Figuring out which TIG torch to buy can be a nightmare.
In today’s market, numerous TIG torch types and sizes from different manufacturers are designed for various purposes.
It is enough to make your brain hurt just by thinking about it.
Nevertheless, picking a good one from a slew of TIG torches can make or break your future project. Based on our research, we advise you on how to choose one and provide reviews of the best TIG torches in our opinion.
Best TIG Torches Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Cooling | Head Type | Amperage | Duty Cycle | Lead | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YesWelder WP-17V-10 Air-Cooled TorchGet 10% Off With Coupon: -10% WELDPROS | Air-Cooled | Fixed Head | 150A | 35% @ 150A DC | 10 ft | Check Price |
 | YesWelder WP-17V Air-Cooled TorchGet 10% Off With Coupon: -10% WELDPROS | Air-Cooled | Fixed Head | 150A | 35% @ 150A DC | 12 ft | Check Price |
 | WeldingCity WP-17F Flex Head | Air-Cooled | Flex Head | 150A | 60% @ 150A | 25 ft | Check Price |
| WeldingCity WP-26F Flex Head | Air-Cooled | Flex Head | 200A | 100% @ 200A | 12.5 ft | Check Price |
| RIVERWELD WP-18FV Water-Cooled | Water-Cooled | Flex Head | 350A | 100% @ 350A | 25 ft | Check Price |
 | Lincoln Electric PTA9 K1782-16 | Air-Cooled | Fixed Head | 125A | 60% @ 125A | 12.5 ft | Check Price |
 | Lincoln Electric PTW-20 K1784-4 | Water-Cooled | Fixed Head | 250A | 100% @ 250A | 25 ft | Check Price |
Best TIG Torches Reviews
If you are a beginner welder just getting into the trade, chances are you will spend long hours choosing a good TIG torch. The problem lies in having so many options these days. This should not be something to complain about, as having options is a good thing. But even experienced welders sometimes have trouble picking good features on the TIG torch.
Getting the right TIG torch, even for practical use, can take a long time to achieve the best results. Often, brands claim their products have the best features. In reality, there are a whole lot of different things that you need to look at first. Some people always go for the most expensive piece of equipment, with a well-known brand stamped on it, which is wrong.
Check out the list of the best TIG torch reviews, information, and everything we have devised for you.
1. YesWelder WP-17V-10 Air Cooled Valve Controlled Lift TIG Welding Torch – Best Budget Air-Cooled TIG Torch
Best Budget Air-Cooled TIG Torch
YesWelder WP-17V-10
The WP-17V-10 is YesWelder’s entry-level air-cooled TIG torch designed for hobbyists and light fabrication work. At $54, you get a 150-amp lift-start torch with a built-in gas valve and 10-foot lead. It is about as simple as TIG gets.
Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS”
| Cooling: | Air-Cooled | Head Type: | Fixed Head |
| Amperage: | 150A DC | Duty Cycle: | 35% @ 150A DC |
| Lead Length: | 10 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Valve Control: | Built-in gas valve | Consumables: | WP-17 Series |
| Weight: | ~3 lbs (torch head) | Price: | $54.00 |
The WP-17V-10 is YesWelder’s entry-level air-cooled TIG torch and honestly, for 54 bucks, I wasn’t expecting much. I was wrong. It’s not fancy. It’s a 150-amp lift-start torch with a built-in gas valve and a 10-foot lead. That’s it. No flex head, no water cooling, no bells. Just a brass-bodied torch that does what it says on the box.
I’ve used this on thin-gauge steel and stainless up to about 1/8 inch. At 150 amps DC with a 35 percent duty cycle, you’re not running production with it. You’ll outlast the torch on most hobby jobs before it needs a break, but push past the rating and the air cooling can’t keep up. Fair enough for the price.
The valve-controlled lift start is what makes this good for beginners. Touch the tungsten to the workpiece, lift, and the arc strikes. No foot pedal to juggle, no high-frequency start to think about. It keeps things simple. The fixed head means you’re not bending it into tight spots, but for bench work it’s fine.
WP-17 consumables are everywhere. Collets, cups, back caps, gas lenses. You can walk into any welding supply shop and find what you need without ordering online and waiting three days. That matters more than most people realize when you’re mid-project on a Saturday.
I won’t pretend this is the torch you buy once and never replace. The 10-foot lead is short if you’re moving around a shop. No AC means no aluminum. And the 35 percent duty cycle is what it is. But if you’re learning TIG or just need a backup torch that doesn’t cost more than a tank of gas, this is it.
Check the latest price on YesWelder — this torch is often on sale for under $50.
Pros
- Fifty-four dollars. That’s less than most welding hoods.
- Built-in gas valve means no solenoid or foot pedal required
- Standard WP-17 consumables, cheap and available anywhere
- Air-cooled, no water cooler or extra setup
- Brass construction with decent threading throughout
- Lift TIG start is simple and reliable
- Lightweight and balanced enough for long sessions
- 10-foot lead has decent flexibility
Cons
- Fixed head only, no flex option
- 35 percent duty cycle limits continuous welding time
- DC only, no AC aluminum capability
2. YesWelder WP-17V Air Cooled Valve Controlled Lift TIG Welding Torch – Best Value Air-Cooled TIG Torch
Best Value Air-Cooled TIG Torch
YesWelder WP-17V
The YesWelder WP-17V is a straightforward air-cooled TIG torch. Valve on the handle, 150 amps max, 12-foot lead. At $59 it covers most hobby and light fabrication work without fuss.
Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS”
| Cooling: | Air-Cooled | Head Type: | Fixed Head |
| Amperage: | 150A DC / 120A AC | Duty Cycle: | 35% @ 150A DC 35% @ 120A AC |
| Lead Length: | 12 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Valve Control: | Built-in gas valve | Consumables: | WP-17 Series |
| Gas Fitting: | 5/8-18RH | Price: | $59.00 |
The WP-17V is the WP-17V-10 with a 12-foot lead and about five extra dollars on the price tag. At $59, you’re still in impulse-buy territory for a name-brand torch. The extra two feet of lead doesn’t sound like much on paper but it makes a real difference when you’re working around a welding cart or reaching across a bench.
Same deal as its shorter sibling. 150 amps DC, valve on the handle, air-cooled, lift-start. Fixed head. WP-17 consumables. The build quality is consistent across YesWelder’s torch line. Brass fittings, clean threading, nothing feels loose or sloppy out of the box.
The duty cycle is still 35 percent at 150 amps. Realistically, for the kind of work this torch is aimed at, you’re hitting that limit about as often as you’d expect. Hobby welders doing brackets, exhaust work, small repairs won’t notice. If you’re running beads all day, you already know you need a water-cooled setup.
What I like about this torch versus some of the no-name Amazon options at similar prices is the support. YesWelder has a 30-day return policy that actually covers DOA units. Customer reviews mention occasional stiff cables or gas blockages right out of the box, but their support team sorts it within a week in most cases. That’s better than rolling the dice on a generic brand with no phone number.
The lift-start mechanism just works. Touch the tungsten, lift, arc fires. No drama. If your machine has HF start, this torch still works fine alongside it.
For someone learning TIG or upgrading from the torch that came with their machine, the WP-17V covers a lot of ground. It won’t do aluminum and it won’t do production, but for $59 it does everything else without complaint.
Pros
- Fifty-nine dollars for build quality that punches above the price
- Built-in gas valve, no machine solenoid needed
- Brass fittings with clean threading throughout
- Light and balanced, comfortable for long sessions
- Standard WP-17 consumables fit without issues
- Lift start works reliably every time
- 30-day return policy covers DOA units
- 12-foot lead reaches around a bench or cart
Cons
- Fixed head only, no flex option
- Air cooling caps you at 35 percent duty cycle
- Some units ship with stiff cables or gas blockages
3. WeldingCity WP-17F Flex Head Air-Cooled TIG Torch – Best Long-Reach Flex Head TIG Torch
Best Long-Reach Flex Head TIG Torch
WeldingCity WP-17F
The WeldingCity WP-17F is a flex-head air-cooled torch with a 25-foot lead. That reach alone puts it in a different category from most budget TIG torches. At around $82, it is built for garage and shop work where you need to move around.
| Cooling: | Air-Cooled | Head Type: | Flex Head |
| Amperage: | 150A DC | Duty Cycle: | 60% @ 150A DC |
| Lead Length: | 25 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Gas Valve: | Built-in | Consumables: | WP-17 Series |
| Includes: | TIG gloves, adapter, cable cover | Price: | ~$82 |
The WeldingCity WP-17F solves two problems at once. It has a flex head that bends into tight spots and a 25-foot lead that reaches across pretty much any shop. At around $82, you’re getting flexibility and reach that would cost double from a legacy brand.
The flex head is the reason to buy this torch. Fixed-head torches force you to contort your body around the workpiece. With the WP-17F, you bend the head to the angle you need and weld comfortably. Around tubing, inside chassis work, awkward joints on exhaust pipe. It holds position well enough, though I’ve heard from a few guys that the joint can loosen over time if you’re constantly adjusting it. Treat it with some care and it lasts.
The 25-foot lead uses a heavy-gauge power cable that handles full output without overheating. Rated at 150 amps DC with a 60 percent duty cycle, it runs longer than most air-cooled torches in its class. That extra duty cycle headroom matters if you’re doing longer passes or working with thicker material in the 1/8 to 3/16 range.
This is a lift-start torch, not high-frequency. Your machine needs to support lift-start or you need an adapter. If your machine has HF start built in, the torch still works. If it doesn’t have either, you’ll be scratch-starting, which is not ideal.
WeldingCity throws in TIG gloves, a power cable adapter, and a cable cover. The gloves are basic but functional. The adapter saves you a trip to the hardware store if your machine has different fittings. The cable cover is cheap nylon but it keeps things tidy.
At $82, the WP-17F sits in a sweet spot. It’s not the cheapest air-cooled torch and it’s not the most feature-packed. What it is: a long-reach flex-head torch that works. If you’re working in a garage or small shop and spending half your time repositioning yourself around the workpiece, the flex head alone pays for itself.
Pros
- 25-foot lead reaches across any shop or garage
- Flex head bends into tight spots around tubing and joints
- 60 percent duty cycle at 150 amps beats most air-cooled torches
- Built-in gas valve, no machine solenoid needed
- Standard WP-17 consumables widely available
- Includes TIG gloves, power adapter, and cable cover
- Heavy-gauge power cable handles full output without overheating
- Lift start works reliably every time
Cons
- Flex-head joint can loosen or crack with heavy use
- No high-frequency start, lift-start only
- Included accessories are functional but budget-grade
4. WeldingCity WP-26F Flex Head Air-Cooled TIG Torch – Best High-Amperage Air-Cooled TIG Torch
Best High-Amperage Air-Cooled TIG Torch
WeldingCity WP-26F
The WeldingCity WP-26F is the torch you buy when you need to run 200 amps all day without a water cooler. It has a 100 percent duty cycle at 200 amps DC. That’s the headline spec and the reason this torch exists. Most air-cooled torches taper off hard above 150 amps. This one doesn’t.
| Cooling: | Air-Cooled | Head Type: | Flex Head |
| Amperage: | 200A DC | Duty Cycle: | 100% @ 200A DC |
| Lead Length: | 12.5 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Gas Valve: | Built-in | Consumables: | WP-26 (also fits WP-17) |
| Handle: | Standard grip | Best For: | Continuous welding, auto-body |
The tradeoff is size. The WP-26F is noticeably bigger and heavier than a WP-17. The handle is thicker, the head is bulkier, and after a few hours your hand knows it. If you have small hands or do a lot of delicate work in tight spaces, this is the wrong torch. A WP-9 or WP-17F makes more sense for that. The WP-26F is built for steady, high-amperage bench work where you’re running continuous beads and don’t want to stop.
The flex head helps offset the size. You can angle it into position and weld without fighting the torch. Like the WP-17F, the joint holds well but will loosen if you abuse it. The 12.5-foot lead has above-average rubber insulation that handles full output without getting hot.
One thing WeldingCity gets right across their line is the power cable. It’s heavy-gauge and doesn’t choke at high amperage the way some budget cables do. At 200 amps you need every bit of that copper.
This is still a lift-start torch. If your machine has HF start, it works alongside it. If it doesn’t, the lift-start mechanism is reliable enough for daily use.
For around $85 to $95, you’re getting a 200-amp air-cooled flex-head torch from a brand that’s built a solid reputation in the import torch space. It’s not a CK or a Weldcraft. It doesn’t cost like one either. If you need an air-cooled torch that can actually run at its rated amperage without thermal shutdown, this is one of the few in the sub-$100 range that delivers.
Pros
- 100 percent duty cycle at 200 amps, run all day without stopping
- Flex head bends into position and stays there
- WP-26 consumables also fit WP-17 hardware
- Built-in gas valve, no machine solenoid needed
- Heavy-gauge cable handles full output without overheating
- Lift start is simple and reliable for daily use
- Strong value for a 200-amp air-cooled flex-head torch
- 12.5-foot lead with quality rubber insulation
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than WP-17 series torches
- Rubber hose degrades if pushed past 250 amps
- Too large for cramped spaces or delicate work
5. RIVERWELD WP-18FV Flex Head Water-Cooled TIG Torch – Best Water-Cooled Flex Head TIG Torch
Best Water-Cooled Flex Head TIG Torch
RIVERWELD WP-18FV
The RIVERWELD WP-18FV is a water-cooled torch built for people who weld thick material and run long sessions. Rated at 350 amps DC with a 100 percent duty cycle. At around $118, it is one of the most affordable water-cooled flex-head torches on the market.
| Cooling: | Water-Cooled | Head Type: | Flex Head |
| Amperage: | 350A DC / 250A AC | Duty Cycle: | 100% @ 350A DC |
| Lead Length: | 25 ft (7.6m) | Process: | Lift TIG (DC/AC) |
| Valve Control: | Built-in gas valve | Consumables: | WP-18 / WP-20 Series |
| Connections: | 10-25 Dinse + M16x1.5 | Price: | ~$118 |
The RIVERWELD WP-18FV is a water-cooled flex-head torch rated at 350 amps DC with a 100 percent duty cycle. At around $118, it’s one of the cheapest ways into water-cooled TIG that doesn’t involve used equipment or questionable eBay listings.
Let me be upfront. This is not a beginner torch. If you’re just learning TIG, an air-cooled 150-amp torch is the right place to start. The WP-18FV is for people who weld thick material, run long sessions, and already have a water cooler or are willing to invest in one. The weight, the hose management, the setup. It’s a production torch.
At 350 amps you can run continuous beads on thick plate, aluminum, and stainless without the torch head overheating. The 25-foot lead gives you serious reach. Connections are standard 10-25 Dinse and M16x1.5, which covers most TIG machines on the market. Check your machine’s fittings before ordering.
The flex head holds position at high amperage, which matters more than you’d think. Cheaper water-cooled torches sometimes get sloppy when they heat up. The WP-18FV keeps its angle where you set it. The built-in gas valve at the handle means you’re not dependent on your machine’s solenoid.
RIVERWELD includes a gas lens set, collets, nozzles, and back caps. Enough to start welding the day the torch arrives. The consumables are standard WP-18 and WP-20 series, so you’re not locked into a proprietary ecosystem when you need replacements.
For the price, the build quality is solid but not premium. Brass fittings, decent threading, nothing that screams “expensive.” It feels like a workhorse, not a showpiece. If you’re running production work at 250-plus amps or welding thick aluminum regularly, water-cooled is the only way to go and this torch handles it without complaints.
Pros
- 350 amps at 100 percent duty cycle, runs all day at full power
- Water cooling keeps the head cold on thick plate and aluminum
- Flex head bends into awkward joints and holds position
- 25-foot lead reaches across any shop
- Hand-remote start switch and built-in gas valve at the handle
- Fits both 10-25 Dinse and M16x1.5 connections
- Consumables set included, gas lenses, collets, nozzles
- Standard WP-18 and WP-20 consumables widely available
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than any air-cooled torch on this list
- Requires a water cooler and extra hose management
- Overkill for hobby work and light fabrication
6. Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Air-Cooled TIG Torch – Best Professional-Grade Air-Cooled TIG Torch
Best Professional-Grade Air-Cooled TIG Torch
Lincoln Electric PTA-9
The Lincoln Electric PTA-9 is the smallest torch on this list and the most expensive air-cooled option at around $120. It’s rated at 125 amps DC with a 60 percent duty cycle. On paper, those numbers don’t impress compared to a 150-amp WP-17 that costs half as much. But the PTA-9 isn’t competing on specs. It’s competing on feel.
| Cooling: | Air-Cooled | Head Type: | Fixed Head |
| Amperage: | 125A DC | Duty Cycle: | 60% @ 125A DC |
| Lead Length: | 12.5 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Handle: | Knurled grip | Series: | Lincoln Pro Torch |
| Warranty: | 1 year | Price: | ~$120 |
This is a size-9 body, which is noticeably smaller and lighter than a WP-17 or WP-26. If you do a lot of bench work on thin material, sheet metal, or anything where torch control matters more than raw amperage, the compact size is the whole point. The knurled handle grips well even with sweaty hands, and the torch balances in a way that makes fine control feel natural.
The build quality is where Lincoln separates itself from the import brands. Machined fittings with tighter tolerances. Cleaner threading. A molded ridge on the body that makes cable cover installation fast. It’s the kind of attention to detail you expect from a company that’s been making welding gear for over a century.
Now the catch. The base model PTA-9 does not include a built-in gas valve or remote amp control. You need your machine to handle gas flow. If your machine doesn’t have a solenoid, factor in the cost of a valve upgrade or a different torch. The 125-amp ceiling is also a hard limit. Light-duty work only. If you’re welding anything thicker than 1/8 inch regularly, you need more torch.
Lincoln backs this with a 1-year warranty and support that’s actually reachable. That matters when you’re buying a tool you plan to use for years.
The PTA-9 is a professional tool for light-duty TIG work. It costs more because it’s built better. Whether that’s worth it depends on how much you value how a torch feels in your hand versus what the spec sheet says. For me, on thin material where control is everything, the smaller body and Lincoln build quality justify the premium.
Pros
- Lincoln build quality at a mid-range price
- Knurled handle grips well even with sweaty hands
- Compact size-9 body, lighter than size-17 or 26 torches
- Molded ridge makes cable cover installation fast
- Pro Torch series compatibility, drops into Lincoln shops
- Machined fittings with tighter tolerances than budget brands
- 1-year Lincoln warranty with responsive support
- 12.5-foot lead at standard length
Cons
- No built-in gas valve or remote amp control on base model
- 125-amp ceiling limits you to light-duty work
- Pricier than comparable air-cooled torches
7. Lincoln Electric PTW-20 Water-Cooled TIG Torch – Best Professional Water-Cooled TIG Torch
Best Professional Water-Cooled TIG Torch
Lincoln Electric PTW-20
The Lincoln Electric PTW-20 is a water-cooled production torch rated at 250 amps DC with a 100 percent duty cycle. At around $200 it’s the most expensive torch on this list, but for a water-cooled Lincoln it’s actually reasonable. Comparable torches from Weldcraft or CK run higher.
| Cooling: | Water-Cooled | Head Type: | Fixed Head |
| Amperage: | 250A DC | Duty Cycle: | 100% @ 250A DC |
| Lead Length: | 25 ft | Process: | Lift TIG (DC) |
| Handle: | Knurled grip | Series: | Lincoln Pro Torch |
| Warranty: | 1 year | Price: | ~$200 |
This is a fixed-head torch with a 25-foot lead and a knurled handle. Like the PTA-9, the base model doesn’t include a gas valve or remote amp control. Your machine needs to manage gas flow and amperage. The Pro Torch series compatibility means it drops right into shops already running Lincoln equipment.
At 250 amps with water cooling, you run continuous beads on structural steel, thick plate, and aluminum without the torch head getting hot. The 25-foot lead covers any shop layout. Connections are industry standard, so this torch connects to pretty much any TIG machine with a water cooler.
The build quality is what you’d expect from Lincoln. Tight tolerances, clean machining, everything fits. The knurled handle stays grippy through long sessions. It’s a fixed head, so you’re not bending it around corners, but for bench and booth work where you control the workpiece position, that’s not a limitation. It’s a design choice.
The 1-year warranty with actual support behind it is worth mentioning. Not every brand on Amazon has a phone number. Lincoln does, and they answer it.
Is a Lincoln worth the premium over the RIVERWELD WP-18FV? If you’re running a production shop and the torch is making you money, yes. The tighter tolerances mean fewer gas leaks, fewer consumable headaches, and less downtime. If you’re a hobbyist or weekend welder, the RIVERWELD does 90 percent of what this torch does for about 60 percent of the price. Both are good torches. The Lincoln is the professional pick.
Pros
- 100 percent duty cycle at 250 amps, runs all day without stopping
- Lincoln build quality with 1-year warranty
- Water cooling keeps the head cold on thick plate and structural work
- Knurled handle for solid grip during long sessions
- Industry-standard hose and cable fittings, connects to any TIG machine
- 25-foot lead for professional reach across a shop
- Pro Torch series compatibility, slots into Lincoln shop setups
- Lincoln support beats generic Amazon brands
Cons
- No built-in gas valve or remote amp control on base model
- Fixed head only, not for tight or awkward positions
- Two hundred dollars, and you still need a water cooler and cable cover
TIG Torch Buying Guide
When on the lookout for good TIG welding torches, one of the best pieces of advice is that you should not only look at the price range. Even if you are on a budget, there are a few elements and tips to consider. TIG torch selection, consumables, and accessories (cap, collet bodies, chuck, electrode) setup, care, safety gear, protection gear, and maintenance are something you should have in mind.
To achieve comfort and welding performance, every piece of equipment is important. (1) (2)
The Power Ratings for Light-Duty TIG Torches
Every torch and lead has a predetermined welding amperage range, with a maximum amperage allowed.
For instance, the amperage rating you plan to weld with will determine the type of torch you need. Of course, this mainly depends on the intensity of the application and jobs you are doing.
A hobbyist does not need more than 200 amps (200 amps for light-duty applications. A 200-amp ability is ideal for welding projects in your garage and thin metals. But for more heavy-duty weld needs, requiring thicker metals, you will need a torch that is rated at least at 200 amps. This will allow you to complete all types of welding projects and tasks with ease.
Cooling Options (Water Cooled or Air Cooled Torches)
There are two types of cooling that torches usually come with: air-cooled and water-cooled.
Air-cooled torches are lightweight and easy to use. Air flows through plastic tubing through the torch.
Most of them have larger bodies and tend to overheat due to the high amp rating. This makes them unsuitable for high-amp applications where heat can cause damage. They also cost less to buy for a given reason.
Water-cooled torches are best suited for continuous production, as they can withstand high amperage, heat, and extended welding periods.
They can be compact (small bodies) and easy to handle, and they handle high temperatures as well. They are also usually rated over 200A. However, due to the nature of the whole water cooler system, coolant leaks, tube issues, and pump failures can occur. They cost more for a reason than air-cooled ones, and you need a water outlet to use them.
The Way That You Start The Welding Arc (Lift Start, Scratch Start Or High Frequency)
There are several arc-start touch-welding techniques to consider here. High-frequency (HF) non-touch-start ones are designed for welding machines that control gas flow based on your settings.
The torch comes with a button that controls gas flow. It comes at either a flat or sloped rate, and it is best used to weld aluminum.
Scratch starting capability includes scratching the metal with tungsten electrodes to initiate a weld arc. It is similar to starting a stick-welding arc but is the least-used technique because it doesn’t have a consistent start rate.
Lift arc starting capability includes touching the metal, and the weld arc will initiate as you move it away from the metal. For example, this is a very easy arc start, but the downside is contamination due to the tungsten electrodes touching the metal. These start with your welding method and needs.
More on this you can find in this article.
Head Style (Fixed torch heads, Flex head or Flex Lock heads)
There are different kinds of torch heads, designs and styles, each with its own characteristics.
A flex-head torch is probably the most desirable, as it offers the most flexibility. Flex head adjustment accommodates a variety of angles and positions, reaching different spots in most welding processes, resulting in greater comfort.
A fixed torch head is set at a single angle; it does not give you the freedom to adjust it in any other way.
They are far more difficult to use due to their fixed angle, and it is much harder to reach most difficult places and spots when using them.
Advantages of flex-lock heads include the ability to spin 360 degrees and be locked in the desired position. It offers the most adjustment and stability, as you can lock your TIG torch in the position you are most comfortable working in.
Leads Length
Hose (leads) and cable lengths and designs mostly depend on your personal preference and distances. Depending on what type of welding projects you are doing, a longer hose may be needed. If you need to move about a lot and don’t want to carry your welding machine with you all the time, longer leads are better. But if your welding process concentrates on a bench, nothing to worry about; shorter leads are okay as well.
What do the Numbers and Letters Mean
You probably already noticed while reading that every TIG torch has a variety of model numbers; here’s why. Generally speaking, smaller numbers indicate a smaller torch with lower amperage. A higher number will mean the opposite results.
As far as the letters go, reading the V means that a TIG torch body possesses a weld gas valve control. Gas valve control is important if you plan to set scratch or lift-start weld applications on your machines for your shielding gas.
The letter F is for the flex-head option, which is important for adjusting the torch at different angles. To achieve the best performance and comfort, explore the best option cuts and pieces of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions [F.A.Q]
What is the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled TIG torches?
A: Water-cooled torches allow you to weld without stopping as opposed to air-cooled ones. An air-cooled TIG torch will require you to make a few weld stops to let it cool down.
Are 150A torches better than 250A ones?
A: 150 amps are aimed at light-duty applications. On the other hand, 250 amps are more suitable for heavy-duty weld project applications. The main difference is what you plan to work on and whether you require a higher amp rating.
Is the size of the TIG torch important?
A: It is important if you are planning to work in tighter areas. If your welding projects require you to work in a cramped area, a smaller, less robust TIG torch will be much more appropriate. A bigger one will only get in your way.
Are expensive torches better than cheaper ones?
A: Bigger brands make more quality torches, but that doesn’t mean that less expensive ones don’t get the job that. If you want to see some quality, different-price-range TIG torches anyone can use, check out the guide above.
Conclusion
Choosing the right TIG torch for your work will require careful thought. But it doesn’t have to be if you only consider everything mentioned in the guide above. You also don’t have to spend big on eBay. There are far less expensive torches that will help get the job done. Consider some of our choices mentioned above and we promise you that you will not regret your decision in the end. A combination of practice and good equipment makes your welding applications perfect. If you want to review TIG welding machines, you can check this article.
