CK Water Cooled Torches FAQs
Practical answers on running, caring for and choosing parts for water-cooled TIG torches and their cable sets.
Which coolant should I put in a water-cooled TIG torch?
Use the coolant the torch and cooler manufacturers specify, normally a purpose-made torch coolant. Plain tap water is not suitable because scale and algae can build up and block the small passages in the torch head.
Do not use car antifreeze, which can thicken and clog the lines. Distilled water is, at most, a short-term emergency measure. Do not top up a pre-mixed coolant with water, as that changes its mix and its protection against freezing. If you are unsure, follow the cooler manual.
How often should I check or change the coolant and look after the cooler?
Check the coolant level regularly, ideally each day the cooler is used. Keep the cooler clean and blow dust off the radiator fins with compressed air (with the power off), more often in dusty workshops.
There is no single change interval for every coolant. Some low-conductivity coolants need changing more often than others, so follow the schedule in the cooler and coolant instructions. Discoloured, cloudy or slimy coolant is a sign it needs attention.
What should I check before striking an arc with a water-cooled torch?
Switch on the cooler and machine and look over the hoses and fittings while the coolant is flowing under pressure. Check for drips at the torch head, handle and connectors, and make sure all fittings are tight and nothing is cracked, bulging or kinked.
Also confirm the hoses are connected the right way round, so coolant reaches the torch head first. If you find a leak or the torch is running hot, stop and fix it before welding. Do not weld with a torch that is leaking or overheating.
What is an extra-flexible power cable, and how does it differ from a standard cable?
An extra-flexible power cable is a softer, more flexible construction, usually with a silicone outer and braided cover. Makers describe it as lighter and easier to handle than a standard cable, which is less tiring on long jobs, and it stays more pliable in cold conditions. On a water-cooled torch the coolant returns along the power cable, so it is part of the cooling circuit as well as carrying the welding current.
Whichever you choose, make sure it matches your torch type, length and machine connections, and check its rating on the data plate. A longer cable set gives more reach but is more to manage on the bench.