Quick question for the Torchmate Veterans out there, I have a 4x4 growth series table and wanted to replace the water, hooked up to the drain in the back corner, but only water from that "section" drains any suggestions before I waste my time?
Yep, scoop it out. I moved this past summer and swore if I ever have to do it again, I'm building my own one-piece water table to replace this nightmare. Mine leaks now too, so I should have unbolted it and re-siliconed it as well.
I recommend taking out 1 or 2 bolts from the seams to allow a little more "flow". Wet dry Vac and a scooper.
Shop Vac make a vacuum with a water pump integrated into it. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-14-Gallon-6-Peak-HP-Shop-Vacuum/999998030 The way Lincoln builds the water table it is the fastest and easiest way. I have a pump and filter on my table for re circulation, putting a long garden hose on that will also move the water better than just letting it drain out, however doesn't solve the other side of the growth series table, at least after it's half drained.
I welded 2 additional drains into the other sections and piped them together under the table to a manifold for a single drain point.
We just finished draining ours this year at school. What a nasty miss. Probably need to do it more often. My plan this summer is to drill a couple more holes and two more drains. It thought I read some were that someone uses a chemical in the water to help keep the metal and and rails from corroding. Any idea?
We use: 1/4 LB of Sodium Nitrite 2 teaspoons Physan 20 4oz of a food grade dye of your choice (we use either green or blue) I have no idea where the recipe came from but it should be good for 50-60 gal.
The water additive Lincoln recommends is called Green Cut. Its manufactured by a company named Lubecorp. Most welding suppliers like Airgas and Praxair can get it for you or you can go to the following website to find local distributors. https://www.lubecorp.com/greencut-cutting-fluid/