Tig Welder

[Rick Parker]

I have an older Airco 150 DC Heliwelder that I purchased several years ago and used alot when I was redoing my car about 5 years ago. Last night my son called and asked if he could come over to use it to weld some exhaust tubing onto a cat convertor for a friend. When I arrived home shortly thereafter he and his friend were in the garage with the project on the work bench partially welded and obviously having some difficulty. I tried to assist but something was just not right, the shielding gas was not doing what it was supposed to be doing. The weld looked horrible and I just couldn't lay down a good bead. After a little investigation I realized Argon Hose to the torch was leaking at the fitting at the Welder and ultimately that the Argon hose going to the torch (3/16") had degraded to the point it was cracked inside the mesh cove over its entire length, no way to save it.
Those of you that are in the trade or have knowlege, can this hose be bought alone or it it marketed as an assembly with the torch and cord inside a sheath.? I realize Airco is gone but isn't the hose itself universal?
Thanks

[tcrist]

Rick,

Does the torch screw onto the hose? We have around 10 welding stations at work and are replacing hoses from time to time. If you need a new hose maybe I can order one through the shop and get you a discount. I will check with the welding manager tomorrow. I am sure they are probably a universal fit.

[Rick Parker]

Yes Terry, the torch screws onto the connector that the power cord is mechanically clamped onto, the hose slides through the center of the threaded opening and has a male brass fitting that seals to the torch when the parts are screwed together. I think if I just had a length of the hose 10-12 long (haven't measured it) I could repair the machine. The hose inside the torch was sealed with thin aircraft wire twist. The torch and cable is in good condition, I want to avoid having to purchase more than what is actually necessary.