Gas lens issue with wp18 type torch

[RubberDuck]

I'm trying to use a gas lens with my wp18 type torch.
Problem is, the cap does not tighten the collet. The electrode falls out. (I've tried several cap sizes)
I've measured the thread on a regular collet body and the thread on the gas lens and i found there is a difference. It seems that the cap doesn't reach the collet.
I'm using a regular gas lens .
I'm i missing something?

 

[Shox Dr]

Are you using a regular ceramic with diffuser, or a gas lens?

Gas lens collets are half the length of regulars.

 

[biffa]

Have you got the collet the correct way around?

 

[RubberDuck]

Yes it's a gas lens same as being sold on weldequip.

Are you using a regular ceramic with diffuser, or a gas lens?

Gas lens collets are half the length of regulars.

Yes it's a gas lens same as being sold on weldequip.

 

[Shox Dr]

Wrong size collet?

The size is usually stamped on the side of the collet. If not try the tungsten: it should be a good fit.

 

[RubberDuck]

Wrong size collet?

The size is usually stamped on the side of the collet. If not try the tungsten: it should be a good fit.

It's 2.4mm same as being sold in weldequip

 

[RubberDuck]

Are there different types of long caps?

I mean for different torches?
I have a long cap which the thread is longer by .5 mm from other long caps.
Is this possible?

 

[hotrodder]

0.5mm shouldn't make a difference, should be a chunk more tolerance than that... my extra large gas lens requires the use of an additional insulator/cup gasket and as a result the back cap screws noticably further into the torch head. You'd think the large gas lens body would be made to account for the extra insulator so that everything 'evens out', maybe they usually are an i got a Fri afternoon example, could be accumulative tolerances (Parweld this, Weldcraft that) etc.

If nothing becomes obvious from this exploded part # drawing then post a pic of the torch laid out in a similar way

 

[Paul.]

Its important to have the correct sized collet body, a 1.6 collet in a 2.4 body will sometimes not tighten enough to grip the tungsten.
This shows the parts and how it all fits together.

 

[RubberDuck]

I have the same parts on my setup, except they are all from china. (i don't have the alumina cup added adapter but i don't think it's has to do with my issue the cup still locks tightly into the torch).
I was going to take some photos to show the difference, but it's been a hectic day...
Will do it on Monday.

 

[wheresmejumper]

you wont have a proper gas seal without the adapter

 

[biffa]

Also make sure you screw the gas lense in first before the end cup and ceramic

 

[RubberDuck]

you wont have a proper gas seal without the adapter

True, but it's tight enough not to leak any gas when i test with a wet back of my hand...

 

[RubberDuck]

Also make sure you screw the gas lense in first before the end cup and ceramic

Have done so.

 

[biffa]

True, but it's tight enough not to leak any gas when i test with a wet back of my hand..

it's not to prevent letting the gas out it stops air getting in. Pics would speak a thousands words. Is the collet new? If not it could be damaged/stretched, might be worth trying another collet or if it is damaged you can use a hacksaw to re cut the slots so it can still grip the tungsten

 

[RubberDuck]

I've added a few pictures, the first 3 are of the torch and all the fittings.
The 4th picture shows the different sizes of the caps.