Welding Tips and Tricks

So I have been researching coolers for my tig machine, I'm running the miller syncrowave 210. I'm finding they are all more or less just coolant tanks with a pump and heat exchanger to cool with the ambient air. My issue is I work in Phoenix AZ and the ambient air is commonly 100-110 in the shop. Does anyone know of a cooling unit that has a chilling feature like an AC unit or chiller? I'm thinking I may just need to Engineer one myself to meet my needs but an off the shelf unit would be nice!

In my experience there is no need to chill the coolant in a tig cooler. A decent size reservoir and heat exchanger should be more than ample to keep the coolant within operating temperature.

I agree. It seems like a neat idea but I think the fridge side will turn into a maintenance hassle in the end.

If you decide that you want to build your own cooler there isn't much to it as you have found. A 10k+ btu core, muffin fan, 3-4 Gallon reservoir, and a Procon pump(~100GPH@50psi) would be sufficient. Grainger has an assortment of filters. I have not seen a need for deionized water coolant but keep in mind that DI will eat copper.

Some have worked over a soda carbonator to a lower psi for less than $100.

Add a copper coil to the bottom of your resivore. Then just run a little tap water through it to keep your tank temp cool. No moving parts and you only use it when you need to.

Thanks for the input! I think I'm going to start with an old aluminum radiator and dual fan set up along with a pump and aluminum tank. I have most of the fittings and a good idea how to route everything. I think over the winter(aka) 60s-70s here in Phoenix I will put together a simple chiller system and test it when it gets back up in the 100s.

I know your pain... My last duty station was in Yuma. HORRIBLE!