plugged tig torch

[oldbill]

My tig torch plugged up good on me yesterday and try as I may
with wire and air pressure I could not get it to clear. I stopped at
My miller dealer and was told $70.00 would get me a new head.
(WP 20) and a 10 day wait for it as it had to be ordered. Today
I headed to Habor Freight Now I am not a big fan of Habor Freight
tools, however, it was the only place I fouind that sold ultrasonic
cleaners near me. I have been wanting to get a ultrasonic cleaner
for my air brush and paint spray guns and just maybe it could
clean the inside of the tig torch. What the heck, let's try it.
Got home with the cleaner and fill it up to the mark with tap
water and dumped the tig torch in. Push the on button and let
it run for 20 minutes. Pulled it out and hit the shop air to it
and it was clear!!!!! I spent about the same amount of money
that I would have at the miller dealer, however, I have my welder
back on line and a ultrasonic cleaner that just paid for itself.
Not a bad day for an old man.

[JLE-ENT.]

Thanks for the info oldbill! I've never had one stop up on me, but I worked with a guy last year who it DID happen to, and he ended up getting a new torch head. I'm sure your post will be very much appreciated and of help to someone else. Thanks!

[DSW]

Glad it worked out. I've got one of those little HF ultrasonics for doing dive regs. It's not great, but it works. One note of caution. Not all metals are compatible mixed together. I know that the reg manufacturers warn against putting the alum reg parts in with the brass and SS parts. It's Ok to do the alum with the plastic parts, and the brass with the SS. I'll have to look and see if I can find the reference again.