TIG Welding Gun (Torch) – The Different Types:
There are two groups of TIG torches, air cooled and water cooled.
Topics:
- Air Cooled TIG Torches:
- Water Cooled TIG Torches:
- Which TIG Torch do I Need?
- Which Parts Fit Which TIG Torch?
- Image Gallery:
Air Cooled TIG Torches:
Air cooled TIG torches tend to be available for welding up to 200A. Above 200A, the torch can get hot and the torch components can degrade quicker due to the additional heat.
Water Cooled TIG Torches:
Water cooled TIG torches are generally used for welding above 200A where air cooled torches can get too hot to comfortably hold.
Which TIG Torch do I Need?
The Different TIG Welding Torches (Guns):
| TIG Welding Torches (Guns) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amps DC (max) |
TIG Torch | Tungsten (max) | ||
| Type | Code1 | mm | Inches | |
| 125 | Air Cooled |
WP-9, PTA-9, A-125 | 2.4 | 3/32 |
| 150 | WP-17, PTA-17, A-150 | 3.2 | 1/8 | |
| 200 | WP-26, PTA-26, A-200 | 4.0 | 5/32 | |
| 250 | Water Cooled |
WP-20, PTW-20, W-250 | 4.0 | 5/32 |
| 350 | WP-18, PTW-18, W-350 | 4.8 | 3/16 | |
| 400+ | Other | 6.4 | 1/4 | |
This is only a guide, please refer to the manufacturers data sheets…
1 Manufacturers may use a different code, sometimes replacing the first two letters with their own combination.
The torches may also come with a flexible neck and shielding gas control.
Which Parts Fit Which TIG Torch?
When buying TIG torch consumables, parts have to be compatible with the type of TIG torch you are using. Sometimes, this may not follow a logical pattern, so always check for compatible parts before purchasing. You can see in the table below, there are two distinctive groups, A & B.
TIG Welding Torches (Guns) – Which Parts Fit?
| TIG Torch Fittings Thread – Gas Cups (Nozzles) to Collet Body to Torch | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooled by: | TIG Torch | Ceramic Cup (Nozzle) Thread | Collet Body to Torch Thread |
||
| Type1 | Group | Standard2 | Stubby2 | ||
| Air | WP-17 | A | 13/32 UNS | 3/4 UNF | 3/8″ UNF |
| Air | WP-26 | ||||
| Water | WP-18 | ||||
| Air | WP-9 | B | 3/8″ UNF | 9/16 UNF | 5/16″ UNF |
| Water | WP-20 | ||||
This is only a guide, please refer to the manufacturers data sheets…
1 Manufacturers may use a different code, sometimes replacing the first two letters with their own combination.
2 There may be differences dependant on the gas nozzle fitted.
Image Gallery:
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