Opinions on Coolant Systems

[SundownIII]

For a little background, I have been using (for years) a Radiator 1 cooler on my Sync 250. Unit has given me excellent service with no problems.

I am seriously considering the purchase of an inverter tig to replace/supplement the Sync. I am considering the TA Arcmaster 300 AC/DC or a Miller unit if they introduce a midrange tig (between the Dyn 200 & Dyn 350).

I have been doing a lot of research/reading on several coolant systems available. Right now I guess I'm leaning towards the Coolmate 3 as the unit to purchase. I have also looked at units from Bernard as well as the Tweco units. All seem to have their advantages/disadvantages. I do like the SS Bernard unit.

The question that comes to mind is what are the advantages/disadvantages of a rotary vane pump vs a gear pump. Does anyone have any experience in this area. Friends of mine have the Coolmate 3 (rotary vane) and have been happy with the unit. The only real complaint I have with the unit is that it seems to be extremely noisy. Since nearly all the coolers have the Procon pumps, is this just a characteristic of a rotary vane pump?

Are there better options available?

Any comments/observations would be appreciated.

Oh, and by the way, I will use the approved (not auto, not RV) coolant.

[Synchroman]

For a little background, I have been using (for years) a Radiator 1 cooler on my Sync 250. Unit has given me excellent service with no problems.

I am seriously considering the purchase of an inverter tig to replace/supplement the Sync. I am considering the TA Arcmaster 300 AC/DC or a Miller unit if they introduce a midrange tig (between the Dyn 200 & Dyn 350).

I have been doing a lot of research/reading on several coolant systems available. Right now I guess I'm leaning towards the Coolmate 3 as the unit to purchase. I have also looked at units from Bernard as well as the Tweco units. All seem to have their advantages/disadvantages. I do like the SS Bernard unit.

The question that comes to mind is what are the advantages/disadvantages of a rotary vane pump vs a gear pump. Does anyone have any experience in this area. Friends of mine have the Coolmate 3 (rotary vane) and have been happy with the unit. The only real complaint I have with the unit is that it seems to be extremely noisy. Since nearly all the coolers have the Procon pumps, is this just a characteristic of a rotary vane pump?

Are there better options available?

Any comments/observations would be appreciated.

Oh, and by the way, I will use the approved (not auto, not RV) coolant.

I have the Syncrowave 200 with a Bernard (Now ITW) 3500ss. This has the Procon vane pump. One distinct advantage on the Procon is that regardless of the list price, they are available new and used on eBay for as little as $20. I bought a spare on eBay about three months back for $30, shipping included.

You won't find very many spare gear pumps on eBay, if any. They are very rare. Additionally, you can get them new but if you go to a place such as Grainger, MSC or Arc Zone, you will need to consider taking out a second mortgage to get one. Well, maybe they aren't that bad but you get the idea. There is no inherent advantage to a gear pump in any case.

Do you have a sink available near your welder? If so, just forget the whole cooler issue and run tap water into the unit and let it go at that. Water is the original coolant.