Tig cooler recomendations

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I am looking at buying a tig cooler and have been searching the web for opinions on the different brands available with little luck. I thought about building one but abandoned that idea. I have been using street water but my welder is on the opposite side of the shop from the water and there isn't a water drain nearby either. I am getting sick of dragging the garden hose out and emptying a bucket. So, before I drop $700 on a Coolmate 3 I thought I would hit you guys up for recommendations.edit: The cooler will be hooked up to a wp20.Miller millermatic 251Miller aircrafter 330st, wp201961 Lincoln SA200Ellis 1600 bandsawLogan 820 latheSouth Bend 13"Bridgeport M Head
Reply:If you're looking to buy one out-right, well if I was, I would just get an HTP arctic cooler. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:I would agree. It's much cheaper than the $700 unit.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarIf you're looking to buy one out-right, well if I was, I would just get an HTP arctic cooler.
Reply:There's a used Coolmate 3 on eBay as a buy it now for $350.  Could ask if would take lower.I know HTP is a solid company, but their cooler looks awfully similar to the Everlast and Chinese ones available on eBay for half the cost.  Take a look.If you can wait, you can prolly find one on eBay for less than $200.  Miller made alot of coolers for export that are true Coolmates but are rebadged.  I stumbled upon one for $100.  It had Chinese markings all over it but externally resembled a Coolmate.  When I opened it up, the entire contents had Miller PNs on them and "Made in the USA" on them.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:My son got a used Coolmate 3 for under $300. that is painted white and is badged "Stat System".  It was made for the pharmaceutical industry, apparently. Sutton-Garten sold a few of these on eBay."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I agree, those HTP ones look exactly like the chinese ones. I am going to watch ebay and craigslist for sure. Any thoughts on Miller vs Bernard vs Lincoln coolers?Miller millermatic 251Miller aircrafter 330st, wp201961 Lincoln SA200Ellis 1600 bandsawLogan 820 latheSouth Bend 13"Bridgeport M Head
Reply:I have a coolmate 3 that I found on CL for $200 that needed a pump.  I have under $250 in it with a rebuilt pump.  After seeing the cooler, I would never pay new price for one.  Don't get me wrong it is a nice but they are very simple and you could easily make a cooler for a lot less if you put a little time into it.  All you need is a stainless tank, procon pump, motor, and an old heater core, and a couple of hoses.  Depending where you get the motor I think you can easily be in it for under $150.
Reply:How about an old car radiator or heater core, a box fan, and a pump? Would that work for this or not enough cooling....
Reply:Another option:http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/3775032277.htmlThis is NOT mine. It has been listed for several months. If you like it, you might want to make an offer.
Reply:Originally Posted by OxfordI have a coolmate 3 that I found on CL for $200 that needed a pump.  I have under $250 in it with a rebuilt pump.  After seeing the cooler, I would never pay new price for one.  Don't get me wrong it is a nice but they are very simple and you could easily make a cooler for a lot less if you put a little time into it.  All you need is a stainless tank, procon pump, motor, and an old heater core, and a couple of hoses.  Depending where you get the motor I think you can easily be in it for under $150.
Reply:Originally Posted by imc188222I agree, those HTP ones look exactly like the chinese ones. I am going to watch ebay and craigslist for sure. Any thoughts on Miller vs Bernard vs Lincoln coolers?
Reply:Not trying to hijack this thread, but IMC may be interested too. The guy I bought my used Coolmate 3 from said to use windshield fluid as a coolant. He runs a production shop with several TIG welders. I have searched on the internet and the forum if this is acceptable or what problems it could cause. I found people asking about it, but no one gave an answer.I'm planning to drain, flush, and re-fill it this week-end. Just wondered why pay $75-80 for Miller coolant?Thanks for any replies.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:Originally Posted by WookieWeldingyah you can get the motor and procon pump on ebay for cheap really after that just need a tank and only need a heat exchanger if you are doing high amp stuff in a production environmentbut then again the OP wants to buy a plug n play unit
Reply:Originally Posted by wb4rtNot trying to hijack this thread, but IMC may be interested too. The guy I bought my used Coolmate 3 from said to use windshield fluid as a coolant. He runs a production shop with several TIG welders. I have searched on the internet and the forum if this is acceptable or what problems it could cause. I found people asking about it, but no one gave an answer.I'm planning to drain, flush, and re-fill it this week-end. Just wondered why pay $75-80 for Miller coolant?Thanks for any replies.
Reply:Bernard and Hobart are the same cooler. Usually stainless with an Oberdorfer pump. They are a straight gear pump and make a little noise. I got one on ebay cheap a while ago,T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication