33813R - ESAB Heliarc HW-17RV-2 Air-Cooled TIG Torch with Valve, 12.5ft

Technical Overview of the ESAB HW-17RV-2

The ESAB HW-17RV-2 (SKU: 33813R) is a premium air-cooled TIG welding torch belonging to the renowned Heliarc family. Designed for medium-duty applications, this torch is rated at 150 amperes DC and 115 amperes AC at a 60% duty cycle. It utilizes the industry-standard 17-series consumable platform, ensuring broad compatibility with collets, collet bodies, and gas lenses available in the market.

A defining feature of the 'RV' designation is the inclusion of a manual gas control valve located on the torch body. This configuration is critical for setups where the welding power source does not possess an internal gas solenoid, such as engine-driven welders or basic stick welding machines used for scratch-start TIG. The operator can manually open the valve to initiate shielding gas flow before striking the arc and close it after the post-flow period.

The '2' in the model number indicates a 2-piece cable assembly. Unlike single-piece cables where the power conductor runs inside the gas hose, this assembly separates the power cable from the gas hose. This design is often preferred in industrial field settings for its robustness and ease of maintenance. The torch head features a 60-degree angle, providing a specific ergonomic profile suitable for accessing joints that require a slightly different approach angle than standard 90 or 70-degree heads.

Constructed with high-temperature silicone rubber insulation, the torch body resists cracking and electrical leakage, ensuring operator safety and equipment longevity. The 12.5-foot length provides adequate working range for bench work and localized fabrication tasks.