Zmechanic Project #1: Tig Cooler
Alright. I decided to build my own tig cooler. It's taken me awhile to get there, but it's finally done. I went the re-purposed carbonator route like many do. I snagged a complete carbonator from a restaurant supply/surplus place. I reused the pump and the tank. I built a custom frame, added a transmission cooler, some fans, and some quick disconnects. NO way was I paying $25 each for "tig water cooler" quick disconnects. Standard air hose brass connectors did the job beautifully. Just a little bigger is all.
I had the system all apart and running without the frame, just to get an idea. At one point, I had it all plumbed up with the cooler in and NO fans. I had to weld up a custom oil pump adapter for someone for a HEMI made out of two 1.5" thick plates. I had the machine cranked all the way up, and the pedal to the floor at some parts. The water never got warmer than room temperature. So with the fans, it outta do just fine.
And of course, obligatory test welds, too.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08203359.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08203438.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08204429.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08204500.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08204516.jpg
Standard beads on some scrap sheet. 3/32" 2% Ceriated tungsten, 7 cup with gas lense, 3/32" filler. For these beads I was cookin' and bookin'. Basically as fast as I could feed, which is why they are so shiny. About three dips a second, if that give you an idea. If it were a more tricky joint, I definitely would've taken it much slower.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08212328.jpg
And last, me playing my new fascination: weave beads on aluminum. I actually just saw this for the first time today on one of John Marcella's intakes. I had to try it for myself. A few inconsistent ones, but it's getting there. I actually found I can run these better with 1/16" filler.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...2-08212349.jpg
