Air or Water cooled Tig Torch?

[bjdenommee]

Scott
I used to run my torch thru the house water to the lawn also.

The system does not even enter into the machine, as it runs all the time no selonoide so less is better.

When I ran this system I put a Watts regulator # S-1156-F which dropped the pressure to about 12-15 psi.

you can run it higher however it does a number on the hoses.

Good Luck
Bernie

[chip hayden]

the bypass on my "year one" miller radiator[cooler] is set at 50psi, so i don't think you'll have any trouble running it thru your solenoids if you wish.

[BillC]

Well, I talked to a friend who has a torch cooler and I think I understand a little more now. Although the reservoir is at atmospheric pressure, there apparently is enough restriction either in the torch or the return line to maintain high pressure in the torch line. Running at 50psi raises the boiling point 130 degrees.

[dseman]

Bill,
Take a look at :

http://www.ckworldwide.com/Exclusive_ck_linde_torches.htm#Water

and note the cross-section of the coolant
path. It is quite small and explains why the wrong mixture or combination of water and antifreeze can cause a problem.

-dseman

[BillC]

Originally posted by dseman
Bill,
Take a look at :

http://www.ckworldwide.com/Exclusive_ck_linde_torches.htm#Water

and note the cross-section of the coolant
path. It is quite small and explains why the wrong mixture or combination of water and antifreeze can cause a problem.

-dseman

Yeah, I'd say that's a small section. I like the new design with the larger coolant passages. Is CK considered a good torch manufacturer? It seems like a pretty common torch.

[dseman]

Bill,
I don't own a CK torch right now, but plan to buy in the future. Many opinions I respect point to their torches as being the best overall quality and components. They have very flexible torch leads, and their own versions (trimline and CK brands) are usually smaller,ligher, and as you see, better cooling. If you call their phone number they have very knowledgeable and helpful people. Kinda like the Miller/Hobart people of the torch industry!

Others will now chime in and tell how their torch is better, but I remain convinced about the CK torches.

-dseman

[Guest]

Where i am, there's WeldCraft....their air cooled are so "good", That I had to make a tap and die set for when they strip out. The water cooled seem to be better.

[pontiac]

Right now I'm looking at getting a Weldcraft WP-20 250amp water coold torch.

The next odd question is Gas lens or nozzle..

[Scott V]

Ck worldwide are good torches,and Weldcraft is what I use,also very good.The sleeper in the bunch is the new Binzel torches.They cost about half of a Weldcraft,and are very very nice.I also think some of there new mig guns are pretty slick.

[Dan]

Originally posted by pontiac
Right now I'm looking at getting a Weldcraft WP-20 250amp water coold torch.

The next odd question is Gas lens or nozzle..

I vote gas lens. I TIG quite a bit of stainless steel, and can tell you that the gas lens definately produces a better gas shield.

Actually, collets, collet bodies, and the cups aren t that expensive so, I would stock both types. My reasoning for this is because a standard #4 cup will allow you into a tight angled joint were as a gas lens is to large and won t allow you access.

[bjdenommee]

Yea I would go weldcraft, as parts are always around, and you can buy all sorts of nozzles for them.

If you want a lens they make one for theres as well

Bernie

[chip hayden]

i'd suggest using a gas lens also. i believe you get a little better[gas] shielding effect and you save on gas consumption. the only downside is if you keep sticking the !@#$% filler on the electrode it eventually clogs the screens. of course, I'VE never done that.

[Guest]

Scott, I use the WP-20 also. with the large gas lens, even on the small stuff...use the collet body for aluminum, and reduce the gas flow. I also suggest getting a light leather cover for the cables. The one I have is white lambskin....it's doesn't inhibit the torch movement at all. The heavier Tillman orange ones do...or maybe it's brown.

[pontiac]

Rocky D.

Why the switch to the collet body for Au?

I'll be sure to pick up a cover too

thanks!

[Franz]

"I also suggest getting a light leather cover for the cables. The one I have is white lambskin..."
Oh really Rocky, white lambskin you say.
Sort of explains some of the things I've heard about CaliFOOEY.