How To Build A TIG Torch Cooler - Amazon & Walmart Parts [DIY]

This DIY Homemade TIG Torch Cooler took our TIG welding torch from 150-degrees F to just 90-degrees F after the same amount of welding on Aluminum. We threw all this together from some quick searching on Amazon. We spent $165 on everything. You could probably do some better shopping or use used parts to bring this cost down.

[@joesmith2401]

You mentioned that the links for the components used would be in the description, I'm not seeing them? Would you mind sharing those? Awesome video!

[@supergeorge2752]

Like your enthusiasm making a cooler. 15 years ago I learned from a welding forum that the gold standard for DIY TIG cooler is basically a 120Volt set up - it is procon carbonator pump, comes with its own 120VAC motor - ebay. It has adjustable pressure valve. Mine siphons and dumps distilled water from a 2.5 gal or 5 gal bucket- i use the office cooler type blue water jug. Simple, continuous-duty rated motor and pump. A couple problem with your set up: you have electronic components in an enclosed container where water leak is a good possibility. No need for a 120V-12V set up, go directly with 120VAC that you use in the shop. That the 12 Volt RV pump is intermittent duty at best. They usually crap out after a year or two in an RV with light use. Some torches don't like regular tap water.

[@autodidacticartisan]

Hey man can you link to a forum post or a parts list for that cooler? I really want to make my own and use the money saved for a ck flexlock

[@replyhere590]

Being in the restaurant business for 37 years here (and a farm owner), and formerly having a carbonator/soda pump (we gave it up, just too messy), I can see the benefit of a carbonator pump since it has to deal with carbonic acid. Most of them have plastic and/or SS parts. Basic chemistry, though counsels against using copper and aluminum lines together, bad karma for sure. I am partial to the aquarium pump and 5 gal bucket from another YT video, plastic tubing.

[@TBJK07Jeep]

I built a cooler for an induction forge. We used a 12v Rv pump for it as well, that thing has been going since December 2017. I didn’t buy it, wouldn’t have been my choice.

[@Thedudeabides803]

What a build. My $400 Everlast cooler stacks below the welder and looks sharp though.

[@robert5]

I have 50 degree well water. Simple connect yard hose up, adjust the flow and torch stays cool. Flow adjustment would be my water facet on/off valve. Water just dumps out on to my lawn after cooling the torch. Great during the spring/summer/fall. Winter I have to disconnect the water line going out from the well to the yard so, no tig welding in winter. I will need to make something like this eventually. I kinda like this unit you guys made but would up-size the cooler by a huge amount.

[@66mybeat]

Great project. I need to make one now for my tig!!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

You’ll love it. Can’t believe how well it works.

[@seeingred1990]

@@Shoptoolreviews Is there any way you could add the links to parts into the description?

[@daryldavis7446]

As much room in the box, I would have added a larger tank. The larger the amount of coolant the better

[@JustMe-999a]

submergible aquarium pump and a 5 gallon bucket works well. Less than $15. and takes less than 3 mins to build.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Yep, we've seen that done several times. Thanks for watching.

[@randybobandy9828]

Goodluck running that for more than 15minutes, you need a radiator to remove the heat from the water

[@replyhere590]

@@randybobandy9828 In the video I viewed showing the aquarium pump in a 5 gallon bucket, experimentation by the poster showed very little rise in water temperature or torch temp, even after 12 minutes of hard TIG welding. Simple is best.

[@monkeybarsoffroad]

Haha! You got me on the sharpen tungsten!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

I was hoping someone paid attention. Glad you were listening. Thanks again.

[@kgaby370]

Do you have a parts list? Cool build.

[@JaapGrootveld]

It looks neat. What I'm wondering is, if the cooler was doing the job, or if the energy went into the water?

[@Go4BrokeOffroad]

Nice, guess I'll have to order some goodies.

[@mxmang]

Cool! gotta love water. Just need some more water capacity

[@matt72991]

there are no link in the description. very interested in doing this!!

[@brianlittleforest631]

Just started mine. Kinda jank but I need one quick to finish a job. Here's the parts list if anyone wants some ideas. 120vac adjustable fish pump with 3/8 and 1/2 barbs from amazon - 40$ Old 3 gallon coleman lunch pail - free 100mm copper tube pc radiator - 20$ 5 or 6 feet of 3/8 silicone tubing -10$ (^this will probably bite me later I know) 1 splice barb 3/8 - 2$ 1 male 5/8 flare to 3/8 barb adapter - 5$ Pricea are rough and in CAD. Bought a 90$ chinese water cooled wp20. Chopped the fitting off for the water in and spliced it to the fish pump in the coleman using the 3/8 hose and barb. Then screwed the 5/8 flare to 3/8 barb adapter into the brass power block for the return and piped it to the pc cooler. Other end of the cooler just dumps back into the coleman. I just laid the radiator on the lid and put a fan on it. Layed a few beads at 225 and it seems to warm the water in the res. Actually get to torture test it tommorow.

[@davidfrank2824]

You did an awesome job with this. Perhaps if you ever get a chance you could put a link to the parts that you used. As far as using a fuel injection fuel pump that won't work. It only will last you a few times and then it locks up from rust. Another KZbinr built one using a fuel pump thinking that it lives in gasoline so it should be fine in water. I believe he was able to get about 3 hours out of it. At first he thought it was because he bought a cheap one off of eBay so he went to his local parts store bought one that was better built but still could not hold up to water. So I'm not sure what's in gasoline that prevents rust. I definitely made sure to hit the like and subscribe button look forward to watching your next video

[@nyvinchenz9430]

Very cool great info and video have you had a chance to see what inside a store bought cooler?

[@ryanhosein7640]

Hi, great video and test. I'm impressed and wants to build one. Can you tell me the model no. of this CK torch you used. I'm looking for a torch cable like this. Also, do you have any info on the water connectors? Thanks in advance.

[@rronmar]

I would be concerned with the duty cycle of the pump you chose, i am thinking those pumps are rated for intermittent service. How much did the tank temp rise above ambient? I suspect it rose quite a bit not being very large. Heat transfer is about time, temp difference and flow. With 80f ambient temps, i suspect that little radiator didn’t radiate all that much heat… for a light/intermittent duty rig, I like the submersible pump in a bucket. Adding some ice would make it way more effective, and you could do that to your small tank also…

[@shopbrat]

FYI, HARBOR FREIGHT still sells the old style metal tool box with drop in tray.

[@Forbiddina]

Maybe it’s not applicable here. But with PC water cooling you don’t want to mix aluminum with copper cooling loop components. The copper generally doesn’t react well to the aluminum that circulates eventually. Like an aluminum piped radiator is obviously a no go. Im unsure if it would apply to that water tank in your setup. I was thinking about having some fun and welding my own reservoir out of aluminum coupons, but I just remembered that might be a problem.

[@randybobandy9828]

It's always applicable; it produces galvanic corrosion

[@nicejoe1000]

you know, the cooler sole by miller is about 800 to 1200 buck depending where you get it. Hell I would come out way ahead making two of your Chinese box mammy jobs in battery and they probably would out perform the fancy factory jobs. If possible, can you please send me the part numbers and where you perched your parts and if you have sense up graded them. I would like to know about that as well. I got faith in you. Thanks

[@bl0wfish]

Not sure if you were joking or not with sharp tungsten with IGBT inverter style

[@jedhatcher252]

How thick is the steel on your table if you don't mind? And where did you buy it?

[@kamj6607]

Do you have a parts list anywhere? I'm thinking of making my own container out of sheet metal and building the cooler in that.

[@jamesmerriam1125]

My best guess on parts from watching video: Quick connects: www.amazon.ca/Cooled-Adapter-Connector-Fitting-Welding/dp/B01H1GT1CS/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=tig+cooler&qid=1630951992&sr=8-10 Water tank: www.amazon.ca/Hwbnde-Overflow-Reservoir-Container-Universal/dp/B07Q8KZ5PH/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=small+radiator+tank&qid=1630952102&sr=8-14 PUMP: lots of options here is a simple one: www.amazon.ca/Volts-Brushless-Ceramic-Submersible-Outlet/dp/B098R39ZWF/ref=sr_1_51?dchild=1&keywords=water+pump+12v&qid=1630952223&sr=8-51 May require reducer from discharge side to quick connect inside box. Radiator: www.amazon.ca/Computer-Radiator-Cooling-Aluminum-Exchanger/dp/B085MCG55F/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=computer+radiator&qid=1630952808&sr=8-14 Power supply: www.amazon.ca/SHNITPWR-Transformer-Regulated-Adapter-Converter/dp/B08DKL2DHJ/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2YER9GHAMQVEO&dchild=1&keywords=12+volt+power+supply&qid=1630952923&sprefix=12+volt+power+%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-10

[@colencasey7761]

where is part 2 to this

[@Subi_doo]

Big box for all that stuff..... should have used a square coolant overflow plastic container, or waterproof ptfe battery box. Not sure the few ounces on coolant are going to do much.... need more capacity in terms of coolant.

[@enricorossi5996]

Instead of the small radiator you should put a 240 or 140 mm gaming pc radiator with some good high static pressure fan, and the torch should be cool forever

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We almost did just that, but we wanted to start our small first...to see if it would cool. 2nd Stage of this will be upgrading to one you mentioned, adding a 12v battery, A-B switch (120V to 12V), and a power switch. Thanks for watching.

[@randybobandy9828]

Pc radiators aren't cheap, especially thicker 240mm ones like 45mm or 60mm thick.

[@tigwelders-1076]

Please just tell me what power supply to use I dont need a full parts list everything else is easy to figure out.

[@garypostell5268]

Mighty small tank

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Lol. Yes, it is, but we were shooting for a compactness. Thanks for watching

[@tedt6453]

what are the fittings that allow you to connect to the ck torch hose?

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Those are quick-release fittings. You can find the on Amazon, Ebay, and other welding supply stores. They're really not specific to welding. I'll put a parts list in the description. Thanks for watching.

[@rockystephens3982]

@@Shoptoolreviews there's no part's list in the description.

[@johnpublic168]

Total cost of parts

[@nutgone100]

I was going to make one of those to use for TIG but also to use with an induction heater I was building, got all the parts for both projects but I just haven’t had the time to build them.

[@mikesgabellone3439]

Bigest thing for me is i would have used a larger resivior. 1 litre of water doesnt seem like enough capacity.

[@randybobandy9828]

You don't need alot of capacity when you properly size your radiator/pump

[@monkeybarsoffroad]

One question is the fan sucking the air into the box? You noted you might add a second fan. I know you are not building a super duty unit but it would be a benefit to pull air out of the box and add a cheap car air filter to your air intake side. This way heat is pulled from the box and clean air is only allowed into the box. Very cool idea!!!!

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Right now, it is pushing air out of the box, pulling it from the other side and though it. We intend to add another fan and radiator on the other side. We may pull air out from that one as well, then cut a hole in the lid with a filter. It will draw air in from the lid, through the filter, and out the radiator and fans. We've been really impressed with how well this little unit works. Thanks for watching.

[@replyhere590]

Why not just cut a piece of filter from a cheap furnace filter, and cut the rest up for spares later.

[@daviddepuy9843]

Would be cooler to just place your reservoir in the center of the box and drop a bag of ice around it. Wouldn't need a fan and cooler. Just a water pump. You could also run some copper tubing inside the box, with the ice and be much cooler.

[@randybobandy9828]

A bucket of ice with cold water would work better than just ice.

[@jonyovanno4145]

What temp gun are you using?

[@Shoptoolreviews]

We use the Milwaukee IR and the Ryobi temp guns. Thanks for watching.

[@boots7859]

Good build, however I'd call it a fail with putting electronics down below. Always, always assume you are going to get a water leak, and with the box closed and in the middle of welding, you're not going to notice it until it fails and the torch gets hot. Especially since you're mixing water and 120v. I've had the same idea, and the toolbox is a nice enclosure, however put the ac-dc converter, fans and pump on top, with the rad below, and pipe the air down with an elbow from the top. Put the converter near the fan so some cool air will pull through it you want. Then build a plexi top to protect all the components on top.... as you can see the tool box is not actually ideal. Considering this is a welding channel, it would seem to be easier to bend up some sheet metal for the lower section, and and a top section with handle for the electronics. Cheaper, made from cut-offs, and you can also use an old oil cooler radiator or similar from a junkyard.

[@boots7859]

PS- I really doubt using PC 200-250w radiators are going to work well with any significant welding use. Pickup a cheap oil cooler radiator, or one from an old window ac unit. Maybe some sort of 12v blower from an auto parts store, etc. Key point is, don't buy overpriced, underpowered PC parts for something like this.

[@Shoptoolreviews]

The whole point here was to build a cheap TIG cooler from easily sourced parts from Amazon. Not meant for the hardcore pro. If you're someone running a TIG hours a day, then chances are, you can afford a $700 TIG cooler from the name brands. If you're a weekend warrior wanting to cool that torch down to weld some aluminum, this is a great little unit. It's still working great, btw. Thanks for watching.

[@snowgorilla9789]

I think they make a big deal about the coolant type, de ionized, x brand, etc. Any reason or just sales pitch for more of OUR brand

[@replyhere590]

See the Everlast site's take on same.

[@kinikinrd]

tap water has worked fine for 40 years.

[@axisbloodmoon3693]

Since this contains electrical and water, the electrical box should be in a sealed area. The wires should be routed along the top edge just under the lip, above the water lines, and held out of any water that could end up standing in the box. Personally I would have used a cooler "sound dampening", and a larger res, with distilled only water, this eliminates minerals that could build up potentially in the lines or torch, who knows how lime and calcium hold heat, too? With that larger res you have a larger water volume, thus more work time till its heated. You also retain the option to throw some distilled ice cubes in with it to help temps. All in all it apears to be a working cooler though, simple principals to follow.

[@peltiereric6497]

You say there’s a parts list but there isn’t, that really hurts anyone wanting to try to do like you did

[@dsmperformanceracing4355]

When my new tig shows up I'll be building one to lol

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Awesome. I hope it works well for you. Please let us know what you think. Thanks for watching.

[@daryldavis7446]

Ck worldwide makes the best water cooled torches for the best price and their super flex hoses are tits as well. I run a CK 17 series water cooled torch myself.

[@9z4clb]

Does the diaphragm pump need a bypass? How much pressure do you see at the output while running through say a CK20 torch?

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Nope, no bypass needed because it's never restricted. It's always flowing through the torch, whether you're welding, or not. Thanks for watching.

[@starwazfan]

What psi is the pump should be 50 psi

[@Shoptoolreviews]

Why should it be 50 psi? Ours is definitely not 50 psi. Thanks for watching.

[@starwazfan]

The orifices of the TIG torch head you need a 50 psi supply or it won't cool to take torch correctly

[@smallgarageworkshop6119]

Flow rate is more important than PSI and most torch manufacturers say max 50PSI but if your pump will shift 1litre a min it will work. These pumps work well as i have done it myself but only as a temp job

[@oldfartron1205]

To much stuff.

[@Journeyman1642]

Sure would have been nice if you could have linked all the materials you used in the description...... asking to much? 🤯

[@paulrovira873]

Can you put out a parts list to build a water cooler

[@TBJK07Jeep]

Pretty easy stuff to get. Aluminum overflow tank, Fuel injection pump/rv water pump, CPU color in this case.