Page 1 of 1
Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 10:11 pm
by mickent
Parts from Ebay. Flow switch to prevent cooking the torch if there is no water flow. Poker chips?
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 10:31 pm
by rick9345
welcome
Smurf blue, cute cooler(technical welding term)
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:56 am
by hey_allen
I did a good bit of searching, trying to find a flow switch for the cooler that I am building. Would you mind sharing what that switch is, and where you found it?
That aside, this looks like a great example of DIY watercooler fabrication.
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 8:05 pm
by mickent
The flow switch that I used closes at 3 gallons per hour of water flow. That equals .05 GPM. The torch, that Glenn measured for me, flowed about 1/4 GPM (15 GPH) at 40 PSI. It was a 25 foot CK20 torch. You would probably be safe at 0.1 GPM (6 GPH).
These low flow switches are hard to find. I just spent an hour on Ebay and only saw a couple, and there owners thought they were gold.
The switch I used is a Gems FS-4 #46153. That is an old part number and Gems no longer recognizes it.
This is the best I found tonight on Ebay: 3 GPH, 1/4 NPTM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gems-Sensors-16 ... SwPYZU8wDw
http://ecatalog.gemssensors.com/ecatalo ... /en/165840
Free shipping from Israel and the seller has lots of them.
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 8:18 pm
by getherdone
While I commend the build, and the quality of...rather curios how much you have in this vs a $400-$500 cooler?
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 9:03 pm
by mickent
Looking back on this project, it was fun but I saved very little over new unit. Retired folk don't justify time spent. The fittings were the surprise. My advice would be buy a new, or good used USA unit. Avoid china!
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 12:43 am
by getherdone
I see your point sir! Regrettably I'm on the other end of the road working long hours building a business with little free time.
Nice build though!
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:38 am
by DennisCA
I too want to build a TIG torch cooler. My 130A air cooled torch feels like a waste for my 300A unit. This is a very sweet unit and probably way nicer and more advanced than anything I could build...
Re: Another Homebuilt TIG Torch Cooler
Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2016 12:23 pm
by jauguston
I built mine using a Procon carbonator from E-Bay. Came with pump-motor and 2 gallon stainless tank. pretty simple to plumb it up. I use a return bypass line with a valve to regulate the pressure to 50 psi. It was not very expensive. Nice and quiet. My Diversion 180 cooling fan is way noisier.
Jim