By Jennifer Simpson
Whether you’re new to gas
tungsten arc welding
(GTAW) or you’re a master fabricator, the myriad
adapters, connectors, and couplers on
the market can be overwhelming. To
complicate matters further, manufacturers have made changes to the
design of their welding machines over
the years, taking advantage of inverter
technology and streamlining the
options. The result is many different
machines and accessories to choose
from.
1. Know Your
Welding Machine
GetPhoto bty A. Vhictor Goeodpasture hookup
To hook up your GTAW torch properly to your welding machine, the first
thing you need to know is what kind
of connection your machine supports.
With older power supplies, the torch
bolts onto the machine with a threaded stud terminal on the front panel of
the power supply. Newer welding
machines can use an international-style Dinse® connector, which plugs
into the power supply and twists and
locks securely into place (see Figure
1). The small connector is approximately 5⁄ 16 inch in diameter, and the
large connector is 1⁄ 2 in. in diameter.
Some machines are designed for a
gas-through Dinse connection, in
which your torch’s gas hose hooks up
to the connector, eliminating the
need for an additional gas connection
(see Figure 2). The gas flows from
your tank and flowmeter/regulator,
through the machine to the connector, and into the torch. Some power
supplies use a Tweco®-type (also called
American-style) split pin connector
that also twists and locks into place.
Consult your welding machine
manual to find out which plug type
you have. If you no longer have your
manual, contact the manufacturer
directly and have ready your
machine’s model and serial numbers.
2. Know Your Torch
5 tips for connecting your GTAW torch
Different GTAW torches have different connections at the machine end.
A water-cooled torch has a 7⁄8-in.- 14
thread, left-hand male fitting on the
end for power and water return (see
Figure 3). Generally, an air-cooled
The FABRICATOR | An FMA Publication
www.thefabricator.com | March 2007
