Precision Tig 185 & Water Cooled Conv.

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Is it possible or even worth it to adapt a PT185 and make it water cooled.  Have never had the need to do so before but recently it came to the point where I couldn't even hold the torch anymore. Just welding for 40-60 seconds at a time on a set of CVT weights @ 40-50 amps settings. Normally I dont wear the big gloves unless I'm on thick material or operating above 150 amps for more than 5 minutes.  Note I am a plumber, so what ever I pipe has to look very good, no mickey mouse stuff. So if its not worth it than so be it. Upgrade time.   Another note , I have read here about the duty cycle and someone saying never to cycle it more than once while welding.  Now I THINK  "I" know what it means , but I have never had anything wrong or weird happen. And after reading some of the replies like that, it made me wonder or question if I REALLY knew what I THINK "I"  know.Thanks.500 AMP AIRCO TIG LINCOLN PT185 100% DC @ 128 AMP-WTFSPEED GLASS 9002X MILLER THUNDERBOLT 225HOBBIEST TURNED WELDING JUNKIE8 2ND FIRECAT - SNOWMOBILE RACE CHASSIS FABRICATORPRIDE IS WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK SO GOOD
Reply:YES you will love a water cooler.  I bought one for my ArcMaster 185.  It needed it.As for the duty cycle.  Its a 10 minute rating, so if its 30%, then you can weld at full tilt for 3 minutes out of the 10.  It doesn't matter which 3 minutes.  Start and stop all you want.I think you will find the machine works better than advertised.  You do have an over temp light correct?DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:No not aware of any temp light. Unit is about 2 years old. Any idea on the maximum torch cable length that can be used. I had a litter of Vizlas' and they got the hose. never could see the holes since they were pin holes, but the 200 mph duct tape is holding up for now. I believe its a 15' hose. Is it better to just buy a water kit or fab one up? Thanks .....Dave500 AMP AIRCO TIG LINCOLN PT185 100% DC @ 128 AMP-WTFSPEED GLASS 9002X MILLER THUNDERBOLT 225HOBBIEST TURNED WELDING JUNKIE8 2ND FIRECAT - SNOWMOBILE RACE CHASSIS FABRICATORPRIDE IS WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK SO GOOD
Reply:you can buy parts or buy a torch complete.  Its much cheaper to buy the whole thing. The water cooled 250 amp torch is 1/2 as big as your 150 amp air cooled.  I bought the whole thing from IOC off Ebay, Cooler, torch and adapter for $544 shipped.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Plummer:I myself own a PT185. I upgraded my torch immediately upon receiving my machine.  I weld a lot of Al. and the air cooled torch wasn't going to cut it.  I purchased a weld craft WP-20 water-cooled torch and the necessary connectors to hook up it up to my machine.  I then built my own cooler (CLICK HERE TO SEE IT) at a price of $250 +.  I was able to sell the air cooled torch on EBAY for $80.  I have since made a cover to conceal the cooler and also integrated a switch into the control panel of my machine which turns the pump and fan on.  Feel free to ask me any question about my build up-Graham-Graham-Mechanical EngineerAutosport Mechanic/Fabricator
Reply:i built a cooler for my lincoln 205ChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:That is one sweet lookin resevoir tank. I am think of just using one of my old hot water heat tanks and a holding tank. About a 5-25 gallon unit, a boiler pump like a 007 Taco or grundfos. Maybe even a little 30-55 GPM sump pump. If I have enuff volume, do you need to have a intercooler/radiator.??? Or I could just pipe in a open loop system using domestic water under presure with no pump at all and drain near the garage urinal. I figure if I use the domestic water  like I do for the Dyno to keep consistent enginetemps for testing, it will always be between 40-54 degrees winter/summer temps. I can also adjust flow and pressure with a balancing vavle.Am considering a  250 amp lincoln PF-20 or 26 "F" version torq.500 AMP AIRCO TIG LINCOLN PT185 100% DC @ 128 AMP-WTFSPEED GLASS 9002X MILLER THUNDERBOLT 225HOBBIEST TURNED WELDING JUNKIE8 2ND FIRECAT - SNOWMOBILE RACE CHASSIS FABRICATORPRIDE IS WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK SO GOOD