Welding Tips and Tricks

So I was going to build a tig cooler. Then my son texted me some pictures of some welders his boss bought at an auction and in one of them I noticed a Bernard cooler. A few texts later and I got it for $75.

So it was a bit of a mess and I am rebuilding it today. Radiator was plugged with black gunk. Procon pump was DOA. No worries i had just bought one. New hoses are going in next and I will run a flush through the radiator before hooking it up.

This is what i noticed. The stainless steel pan that holds the coolant is simply the equivalent of a restaurant chafer pan. So if anyone is considering building a cooler this would be an easy way to get a pan.

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/vollrat ... 58351.html

All one would have to do is make the cover. and put a few holes in it. Add a gasket, transmission cooler, pump with fan on the back of the motor, and some hose and a cover and you would have the equivalent to a Bernard cooler.

I just can't see the $750 price tag. I might have $200 into it when I'm done. and mostly stainless steel besides.

Nice find, would like before, during and after pics if you don't mind

Well, sorry I am way beyond the before stage.

I might post a finished pic.

There is some rust here and there on the cabinet. Also the radiator shows some signs that it might have a leak so it might get tossed and a replacement installed.

Expect I'll paint it. Maybe after a tig cart is built I'll do a run down with the build.

They are pretty simple devices. Though there's a limited market, can't imagine they sell that many.

Then again there is time. I assemble my own with a refurb Procon, a new motor, radiator and fan out of an old Zip chilled water unit and I tig'd up a copper tank. Cheapish with all new/refurb parts pretty much at about $250 but I did spend most of the day building it. I enjoy that kinda thing though, but if I was tight of time like I am at the moment I'd probably just buy one.


Edit. It uses a tray not a tank?