Water cooled TIG torch advice.

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I have a new to me Miller Syncrowave 180SD. It came with the original 150A air cooled torch. The torch is in need of replacement because the power cable has an air leak. A friend was giving me a TIG welding lesson and said he would upgrade to a water cooled torch since I'm buying a new one anyway. This is a hobby. For now, my welding projects will be things for use around my shop - stand for the chop saw, cart for the HF band saw and cart for the new TIG welder. I'm happy to live with the results of my learning to TIG weld on these simple projects. I bought a lot of .65 wall 1.5" square tubing at the surplus yard and plan to use it for these projects. In looking around at water cooled torches I came across the WeldCraft Craftsman torch on ebay for $235. I bought one and it's on its way to me. I have scoured the web and it seems coolers cost $500+. I'd rather buy an off the shelf unit than make my own. I'm considering the Miller Coolmate 3. My LWS priced it at $575. I have ordered the WeldCraft gas through DINSE adapter I'll need to use the new water cooled torch.I have yet to purchase the cooler. Any input, opinions, etc on the proposed setup would be much appreciated. Thanks!Steve
Reply:I would look at and price a Bernard unit. What ever you decide, besure to use the recommended coolant type.
Reply:I would set aside my desire for a watercooled system for the moment. Spend another few bucks and get a new, air cooled torch. If you find yourself doing lots of work, then think about building or buying a watercooler. For 99% of us, water cooling is not necessary. I have only needed water cooling capabilities while making the same parts over and over again on a fab table.
Reply:An effective alternative to a $500 chiller is running tap water throught the torch and down the drain, or better yet out to the garden.  You can manually start and stop the water flow wtih a valve, but you will forget and fry your power cable, so installing a solenoid valve wired to the power source contactor will automate the flow.
Reply:Check out the Dynaflux Tig'r cooler.  It is a small cooler, 250 amps, and doesn't cost too much.  Arc-Zone sells them.  I bought mine there for about $400, if I remember right.  They have a bit bigger one now too, the Pro Cool II, for up to 500 amps.www.dynaflux.comhttp://www.dynaflux.com/pages/productpages/tiger.htmlwww.arc-zone.comLast edited by DesertRider33; 01-13-2010 at 10:48 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:slodat,I think you got good advice from your friend.I personally only use an air cooled torch for "portable" work, as I find them bulky and the cable stiff.The Coolmate 3 is a good cooler, one I highly recommend over the Coolmate 1.  There are several other options available (Bernard being one), but it sounds like your LWS quoted a pretty fair price.  You could possibly save a few bucks by buying a used cooler on e-bay (or from Sutten-Garten), but they're probably still going to be around $300+.Do not try to use that new water cooled torch without coolant flow.  It WILL burn the torch up.I was a little concerned about your comment about having ordered the adapter for gas flow thru.  The adapter you need for the Sync 200 has both gas and water return built into the adapter.  It is Miller part #195 380.You will never regret buying a water cooled setup.  The torches are smaller, easier to handle, and don't overheat with constant work.  With a water cooled torch, you're only limited by the welder's duty cycle, not by an overheated tig torch.  If you plan to do much aluminum, a water cooled torch is a near necessity.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I purchased the WeldCraft Q5WGT adapter.Sutten-Garten wants $550 for a refurbished Coolmate 3. By the time that is shipped, a new one locally is less money. I think I'll be going with the Coolmate 3.
Reply:slodat,You got the right adapter.Just a matter of timing I guess.  I got a real nice used Coolmate 3 from SG for around $350 but that was awhile back.  Unit had been used in a "clean room" environment, building medical equipment.Think you'll be very happy with your setup.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:i like what hhughes says. for the metal you have and th eprojects you are doing you are never gonna get that torch hot.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi like what hhughes says. for the metal you have and th eprojects you are doing you are never gonna get that torch hot.
Reply:Simple..  my 2 cents. If you see doing aluminum in the future?  then for sure get the H2o torches and cooler.  yeah I once thought I could get away without one until the heat was just too much and had enough... weld it like you own it
Reply:Even still, you would have to be doing a serious amount of aluminum welding. When I am fabbing aluminum at work I use a water cooler. At home doing aluminum projects, its not necessary, but if you already have one coming you will enjoy it for sure. My advice was in response to your first post in which you said how much welding you would be doing and your sticker shock on the price of a water coooler. If you have the means, by all means, buy the gear!
Reply:i have the same machine, an pre-digital one though.  what they're saying about alu is right.  i have a Crafter series water cool torch, and havn't experienced any heat except tungsten and tip of the cup.definitely get the water cool set up.
Reply:Originally Posted by oxy moroni have the same machine, an pre-digital one though.  what they're saying about alu is right.  i have a Crafter series water cool torch, and havn't experienced any heat except tungsten and tip of the cup.definitely get the water cool set up.
Reply:tweco tc900, which is similar as the bernard that everyone is talking about.
Reply:I got my water cooled torch all set up for my 180SD. I built the cart for it all and I'm happy with the results. The cooler is made by the company that makes the CoolMate 3 for Miller.
Reply:I have water cooled, like everybody else says if you are doing any kind of aluminum the water cooled is the way to go.  I don't have a chiller, my machine sits on the resevoir (it is the cart) and has a pump, i have no idea how many gallons, 20-30? I just antifreeze from the shop in there and have never overfilled it.The torches are a sore spot with me as they leak at the wrong time.  And i have been welding away only to look about to see my tank pump antifreeze (glucose) all over the shop when a fitting has come loose.  For its' few shortcomings the water torch has many advantages and i wouldn't exchange it.
Reply:Hey guys - late with this posting but, I figure it might help someone.There's only a few companies that actually make these coolers so a lot of them just have different label or cabinets (kind of like General Motors used to do). I bought the Tig-er tig cooler from http://www.ae-welding-industrial.com about 6 months ago. Paid about $400.00 then. They had others too.