Fronius TTW2500 TIG Torches FAQs
Answers for buyers choosing, running and looking after a water-cooled manual TIG torch with a hose pack.
What coolant should I use in a water-cooled TIG torch?
Follow the coolant recommendation in the manuals for both the torch and the cooling unit. Plain tap water is not recommended, because dissolved minerals make it conductive and it can cause electrochemical corrosion and deposits that clog the narrow passages in the torch.
Distilled water is sometimes used, but it has no frost protection and no corrosion inhibitors, so a purpose-made welding coolant is the usual choice. Avoid car antifreeze, which is not designed for this job. Keep to one type of coolant and do not mix different products unless the maker says it is safe.
How do I know if a water-cooled torch is rated high enough for my machine?
Look at the torch rating plate or data sheet. It normally gives a maximum current for a stated duty cycle and the type of current (DC or AC). The torch should be rated at or above the current you will weld at, for the arc-on time you expect, and the rating assumes the coolant is flowing as the maker specifies.
Torches are built to a safety and construction standard for arc welding torches, but the actual figures are set by the maker, so rely on the data plate and manual rather than a rule of thumb.
Why does the torch get hot or the hose pack feel warm?
Overheating in a water-cooled torch usually comes down to the coolant not flowing properly. Common causes are a low coolant level, a cooling unit that is not running, kinked or blocked water lines, loose front-end parts, or welding above the torch rating for too long.
Stop welding if the handle or cable becomes noticeably hot. Check the coolant level, make sure the cooler is running and the hoses are free, and confirm the front-end parts are tight. Blockage can also come from debris inside the cable, so a torch that keeps overheating despite these checks should be inspected or serviced.
What does an up/down control on a TIG torch do?
An up/down control is a pair of buttons or a rocker on the torch that lets the welder raise or lower the welding current without leaving the joint. It is useful when the current needs trimming during a run, for example on varying thickness or when finishing a weld.
It only works when the torch control connection and the welding machine are designed to work together, so check that the torch version you choose supports it. Handles often come with or without extra operating elements.