Gas Lens Kits

[Turbo]

I've been looking into buying consumables for my welder, a Thermal Arc 150te with a WP17 torch that I bought used but I have no spares. Stubby gas lens kits are still too expensive so I've been looking at the many std gas lens kits on ebay & getting confused on what one to buy.
Here are some that I think may suit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TIG-KIT-A...198692?hash=item19e589d864:g:ceUAAOSw3oBTyO8M
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-pcs-TI...hash=item463c582140:m:mpN6OO5MWGvnrfYD3ZkOGKA
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151457878...49&var=450654714427&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291715742848?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
and finally this one which has everything, including tungstens.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/46pcs-TIG...096319?hash=item488857bb7f:g:vWYAAOSwjVVVxbdl

I'm drawn to the last one as it has spares of most things but what do you guys think?

 

[henry Kadzielski]

Good morning Turbo
spares are good, but, you don't need it all. I have only two sizes of ceramic ' for the gas lenz' but only use one, ultimately it is up to what you do. I suspect that you will have spares that you will never use, if you buy the kit you mentioned. The ceramics last a long time, the only time I have broken one, as I was told that they break easily, is when I deliberately smashed one to try. I buy the spares so that may make the difference

 

[Brad93]

You need a kit that fits a 17 and then just buy cheap #9 consumables. West country welding can hook you up

 

[Brad93]

All except 1 are Chinese so don't count on quality. A CK gas lens for a #17/#26 is £20 for a reason.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

I've got plenty of gas lens', collets etc.. for a WP17. Chuck a couple quid in my PayPal for postage and I'll send them out on Monday for you

 

[Richard.]

Turbo, Henry is right you will probably never use half those cheap kits. Your best off buying the items you need and going down the better quality route.
My front end parts are use almost daily for long periods at high current on AC and they last for ages due the quality of them.
The stubbys are excellent and not crazy money. Yes you'll pay more than the kits above but they'll keep you going for yonks.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...2&sq=0&usg=AFQjCNGTEptXjUKl5sPowOLufuuP4vXhEg
These are my preference for my gas cooled set up.

 

[Turbo]

Thank you all for your advice and a special thanks to Tom for his generous offer.

Tom you have a message.

This is what makes this forum special, good straightforward advice and help from experienced heads.

 

[Paul G]

Why would anyone want a number 4 ceramic that has a 1/4" id but has a massively bulbous body just above ?

You'll need car wing mirrors fitted to your torch just to see where the tungsten is.


Paul G

 

[Turbo]

Why would anyone want a number 4 ceramic that has a 1/4" id but has a massively bulbous body just above ?

You'll need car wing mirrors fitted to your torch just to see where the tungsten is.


Paul G

So what sizes of ceramic would be the most suitable for general use? I'm new to gas lenses and I can't remember what size of ceramics I used the last time I tig welded, over 10 years ago! I will probably be using 1.6 & 2.4mm tungstens.

Another question, are lanthanated tungstens the best for general dc welding? I used to use thoriated but these lanthanated are a similar price but better specced. There are of course multi-strike tungstens but they are too expensive for learning purposes!

 

[optima21]

There are of course multi-strike tungstens but they are too expensive for learning purposes!

1.6mm ones arn't too expensive from this guy on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172205060264

 

[Paul G]

So what sizes of ceramic would be the most suitable for general use? I'm new to gas lenses and I can't remember what size of ceramics I used the last time I tig welded, over 10 years ago! I will probably be using 1.6 & 2.4mm tungstens.

Another question, are lanthanated tungstens the best for general dc welding? I used to use thoriated but these lanthanated are a similar price but better specced. There are of course multi-strike tungstens but they are too expensive for learning purposes!

For 99% of what I do it's an 8 straight cup with a donut of stainless wire wool inside. Ten times better than a Chinese gas lens.

With it I would use a 2.4 red tip for DC and a blue for ally, size dependant on amperage.


Paul G

Note
I believe cup numbers are measured in 1/16ths of an inch so an 8 = 8/16" or 1/2"

 

[Turbo]

I received a nice package from Tom today & it has gone a long way to getting my torch ready for use - many thanks.

I'm unsure on how many white insulator rings I should have on my torch. I know there's one between the gas lens & the torch but should there be another one between the back cap & the torch?

 

[henry Kadzielski]

Good morning Turbo
One of the posts in Tig welding regarding 'grinding problems tungsten disscolouration' has a picture of my setup. There is only one extra insulator that is put in between the standard insulator and the ceramic. If you have a problem I can photograph them individually so you can seem them better

 

[Richard.]

Fit it like this mate.

 

[henry Kadzielski]

what he said

 

[Paul.]

Not the first time (or last I'll bet) that this has been asked. this may also help



http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/think-i-have-the-wrong-torch-insulator.52664/#post-610269

 

[Turbo]

That makes things clear, thanks for the help.