Lincoln Electric TIG Torch Kits: A Beginner’s Comparison
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Lincoln Electric is one of the best-known names in welding, and many hobby and shop welders start with one of its multi-process machines. When those welders want to try TIG welding, the next question is which Lincoln TIG torch kit or part fits their machine. TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas: a thin tungsten electrode in the torch makes the arc, a shielding gas protects the weld, and you usually add filler rod by hand. It is slower than other welding methods but gives clean, precise welds on thin metal, which is why so many beginners want to learn it.
The six products below differ in what you get: two torches designed for specific Lincoln machines, a flexible Caliber torch, a stand-alone foot pedal, two complete conversion kits for the Power MIG 210 MP (one Lincoln, one third-party), and a water-cooled torch for heavier shop use.
Lincoln Electric TIG Torch Kits Compared
| Model | Type | Cooling | Cable Length | Machine Named in Listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Ready to Weld | Torch | Air | 12.5 ft | LE31MP |
| NOVA TIG Kit compatible with Lincoln | Torch, pedal, adapter | Not listed | 12.5 ft in title, 15 ft in specs | Power MIG 210 MP |
| Lincoln Electric Caliber 17 Series TIG | Torch | Air | 12.5 ft | Not listed (standard connectors) |
| Lincoln Electric Foot Pedal for TIG | Foot pedal | Not applicable | 10 ft | LE31MP |
| Lincoln Electric K3690-1 PRO Torch TIG | Torch, pedal, hoses | Not listed | Not listed | Power MIG 210 MP |
| Lincoln Electric PTW-20 TIG Torch | Torch | Water | 25 ft | Not listed |
Two terms show up in this table. “Air-cooled” means the torch sheds heat into the surrounding air, which keeps things simple and suits lighter work. “Water-cooled” means coolant runs through the torch and cable to carry heat away, which needs a separate cooling unit but handles longer, hotter welding sessions.
Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Ready to Weld for LE31MP Owners
Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Ready to Weld TIG Torch – for Air-Cooled TIG Welding – Rigid Torch Head – 12.5 FT, 1 Piece Cable – K1782-16
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Ready to Weld
Best for: LE31MP owners wanting a plug-in torch
Pros
- Plug and play with LE31MP
- Knurled non-slip handle
- Collet and cup included
- One year warranty
Cons
- Rigid head, not flexible
The Lincoln Electric PTA-9 Ready to Weld torch (part K1782-16) is an air-cooled TIG torch with a rigid torch head and a 12.5 ft, one-piece cable. The listing says it is made to be used with the Lincoln Electric LE31MP machine and has an easy plug and play design, so it connects without extra adapters.
It comes with the torch, back cap, collet, collet body, collet body cup, and connector. A collet is the small sleeve that grips the tungsten, and the cup directs shielding gas around the arc. The handle is knurled, meaning it has a textured pattern for a non-slip grip, and a molded lip lets you attach a zippered cable cover securely. Lincoln backs it with a one-year warranty, and it weighs about 3 pounds.
This torch suits LE31MP owners, whether occasional TIG welders or small shops, who want the matched torch. A rigid head cannot bend, so if you often weld in awkward corners, the flexible Caliber torch below may feel better.
NOVA TIG Kit compatible with Lincoln for Power MIG 210 MP Conversions
NOVA Welding Industries
NOVA TIG Kit compatible with Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP Welder K3963-1 Accessory Kit with torch (12.5 ft)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
NOVA TIG Kit compatible with Lincoln
Best for: Power MIG 210 MP owners converting to TIG
Pros
- Torch, pedal and adapter
- Genuine Lincoln adapter included
- Ultra-flex cable
Cons
- Torch and pedal made by NOVA
- Cable length listed inconsistently
The NOVA TIG Kit compatible with Lincoln machines is not a Lincoln-made kit. It is built by NOVA Welding Industries to upgrade a Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP (K3963-1 or K4195-1) into the TIG-ready One-Pak setup (K4195-2). We include it because it is designed for a Lincoln machine, but the torch and pedal are NOVA products described as equivalent or similar to Lincoln parts.
The kit includes a NOVA torch described as equivalent to Lincoln’s PTA-17V (K1782-6) with an ultra-flex cable, a NOVA pedal designed to perform like Lincoln’s Foot Amptrol (K870), and a genuine Lincoln Foot Amptrol Adapter (K4104-1). The listing calls it plug and weld ready with no extra parts needed. The cable length is inconsistent: the title says 12.5 ft, while the specifications list 15 ft and the part number mentions 25ft, so confirm with the seller.
It suits a Power MIG 210 MP owner who wants every piece for TIG in one box. Buyers who prefer all-Lincoln parts should compare it with the K3690-1 PRO kit further down.
Lincoln Electric Caliber 17 Series TIG for Comfort and Flexibility
Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric Caliber 17 Series TIG Torch | for Air-Cooled TIG Welding | Flexible/Valve Torch Head | 12.5 FT, 1 Piece Cable | K4841-17FV-1
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Lincoln Electric Caliber 17 Series TIG
Best for: Welders upgrading to a comfier torch
Pros
- Ultra-flexible braided cable
- Flexible head with valve
- Standard expendables
Cons
- Torch only, no pedal
The Lincoln Electric Caliber 17 Series TIG torch (K4841-17FV-1) is an air-cooled torch with a flexible, valve-equipped head and a 12.5 ft one-piece cable. A flexible head can be bent to reach tight joints, and a valve lets you turn the shielding gas on and off at the torch itself.
The listing highlights a compact over-molded handle meant to reduce finger fatigue and an ultra-flexible cable with a nylon braided exterior and a soft silicone core for abrasion resistance. It works with industry standard front-end TIG expendables and industry standard torch connectors, so replacement cups and collets are easy to find. Package weight is listed at about 3.7 pounds.
This is a good pick for someone upgrading from a stiff stock torch or giving a welding friend a comfort-focused gift. It is a torch only; if you also need a pedal, look at the kits.
Lincoln Electric Foot Pedal for TIG for Hands-Free Amperage Control
Lincoln Electric
Lincoln Electric Foot Pedal for TIG Torch – 10ft.L Cable, Model Number K4361-1
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Lincoln Electric Foot Pedal for TIG
Best for: Adding hands-free amperage control
Pros
- Full amperage control
- Steel enclosure
- 8 pin smart connector
Cons
- Listed for the LE31MP only
- Indoor use
The Lincoln Electric Foot Pedal for TIG (K4361-1) controls welding current with your foot. Press down to raise amperage, press fully for the maximum you set on the machine, and lift fully to end the weld and start the after-flow cycle, when gas keeps flowing briefly to protect the hot metal.
It has a 10 ft cable, an 8 pin smart connector, a robust steel enclosure, and is listed as UL compliant for indoor use. The listing names the Lincoln Electric LE31MP as the compatible machine, so it pairs naturally with the PTA-9 torch above.
Choose it if you already own an LE31MP and a torch and want finer heat control. A pedal is one of the biggest helps for beginners because it lets you ease off heat as the metal warms up. Owners of other machines should check compatibility before buying.
Lincoln Electric K3690-1 PRO Torch TIG for a Complete Kit
Best for: Complete Lincoln TIG setup for 210 MP
Pros
- 17 Series valve torch
- Foot pedal included
- Hoses and expendables
Cons
- Heaviest box
- DC TIG only
The Lincoln Electric K3690-1 PRO Torch TIG kit is Lincoln’s own package for the Power MIG 210 MP multi-process welder. It adds DC TIG capability and includes a 17 Series TIG torch with an integrated valve (K1782-6), a foot pedal for real-time amperage adjustment, all necessary hoses, and a selection of expendables so you can start out of the box.
DC TIG is direct current TIG, used for steel and stainless steel. The listing weighs the full box at 13.4 pounds, the heaviest here, which reflects how much is included.
This is the easiest answer to “which Lincoln TIG kit should I buy” for a Power MIG 210 MP owner who wants all-Lincoln parts. It gives way to the stand-alone torches if you already have a pedal and hoses. Do not forget eye protection; our guide to the lincoln welding helmet lineup covers that.
Lincoln Electric PTW-20 TIG Torch for Water-Cooled Shop Work
Best for: Shops with a water cooler
Pros
- Water-cooled design
- 25 ft 3 piece cable
- Rigid head
Cons
- Needs a cooling system
- Very thin listing details
The Lincoln Electric PTW-20 TIG Torch (K1784-4) is the only water-cooled torch in this guide. The title lists a rigid torch head and a 25 ft, three-piece cable. A three-piece cable carries separate lines, typically for gas, coolant supply, and coolant return with power.
The listing is thin: the description says only “Water Cooled Tig Torch,” the included components list just one TIG torch, and the key features oddly label it a cutting tool. Weights also disagree, with 6.0 lbs for the package and 1.36 kg for the item. The listing does not specify amperage rating or which machines it fits.
It suits a shop that already runs a water cooler and welds for long stretches. Beginners with a Power MIG 210 MP or LE31MP will be better served by the air-cooled options above.
How to Choose the Right Lincoln Electric TIG Torch Kit
Match your machine first. LE31MP owners should look at the PTA-9 torch and the K4361-1 foot pedal, both listed for that welder. Power MIG 210 MP owners should compare the K3690-1 PRO kit with the NOVA kit.
Next, decide between a full kit and single parts. A kit bundles torch, pedal, and hoses, which suits a first TIG setup. Single parts suit someone replacing or upgrading one piece, such as moving to the more flexible Caliber 17 torch.
Then think about cooling. Air-cooled torches like the PTA-9 and Caliber 17 are simpler and fine for most home projects. The water-cooled PTW-20 needs a cooling unit and suits longer shop sessions.
Finally, consider comfort. Cable length, head flexibility, and a valve all affect how easy the torch is to handle. If you also use other welding processes, our overview of lincoln stick welders explains how stick differs from TIG.
FAQ
Does the Lincoln PTA-9 TIG torch work with the LE31MP?
Yes. The listing states it is made to be used with the Lincoln Electric LE31MP and has a plug and play design.
What comes in the Lincoln K3690-1 PRO torch kit?
A 17 Series TIG torch with an integrated valve, a foot pedal, the necessary hoses, and a selection of expendables, for use with the Power MIG 210 MP.
Is the NOVA kit made by Lincoln?
No. The torch and pedal are NOVA products described as equivalent to Lincoln parts. The adapter included is a genuine Lincoln part.
Do I need a Lincoln TIG foot pedal?
It is not required, but a pedal lets you adjust heat while welding. The K4361-1 is listed for the LE31MP, and both 210 MP kits include one.
What is the difference between the Lincoln PTW-20 and PTA-9?
The PTW-20 is water-cooled with a 25 ft three-piece cable. The PTA-9 is air-cooled with a 12.5 ft one-piece cable and is listed for the LE31MP.
Can I use standard cups and collets on the Caliber 17 torch?
Yes. The listing says Caliber torches accept industry standard front-end TIG expendables.
