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CK Worldwide CK18 Water-Cooled TIG Torch

Description

A 350 A water-cooled TIG torch for heavy sections

The CK Worldwide CK18 is a water-cooled TIG torch rated at 350 A, ACHF or DCSP, at 100% duty cycle. CK lists it as the same as its CK300. Coolant circulates through the head and returns through the power cable, which allows long arc-on times at currents a gas-cooled body cannot sustain, for example on thick aluminium, heavy stainless fabrication or automated cells.

The CK18 head is compact for its rating and uses CK’s Max-Flo cooling design and Fail-Safe hose connections, as described in the 3 Series manual. It takes 3 Series consumables, the same family as the CK17 and CK26.

Technical specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer / model CK Worldwide / CK18
Cooling Water-cooled
Rating 350 A ACHF or DCSP at 100% duty cycle
Head styles Rigid, flex, pencil (CK18P); valved CK18V
Rigid / flex body 9-1/2 in (24.1 cm), 6.5 oz (184 g)
Pencil body 9-1/4 in (23.5 cm)
Cable 3-piece (power cable, water hose, argon hose)
Cable lengths 12.5 ft (3.8 m) or 25 ft (7.6 m), standard or Super-Flex
Example packages CK18-12, CK18-25SF, CK18V-12 FX, CK18P-12
Consumables 3 Series
Cooling water flow 1 quart (1 liter) per minute

Setting up the cooling circuit

The 3-piece assembly feeds water in through the water hose and returns it through the power cable, so the return must always be on the power lead. A torch run with the flow reversed, or without coolant, will overheat quickly. CK specifies about one litre per minute. For coolers and machines with quick-disconnect sockets, CK lists QDWAP (water) and QDGAP (argon) 9 mm male adapters. Before first use, tighten all fittings and purge the regulator and torch with inert gas at 20 cfh.

Selection notes

Choose the CK18 when the welding current regularly exceeds what a gas-cooled torch handles. For lower currents with a cooler, the 250 A CK20 water-cooled TIG torch is smaller and lighter. The pencil CK18P gives a short profile for tight access. Specify the machine-side connector so the correct power cable adapter is supplied.

Head angle and style should follow joint access. A rigid head gives the most predictable position for repetitive work, a flex head bends to reach around fixtures, and the pencil head is compact for tight corners. Super-Flex hose packages are lighter and stay supple in hot conditions, which reduces wrist fatigue when the torch is used all shift. Coolant hoses age over time, so inspect them for cracking and leaks at each consumable change, and replace hoses rather than taping damaged sections.

If the torch is moved between machines, label the water and argon hoses at both ends so the coolant return always stays on the power cable.

Documents and quotation

The CK Worldwide torch manual Form TM-3 for CK17, CK18 and CK26 is attached under Datasheets & Documents. Related torches are listed in TIG Torches & MIG Guns.

For pricing, send the CK package number, or head style, valve option, cable length and hose type, and the machine connection, with quantities.

Datasheets & Documents
  • PDF Manual CK Worldwide Torch Manual for CK17, CK18, CK26 (Form TM-3) Download
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About brand

CK Worldwide is a family-owned manufacturer of TIG welding torches and accessories in Auburn, Washington, USA. Art Kleppen and Jim Conley founded the company in 1967 to make TIG welding more efficient, and it still designs and manufactures its products in Auburn. Its developments include silicone rubber insulated torch heads, Gas Saver kits, Max-Flo water cooling, wedge collets, Flex-Loc torches and Super-Flex hoses.

Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat. We list the CK20 water-cooled TIG torch and source CK Worldwide torches, hoses and consumables on request.

CK Worldwide product groups

The TIG torch program covers the Standard, MasterTIG, Diamond and UltraTIG series, machine torches and Airco torches, in gas-cooled and water-cooled versions. Accessories include Gas Saver kits, wedge collets, cables and hoses, cable connectors, trailing shields, purge cups and torch parts. The range also includes remote amperage controls, cold wire feed equipment, a purge chamber, tungsten electrodes with a grinder, and TIG machines with a water cooler.

Ordering CK Worldwide torches and parts: what we need

Give the CK part number, or the torch series, head style (rigid, flex or pencil), valve option, cable length and hose type. For consumables state the thread series and tungsten diameter, and name the machine connection so the correct adapter can be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rating of the CK18?
350 A ACHF or DCSP at 100% duty cycle; CK lists it as the same as the CK300.
How much cooling water does the CK18 need?
CK specifies 1 quart (1 liter) per minute, entering through the water hose and returning through the power cable.
Which consumables fit the CK18?
3 Series consumables, shared with the CK17 and CK26.
Which head styles are available?
Rigid, flex and pencil (CK18P), with valved CK18V versions.
Are quick-disconnect adapters available?
Yes. CK lists QDWAP for water and QDGAP for argon, both 9 mm male quick disconnects.