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5th Dec 2020, 07:50 AM #1Intermediate Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2020
- Location
- Brisbane
- Age
- 54
- Posts
- 41
CK Worldwide alternatives in OZ??
Hi, looking for some assistance please. I am very new to TIG welding (Teaching myself from Youtube... of course, haha) I purchased a Unimig 200 AC/DC and am very happy with it, however I would like to try a different torch from the one that came with it (T2 torch) I would like to try a series 9 or 17, I also need to get a switch with it as I don't use a foot pedal. Does anyone know where to buy a CK one in OZ that is compatible with my machine or a suitable alternative. Cheap would be good
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5th Dec 2020, 08:35 AM #2
Unless you have smaller work ton do, avoid the 9 series, as it's only good for 90A.
17 will be way more suitable for the range of ourput for a 200A machine, with less risk of burning the torch up.
What I've done before for my particular machine(s) is this:
1) Get the torch you want- I like CK. You can get them online, or via BOC on an order in job - they can get pretty much all the CK torches and parts, and it's quality gear, not the chinese knockoff junk.
2) Get yourself a button, rotary dial, pot slider etc that works with your machine - cut off / re-solder or buy a new plug body to suit your machine.
3) As janky as it sounds, velcro or tape the button of your choice to the torch handle body (CK's are easy, as they are just a round plastic barrel). Way I look at it, it is easily moved if you need to do something out of position.
4) Stick all parts in a zip up or velcro cable cover for protection, or leave them loose with periodic zip ties to stop them tangling. All you need for TIG is power, gas and any signal wires for the button. Some "1-piece" torches have gas running thru the middle of the copper power cable.
I have a number of CK torches and use them over the unimig 'SR26' (binzel knockoff) style torches almost exclusively. I have a 17 series superflex which is just a dream to use.
The CK benefit as well is running the dinse 'safe lock' enclosure on the machine, and having the ability to easily switch out torch cable packages with a spanner. Can do the same on the business end with the torch bodies, handles etc. It's all modular.
Get at it, tiger!
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5th Dec 2020, 10:24 AM #3Senior Member
- Join Date
- Nov 2019
- Location
- Brisbane
- Age
- 69
- Posts
- 452
New to tig
Hello Stoobydale.
To advise on a torch you need to think about the work you want to do. T17 torches are rated at 150A @ 50% T26 torches are 200A @ 50%. There are 2 good brands available in Aus. that are usually in stock. Binzel and Tigmaster. Neither is cheap. We sell a few of their torch heads each month to replace cheaper designs.
If you want to PM me I have some plastic lever switches with leads you can have for $0.00. they are held on the handle with 2 cable ties. This would need a torch with a tubular handle. Your existing torch may have 2 types of control plug, 7 or 9 pin. You will need to specify this if buying a torch or parts.
To me Youtube has 2 outstanding sites for tig info. Weld.com and Welding tips and tricks.
Regards
BC
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5th Dec 2020, 08:48 PM #4
CK Worldwide will post to Australia directly too. You just have to ask. They don't advertise that.
Cheers, Joe
retired - less energy, more time to contemplate projects and more shed time....
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6th Dec 2020, 10:46 PM #5Novice
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- Melb, Vic
- Posts
- 12
I recommend Oz Welding Supplies. Based in Tas. Some things are little dodgy (e.g. some kits just use eBay quality) and the language used on social media is questionable, but I have multiple torches and cups and quality is great.
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