Stupid newbie question

[breakneckmot]

So I started playing with my tig the other day. I got to use it for about 20 minutes until I noticed a puddle of liquid on the floor. One of my hoses had a hole in it. When we pulled the sleeving we found that it was the power hose and it looked melted. Am I correct in thinking that the power hose on a tig carries liquid? I'm using a wp-20 torch. Maybe I let it cross the ground cable somehow and it arced through? I'm new to tig so it kind of surprised me.

[Rambozo]

So I started playing with my tig the other day. I got to use it for about 20 minutes until I noticed a puddle of liquid on the floor. One of my hoses had a hole in it. When we pulled the sleeving we found that it was the power hose and it looked melted. Am I correct in thinking that the power hose on a tig carries liquid? I'm using a wp-20 torch. Maybe I let it cross the ground cable somehow and it arced through? I'm new to tig so it kind of surprised me.

Yes, the power hose carries the return coolant. This cools off the power cable and is the first thing to die upon coolant failure. The most common way that happens is by running the torch without coolant. It doesn't take long at all, either. Or by outside damage from hot or sharp metal. Which is why you usually use a hose cover. The cable is usually replaceable. What brand torch are you using?

[breakneckmot]

Yes, the power hose carries the return coolant. This cools off the power cable and is the first thing to die upon coolant failure. The most common way that happens is by running the torch without coolant. It doesn't take long at all, either. Or by outside damage from hot or sharp metal. Which is why you usually use a hose cover. The cable is usually replaceable. What brand torch are you using?

Pretty sure it's a weldcraft torch. I hadn't taken the sleeve off and inspected the cables, so it could have been there when I got the machine. It didn't leak immediately, it started after maybe 15 minutes of run-time. The cooler had plenty of fluid so it didn't run dry and was pumping out when I saw it. I already ordered a replacement cable/hose for it.

[Rambozo]

Might be a good time to flush and change coolant. You might have some crud in there that blocked the flow for a bit. Especially if it has been sitting around for a while. Blow out the torch while you have it apart, too. The passages are pretty small so things need to stay clean.

[breakneckmot]

Might be a good time to flush and change coolant. You might have some crud in there that blocked the flow for a bit. Especially if it has been sitting around for a while. Blow out the torch while you have it apart, too. The passages are pretty small so things need to stay clean.

Will do, I was planning to change the fluid anyways. Is there any specific kind of fluid I should be using? (Bernard cooler) The guy I got it from had an empty bottle of Miller coolant sitting on it when I bought the machine.

[Rambozo]

Will do, I was planning to change the fluid anyways. Is there any specific kind of fluid I should be using? (Bernard cooler) The guy I got it from had an empty bottle of Miller coolant sitting on it when I bought the machine.

Any good brand of TIG coolant will work fine. Use distilled water if it is a concentrate that requires dilution. There is usually a screen filter on Bernards that you should clean out, too. It's under the big acorn nut on the pump.

[breakneckmot]

Any good brand of TIG coolant will work fine. Use distilled water if it is a concentrate that requires dilution. There is usually a screen filter on Bernards that you should clean out, too. It's under the big acorn nut on the pump.

I've got it cleaned and my new hose showed up yesterday. I just need to get some more coolant and I'll be set! Thanks a lot for the help.

[DaveO]

I read somewhere that RV antifreeze (for the plumbing, not the engine) is an alternative to TIG coolant.. fact, or fiction? It would expand the range of sources to buy from, at least.

[Kempy]

I use antifreeze for swimming pools it is made for pumps and plastic parts and rubber parts you will have to use distilled water to get the right amount of antifreeze for the weather you are in. As DaveO said not to use automotive antifreeze. Most of the welding ones are set for about 15 deg. F. Good look on getting things right.

[Blaster]

That RV stuff has alcohol (or something...) in it though. I read the red, Walmart stuff, and it's says "Flammable". THAT can't be a good idea

I think the next, best, alternative is DexCool, diluted with distilled water, and also available at Walmart...