Home built Tig Cooler

[Ram48]

I decided to build my own version of a tig cooler. (seems they are becoming as popular a project as a cart and welding table) I love to make things anyway so why not a cooler for my 250ex.
The cost should come to between $200 and $250 when completed. These pictures are of the frame and layout of the motor / pump, tank (7qt. go kart tank) and radiator (trans cooler) It will fit on my home made cart.
As I progress I will post more pictures. I may make a shroud for the fan to radiator and maybe a cover for the unit, let me know what you think about those.
Ray

[Mikeymetal]

Nice work. What are the requirements for the motor? ReasonI ask is that the local used tool shop has a couple of used motors like that with the shafty coming out both ends for cheap. I think about $60.00 each. If they will work, I may pick them up.

[Ram48]

Well all the parts and pieces (almost) were delivered today. so I had a few minuets and got some more done. here are a few pictures of the final layout, motor and fan shroud attached.
Mikey
The motor and pump are from a carbonater system used for soda dispensing.
The shaft that the fan is on was added to the motor.

[geezer]

Nicely done, should work as good as the store bought one.

[Canada]

I really like the idea of tying the pump and air cooling into one unit. Definitely an idea I will use myself. I notice you added some extension blocks to the motor. Was it an air flow issue?

[Ram48]

I raised the motor and pump for two reasons. First was to alow a straight shot from the tank to the pump with the plumbing, It will look cleaner that way, the second was to better center the fan on the trans cooler for better air flow over the surface.

[jameswswanson]

I think your setup looks great.

[DavidShearer]

Very well laid out and executed. It looks as good, or better than, a commercial cooler!

[Timberwolf]

looks good but I just can't argue with my everlast cooler. The price was right and it looks great sittin on the cart with the 256

[Ram48]

looks good but I just can't argue with my everlast cooler. The price was right and it looks great sittin on the cart with the 256

T wolf
That cooler and tig does look nice together and I did think long and hard about going with one, but the builder/tinkerer got the best of me plus I did it for about half the cost I should be at about $225 to $250 in it when it is completed.

[jameswswanson]

That Everlast cooler does look very nice on your cart. What type of pump do they use? Is it a rotary vane pump like the others use? I built my cooler for $200, and it was fun to do, but I wish it had a nice green cover.

[Ram48]

James
You have a tig and a cooler Why not make a cover and paint it any color you wish.

[jameswswanson]

James
You have a tig and a cooler Why not make a cover and paint it any color you wish.

Well, i might just do that.

[Ram48]

Here are pictures of my completed cooler. I was shooting for $225 when completed but decided to upgrade a few fittings and use better hose so the final cost was just under $250. which includes the parts needed to convert the Wp-20 torch. It works real well. I practiced quite a bit and the torch was always at room temp and the water in the tank was cool.
I will build a case for it soon but have friend and his 1962 Mini cooper arriving tomorrow so I will be playing with that for a while doing the aluminum interior and a few other things I am sure.