Converting WP9 torch cable to use with WP20 torch and DIY cooler.

[Turbo]

I'm not sure if it makes any difference which way round the pipes are attached to the cooler but a way of avoiding mixing them up is to fit the quick release couplings on one pipe the opposite way around. When you have the torch disconnected you can clip the 2 pipes into each other to keep the coolant in.

 

[optima21]

I mainly use a WP9 air cooled euro torch still, as I am trying to get the hang of car bodywork so using low currents (20 amps), so not needing a water cooled torch. I while ago I decided to ditch the original rubber cable sheath as its pretty heavy and use braided cable sleeving instead,as its lighter and more flexible. I originally used heatshrink on the torch end of the braid but over time its worked its way loose, so Im now using a couple of cable ties instead.

first cable tie

then the end of the braid doubled over and the second cable tie used.....don't think its going to move now

there is also a rubber bush in the torch body that holds the torch head in place. over time this has become very loose and the torch head rotates to where it wants to go. thats been easily sorted by using some heatshrink tubing to stop it rotating.

and now I'm ready to go and play again

 

[optima21]

I've been using this occasionally a few times now and its working fine for me, I still use a WP9 when using less than 50 amps, but at 100 amps and above the cooler torch head makes it easier to handle, although the torch lead is less flexible than the wp9 torch lead. As the pump and fan only use a about 2.25 amp I ended up getting a 3amp supply off ebay rather than using my bench supply, as that takes up plenty of bench space. the new supply is the black object on the left, and being plug in uses no bench space.

the new power supply is a 12v 3a one off ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111976556628

 

[Richard.]

Why swap back to a 9 for low amp work?
They are the same size. You may as well leave the wp20 on there all the time now unless there is a reason to swap over??

 

[optima21]

well I don't have my tig welder always set up, most of the time it lives on a shelf, so its easier to get the welder off the shelf (without the cooler) and then going back into the house to get the power supply for it. I also dont have much space when Im working and I'm also an untidy worker. having the plug in power supply makes it a bit easier to set up now and takes up less space too.

I also think that one of these days the cooler might spring a leak and mains electric and water don't mix.

I guess its just that Im more used to the feel of the air cooled torch rather than the water cooled torch, even though they are both have the same handles.

 

[Richard.]

Yes I suppose if it's a case of moving it around then I can see the benefits of only using it when needed. I just thought you kept it hooked up together.

 

[optima21]

yeah if it was a permanent set up on a trolley, I'd definately make something that was a bit more industrial looking, but its seems like a good compromise for my work and setup.

 

[Richard.]

yeah if it was a permanent set up on a trolley, I'd definately make something that was a bit more industrial looking, but its seems like a good compromise for my work and setup.

I think it's plenty industrial enough. They hardly undergo any pressure. So long as it can suck and blow it will be happy doing all you want to throw at it.