New Torch Recommendations?

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Hi Everyone,I have a Lincoln Precision Tig 185.  I've had problems lately will all of my welds looking contaminated even with a cleanly ground electrode.  I'm suspecting I have a hole in my torch somewhere.  I wasn't careful and laid it on some hot metal several times.I'm going to buy a new torch.  Should I stick with the Lincoln torch or is there another brand/model such as a Weldcraft that I should consider.  As long as I'm buying one, I want to buy the best.How about adding water cooling to the 185?  Has anyone done this and if so did you buy the Lincoln conversion or do it via some other means?Thanks,Dave
Reply:New torch?  How about leak testing your torch and gas system back to the bottle?  I doubt the torch body is the problem, probably a connection, or something simple like the O-ring on the backcap.
Reply:Well I don't know what you want to do. All I can recomend is a water cooled torch, because it is smaller, and just all around better, unless your hanging from a tuna tower 60 feet up. I have weldcrap torches, because parts are EZ to come by. The best is a relitive term, I like Victor torches, you might Like Harris, both equaly good, just user preference.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Hi Guys,I don't want to mess with trying to find out what is wrong with my existing torch.  I've never liked it all that much. I get tired of fighting with the threads binding, too.I'm very interested in a conversion to a water torch but would like to hear from someone who has done it and find out what parts they ordered.
Reply:You can probably shop around and maybe find a better deal, or build your own, but arc-zone has conversions. It might be worth looking into. Keep in mind though, I haven't done this.http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?ma...x&cPath=16_246-Cory
Reply:Jim at Arc-Zone will set you up with exactly what you need for a water cooled system.  To save money, you can set it up to run tap water.
Reply:The local vo-tech has a PT-185.  The braided cable covering was always snagging in the edge of the table.  Actually lat time i saw it much of the braid was missing.  If you go water cooled of the tap you might want to get a water filter.  Our water here has so many minerals it would surely clog the torch.  I only thought of the filter since I'm thinking about one for the kitchen sink.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill