TIG Torch Upgrade for the AHP AlphaTIG 201xd

#NewTIGTorchTuesday. Is that a thing? It is now. I was looking for something a little more suited for bicycle framebuilding and welding thin wall tubes. There wasn't a lot of consolidated information for this specially on this welder so maybe this will help someone. If you have any questions feel free to reach out at www.farrframeworks.com
Here's a list of everything I bought for this upgrade
- Tubular Webbing for hose protection - amzn.to/3bLRfrO
- CK Worldwide 9 Series Superflex TIG Torch w/Flex Head - amzn.to/3QZsqJj
- CK Worldwide 35 (1/2") Male Air-Cooled Dinse Adapter - amzn.to/3bzAyA9
- CK Worldwide QD Fitting - amzn.to/3zuvaGG
- 2% Lanthanated (Blue) Tungsten 10/Pkg - amzn.to/3NJ6K0V
- Medium Backcap 9/20 torches 41V35PK - amzn.to/3QYRYWO
- 3/32 Wedge collets 2pk 9/20 torches WC332920 - furickcup.com/...
- 45V44 3/32in-2.4mm gas lens GENUINE CK BRAND - furickcup.com/...
- JAZZY #10 Glass kit J10K - furickcup.com/...
***A Few additional Notes:
- I now use a 1/16" Diameter electrode for the really thin stuff. I find I can control the heat and bead much better.
- Since the recording of this video I did one replacement of the circular webbing. It does an awesome job protecting the hose, but I actually found an easier way to install it. Lay it out across the floor and push the hose through from one side. It saves an extra step on the process and is actually a bit easier than the wire snake.

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

where did you get the hose cover from that you put onto your superflex hose and how well did it hold up over the last 2 years?

[@FARRFrameworks]

Hey Daniel, It's called tubular webbing. You can get it at REI www.rei.com/product/118266/bluewater-1-climb-spec-tubular-webbing-30-ft. It's tough stuff and is holding up amazing even after dragging it around on my concrete floor! The only thing I'd say is that contrary to the video I found out that an easier way to install it. Lay it out flat down a hallway and shove the TIG hose in from one end. As long as it stays as a straight and loose it slides in pretty good!

[@dontshootmain9621]

Any chance of a video explaining Le Disco Disc Tab Tool? Interested in buying one but must admit I need some orientation. Thanks!

[@FARRFrameworks]

Hey Jimmy! It is in the works. However, I have a lot of irons in the fire right now so it probably won't be for another couple of weeks. Feel free to reach out anytime through www.farrframeworks.com! Thanks for the support.

[@FARRFrameworks]

Hey Jimmy, thanks for your patience on this. I just posted the Le Disco Video up to my channel, check it out and let me know if you have any questions - th-cam.com/video/JwmquCab2VM/w-d-xo.html

[@WorkHorse.Fabrication]

The link for the dinse connector is the wrong size

[@FARRFrameworks]

Thank you for letting me know! Not sure what happened there. I went back and clicked on my cart and it took me back to that link, however you were correct it's a different size for water cooled torches. I've updated to the correct link to the gas cooled PN.

[@19672701]

Did you need the new dinse or could you use the old one?

[@FARRFrameworks]

Great question, at least with the torch setup that came with mine it wasn't possible to reuse the existing dinse connector. Both hoses (argon infeed and torch) were crimped onto the internals. It ended up working out though as I also wanted to keep the original torch as a beater for quick & dirty jobs. I'd suggest opening yours up to see prior to buying everything if you are looking to try to reuse it.

[@fakdaddy75]

Curious - why is this an upgrade ? Better how etc ?

[@FARRFrameworks]

Hey @fakdaddy75. That’s a good question and it’s mostly dependent on what you are planning to do with the torch. For me I weld thin bicycle tubing around 0.025-0.035”. With the gas lens and larger cup you get a lot more gas coverage which helps with the HAZ and oxidation. Also because bicycles have a lot of acute angles having a small torch like the CK9 is awesome. It’s way easier to handle and get in the tighter spots. I can’t say enough about the super flex cable either. It’s really nice to not have it fight you when you are trying to get in a certain position. If you are doing thicker materials or have different constraints it might not be the right choice but for me it’s been a fantastic upgrade over the bigger torch that came with the welder. Hope this helps.

[@fakdaddy75]

@@FARRFrameworks thanks - I have the original torch I need to replace. Thinking of going this route ..... as then you can just replace the torch or hose only if there is a problem. Unlike the OEM which is clamped on. Yeah I like the idea of the CK9 - I mostly do thin metal ...... but every now and then I dod use the full 200A on aluminum. THx for the vid.

[@laparkerhunter4247]

Will this torch fit the alpha 200x

[@FARRFrameworks]

From what I've found that model still used the same 35 (1/2") Dinse size, I'd probably message the folks over at AHP ([e-mail]) to confirm. If it's the case, then yes it will work!