Circoolator for Tig Welder
I own a Hobart 300Amp DC TIG welder, model 110 Cybertig.
This is a very robust machine, it came fully equiped. My problem was that it uses liquid cooled torches. Where it is in my shop would have been a plumbing nightmare if I chose to use “city water”. Air cooled torches are cost prohibitive and really out of the question for my application.
Commercial “circoolators” are outrageously expensive, therefore I have been using what works as well as a commercial unit, but at a fraction of the cost. I bought one of those small 3 1/2 gallon parts washers from ENCO for about $50.00. I took of the steel hose and replaced it with a brass fitting that mates to the inlet of the torch.
The water flows from the pump through the torch and then back into the tank to be recirculated. I use distilled water as it doesn’t turn rancid, and I also add a little antifreeze to it. This application works well, is inexpensive and it conserves water.
I’ve also noticed that the welds tend to be nicer as the tanks temperature is fairly constant, unlike city water this time of year. If you’ve got an old TIG and it uses liquid cooled torches, keep using them, this setup cost a fraction of what new aircooled torches cost.
Added Information
I sent you the circoolator info some time ago and would like to tell the readers that the little centrifugal pump in the parts washer should be replaced. mine recently failed but caused no problems.
I’ve replaced the old pump with a clear water pump mounted on top of the circoolator lid. this set up seems to offer much more volume and better pressure. I had to cut a hole in the lid for the scavenging pipe from the pump, the return can go under the lid.
Author: Bill Julian
