New (to me) Dialarc HF-P so many questions

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I just got a new to me Dial arc HF-P welder and have so many question. This is my first actual tig welder. I have hooked up a tig torch to my DC stick welder but that is it.First question is pedal. The machine didn't come with one so what are my options? I know there are different types but know nothing about them. I believe it needs a 5 wire pedal with 2 plugs. One with 2 wires and one with 3. Are there other differences? Could I take any 5 wire pedal and just put there right plugs on it? I'm guessing it's not quite that easy and that there is probably more to it than that? What do I need and where can I get one?The second question is water cooler. The welder came with the optional solenoid for a water cooled torch. I know nothing about this so what else is needed? Do I just need a water cooled torch or is there more? Is everything needed part of the machine or will I need more parts? Is it worth it? Is water cooled needed or is it just one of those things thats nice to have but can be lived with out?Last question for the night is torch. What do I need? what are the different types and what are their differences? Do they come in different sizes? Are some better than others? Flex head vs non flex head? Water cooled vs air cooled? Can anyone recommend one and what are your preferences and why?OK just one more question is this an OK tig machine? Are they any good? Is there anything I should watch out for or common problems? What are the limitations of this machine?I will post pics tomorrow it's late and I am off to bed to dream about tig welding
Reply:Don't leave the machine on when not actively welding.  I have read here that the "P" models suck a ton of amps in standby that the non "P" models do not... If it has a water solinoid and a gas solinoid, the water solinoid is for hooking to a home water supply and the return line runs to the drain.   If u add a cooler you do not use the water solinoid at all.   I have a pump and motor assembly available in for sale section.  U would just need to make a tank for the coolant storage.It is a great machine that will last for a very long time.   The pedal you need is an RFC 23 A. With 2 plugs...  the 3 wire plug is amperage control and the 2 wire plug is the contactor.   If u plan on welding much over 150amps definitely get a water cooled torch2 sizes really,  small is the wp9 and 20.  Large is the model 17, 18, 26.     Each group uses the same consumables.   The larger torches handle more current.   Go with the 20 if it will handle the current . Smaller is niceLast edited by soutthpaw; 10-30-2012 at 09:04 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:You need a RCF-23A pedal for it. They are the older style. They actually have a very beefy rheostat in them and it dissipates noticeable power in there. It will get quite warm during use. I found this out the hard way when I was laying on my back and had the pedal behind my leg to weld on the bottom of a chassis. The dialarcs have a beautifully smooth DC arc. I've toyed with getting one myself for that reason. The last one I used I was called out to weld on a chassis. It's what they had. I was a bit worried when I saw it. I fired it up and did a quick test run on some scrap to see how it ran. I didn't even have to try it for more than 5 seconds and just said "Oh yeah, that'll work." After I ran the first bead, all I could think was "I need one!", and that's after having used all the other two most popular miller TIG's. I can't comment on AC, I was wishing I could've tried it, but never got around to it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Zmechanic... The dialarcs have a beautifully smooth DC arc...