6 Top Picks
5 Reviewers
17 Hours of Research
18 Products Considered
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score: 94/100 |
| |
| Our Score: 89/100 |
| |
 | Our Score: 83/100 |
| |
| Our Score: 80/100 |
| |
| Our Score: 76/100 |
| |
| Our Score: 76/100 |
|
The TIG welding process uses an electric torch with a tungsten electrode to deliver the current to the welding arc. A filler rod is hand-fed into the weld puddle, while the torch is held in the other hand. Both are protected and cooled by inert argon gas.
Either an accelerator pedal on a bench machine or a fingertip remote on a hand held torch while the welder is welding can control the heat.
TIG welding requires more equipment than any other welding process because it is so precise. It is essential that each piece of equipment you choose is the right one for the job. The most basic essentials are the TIG torch and the welding machine.
With a TIG torch and welding machine, you will be able to weld many different types of metals easily and quickly. There is not just one TIG torch that is best for any welding project that you plan to undertake.
Many claim to be one of the best TIG torches, so you need to do your own research in light of your needs to be sure you get the right one for the type of welding you plan to do.
A smaller torch would allow you to maneuver the welding torch in smaller, tighter areas. However a larger torch allows you to weld thicker materials at higher heat settings for longer periods of time.
In a water-cooled torch, the opposite is true. Smaller numbers mean a larger torch and larger amperage and vice versa. For example a model # 18 water-cooled TIG torch is a larger size and would run amperage of about 350 amps. But a model # 20 is smaller in size and would run amperage of 250 amps.
Just as in the air cooled TIG torches, a smaller torch allows you to maneuver the torch in smaller, tighter areas, while a larger torch allows you to weld thicker materials at higher heat settings for longer periods of time.
Last Updated: June 3, 2021
By Gregory Sanders: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding tig torches available for those who are interested in tig welding. The best 6 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best tig torches currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Reviews of the Best Air Cooled TIG Torches
Let’s have a look at some of the best air-cooled TIG torches.
1. Riverweld WP-17F TIG
If you are looking for a comfortable, flexible TIG welding torch body head, the Riverweld WP-17F may be just ticket.
At 150 amps, it’s great for most light-duty projects.
Riverweld stands behind its merchandise and offers a 30 day full refund including shipping costs on a defective item.
Riverweld WP-17F TIG Pros
Riverweld WP-17F TIG Cons
2. Weldflame WP-1
Weldflame offers the WP-1, which is a high-quality TIG torch that operates at 150A. Use standard Weldcraft TIG consumables and parts
The Weldflame company offers a 30 day full refund including shipping costs on a defective item.
Premium quality 150Amp air-cooled Weldcraft style WP-17FV flexible head with gas control valve TIG complete torch with 12.5-foot rubber power cable (1-Piece style).
Weldflame WP-1 Pros
Weldflame WP-1 Cons
3. WeldINGcity WP-26
For the experienced weld operator looking to add some TIG torch gas valve features for your TIG torch, the Weldcity WP-26 is a nice little addition.
Welding City is the service mark of CVI technologies LLC located in Atlanta, GA.
The company offers a 30-day replacement for any defective items.
Weldingcity WP-26 Pros
Weldingcity WP-26 Cons
Reviews of the Best Water cooled TIG Torches
Now let’s have a quick look at some of the best water-cooled torches for your TIG welding needs.
1. Weldcraft WP-20-25
For most welding operators the WP-20 is the standard in TIG welding torches. This model runs up to 250A.
Parts are interchangeable with wp-9, wp-9p, and wp-25 models.
The Weldcraft brand is owned by ITW Welding Companies and is a trusted name in welding equipment.
The company stands by its products and offers free replacement for any defective items.
Weldcraft WP-20-25 Pros
Weldcraft WP-20-25 Cons
2. CK Worldwide CK20-25
The CK Worldwide CK20-25 TIG Torch allows any weld operator to hook up to most standard TIG welders easily and get welding quickly. It will serve you at 250A.
CK Worldwide is an established name in welding gear.
They stand behind their products 100% and will quickly replace any defective part or product.
CK Worldwide CK20-25 Pros
CK Worldwide CK20-25 Cons
3. WeldINGcity WP-18-25R
This Welding model WP-18-25R is the toughest model we’re reviewing here.
t can handle 350A and serve in some of your toughest TIG projects.
Welding City is the service mark of CVI technologies LLC located in Atlanta, GA.
The company offers a 30-day replacement for any defective items.
Weldingcity WP-18-25R Pros
Weldingcity WP-18-25R Cons
What To Look For In A TIG Torch
There are so many types of TIG torches out on the market that it is easy to get confused when trying to decide which is the best one for you.
Like any piece of equipment, deciding which one to purchase depends on the type of welding you will be doing, the material you will be working with, the amount of power you need, the features that you consider essential for your needs, and of course your budget.
Types Of TIG Torch
TIG Torches come in 2 basic types - air-cooled and water-cooled.
AIR-COOLED TIG TORCH
Most TIG torches that come with a welding machine are air-cooled. An air-cooled TIG torch does not use any liquid to cool down the torch when it gets hot. The heat from the torch simply dissipates gradually into the air.
Air-cooled TIG torches are pretty much the standard TIG torch because they are economically priced. For light-duty work and home welding operators that don’t plan to operate above a 200A weld machine the air-cooled TIG torch is perfect.
For outdoor fieldwork it is the preferred type of TIG torch, since you won’t have a water supply nearby. It is a more mobile type of TIG torch. Air Cooled torches are generally simpler to operate and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
The downsides of Cooled TIG torches are:
WATER-COOLED TIG TORCH
Weld operators that work in a weld shop and weld at higher temperatures generally prefer to use a water-cooled TIG torch. A water-cooled TIG torch uses liquid coolant pumped through plastic tubing to keep the TIG torch cool as the weld operator welds.
The Best Water cooled TIG torches are pretty durable. The quick-cooling features allow the welding operator to maneuver the torch better around the parts being welded because they use a smaller gauge wire.
Another big advantage of water-cooled TIG torches is that they maintain lower heat during extended use. That means you can operate the torch longer before you have to stop and let it cool.
In general, the water-cooled TIG torch is a smaller TIG torch and easier to manipulate and use in tight, small areas. These torches are ideal for use with higher amp class machines (those above 250A) because of their quick cooling ability.
Water-cooled torches are best used when you plan to be using it for extended duty cycle times such as for AC welding or high-amp DC welding. The water-cooled feature keeps the heat low so you can use it for longer periods of time comfortably before having to stop and cool the torch down. This is handy for welding projects that use thick materials.
This feature also saves time welding because you can run a longer bead, which allows you to work faster without worrying about the TIG torch getting too hot to handle.
The downsides of water-cooled torches are:
Factors To Consider
Here are some elements you’ll want to consider in choosing the best TIG torches for your needs.
POWER
The amount of power you will need for your TIG Torch depends greatly on where you plan to weld. If you are a hobbyist or plan to use the torch for light-duty applications in a home shop or garage, you probably will not need more than 200A in power.
However, if you plan on using the torch on heavier applications in your company garage or shop, then you will definitely want a TIG torch rated higher than 250A so you can handle whatever projects come in.
FLEXIBILITY
Most welding project involve welding joints or seams in different positions and angles. Your choice of welding torch will largely depend on the types of weld project that you will be working on.
If most of your weld work is in small areas with tight spaces, you will want to choose a torch geared for that specific type of work.
If most of your weld work is on larger work surfaces, a more standard type of torch will be sufficient. If you work on both types of projects, you will want a very flexible torch.
COMFORT
Since you will be holding the TIG torch for the majority of the work day, at least off and on, you want to be sure that the torch fits well in your hand.
One of the primary advantages of TIG welding is the ability to maneuver the torch to get more precise, smoother welds.
The weight of the torch will affect how easily you can maneuver the torch at many different angles and even in tight, smaller spaces.
Features
Now let’s review some of the features that are available in torches to make life and work easier as you weld.
Handle controls
Make a big difference to a weld operator because one hand has to be free to feed the filler metal during the TIG welding process. A TIG torch with a variety of settings available on the handle is very handy in controlling the heat on a welding project.
Hose range
Can make a big difference if you are working with a larger, bulkier welding machine that is hard to move around and you need to access different projects. Hoses come in different lengths up to as long as 12 feet. However, if you are utilizing a smaller TIG torch then you may want to consider a shorter hose length.
Ergonomic
Grips on the torch handle are a really nice feature if you weld for long periods of time during the day. They provide added comfort and allow the weld operator to get a better grip on the torch, making it easier to master,
What The Numbers Tell Us
All TIG welding torches can be identified by the type - air-cooled vs. water-cooled - and the numbers and letters in the product description.
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?
Generally, in an air-cooled torch, smaller numbers like 9 mean a smaller torch and smaller amperage. Higher numbers like 17, 18, and 26 mean a bigger torch and larger amperage.
For example a wp-9 air-cooled torch is smaller in size and would run amperage of 125 amps. A wp-17 is a larger air-cooled TIG torch and would run with a larger amperage of 150 amps.
WHAT DO THE LETTERS MEAN?
Air-cooled TIG torches can sometimes also have a letter listed in the product title or description.
The letter V lets you know that a gas valve is part of that TIG torch body, which is a necessary option if you are setting up a scratch start or a lift arc for your shielding gas.
The letter F means that the torch has a flex-head option, which is handy for adjusting the torch for particular angles and to fit in tight spaces. Reviews of the Top Air-cooled Torches
Conclusion
TIG Welding is a controlled, precise process of welding and is growing in importance in industrial welding.
While it requires more time, practice and preparation than any other welding method, it is not an extremely difficult process to learn.
But it does require the use of some complex equipment and takes practice to master the different TIG welding positions.By equipping yourself with the best TIG welding machines, torches and appropriate gear, any weld operator anyone can become a skilled TIG welder.
The most important thing about choosing the right type of TIG welding torch for the job is focusing on the type of material you’re intending to weld and the environment you plan to weld in. Thoroughly assess what you’re welding first and then choose one of these great TIG torches accordingly.
FAQs
1. Whats the difference in TIG torches?
There are five common types of TIG torches - three are air-cooled, and two are water-cooled (or liquid-cooled as they are sometimes referred to as). Torches equipped with an air cooling system have a maximum recommended output of 180 amps. Torches with water cooling can operate at a maximum of 320 amps—tungsten with a 4.0mm diameter.
2. Is a water cooled TIG torch worth it?
When working for extended periods and continuously running beads, water-cooled torches genuinely shine. In addition, professional welders note that using a water-cooled torch enables them to work at higher temperatures, faster speeds, and longer durations.
3. How do I know what size tig torch I need?
The majority of manufacturers emboss a model number on the neck of their tig torch. Regrettably, letters such as WP, SR, or ER frequently precede the numbers. Generally, these letters can be ignored because it is the number that determines which parts from this section are correct.
4. Can you use any TIG torch?
Yes, the majority of standard tig torch models are universal. With a stubby gas lens kit, you can use the 9 and 20 cups to reduce the size of your 17, 18, and 26. Therefore, if you find yourself putting down your torch due to excessive heat or a need for increased power, you will want to invest in a water-cooled TIG torch.
5. What consumables are needed for TIG welding?
TIG welding consumables include tungsten electrodes, TIG torch consumables, TIG welding torches, remote foot pedals, and TIG filter rods.
