CK Flex Loc 230

[Rambozo]

I was just asking to see if there was something that I may have overlooked. I already have a plan. Its a trained mouse on a treadmill chasing some cheese that drives a pinwheel only when the fluid is running. Well thats my back up plan. Ill probably try my other plan first. Because the coolant tube was cut to short and doesnt reach the cooler while in the cart. Ill use this mishap to correct the other mishap. Clear hose alone wont show flow, unless you add particles or something and Im not doing that.
Anyway just thought Id ask ..
*"where did I leave that mouse treadmill?"***chin-scratch*

That's why I mentioned a "key" place. One of my coolers has just this system, the hose is in the return line just before the tank and is in an inverted U. When there is flow it is full of colored coolant, when no flow it is empty. Pretty simple and I never have to take the mouse in to the vet. But the real problem is that when you are welding you won't notice that your flow has stopped until there is coolant all over the floor from the melted power hose. That's why I think the CK fuse block system is the best way to go. No matter the cause of poor cooling, it will blow before you damage anything. I've never had a line failure yet, but I worked at a shop where someone blew out 3 sets in short order. The first was due to the hose getting under the wheel of a welding cart, then two more as he didn't properly replace the damaged hose.

http://www.ckworldwide.com/fuse_block.htm

[gree box]

I purchased one for my 250ex as well as the ssc pedal. I got the 25 ft power cables. Don't shy away from the 25 footer as it is so light and small it rolls up as easy as the standard leads that come with the welder. The first thing I noticed when I laid them side by side is the flex loc can not make the same 90 degree bend as the stock torch. So after getting the flex loc in my had and running the first pass I was amazed how the angle works so much better. It's like a 90 but the head sits up on top of the torch. My first pass looked like I had been a welder my whole life. I have a glass lense on it. What a difference this will make for me just because of the comfort of having a lighter torch with a better angle. I truly have more fun welding with it! If your on the fence about getting I hope I pulled you over. 100% worth the money.

Get the SSC foot pedal so much better. Just the motion being smoother is well worth the money.

I know a great welder can make great welds with any torch... But for me this makes better welds right from the word go.

[Poptm]

The4th -

I think you may have misunderstood me. That Flex Lock torch has no water running thru the head even if your water cooler is functioning properly. The torch head rotates independent of the handle, is a separate piece (that is removable), and as such is not interconnected to the handle with respect to water flow. Water flows only thru the handle not the handle and the head like on a WP20. Cooling of the flex lok head is accomplished via the air (like and air cooled torch) and by being in metal to metal contact with the water cooled handle. On a wp 20 the water actual flows internal to the torch head.

[The4th]

That is good to know thanks. I was just speaking in general about how there is no way to know if coolant is flowing or not.

[redbeard]

I believe the late 250EXT had a flow meter inside it that would trip an error for lack of coolant flow. Lots of ways to skin that cat.

That is good to know thanks. I was just speaking in general about how there is no way to know if coolant is flowing or not.

That is the one thing I really loved about that machine. Push the switch, nothing happens, look at the display and realize you forgot to turn the water on. Whew, didn't burn up another torch!

[johnnymg]

That's why I mentioned a "key" place. One of my coolers has just this system, the hose is in the return line just before the tank and is in an inverted U. When there is flow it is full of colored coolant, when no flow it is empty. Pretty simple and I never have to take the mouse in to the vet. But the real problem is that when you are welding you won't notice that your flow has stopped until there is coolant all over the floor from the melted power hose. That's why I think the CK fuse block system is the best way to go. No matter the cause of poor cooling, it will blow before you damage anything. I've never had a line failure yet, but I worked at a shop where someone blew out 3 sets in short order. The first was due to the hose getting under the wheel of a welding cart, then two more as he didn't properly replace the damaged hose.

http://www.ckworldwide.com/fuse_block.htm

I ordered the 25' version of the FlexLoc 230 this morning along with a gas lens kit and some additional accessories. I also ordered that micro switch was linked in the other thread.............. or at least I paid for it (Paypal). Haven't received a confirmation from that co selling the switch.

cheers
JohnG

[Mr120]

The4th -

I think you may have misunderstood me. That Flex Lock torch has no water running thru the head even if your water cooler is functioning properly. The torch head rotates independent of the handle, is a separate piece (that is removable), and as such is not interconnected to the handle with respect to water flow. Water flows only thru the handle not the handle and the head like on a WP20. Cooling of the flex lok head is accomplished via the air (like and air cooled torch) and by being in metal to metal contact with the water cooled handle. On a wp 20 the water actual flows internal to the torch head.

I didn't know that! Good information to know.

Redbeard - any idea how the 250 establishes that there isn't any water flowing? I'm curious how that would be implemented.

[Rambozo]

I didn't know that! Good information to know.

Redbeard - any idea how the 250 establishes that there isn't any water flowing? I'm curious how that would be implemented.

It had an internal elctro-mechanical flow sensor. There are pictures around here somewhere. Of course that meant you had to run the coolant lines to the units IN/OUT ports.

[Mr120]

It had an internal elctro-mechanical flow sensor. There are pictures around here somewhere. Of course that meant you had to run the coolant lines to the units IN/OUT ports.

In/Out ports. I see now. Thanks.