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!

[zoama]

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.

This picture shows the only difference (gas lens is on the right).
Less turbulence gives better coverage and lets you reduce gas flow in normal use.

[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.

[Trip59]

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.

Actually just had this happen, welding some cast ####e, it's the only thing I can think of it was made out of, it was popping and exploding so bad I canned the whole repair and made a new piece. The crap flicked off the lens screen with a fingernail though.

On a related note, I'm not finding I can reduce it as much as I thought, I've gone from 9lpm to around 6-7 I believe, any lower and I'm getting smut and funny arc behavior. I wonder if I'm reading it wrong though, do you read the flowmeter from Everlast at the top, middle or bottom of the ball?

[youngnstudly]

This picture shows the only difference (gas lens is on the right).
Less turbulence gives better coverage and lets you reduce gas flow in normal use.

So it would actually benefit me to change over to a gas lens setup in order to possibly save shielding gas (as well as gain the other benefits), or is the gas flow reduction really minimal? I noticed that the cost of the gas lens parts are quite a bit more than the "normal" torch parts, and there's no sense in spending money (I don't have) on things (I don't need). Are gas nozzle sizes equivalent between regular gas nozzles and nozzles for gas lens applications? In other words, if I use a regular #6 cup and swap over to a gas lens setup, would I use the same size #6 (with all other things being equal)? Sorry for the dumb questions (hey, someone has to ask them!). My curiosity is running wild right now and all these questions are coming to mind. Thank you for posting the photo, it shows the obvious difference between both gas nozzles. I seem to respond to visuals better than text.

[zoama]

So it would actually benefit me to change over to a gas lens setup in order to possibly save shielding gas (as well as gain the other benefits), or is the gas flow reduction really minimal? I noticed that the cost of the gas lens parts are quite a bit more than the "normal" torch parts, and there's no sense in spending money (I don't have) on things (I don't need). Are gas nozzle sizes equivalent between regular gas nozzles and nozzles for gas lens applications? In other words, if I use a regular #6 cup and swap over to a gas lens setup, would I use the same size #6 (with all other things being equal)? Sorry for the dumb questions (hey, someone has to ask them!). My curiosity is running wild right now and all these questions are coming to mind. Thank you for posting the photo, it shows the obvious difference between both gas nozzles. I seem to respond to visuals better than text.

You can usually reduce gas flow by 1 or 2 lpm on a #5 cup.
CK says up to 40% but in my opinion, real world every day use is around 20%

I like the CK torches and wedge collets but I use generic gas lens parts.
Gas lens parts are pretty cheap at http://www.weldingcity.com/
Here's a pic of my CK130 with a generic gas lens and #5 cup

[youngnstudly]

You can usually reduce gas flow by 1 or 2 lpm on a #5 cup.
CK says up to 40% but in my opinion, real world every day use is around 20%

I like the CK torches and wedge collets but I use generic gas lens parts.
Gas lens parts are pretty cheap at http://www.weldingcity.com/
Here's a pic of my CK130 with a generic gas lens and #5 cup

I can't believe the prices on weldingcity.com! They are "dirt cheap" compared to what I have been seeing online with some other suppliers, and 1/10th of the cost of the local shop that robbed me blind a few weeks back (even with their "student discount)! I won't mention any names, but the company's initials are A.I.R.G.A.S.

Thank you for the link, and the video Zoama! I'm still learning the basics of sizing torch parts for TIG, but I plan to order some various gas lens parts for my torch in the next few days. I will have to play with the gas flow when I switch to a gas lens. Not to get off topic, but how do you like that CK130 over the standard Everlast torch? I noticed you have the stubby cup, which I intend to get as well. I didn't realize my torch uses standard components that can be bought almost anywhere, so now I can order stuff online!

[performance]

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

[zank]

I use them exclusively. The additional stick out helps me get into the root of acute angles.


David W by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

The stick out also helps to get between two tubes.


David W by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr


IMG_0013 by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

And a large gas lens and cup lets you go a little further if you don't have a trailing shield on very reactive metals such as titanium before you outrun your shielding compared to a small gas lens.


Filled by Zanconato Custom Cycles, on Flickr

[Odyknuck]

Awsome welds!

[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.

[zoama]

Thank you for the link, and the video Zoama! I'm still learning the basics of sizing torch parts for TIG, but I plan to order some various gas lens parts for my torch in the next few days. I will have to play with the gas flow when I switch to a gas lens. Not to get off topic, but how do you like that CK130 over the standard Everlast torch? I noticed you have the stubby cup, which I intend to get as well. I didn't realize my torch uses standard components that can be bought almost anywhere, so now I can order stuff online!

The CK130 is a smaller size 9 (ck 2 series) torch that can only be used up to 150 amp AC or DC @ 60% duty cycle. The front end parts are regular size for that torch. I use it for everything in that power range because it's small, light and the superflex cable is limp like cooked spaghetti.
Here's a link to familiarize yourself with torch sizes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNjhCZRfLio To my knowledge, CK is the only company that rates their torches at 100% duty cycle.