DIY Tig Cooler

[FranV8]

Paul - thanks! The bandsaw is the weapon of choice if whatever I need to cut fits in it - the aluminium infills were cut on it, thanks again for that.

Wallace, Langy, interesting how little flow they need to work then, I hope Paul won't mind me saying but I think he uses a fountain pump for his. Looks like most pumps will do the duty then, but I guess it's care with suction on the pump (make sure it's flooded suction, ideally with some head behind it) and care on bleeding the torch.

 

[dannyp]

fuel pumps do me well, just make sure there pumpig antifreeze not just water

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

I thought fuel pumps relied on being submerged to keep cool? or is that just scavenge tank pumps?

 

[langy]

I thought fuel pumps relied on being submerged to keep cool? or is that just scavenge tank pumps?

Injection pumps are often submerged but older style pumps that feed carbs are not.
Another good little pump is found on caravan sinks, basically the same as an aquarium pump, the great thing about the aquarium pump is its rated for continuous use.

 

[FranV8]

Nearly there. It's wired up and I've tested it powered off the welder. Haven't actually welded with it yet, need to mount the terminal box and make a side frame to take a vented Perspex window.

 

[FranV8]

Finished at last!

Last bits done. I made a frame from angle, welded together using the cooler and the new torch, to take a Perspex side panel. Used a hole saw to make the ventilation holes.

The WP20 torch is fantastic, a combination of how light it is and the far lighter and more flexible cable/hose bundle than the stock WP26 torch. It was stone cold to touch post welding (pulsing at an average 65 amps)

 

[barny]

Cracking project! Very well done.
I'd be tempted to add in a water temp gauge just for fun

 

[FranV8]

Thanks Barny. I've been using it for some reasonably long runs lately , but sadly the torch stays cold to touch and I can only detect slight warmth in the water return hose!

 

[barny]

Also good to see it fitted up to an rtech 160 as that's the tig I'm after.
Landed a good job on Wednesday so will be able to get one in a month or so
Might be after some tips from you about this cooler then.

 

[Gavin_d]

Sorry to dig up an old thread. Cooler looks great. But can I ask what is with the 3 pipes to the cooler? I thought you only needed two. An inlet and outlet. Thanks

 

[graffian]

Sorry to dig up an old thread. Cooler looks great. But can I ask what is with the 3 pipes to the cooler? I thought you only needed two. An inlet and outlet. Thanks

One will have gas.

 

[Pete.]

You could make a cheap pump from a motorcycle oil pump. They are nearly always separate components requiring basic engineering to house and fit to a small motor. They are designed to pump oil at about 60psi so would have no problem cooling a torch.

Most high-pressure fuel pumps have the fuel pass right through the motor, so not really suitable for coolant.

 

[Gavin_d]

One will have gas.

How? Can't beat saving gas.

 

[Gavin_d]

Sorry i

How? Can't beat saving gas.

Sorry I read your replay wrong. I thought you said one will save gas. Why would you run the gas from the cooler? That would mean gas pipe from welder to cooler then torch? Don't think im slagging off or anything Im just generally interested.

Thanks guys.

 

[graffian]

Sorry i


Sorry I read your replay wrong. I thought you said one will save gas. Why would you run the gas from the cooler? That would mean gas pipe from welder to cooler then torch? Don't think im slagging off or anything Im just generally interested.

Thanks guys.

Keeps all the torch lines on the one panel?

 

[Maker]

FranV8 , as it's been 2 years since you finished it, can we have a little update on it? Very nice work BTW.

 

[Gavin_d]

FranV8 , as it's been 2 years since you finished it, can we have a little update on it? Very nice work BTW.[/Q

Yea good idea. He has done a very good job. The end result looks really good. I'm hoping to build one but just working out what pump to use. It seems these central heating and pond pumps just are not up to the job on paper but then are working in diy coolers. The procon pumps are to expensive. I'm looking at using a 12v caravan water pump. You can get one 40psi and about 8 ltr per min flow. These are the exact same specs as off the shelf £500 coolers. I don't see the 12v pump powered by a computer power supply being a problem. Would be more energy efficient I would say.

 

[Maker]

Procon pumps can be had for under £40 BTW but they will need a separate motor so they end up costing a lot more.

 

[Gavin_d]

Procon pumps can be had for under £40 BTW but they will need a separate motor so they end up costing a lot more.

Yea ive seen some on the bay, With the motor your looking at about £100

Saying that im struggling to anything else suitable

 

[Pete.]

Suzuki Bandit oil pumps have a pressure relief valve integral to the housing and they are only £10-25 on eBay. A small bit of fabrication and a motor mounted would give you a decent high-pressure pump.