Some crazy idea..

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Why no company have come with the idea of building a # 20 tig torch  that have the power going thru the gas line? That way you can connect the 2 water lines straight to the water cooler and use the same single gas flow dinse normally used for the 17 torch without having to use a different dinse. Beside connectors, what could you see would impair such a connection? Any ideas? Could I theoretically build such a torch with the hoses available?
Reply:Here is my take on it based on my understanding.The water going through the power cable cools it and allows for a smaller, lighter power cable than with argon running through it.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I do understand that part, but my 17 torch dont get terribly hot being cooled just with gas, and what you want to cool is the torch head, that will get cooled anyway by just having a line of water going to the torch and back. I am not saying not to use the 3 lines as presently used. You will still have your water in and out lines cooing the torch. I just propose that the power is changed to the gas line. I dont think that argon need to be cooled or that not cooling the gas line would have any impact, since actually in the configuration used, gas is not cooled in any way. My point is that if we use power thru the gas line, you make simpler connections in some machines by using just the normal gas thru dinse you actually use for your 17 torch and just use the water lines straight to the cooler without having to connect to the positive power dinse. The power line wont get that hot running thru the gas , I think. An experiment with a similar setup would give valuable information.
Reply:#17 torch @ 150amps vs #20 torch @ 250amps = LOTS MORE HEATYou CAN use the SAME CABLE for #17 air and #20 water torches. The only difference is the fittings on the ends. When you try and run a #20 torch at 250 amps with gas in the cable instead of water... don't forget to post the video of it melting.RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:Originally Posted by xryan#17 torch @ 150amps vs #20 torch @ 250amps = LOTS MORE HEATYou CAN use the SAME CABLE for #17 air and #20 water torches. The only difference is the fittings on the ends. When you try and run a #20 torch at 250 amps with gas in the cable instead of water... don't forget to post the video of it melting.
Reply:Have you ever cut open a water cooled tig torch cable? Look at a welding cable size chart and then look at the size of cable in the tig hose. How can they use such small wire and not have it overheat...............water/coolant.I had a 20 flex head torch, but after a number of years of hobby use, often to 250 amps and sometimes up to 280 amps or so, it started to leak at the head. When I ordered a new one, I ended up with a heavy duty 20 flex. The neck is rectangular and over twice as big as the standard 20, but it is still flexible and smaller than a number 18. Water cooled tig torches and the parts in them are pretty small. It is cool, literally, how well water will cool surfaces and parts.For my mill/drill, I use a spray mister that runs compressed air and a little water based coolant. The drill bits and mills stay cold to the touch and cut great. I was running a 5/8" Noresman S&D bit through mild steel like it was nothing and had a lot of pressure, 120 rpm on the spindle, and huge spirals. The bit was cold when I was done. It took some time to learn to appreciate the mist cooler, but now I won't use oil or drill dry unless I really have to. The 20 watercooled tig torch never gets warm to hold and I can't imagine using an air cooled torch after hearing others talk about them getting hot or having problems.Miller 330abpMiller 211 inverter, M150 spool gunMiller 135Miller 375 Extreme plasmaCNC plasma table (build in progress)Femi 120abs portable band sawMany other toolsToo little garage spaceNot enough money
Reply:I agree! I run superflex lines on both of my torches...my 18 and 20. It's crazy how small, light, and flexible they are but yet are carrying that much amperage!I never want to go back to air cooled with conventional line sets!!-DoogieMiller 350PMiller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/ Excel PowerLincoln LN25 suitcase welderXMT 304/22a feederMiller Syncrowave 350LXMiller EconotigHobart Handler 140(2) Uni-Hydro 42-14Hypertherm 65 plasmaWEBB Gap bed lathe
Reply:Superflex, don't Tig without it!RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanSuperflex, don't Tig without it!