TIG torch for a Miller Maxstar help/question...

[Crimson Cruiser]

Hello,

I’m just looking for some help/advice on ordering a new TIG Torch

I’m trying to order a new smaller TIG torch for my Miller Maxstar 200 DX
I’m looking at getting the CK130 and the various attachments.

My issue is that I can’t seem to figure out what else I need to mate this torch to my Machine.
What Power Adapter do I need and is there anything else “special” I should order?

Thank you

Mike

[Alistair]

Hello,

I’m just looking for some help/advice on ordering a new TIG Torch

I’m trying to order a new smaller TIG torch for my Miller Maxstar 200 DX
I’m looking at getting the CK130 and the various attachments.

My issue is that I can’t seem to figure out what else I need to mate this torch to my Machine.
What Power Adapter do I need and is there anything else “special” I should order?

Thank you

Mike

I think you need a large Dinse cable connector for that machine, and for that CK torch you'd need this one,
CK Worldwide 150 Amp Large Dinse Connector [CK-SL2-35] - $41.40 : Arc-Zone.com, The Welding Accessory Experts

Check that with the place that you're buying the torch from though. I do have that torch, but not on a Maxstar 200 so I may not be right about this.

Alistair.

[Crimson Cruiser]

Thanks. I confirmed with Arc-Zone and they said CK-SL-35 is the correct Adapter.

I'll give an update when I get it!

Mike

[Peter Olivetti]

I'd be interested in what shakes out for you on that too. I use the same machine and am running a wc-17, which is pretty bulky and some of the new flexheads look pretty nice to work with as well. what the whole thing set you back?

[Crimson Cruiser]

Arc-Zone is kindof tricky. They have "min" orders on a few items... i.e. you have to get 10 cups! That's pretty much a life time supply for me!
You have to order/build the torch to your liking. I didn't go with a "kit" since there would be items I'd never use.
I got the CK130 one piece with 12ft superflex hose, caps, Large No.8 cups, 1/16 & 3/32 collets, cable connector, tungstons..etc.. for $285

You can go to their site, print off the CK130 parts list and price it out online.

M

M

[Alistair]

Arc-Zone is kindof tricky. They have "min" orders on a few items... i.e. you have to get 10 cups! That's pretty much a life time supply for me!
You have to order/build the torch to your liking. I didn't go with a "kit" since there would be items I'd never use.
I got the CK130 one piece with 12ft superflex hose, caps, Large No.8 cups, 1/16 & 3/32 collets, cable connector, tungstons..etc.. for $285

You can go to their site, print off the CK130 parts list and price it out online.

M

M

Did you go with gas lenses?

Alistair.

[Crimson Cruiser]

Did you go with gas lenses?

Yes, Large lenses (CK-2GL- -LD) and large No.8 Nozzles.

The gas saver kit looks intersting but my shoping cart was getting out of control! It's way to easy to online shop! lol

[fortyfour]

I can vouch for the CK130 (which is the torch I upgraded to from my stock torch with my Miller immediately). It's super light, very capable and the superflex hose is exceptional. The No. 8 cups that are the stubby versions are the way to go IMO. Gas lenses for sure if you did not. One tip that Sean at Vertigo gave me is to get yourself some 1" tubular webbing and pull your hose through it to protect the superflex hose. That material is like velcro and the "poor man's" webbing cover does the job nicely. One of my buddies was getting rid of a bunch from his climbing gear and was kind enough to give me more than enough. Good choice - you'll love that torch.

[Crimson Cruiser]

Thanks for the tip on the hose!

The No. 8 cups that are the stubby versions are the way to go IMO

Do you have a part number on this cup?

Thanks

Mike

[bellman]

just saying here but I have always experienced molasses slow shipping from arc zone. They have it but are going to make you wait for it.
Could just be my location but 12 fricken days? really? Ebay has been way better for me for tig supplies.

[shand]

Are you guys using the CK130 torch with the flex head or rigid head?

[Jussi Kettunen]

I'm using rigid head CK130 torch with gas lens with No. 8 cup, but sometimes I wish I had bought the flex head torch.
You can actually bend the rigid head few times, but it isn't recommended.

[Alistair]

just saying here but I have always experienced molasses slow shipping from arc zone. They have it but are going to make you wait for it.
Could just be my location but 12 fricken days? really? Ebay has been way better for me for tig supplies.

I don't think that they actually warehouse their own stock. When you order from them, they place an order with their supplier so I think that the extra link in the supply chain is what causes the long shipping times.

Are you guys using the CK130 torch with the flex head or rigid head?

I got the flex head. It wasn't much more, and I figured it might come in handy, especially as I'm still learning Tig. I don't change the head angle often, but it has been a feature that I've been glad of.

Alistair.

[fortyfour]

The CK130 parts list is found :here:

I believe the part no. you're looking for is CK Worldwide's 2AG8 / 53N61S.

When I purchased my torch and accessories, I just got the box of 10. Not too expensive and I'm stocked for a long time. I like the rigid head a bit more because the head is at about 90 degrees which really helps with getting used to the angle of the torch in relation to the work (which is important). Things fall right into place and holding it is painless. I found my Miller 200 dx used with only 10 hrs. on it and it came with the contractor kit too which had a bunch of dinse connectors. I totally lucked out. But the stock torch is a bit on the robust side. I love the CK130 torch and flex hose.

[fortyfour]

One other note: I've found with Gas Lenses to ONLY get genuine parts. I had purchased a set off of ebay and they were giving me nothing but trouble. Upon closer inspection, one from CK had a copper ring swaged over a brass retaining ring holding the lens in place. On the ones giving me a problem, the copper was swaged over a steel (i think) retaining ring. So I was getting all kinds of odd arc behavior, really unclean starts and scarring around the tungsten. Switched to a CK lens (on the right) and all was good:

[JFW]

Thanks for the tip regarding the gas lenses, Kristofer. I'll check that out. In regards to torch sizes, I believe I'm currently using a Weldcraft WP9 - are there any size differences between the brands? I assume that the WP9 is a 90 amps max torch, whereas the CK 130 would be 130 amps, right?

Truls

[JFW]

Ran out in the shop to check the gas lenses, and it turned out to be the same problem with mine (bought through ebay). Will try to find a proper one locally today. Could explain my arc problems (unstable, wandering).

T

[tlagosh]

I've used flex heads to get into tight places and such but they always seem to crack or fatique eventually, sometimes ruining an expensive piece of work. I picked up one of the CK Flex Loc torches and it's the bees knees. Most of the advantages of the flex head but the head locks into position rigidly do if you want to walk the cup or something, it doesn't move all over. You can push on the cup a bit and it stays put like a rigid torch.

[fortyfour]

Truls: Not sure which exact WP-9 model you have, but via their site the WP-9 is 125 amp DC / 100 amp AC (60% duty cycle). The CK130 is 130amp AC/DC from what i understand.

If you have been having odd problems with your torch, with weird starts, welds that look cooked without even really doing anything, arc wandering, gray/dull instantly etc. and your lens looks similar to that picture, then that's most likely the problem. When I first started my machine up and had that lens in the torch my heart sunk to the floor and I was thinking that I had lost any skill I had gained (good thing it was practice pieces too). I exhausted all the other scenarios right down to did I get a bad tank of gas. But upon closer inspection, and knowing that the tungsten should be properly insulated, it got me to thinking. I try not to blame the tools but... As soon as I switched them out it was night and day. Clean start, steady arc, welds were nice and shiny.

[JFW]

Thanks, Kristofer. I tried the local welding equipment supplier this morning, but no luck I'm afraid. I'll place an order with Arc-Zone (or do you guys have other preferences for online-stores?) during the day.

Truls