Noob Question: Collets/Collet Bodies

[Dublin]

Hiya,
Just getting my 250EX setup. Completely new to TIG so on a steep learning curve (and I suspect it's going to get a lot steeper once I sort out my power situation!). Anyway, went to assemble the gun just to make sure I knew how. I received with the unit one collet body sized at 1/8" and 3 collets sized at 1.6, 2.0, and 2.4. Not real sure what the 2.0 is for as that doesn't seem to correspond to any popular tungsten diameters I'm aware of (converts to .080"). Aren't the collets and collet bodies supposed to match (ie. use a 3/32 collet with a 3/32 collet body)? If that's the case, then what's the point of sending the sizes that were sent as nothing matches up? It would appear that if indeed they should match up, then I'm in the position of having to go buy a kit or two of consumables. Thanks for any advice/corrections!
Cheers,
cc

[parkour]

As far as I can tell, the collet is really all that touches the tungsten anyway, so the size of the collet bogy should not matter. I did not have any trouble using the 1/16" collet with the 1/8" (or whatever it is) collet body. My guess is that you're GTG.

I guess 2.0 tungsten isn't common here, but it is available. river-weld.com/ebay:3shop-river carries it.

If you happen to be interested in input on tungsten selection; I recommend 1.5% or 2.0% lanthanated, and would discourage the use of thoriated.

[zoama]

The collet act as a wedge at the tip where it contacts the collet body and will work as long as it holds the tungsten when you tighten the back cap. Don't over tighten as it can bow the collet segments out at their center. Size 2.0 isn't common here so I have no idea why they give it.
I also recommend 2.0% lanthanated tungsten.

Are you in the US or Ireland ?

[performance]

If you look, our collets ahve a three way split down the side. This allows use with one collet body. There is plenty of taper in our collet bodies to allow all of them. Apparently someone in the factory has been making a mistkae of putting a 2.0 in there. But honestly, if you go to your local welding supply store (and you should have already to secure your Argon) you are talking about 7.00 worth of materials to buy a new collet body and a couple of collets. Depending on where you buy, you might get a cup thrown in too.

[acourtjester]

Here is a page that will give you a lot of info about tungsten and collet size versa amps. They do not show 2.0 but they are used, from the chart it seems to be about 75 to 140 amp range for 2.0. As stated Ebay has kits that cover most of the collet/body sizes and you get cups of different sizes too. Buy a kit and some tungsten for each size (5 to 10 per box seems to be how they are sold) that way you will have them when you need. Look over the info and do some tigging, scratch your head, think about the results, and and ask questions. See what effects what and learn, then start having fun. Look around this forum find some projects, cart, tig torch holder, small things and grow.

http://www.ckworldwide.com/technical_specs.pdf

have fun

Tom

[worntorn]

I would switch out to a gas lens setup ASAP. The cost isn't much and the better gas coverage will allow use with the electrode protruding out a bit.
This makes it a lot easier to see what is happening while welding.

Also, other than for +200 amp welding , I would switch to a WP20 torch , much smaller and easier to work with. Watercooling is required with the WP20 for use much over 60 to 70 amps.

Glen

[Dublin]

Thank you folks. The information is good to have. To respond/answer a few questions. No I'm not in Ireland. Lived there for awhile but I'm back in the states now. Regarding tungsten, I have been planning to run with the 2% Lanthanated variety. And regarding a gas lens, yeah I may go that route. I really don't like the feel of the supplied torch so will be holding off loading up on too many consumables until after I purchase a new torch. It appears there are relatively inexpensive gas lenses out there however so I may give them a try. They probably don't have the mesh screens but would still be an improvement over straight nozzles.
Thanks for all the responses.
Cheers,
cc

[zoama]

I ordered some gas lenses from ebay in 1/16" when they arrived the part number was correct but all of them were .040" so I just drill them to the size needed and they work fine.

[Spike]

I really don't like the feel of the supplied torch so will be holding off loading up on too many consumables until after I purchase a new torch.
cc

The consumables work with all the torch heads. The tungsten sizes and diameters are universal. All you have to have is the corresponding size holder. No need to not stock up. I keep a box of each size and a couple of alloys on hand.