Running a powerpro 256 without water

[Wrenchtamer]

I have an air cooled 17v torch. I think weldcraft rated theirs at somewhere under 150 amps. The air cooled torch heats up slower, giving you time to take a break and let it cool. The water cooled torch can burn up before you know it if you arent running a cooler. I would think that 200 amps for any period of time is pushing it. I know there are som air cooled torches rated that high though. As for the manifold, I defer to mark but your duty cycle and max amperage are generally lowered in AC and depending on you r balance the torch heats up much quicker. I would suggest some method of preheat, for that the best thing would be a real oven. I have tried this, and the work will weld much nicer. If you must use a torch, perhaps clamp the item in an aluminum heat sink or copper and heat that instead of the work.