Building A Tig Water Cooler For Dummies!!!

[Cruisinga]

Tested my home built cooler last night.
My goals were:
1. Fit in bottom of welder cart
2. Inexpensive, but reliable
3. Quick to build
4. Easy to remove from cart and switch between air and multiple liquid cooled torches.

I used a carbonator pump and tank and basically just re-plumbed it so the carbonator tank functions as a reservoir and added a filter and bypass valve with pressure gauge. I used carpet cleaning quick disconnects that I found on Ebay. I started to add a filler cap to the tank but just used the pump to fill the res with 2 gal of coolant. Since it only has one very small opening to atmosphere I don't expect to lose volume very quickly. I don't usually weld for long periods so I decided to try it without a heat exchanger and see it there is enough thermal mass in 2 gal of coolant to get the job done for me. After about 30 min of welding aluminum at 150amps last night the coolant tank rose about 4 degF. I think it will probably work unless I end up doing a large aluminum project on a hot summer day.

[Baly]

I appreciate this is an old post, but my god @code4 this is stunning! next level.

it’s inspired me that’s for sure, I would love to see any build pics?

I built my own cart using a standard Procon pump, Marathon electric 1/3 HP AC motor, and stainless 1/2" tubing and fittings. The reservoir is a piece of 6" sanitary tubing that holds about 2 gallons. I have a temperature gauge and pressure gauge on the system as seen in the pictures. Currently no heat exchanger, and with the moderate welding I do at the house, I have not had a need for one yet. I may plumb a transmission/oil bar & plate cooler in line in the future if needed.

[Cobraone]

Code 4

That looks like total aircraft quality workmanship, job well done!