25 feet of hose, while its fittings and seals are engineered to minimize leakage.
2. Miller Weldcraft A-200 Air-Cooled TIG Welding Gun
- Flexible head
- Air-cooled torch
- Rated at 200 amps
- 1-year warranty
- 12.5 ft hose
Advantage: The A-200, formerly known as the WP-26 series, offers a flexible neck for accessing tight spaces, a strong and sturdy build, and a heavy copper alloy construction. It also provides the opportunity for customization with a wide range of Miller Electric parts.
Shortcoming: Constant bending of the flexible body may cause breakage.
Overview: Miller’s acquisition of Weldcraft led to the introduction of the A-200 air-cooled flashlight. With six models and various custom parts, this torch series delivers versatility. Rated at 200 amps, it offers excellent cooling and durability due to its solid copper alloy construction. While some users reported issues with the flexible part of the body, Miller provides a wide range of replacement parts to address this concern. The A-200 series is widely recommended within the industry and comes with a 1-year warranty.
3. Parweld WP17 TIG Welding Torch
- Air-cooled torch
- 150 Amp DC, 120 amp AC
- 2-pin connection interchangeable
- Electrode size: 0.02″ to 3/32″
Advantage: The Parweld WP17 is an affordable option that utilizes industry-standard parts compatible with Weldcraft WP-17 welding guns. It is rated at 150 amps for AC and 120 amps for DC TIG welding. With its copper structure and cost-effective pricing, it serves as a budget-friendly alternative to bigger brands.
Shortcoming: The 2-pin connection is not compatible with high-frequency arc starting.
Overview: The Parweld WP17 is a cost-effective TIG welding torch that boasts industry-standard parts, making it compatible with various Weldcraft torch components. With a copper body and a two-pin connection, this torch is suitable for general-purpose and imported welding machines. While it does not support lifting or non-contact starting, it features a gas valve for fine-tuning gas flow. The torch’s solid cover ensures reliable operation in most environments.
4. CK CK17-25-RSF FX TIG welding torch
- Compatible with industry-standard size 17
- Air-cooled torch
- 150 Amps @ 100% Duty Cycle
- Nylon braided sleeve over silicone hose
Advantage: CK CK17-25-RSF FX torches employ brass tips to prevent thread jamming, ensuring smooth performance. The silicone hose used in these torches offers excellent temperature resistance, durability, and flexibility. The ribbed body and flexible head design enhance maneuverability, while the lightweight and compact build facilitate easy handling.
Shortcoming: Some users have reported loose hose connections.
Overview: CK is a leading manufacturer of TIG welding torch equipment preferred by professionals. Offering compatibility with Weldcraft Redhead Accessories, this series exhibits superior craftsmanship. The ribbed handle design keeps the torch cool during extended welding sessions, and ergonomic diamond grip heads provide optimal angles for welding and reduce operator fatigue. With a 150-amp rating, the CK CK17-25-RSF FX torch is backed by CK’s reputation for reliable accessories.
5. Miller Weldcraft A-150 TIG Welding Gun
- 25mm Dinse Connector
- 12.5ft rubber hose
- Weldcraft Aluminum Oxide 7/16″ Nozzle
- 3/32″ collet and body
- Air-cooled TIG welding torch
Advantage: Renamed from the Weldcraft WP-17, the Miller Weldcraft A-150 is an air-cooled torch with a ribbed handle design that ensures cool operation during welding. Its ergonomic diamond grip head allows for a comfortable grip, optimal welding angles, and reduced operator fatigue. This torch is interchangeable with Redhead flexible bodies, giving you the option to upgrade your torch with ease. Miller offers a 1-year warranty for this torch.
Shortcoming: Due to the air-cooled design, this torch is bulkier compared to its water-cooled counterparts, making welding in tight spaces more challenging.
Overview: Following Miller Electric’s acquisition of Weldcraft, the A-150 torch was introduced as the Miller-based equivalent of the WP-17. Rated for air cooling and 150 amps, this torch is an industry favorite with a ribbed handle to ensure cool operation. Its diamond grip head offers excellent ergonomics and prevents operator fatigue. With interchangeable parts between the air-cooled Miller Weldcraft range and the Redhead range, it is versatile in its application. Miller stands behind this torch with a 1-year warranty.
Conclusion
Choosing the right TIG welding torch is crucial for achieving the best results in your welding projects. Our top recommendations, including the Weldcraft WP-20-25, Miller Weldcraft A-200, Parweld WP17, CK CK17-25-RSF FX, and Miller Weldcraft A-150, offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Consider your requirements and budget constraints to select the torch that will enhance your TIG welding experience.