What might I want?

[KingMT]

I received a 17 style flex head with my welder. It came with 10N (1/16,3/32,1/8) collets, standard collet body,(5,6,&7) standard cones, long cap, & short cap.

I also had a cousin give me a WP24 that has a 3/32 collet body & cone but I need to order a new collet for it.

I was looking on eBay & it looks like collets are ether sold with collet bodies or in packs larger then 5. The LWS had collets for half a dollar but not too fit my WP24.

So are collets a consumable that I should order them in 5 packs at about a dollar a piece or should I just get a new gas lens kit? The kit has 4 sizes of collet & bodies with 4-8 cups for $14.
Is there anything I am likey to want for the 17 style torch?

 

[Richard.]

Collets are consumable. Especially on a light duty torch like a gas cooled wp24. Don't mess about with 1 get a few of them but in common sizes. I only use 2 sizes
1.6(1/16) 2.4(3/32) I like the ck wedge collets and won't use a split collet again.
Lens are better imo for more direct gas flow and reduction in flow rates.
Collet bodies work fine and are a cost saving alternative.
As for the wp17 I have one that I use as a light travel set up where water cooling isn't practical and I use a ck stubby lens kit.
Brilliant things and again it's all I use now.

 

[KingMT]

Interesting. I hadn't heard of them yet.

Improves arc starts and arc stability

• Requires less pressure from backcap to secure electrode, improving thread life on torch head

• Electrode is in direct contact with collet body creating less resistance heating

• Eliminates twisting and deformation of collet

• Fits any standard collet body or gas lens

Sounds like a bunch of rave for this collet. Seeing you are experienced with them are they all this hype? Do they last 4x as long to cover the 4x price or is it other benefits that make them with the extra cost?

 

[monkeh]

i use wedge collets, they're brilliant.

 

[Richard.]

Interesting. I hadn't heard of them yet.

Sounds like a bunch of rave for this collet. Seeing you are experienced with them are they all this hype? Do they last 4x as long to cover the 4x price or is it other benefits that make them with the extra cost?

This is one instance where I can say they last more than 4 X longer. I can't remember honestly the last time I threw one out.
We are talking about pennies here for these things
Good front end consumables make all the difference. Trust me I wouldn't buy them if they didn't.

 

[KingMT]

Lens are better imo for more direct gas flow and reduction in flow rates.
Collet bodies work fine and are a cost saving alternative.

I use a ck stubby lens kit.
Brilliant things and again it's all I use now.

So I should look into a CK stubby gas lens for the 17?

I'm sure the CK are better but are the Chinese ones on eBay serviceable? I've only looked at the one Chinese kit on eBay so far. I'll go see what is offered by CK. Any suggestions on where to order since I'm in the US?

 

[Richard.]

So I should look into a CK stubby gas lens for the 17?

I'm sure the CK are better but are the Chinese ones on eBay serviceable? I've only looked at the one Chinese kit on eBay so far. I'll go see what is offered by CK. Any suggestions on where to order since I'm in the US?

I've used these before.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...s.com/&usg=AFQjCNGzhelR-_NUdMJsg7Tj0uz0xlJSBw