Newbie Question - Downside to Gas Lens?

[greygizmo]

My PP256 is still in the box while I figure out my shop wiring, but I've been slowing gearing up to start welding once it is ready. I'm completely new to this, so I've spent a lot of time watching videos and reading in preparation.

One item that seems to come up a lot is the use of a gas lens. I think I understand what they do (ensure laminar flow out of the torch), but I'm curious if there is any downside to using one?

[zoama]

No downside and the cost is insignificant.

[Rambozo]

The only downside is that they are larger in diameter, so they won't fit in real tight places. Sometimes this can be offset by their capacity for greater tungsten stickout, and sometimes not.

[greygizmo]

Gotcha, thanks for your responses. You have to wonder why nozzles that produce laminar flow aren't the standard, with more compact but turbulent flow models being more uncommon.

I'll have to pick a nozzle up at the LWS

[zedron]

Easier to clog up then normal collet bodies I think.

[sportbike]

Easier to clog up then normal collet bodies I think.

What does that mean? I have never clogged up anything??

[zoama]

Easier to clog up then normal collet bodies I think.

Like.. with a hair ball ?

[youngnstudly]

I have only used a gas lens on one occasion (it was the only option I had at work) and I was wondering what application they were specifically designed to be used for? I seem to get a different answer every time I ask someone about them. It's my understanding that they are more useful for limited access areas (when more tungsten stickout is needed), or when welding aluminum or other alloys that are "fussy" in regards to impurities, but do most of you run a gas lens exclusively? I have always gotten by without using one, by I am wondering if I would reap more rewards by switching over. With my DC only welder, I will mostly be welding Stainless and mild steel up to 1/4" thick.

Like.. with a hair ball ?

Now THAT was funny!

[zedron]

Like.. with a hair ball ?

I should have rephrased that a little better. If you get any spatter from contamination, it is easier to cause turbulence because the hole in the lens are a lot finer. If you dont get spatter then there is noting to worry about with it.

[sportbike]

That last photo may be the cleanest non-chamber titanium weld I have ever seen. How Oxidized was it before brushing it off after the weld?

Very nice work.

[zank]

Thank you. That's not brushed. That's as-welded. You can see some straw color where I started to outrun my shielding on the left side of the joint. You can also see a little straw color adjacent to the weld all the way around.

[everlastsupport]

Thank you. That's not brushed. That's as-welded. You can see some straw color where I started to outrun my shielding on the left side of the joint. You can also see a little straw color adjacent to the weld all the way around.

Yea, on the titanium I could see it, even the very very little in the middle. Very nice TIG weld(s).

Are you one of the owners of ZCC (ZanK name makes me ask).?

On the gas lens you can save a little gas and get more stickout. Not a bad deal at all.

[zank]

Yeah, that's me. One man shop here.

[everlastsupport]

Yeah, that's me. One man shop here.

Nothing wrong with that, looks like the talent is there to handle it. And better, no one to argue with but you.

[greygizmo]

Visibility can be blocked by the larger diameter gas lens...
But the glaringly obvious issue that I see here is the fact you have ignored the warranty! You should have tested your unit as soon as you received it. IF there are any shipping issues/damage, it will likely be up to you. You are supposed to test and FULLY inspect the unit promplty after receiving it. The reason I bring this up is this also affects our ability to determine what happened to the unit, and will send you past the 30 day warranty period. Please read your warranty if you haven't. http://www.everlastgenerators.com/terms.php

I did read the warranty, which states Everlast will cover shipping up to 30 days after purchase. My unit was out of coverage by the time it was delivered, which was about 7 weeks after purchase.

So unless I'm misinterpreting the legalese, I don't have much incentive to test the unit before I'm really ready to use it.


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[performance]

Well, the incentive is IF you have a problem and you ARE ready to use it, you will not be able to and will be further delayed until it is repaired. In cases where a preorder is made and shipping is delayed, it is counted from the time of shipping. Normally shipping and day of sale are the same.

[jakeru]

Yes - there are downsides to a gas lens:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...7233#post37233

[zoama]

Yes - there are downsides to a gas lens:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...7233#post37233

At $1.79 I wouldn't worry about it. http://www.weldingcity.com/tig-consu...llet-body.html

[sw2x]

I've been using the cheap gas lenses like what's available from welding city for about a yr now (off and on). I don't think I've ever used a standard collet to tig at all. But just today I got in my new CK130Flex and a Gas saver kit with the pyrex cup. I've fallen in love with these pyrex cups.. I CAN SEE THE ENTIRE PUDDLE! I've only layed one bead tonight after installing it, on some scrap aluminum, but I think it's the most consistent welding I've ever done. Seeing the puddle cool and the keyhole open up is key to knowing when to dip the rod again, with the clear cup I can see everything. I also noticed that the flow of argon is alot smoother through the gas saver kit than the standard gas lenses... Does everyone else with the pyrex gas saver kits notice the same thing over a standard gas lense?

[greygizmo]

Same here. I ended up ordering the standard-sized gas saver kit from arc-zone.com yesterday. It was $125 for a set with alumina and Pyrex nozzles in all the standard sizes. It comes with electrodes of different sizes as well.

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