Frequently Asked Questions

A listing of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about converting from 450 amp Water-Cooled Robotic MIG Guns to TOUGH GUN I.C.E.™ MIG Guns:

 

Q:  I have a 650 amp Water-Cooled (WC) Robotic MIG Gun… Will it be replaced by TOUGH GUN I.C.E.?

A:  At this time, we do not have a TOUGH GUN I.C.E. product in the 650 amp duty cycle range; thus, we will not discontinue our 650 amp Keyed and Quick Change Water Cooled MIG Guns at this time

 

Q:  I think the TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Gun will create accessibility problems – What are my options?

A:  Have you reviewed the 2-D drawings on the “Technical Information” page? If you still believe that you'll have challenges with your welding process, please contact us for more information. Your best resource is your local Tregaskiss representative. Otherwise, please contact Tregaskiss Technical Services for more information and options.

 

Q:  What happens to a water-cooled MIG gun when the water is shut off? What about with a TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Gun?

A:  Circular Mils (cmils) of Copper Make All the Difference
  • Water-cooled power cables are comprised of copper cable bundle that is surrounded by a rubber hose. Water runs through the hose to keep the copper cable bundle cool.
  • When the water shuts off, the cooling effect of the water is lost and the copper is quickly overcome by the welding current.
  • The air-cooled unicable used in TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Guns has nearly 4 times the amount of copper when compared with the water-cooled power cable which means that the air-cooled cable has a much higher current-carrying capacity than the water-cooled power cable. This is why water-cooled power cables fail so quickly without the cooling effect of water.
 

Q:  If the water supply to a water-cooled MIG gun is shut off, what components do I have to replace? What about with a TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Gun?

A:  With a typical water source failure as noted above, the following components are required for the both Quick Change Water-Cooled (QCWC) and Keyed Water-Cooled (KWC) products:

  • Water-Cooled MIG Guns
    • Cable bundle or power cable
    • Gooseneck + Consumables
  • TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Guns
    • Gooseneck + Consumables
 

Q:  What are the key advantages of TOUGH GUN I.C.E. Guns over our water-cooled robotic products?

A:  There are several key advantages:
  • Stronger Goosenecks
    1. Based on our air-cooled robotic goosenecks, the TOUGH GUN I.C.E. Goosenecks are much more durable than water-cooled goosenecks
    2. Water-cooled goosenecks use solder connections that combine brass and copper to form water chambers within the gooseneck
    3. Air-cooled goosenecks use solid wall copper rather than a 2-piece construction
Cutaways of Air-Cooled and Water-Cooled Goosenecks
  • A lower total cost of ownership
    1. Repairs are generally less expensive and faster to complete with TOUGH GUN I.C.E. Systems
    2. If TOUGH GUN I.C.E. components fail, the cost of replacement is often much less than replacing components of a water-cooled MIG gun
    3. Replacement of the gooseneck and water lines is faster and less expensive that replacing a complete water cooled cable bundle or MIG gun
  • Common Consumable Platform
    1. TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Guns use the same TOUGH LOCK™ Air-Cooled Consumables as those used on nearly all of our other TOUGH GUN MIG Guns – robotic and semi-automatic.
 

Q:  I have an existing Tregaskiss “Special” Water-Cooled set-up – What do I do for a replacement?

A:  If you are willing to try a standard robotic set-up, please review the 2-D drawings on the “Technical Information” page. If you still prefer a “Special” TOUGH GUN I.C.E. product for your application, please contact your local Tregaskiss Representative. We'd be glad to help you find the right products for you.

 

Q:  When will the 450 amp Water-Cooled Robotic Gun be discontinued?

A:   Starting October 1, 2008, Tregaskiss Customer Service will no longer take orders for complete 450 amp KWC and QCWC MIG guns; however, we will continue to sell all the supporting parts and consumables for up to 5 years*.  NOTE: 650 amp water cooled guns and parts are not affected.
* This policy is subject to change without notice
 

Q:  What is the difference between Tregaskiss Gun Mounting Arms that have the prefix “AS” rather than “WS”?

A:  Standard water-cooled mounting arms have the prefix “AS”. Special mounting arms have the prefix “WS”.

 

Q:  Can we use a water-cooled mounting arm with an air-cooled or TOUGH GUN I.C.E. MIG Gun?

A:  No. When converting from water-cooled to air-cooled, the TCP changes because of differing gooseneck dimensions. A new mounting arm (or special gooseneck) is therefore required.