TIG cooler question for my custom build.

[jakeru]

CK Worldwide and weldcraft specify a minimum of 1 quart per minute of coolant flow to achieve the published power and duty cycle ratings for their TIG torches.

I've had a watercooled TIG torch lead failure happen before, from using an underpowered cooler pump. The coolant simply boiled away and the power cable overheated near the machine:


That happened using this pump that just sat in the bottom of a bucket. (I think it was called an "aquarium pump"; reminds me of what you posted above.) After the failure, I measured the flow and through those leads (they were 25' long), and I found the flow with that bucket pump was barely mustering .25 quart per minute. Less than 1/4 of what the manufacturer specified:


After switching it to city water pressure, the flow increased to a little over 1 quart per minute, and this extra flow was able to keep the new torch leads cool.

If you had shorter 12' long TIG torch leads, (rather than the longer 25' versions,) that would help increase the flow and cooling as well. I would advise at least measuring the flow, so you know what you've actually got.

[parkour]

Did they spec the maximum inlet temperature at 1 quart/min?
That would allow one to measure radiator effectiveness.

[jakeru]

I have not seen that specification listed anywhere before. It might be worth a call to CK Worldwide, though, they do pick up their phone. If you get an answer, let us know what it is.
http://www.ckworldwide.com/technical_specs.pdf

[Tinker]

I stuck one together a few years ago for the nice little Flex Lok 230 amp torch I'd gotten used to using in the local CC welding classes. It's got those great superflex hoses/cables, makes the one that came with my 200 DX seem like wrestling with a firehose by comparison (but I do like that handle switch). They're only 12.5 feet long but I couldn't move enough water by using some of the cheap pumps I tried. I found a nice one of those carbonator pumps on Craigslist for $30 (just motor/pump, no tank). Big and heavy but nicely built to the point that it looks like it will run forever in my garage. It looks like the typical asking prices have crept up a bit so it may take a bit of patience or luck to come across a great deal.

Gary

[Mike J]

I have looked at the flojet's - but they are a bit expensive. If you drop $150 on the pump, and then buy other materials, and labor, it might make more sense to drop $450 on a Everlast cooler with a warranty.... :-) (just joking).

Which particular pump did you select?

Cheers,

Mike

[everlastsupport]

If you are not going with an Everlast cooler. The Procon pumps are nice. Brass, expensive, but nice. Pump alone is about 35% of the retail of our cooler.