Wet TIG torch users.....how long do your hoses last?

[Cranky]

I don't use my TIG on my machine all that much but when I do, seems like the freaking coolant feed hose is bad. My first setup was a Profax torch and my 2nd was a Miller Diamond Back and I took it out of the box new but don't know how long is was in that box since a buddy more or less gave it to me. Thinking about going with a dry torch since I don't use it all that much anyways. Also, I'm thinking I really can't use a wet torch dry since it's not exactly heavy duty enough? Most of my welding is either MIG or stick and my MIG machine needs a new liner. The TIG machine's stick side is excellent so that's what I used to do what I needed to do today but had to put a jumper hose on the coolant tank. If I unplug the tank from the machine, the dang fan doesn't run so.....that's the way it's going to be.

 

[zyzzyx]

Do you have a protective sleeve on the torch hoses? It's really easy to step on the individual
hoses and cut off the coolant if they're loose. You can use an air cooled torch if you don't plan
on going over 150A. I personally like a water cooled torch because I can do 250A without a sweat.
Weather you use water or gas, something needs to cool the torch, and your hand will get uncomfortable.

 

[Cranky]

Do you have a protective sleeve on the torch hoses? It's really easy to step on the individual
hoses and cut off the coolant if they're loose. You can use an air cooled torch if you don't plan
on going over 150A. I personally like a water cooled torch because I can do 250A without a sweat.
Weather you use water or gas, something needs to cool the torch, and your hand will get uncomfortable.

My first torch had the sleeve.....my second one didn't but have been really careful with it and if someone comes over, I move it out of the way since it seems no one knows not to step on that stuff. Heck, I don't even like anyone stepping on extension cords either! Thing is, my second torch wasn't used hardly at all and stayed rolled up in a box on top of the machine.

 

[pnora]

My first torch had the sleeve.....my second one didn't but have been really careful with it and if someone comes over, I move it out of the way since it seems no one knows not to step on that stuff. Heck, I don't even like anyone stepping on extension cords either! Thing is, my second torch wasn't used hardly at all and stayed rolled up in a box on top of the machine.

I do not like my hose stepped on either.

 

[zyzzyx]

I once set one of my chair legs on the coolant hose and burned up my torch. Had water pumping
out on the floor and was oblivious until it went PFFFFFHT!

 

[snakeoil24]

I dont think anyone would like to get their hose stepped on!

I sold my 40 year old Miller Dialarc 250 and bought a 200 Lincoln tig machine. I added preservative to the coolant on the machine with my old tig cooler. The hoses dry rot in no time anymore. Why prolly cause the tree huggers banded one of the ingredients used to make the hoses. I have a set of old Union Carbide Heliarc hoses that still work and have not cracked so this is makes me think the rubber is bad now. If your used to cooling going back to an air torch really sucks. I would seriously stay water/coolant cooled.

 

[65PlymSatellite]

Your hoses shouldn’t go bad as long as they’re not stepped on or cut. I’ve seen hoses on cheaper brand tigs (everlast, Eastwood)go bad just from use alone. They fall apart for no reason. We sold 20 Miller Dynasty water cooled setups to a local community college, and most are still going with those welding all day. Only had to replace a set so far cuz a kid dropped hot metal on a kit without the hose protector. The Miller brand hoses are good, but WAY TOO PRICEY. Get yourself a CK Worldwide FLEX set, and you should be good. Also use a hose protector.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Rubber made prior to 1989 had lead in the mix... It made to rubber much longer lasting... These days hoses seem to start falling apart in a couple years...

 

[Cranky]

Your hoses shouldn’t go bad as long as they’re not stepped on or cut. I’ve seen hoses on cheaper brand tigs (everlast, Eastwood)go bad just from use alone. They fall apart for no reason. We sold 20 Miller Dynasty water cooled setups to a local community college, and most are still going with those welding all day. Only had to replace a set so far cuz a kid dropped hot metal on a kit without the hose protector. The Miller brand hoses are good, but WAY TOO PRICEY. Get yourself a CK Worldwide FLEX set, and you should be good. Also use a hose protector.

When you say FLEX set, are you talking about a flex head torch? My Profax was a flex head and I kinda liked that.....

 

[Hemirunner]

Mine have been in operation for at least 5 years now. The pump failed and I burnt up the cable so just ordered a new torch to put on my new water cooler. You need to buy the torches with braided rubber lines and keep a cover over them if you want it to last. The cheap vinyl hoses are garbage.

 

[Cranky]

Mine have been in operation for at least 5 years now. The pump failed and I burnt up the cable so just ordered a new torch to put on my new water cooler. You need to buy the torches with braided rubber lines and keep a cover over them if you want it to last. The cheap vinyl hoses are garbage.

Mine are older than 5 years and they are braided but not sure if the lines are rubber or vinyl. And wouldn't think a Profax is a cheap setup....? Have always heard they were a pretty good brand. What are yours braided with? The Miller stuff gave up the ghost a few years ago and came with the machine when I bought it in 06 and have no idea how old the Profax torch is.

 

[Hemirunner]

Mine are older than 5 years and they are braided but not sure if the lines are rubber or vinyl. And wouldn't think a Profax is a cheap setup....? Have always heard they were a pretty good brand. What are yours braided with? The Miller stuff gave up the ghost a few years ago and came with the machine when I bought it in 06 and have no idea how old the Profax torch is.

If yours are braided, they are the good rubber ones. The vinyl hoses are black and smooth. They get brittle pretty quick in my experience.

 

[65PlymSatellite]

When you say FLEX set, are you talking about a flex head torch? My Profax was a flex head and I kinda liked that.....

No CK Super-Flex are hoses that are very flexible and won’t get hard or brittle. CK 312SF Power Cable, Water & Gas Hose, 12' SuperFlex

When you say FLEX set, are you talking about a flex head torch? My Profax was a flex head and I kinda liked that.....