Why woud someone not use onboard gas valve on a TIG machine?

[Cavalry]

My new to me 250DX came with two torches, both with manual flow valves on the torch. The original gas port on the machine still has the factory shipping plug so I don't think it was a matter of the valve not working and they didn't want to fix it.
This makes no sense to me, why would someone want to go manual while there is a perfectly good postflow setup on the machine?


Along with that logic why would someone have two identical torch setups complete with regulators on one machine? Its not like it takes any amount of time to swap cups, tungsten etc.

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by Cavalry

My new to me 250DX came with two torches, both with manual flow valves on the torch. The original gas port on the machine still has the factory shipping plug so I don't think it was a matter of the valve not working and they didn't want to fix it.
This makes no sense to me, why would someone want to go manual while there is a perfectly good postflow setup on the machine?


Along with that logic why would someone have two identical torch setups complete with regulators on one machine? Its not like it takes any amount of time to swap cups, tungsten etc.

Who knows...

Albert Einstein — 'Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.'

[toprecycler]

Was both torches hooked up and ready to operate?

If they worked in a production environment, and always had to switch from alum to stainless on same job several times, it would be handy to only have to switch machine settings, and grab the right torch and go. Especially if they like pure tungsten which runs better balled up on aluminum.

You just need to make sure the torch not being used is touching any metal. Been there, done that. Had left the tig torch and stick rod holder powered up at old job. And one of the ends shorted out one time because it was left on a bench instead of hung up in proper storage place.

5 minutes to switch leads can be a big time eater in some shops.


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[digr]

Back when I could see when working for the fitters welding stainless pipe all we had was a tank of gas and a tig torch hooked up to a upright torpedo welder. Maybe they didn't need or want the post flow option.

[o7oBaseMetal]

Originally Posted by digr

Back when I could see when working for the fitters welding stainless pipe all we had was a tank of gas and a tig torch hooked up to a upright torpedo welder. Maybe they didn't need or want the post flow option.

Still the way it is for the most part. I notice a lot of stainless welders don't touch the tungsten long enough to do the preflow and they think the equipment is the problem rather than their technique. It is a lot easier to just give them something they can understand rather than police their bad habits and build discipline. Also, I have seen the solenoids fail on automatic. A valve torch can also fail but it is easy for anyone to fix in a hurry.

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[digr]

Maybe in a production environment one torch for a core bead and one for a fill. Just change the heat setting and go and with the gas valves on both torches the gas would only come from one torch.

[digger doug]

Ask this guy....and he's from your state ….
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/tls/d...214960185.html