plugged tig torch

admin

My tig torch plugged up good on me yesterday and try as I maywith wire and air pressure I could not get it to clear. I stopped atMy miller dealer and was told $70.00 would get me a new head.(WP 20)  and a 10 day wait for it as it had to be ordered. TodayI headed to Habor Freight  Now I am not a big fan of Habor Freighttools, however, it was the only place I fouind that sold ultrasoniccleaners near me. I have been wanting to get a ultrasonic cleanerfor my air brush and paint spray guns and just maybe it couldclean the inside of the tig torch. What the heck, let's try it.Got home with the cleaner and fill it up to the mark with tapwater and dumped the tig torch in. Push the on button and letit run for 20 minutes. Pulled it out and hit the shop air to itand it was clear!!!!!  I spent about the same amount of moneythat I would have at the miller dealer, however, I have my welderback on line and a ultrasonic cleaner that just paid for itself.Not a bad day for an old man.
Reply:Thanks for the info oldbill! I've never had one stop up on me, but I worked with a guy last year who it DID happen to, and he ended up getting a new torch head. I'm sure your post will be very much appreciated and of help to someone else. Thanks!Miller XMT-3502 Lincoln Power Mig 140C (One w/ dedicated spoolgun)Jackson NexGen / Miller Digital EliteMiller S32P SuperWeldcraft 17fv & 9fv Tig TorchVictor & Purox O/ALincoln Ranger 9Fairly Cold Beer!!
Reply:Glad it worked out. I've got one of those little HF ultrasonics for doing dive regs. It's not great, but it works. One note of caution. Not all metals are compatible mixed together. I know that the reg manufacturers warn against putting the alum reg parts in with the brass and SS parts. It's Ok to do the alum with the plastic parts, and the brass with the SS. I'll have to look and see if I can find the reference again..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan