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CK Cut-Down, gas-cooled 80 amp ACHF or DCSP @ 100%
Fitted with CK's Superflex Cable
Lightest most flexible cable assemblies available.
Available for all gas-cooled or water-cooled torches.
Lightweight silicon rubber hose with nylon over braid protection to resist abrasion.
Replaces heavy, stiff cables increasing range of motion.
Stays flexible even in the coldest environments.
Great for intricate precise welding applications.
Answers to common questions about compact, low-profile air-cooled TIG torches for tight-access welding.
Duty cycle describes how long a torch can work at a given current before it needs to cool down. It is usually quoted over a ten-minute period, and it is tied to a particular current, so a torch that copes with a high duty cycle at a lower current may need much more rest at a higher one. A rating of 100% means continuous welding without forced breaks.Air-cooled torches rely on the shielding gas and the surrounding air for cooling, so they suit lighter, shorter or intermittent welding. For long, hot runs at high current a water-cooled torch is usually a better fit. Always check the rating on the torch data plate for the current and polarity (AC or DC) you intend to use.
Often, yes. A standard collet body lets the gas exit through a ring of small holes into the cup, while a gas lens uses fine screens to spread the gas into a smoother, more even column. That better shield is what allows you to extend the tungsten a little further to reach into corners and grooves, and it can often give good coverage with less gas.A gas lens matters most for DC work. For AC welding on aluminium it is less important, and some welders go back to a standard collet body with a smaller cup and slightly more flow. Collet bodies, collets and cups must match your torch style and your tungsten diameter, so use the maker's parts list.
For AC welding of aluminium, zirconiated tungsten is the usual preferred choice. For DC welding of steel and stainless, ceriated or lanthanated tungsten are generally accepted general-purpose electrodes. Pure tungsten also works on AC but wears faster.The tungsten diameter must suit the current you are using and the collet and collet body fitted, and compact torches generally take smaller diameters. If you are unsure, start with the tungsten maker's current chart and the torch manual, and check that the collet body and collet match the tungsten diameter.
Tight corners usually call for more stick-out, but a longer stick-out moves the tungsten tip away from the gas cup, so the shield becomes less secure. Larger cups allow longer stick-out but limit access, which is why low-profile consumables and gas lenses are popular for tight work.With more stick-out you generally need good pre-flow, because argon is heavier than air and has to flood the corner first, and you may need a slightly higher flow. There is no single safe length: it depends on cup size, gas lens, current, and drafts. Keep it as short as the joint allows and check for discoloured welds or an unstable arc.
