Originally Posted by
zoama585
They fit better allowing the gas lens to be fully seated into the head and the backcap will lock your tungsten just as the oring seats. They're made of brass and should last for years of hobby use. Well worth the extra pennies IMO.
I was going to ask the same question. I've been using the same set of Weldcraft collets and bodies for over a dozen years, so other than abuse, I didn't see lifespan as a huge issue. I don't understand about the gas lens fitting better, that should be screwed in fully with no collet in place to make the best connection with the torch body. Collet bodies and gas lens bodies should even be wrench tightened, for those with provisions. And the back cap o-ring seals between the ID and OD, the cap shouldn't seat at all, so it is applying full pressure to the collet, and not hitting anywhere else. I will probably try a CK torch next, so I will see what the differences are. I understand some of the current carrying advantages, and the more robust design that can tolerate more abuse. I've worked with plenty of people that have destroyed TIG torch parts, by running them loose, tightening them with a deathgrip, or putting way too much current through a small size. Apart from cups, tungsten, and a new o-ring every few years, I haven't really had the other parts be consumed.
Long arc, short arc, heliarc and in-the-dark!
zoama 
