Air cooled to watercooled? TIG torch

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I have a Lincoln Squarewave Tig 185 and I have been using it alot lately and was wondering if It can be converted somehow  from an air cooled to watercooled torch? I tried a buddy's Miller TIG machine that has a watercooled torch and I noticed right away the size difference and how cool the torch stays compared to my aircooled unit! Can I purchase a watercooled torch kit that can be hooked up to my Lincoln Tig 185. Now I wish I would have saved up for the Lincoln 275 TIG
Reply:if the machine you have now does not have water capabilities...then a external radiator is the next logical step...they can be hooked up to run only when the pedal is depressed..how? i have no clue...but that is the other option..unless you will spring for the watercooled machine......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Hook the torch up to your garden hose and dump the water after it goes through the torch.  Now that's an easy way to get water cooling.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Hook the torch up to your garden hose and dump the water after it goes through the torch.  Now that's an easy way to get water cooling.
Reply:The water used to cool a torch is very small.  Just a trickle really.Birken
Reply:Unfortunately, weld water chillers are expensive, so running tap water through to the drain (or flower bed) is a good choice.  You could run the water through a solenoid valve that is activated by your weld contactor (foot pedal switch) to only run water when welding.  Either find a solenoid that operates at the weld contactor voltage (12 VDC?) or add a relay to allow 12 VDC to switch 120 VAC.  How about scrounging a solenoid off an old washing machine?Of course you'll need a water cooled torch and cable set.  Arc-Zone is one internet supplier I've used. http://198.170.235.20/catalog/web_st...=6660069_85610
Reply:Once you have a watercooled torch you will never want to go back.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:WP-9 Air-cooled (stock Squarewave 185 torch) has the same dimensions as a water cooled WP-20 and the consumables interchange directly. You are trying to hook a water cooled torch to a Large Through Gas DIN connector. You will need an adapter. Weldcraft offers these types of products.http://www.weldcraft.com/home.htmlClick on the link for quick connect system.The WP-20 will use about .25 gallons/minute at 45 psi inlet pressure.
Reply:I kind of figured it was going to be pricey. I'll check out that Website. Thanks for the info!!!
Reply:been thinking about the same, couple of points that are pertinent to me and may be to you (BTW, I ONLY do things on the cheap and thats not cos I dont have the cash (which I dont) but cos I love building things, the more useless, the better!).On my one rig, the torch power cable runs inside the water hose - makes for a lower gauge wire, simply connecting an external water source to it is not the easiset option since it the water has to run through the centre of the power fitting on the face of the machine. As for pumps/water combination - the way my proper rig is set up, the water is held in a plastic jerry can, its pipesdout the can to the pumps which is a simple diaphragm unit. and this runs through the machine, to the torch. The return leg is cleverly hooped twice around the circumference of the power supplies cooling fan and ends up back in the jerry can. Simple but brilliiant.Whist interlocking the pump run with the torch power is nice but not essential. If you took a small submersible fountain pump, duncked that into the can and piped it like I noted, with power linked to the welders on/off switch, I reckon that would work nice enoughShade tree enough for you?
Reply:yep quick and simple setup, you could even skip the selinoid and just let it run constant, just buy a water cooled torch and the conectors and you are good to go. i got a heater core out of a truck for a radeator for my setup, any parts counter has them in stock, mine was like $19.00 i just gotta finish putting it togather. summer is here, plant a tree for mother earth. if you dont have time or space, sponcer some one else to plant one for you.feel free to shoot me a PM or e-mail me at [email][email protected] i got lots of time.
Reply:Mount the radiator high and use the thermosiphon principle to eliminate the pump AND the solenoid? Hydrostatic drag loss in a small hose might make it impractical, but just a thought. If it did work, it'd be self regulating.
Reply:if you will learn to dip the tungsten in the puddle nowand then you will get to stop and clean it and you wont need the watercooled torch. this took me years to figure out.....