Tig Welding Torch (air cooled vs. Water cooled)

[walkerTX]

So I have been looking into the Everlast PowerPro 256 and I think I am ready to purchase one. Although one of my concerns is about the welding torch. It comes with the Water cooled torch but not the water cooler (an additional $1300). Because of this, I have been looking into the air cooled torches. Is this a good idea? or is there a reason why the welder comes with the water cooled torch?

[Drf255]

See this

http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=124011

Water cooled torches are tougher to set up and require more equipment, but have higher duty cycles and smaller/more maneuverable designs than air cooled torches of the same amperage.

[DSW]

Just one of a long list of many unsatisfied customers... We'd point you towards other threads but unfortunately "problem" threads often got moved to their section where that company has editing privileges and they are promptly deleted.

Do your home work carefully before you go and plunk down your hard earned money. Some are willing to gamble that they won't have any issues with the machine they order, but personally it's not worth it.

[fran...k.]

If 256 means amps output 25% duty cycle then it probably maxes out close to 300 amps. An air cooled torch big enough to take those amps probably is more expensive than a water cooled one. The collets gas lenses etc for a 150 amp air cooled are generally the larger size that is carried at local welding shops. Search my more recent posts, I put up a picture of a total loss water cooled torch set up.

[Joshfromsaltlake]

So I have been looking into the Everlast PowerPro 256 and I think I am ready to purchase one.

Don't expect a refund.

[jamesc]

i'm a rookie but it really depends on what your expected uses of the torch is. i won't comment on the machine save to say i personally wouldn't invest in a machine made offshore (if it is).

the syncrowave 250 i brought used came with a gas cooled torch and they're fine if you don't plan on doing a lot of higher (>100-125) current welding, if you are invest in a water cooled torch. for me the main drawback of the water torch is the heavier cable assembly. i purchased a HW-20 for a water cooled because i don't often do heavy stuff and i like the more compact torches.

for a cooler i purchased a B&M plate type transmission cooler, a stainless food service pan with lid and a carpet cleaner pump. all the parts cost me less than $200 and i wanted to do it this way because i have the machine under my bench so this keeps a very low profile. everything mounted under the machine and the cooling fan for the machine draws air through the trans cooler. i also installed a pressure gauge and hobbs type pressure switch so if for some reason the cooling system fails it shuts down the ARC.

the water cooled torch runs a LOT cooler than the gas cooled.

i recently purchased a CK-9 gas cooled torch with the superflex cable and for $65 i am happy with it.

[killdozerd11]

So I have been looking into the Everlast PowerPro 256 and I think I am ready to purchase one. Although one of my concerns is about the welding torch. It comes with the Water cooled torch but not the water cooler (an additional $1300). Because of this, I have been looking into the air cooled torches. Is this a good idea? or is there a reason why the welder comes with the water cooled torch?

Your first rookie mistake

Buying junk

[lamename]

Your first rookie mistake

Buying junk

How long ago did you buy yours?

[killdozerd11]

How long ago did you buy yours?

My father was a pipeline welder with a a 400 amp Hobart that i learned on starting at 8 years old

My first personally owned welder was a 180 Lincoln with the 2 cylinder hand crank motor .
I was 15 when i bought it

My second was a Lincoln 225 weld n power
Bought it when i was 20 something

My third is the Miller TB 302 Air Pak
Now i'm over 50 years old and still don't know much

All other welders that i have used were owned by the people that employed me

Or places that i was learning at

[Spar-X]

I sure wouldn't shell out no $1,300.00 for a cooler, you can get a name brand working used ones for ~$300 if you play your cards right...... I know nothing about Everlast except their amp pedals look cheap and clunky

[MikeGyver]

Do what I did.

Get the everlast, throw away the junk torch (or try to get a discount by not getting a torch), buy an awesome 250amp WP-20f torch with rubber leads on ebay for $90, make your own simple and excellent working water cooler for about another $100.

http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=58517

[LIGoomba]

I just built a tig cooler,I got the plans off of one of the welding sites.I cost about $100.00 if that.Most of the stuff was from the garbage/junk pile.I just got it working yesterday although I have not welded yet.The torch ,WP-20 feels alot more comfortable and is smaller than the WP -17.I will try and post a picture later on.I searched pretty hard for a used one but they wanted almost as much a s new one IF they were available.I welded with a water cooled torch,its seamed alot less bulky and more easy to manuver compared to the air cooled.

[Spar-X]

Defiantly would like to see pics of this cooler you bought/got(?) plans for, I thought about building my own but after adding costs of parts and material (because I just don't have these parts laying around) I would come in the same price for a working used one, I opted for the assembled working used one, haven't looked back