I have a Precision Tig 225, and a Weldcraft 17 torch w/lense. I run about 18-25cfh and about 150amps on AC. I can make a weld of about 10" and the torch starts to get uncomfortably hot to hold. It only stays really hot for about 5-10 minutes, and I can still weld, I just have to hold way down on the torch handle. Is this about in line with what everyone else is experiencing? I have thought of getting a torch cooler set-up, but just don't want to spend the money on it right now.

 

mines the same, need a torch cooler

 

yep.

I just use a MIG glove so I can go longer without it being unbearable. then you go for a coffee/smoke/whatever your vice is and come back to it.

obviously your not doing this full time or you would have a cooler so there is no down time.

 

My coolmate 1 on my Dynasty took a dump so I switched to a wp9. If you get the torch too hot the rubber body will distort and make it a pain to get the collect on, back cap cap ect.. I would just wait til the cable is not super hot to the touch and you should be good.

 

I know what you mean, I had to buy a new torch, because I metled the last one. I think it was messed up before though, because it was straight up melted into 2 prices. The collet and lense were flopping around on a string of rubber left! Tripped me out. But I saw that Everlast made a cooler, I like my tig machine from them, anyone with experience? They are only $449 or something. I offered $300 less than asking price, and asked them to ship me my welder free, and they accepted! Maybe I could get a deal on this, and make it a bit more comfy?

 

I go till I can't hold on anymore, lol.

Water coolers are very nice. Honestly though I may just look into making my own. Not that difficult.

 

I saw the youtube video on how to make your own. Just would like a plug and play unit. If it cost me an extra $100, oh well.

 

Water Cooled is defiantly the way to go, not to mention besides the heat difference the weight savings is nice too. But one thing you might want to look at which most people don't, is your machines duty cycle, your torch is more then likely getting hot right at the same time your supposed to give your machine a break anyways, most people don't pay attention to the machines duty cycle and end up killing their machine prematurely.

 

Well said Anti!!, a lot of people pay no attention to that until they over heat the machine and thermal it.

 

Does the machine begin to weld differently when bit gets hot? I think I have gotten the machine pretty hot, and it felt like I all of a sudden sucked at welding. Could the heat be why? How will I know when its the machine? I can look up duty cycle all day, but can you guys explain it a little easier than Lincoln?

 

This is the way to go. I made one for each of our tig machines, one being an old school scratch start that we use a lot for chassis welding.

 

I'd weld till I was done with my Diversion, MIG glove on my torch hand, TIG glove on my filler hand. The machine never skipped a beat.

I have Miller's torch cooler on my Dynasty and it's an extremely nice luxury to have if you can get your hands on one.

 

So then, what is the best torch kit to purchase for a cooled torch. My supplier has a wp-20 in stock, but is there one that weighs less, or is less bulky?

 

I use a CS310, it's WP9-sized and uses the same threads.

 

We run CK230's and WP20's including a WP-20P (pencil) on our Dynasty's.

 

WP20 is what I run on my Sync300, I also have a Lincoln 225 that we converted to watercooled and its also running a WP20 torch.

 

I ordered the WP20 yesterday! I hope to have it cooling at welding by next weekend!

 

nobody mentioned that torches have a duty cycles too, a wp-17 only has a 60% duty cycle at 125 amps/ac so by time its getting to hot to hold is probably about right inline with when you should give that torch a break.

 

Ya, I found that out first. I actually melted the copper inside the torch head, and then the rubber around the insulator. Then the entire head fell onto my finger, burning the sh** out of me with the cup. This is the catalyst for this thread actually.