Weldcraft CS300

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Does anyone have an opinion on the Weldcraft CS300 TIG torch?My air cooled TIG torch is a bit small for my machine.  I haven't jumped right in to buy a larger one because, aside from the smaller one covering the average case, it looked like water cooling was needed for that current range.  It looks like the CS300 covers the maximum range of my machine without requiring a water cooler.One of my concerns is that I want to be able to run 250A while welding aluminum castings without the torch overheating.  It doesn't help me out much if I buy one and find it is a good torch that still isn't quite up to the job.  Naturally that is being respectful and assuming that the CS300 is a good torch to begin with.
Reply:Weldcraft in general is considered to be the industry leader in TIG torches. That said, in my experience any air cooled torch will get hot when welding anywhere close to it's rated capacity. Running 90-100 amps DC on a 150 A torch will get hot after a while. If your duty cycle will be low enough, you may be fine, but in the long run you probably will be better off biting the bullet and springing for a water cooled rig. When choosing a torch keep in mind that the AC rating is usually lower than the DC rating.
Reply:This might not work with your situation but its an option you might have overlooked. you could get a water cooled (like a wp20/wp18 cs310/cs410) torch and just run a water hoses when you need to use it. then if/when you get a water cooler you will already have a nice water cooled torch. I did it for a while with no problem.www.performancealuminumfabrication.com
Reply:SparknMike,Do yourself a favor and just get a water cooled torch/cooler now. Especially if you're planning on doing aluminum. There are a lot of threads about building your own cooler if money is an issue (when isn't it?). I just went this route. Tec Torch has the Speedway series which puts a 320 amp water cooled torch in a WP20 size. Its pretty small for a torch with that capacity. I'm sure there are othersAnyhow, if you decide to build your own cooler, don't mess around with little pumps. You can find carbonator systems online for around $100.00 that easily convert into a high flow water cooler for your torch. about the only thing you need to add is a small heat exchanger coil such as an automotive heater core and a fan. I just built one this weekend and the whole cost was about $150.00 including the hoses and fittings. PM me if you have any questions.Or, save the trouble and look on Craig's for a used cooler. They're out there.E
Reply:The CS300 is a fantastic torch. I think you already know it will work a lot better than what you have. Other than being giant, that is the route I would go.Is your welder rated at 250 amps output?